The dietary supplements industry is growing rapidly, with the global market valued at $378.84 billion. It is expected to nearly double, reaching $745.94 billion by 2033, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.01%.1Nutritional Supplements Market. The Brainy Insights. Accessed January 28, 2025 from https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/nutritional-supplements-market-13585.
Some supplement categories are expanding even faster. One such example is the powdered greens supplement category—also known as super green supplements, green superfoods, or greens powders—which is experiencing rapid growth.
Before jumping into those statistics, this article will first cover key topics related to powdered greens supplements, including:
- What are Super Greens Supplements?
- How Are Powdered Greens Supplements Made?
- Market Insights: Navigating the Green Supplements Industry and the Health Benefits of Powdered Greens Supplements
- Potential Downsides of Powdered Greens Supplements
- Are Green Powders Worth It?
This surprisingly hot category is one that all current and aspiring dietary supplement brand owners should consider, and this article will address.
What Are Super Greens Supplements?
What are super greens? They are powdered green superfood drink mixes, and there are quite a few on the market. Most of these drink mixes contain dozens of nutraceuticals, including green superfoods.
For this discussion, green superfoods will be defined as:
- Algae: Chlorella, spirulina, and more
- Grasses: Alfalfa, barley grass, wheatgrass, etc.
- Green Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and similar leafy greens
- Sprouted Greens: Sprouted versions of grasses and green vegetables
In addition to green superfoods, these powdered drink mixes may include other nutraceuticals such as fruit powders, herbs, micronutrients, enzymes, and prebiotics or probiotics. While these additional ingredients are not classified as green superfoods, their potential benefits depend on their forms and concentrations within the product.
How Are Powdered Greens Supplements Made?
Powdered greens supplements are made in the same way as any other dietary supplement. You start by deciding which ingredients to use in your blend, then you source those ingredients, and finally, you move on to the supplement contract manufacturing and packaging design phases of your project.
Blend Development
As previously noted, you may choose to include algae, grasses, common green vegetables, sprouted versions of grass and green vegetables, and other nutraceuticals in your blend.
Most powdered greens supplements contain multiple ingredients, which can be beneficial. However, it is essential to include clinically relevant doses of key ingredients to support any health claims. Refer to the section “Health Benefits of Powdered Greens Supplements” in this article for guidance on selecting ingredients that align with specific health benefits.
Additionally, incorporating ingredients with a high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value—a measure of antioxidant activity—may enable claims such as “One serving provides the antioxidant equivalent of X servings of fruits and vegetables.”
Sourcing the Ingredients
Sourcing high-quality ingredients for powdered greens supplements requires careful consideration to ensure product safety, taste, and marketability.
- Heavy Metal Content: Ensure that ingredient levels comply with federal regulations or Prop 65 standards—if applicable. Since powdered greens supplements often require large serving sizes, heavy metal content can sometimes exceed desirable levels. Proper testing and supplier verification are essential.
- Taste Profile: Unlike capsules or tablets, consumers will taste the powder when mixed with liquid. Ingredients with an objectionable taste (e.g., excessive bitterness) can negatively impact repeat purchases, regardless of the product’s health benefits.
- Health Claims: Select ingredients that support meaningful and substantiated health claims, making it easier to market the product effectively.
Working with an experienced contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), like Vitaquest, can streamline the ingredient sourcing process, ensuring compliance, quality, and a well-balanced formulation.
Manufacturing and Packaging
The most critical factor in manufacturing a powdered greens supplement is partnering with a GMP-certified contract development and manufacturing organization. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification assures consumers and retailers that the product is produced following the industry’s best practices for quality and safety.
Among the most recognized GMP certifications:
- NSF GMP Certification: Ensures compliance with rigorous manufacturing standards.
- NSF Certified for Sport: Provides additional assurance to athletes, coaches, and dietitians that the product is free from banned substances.
- Kosher and Halal Certification: Meets the dietary requirements of consumers who follow Kosher or Halal guidelines.
- Certified Organic: Allows brands to offer organic products, provided the manufacturer has the appropriate certification.
At a minimum, your contract manufacturer should be NSF GMP certified. Additional certifications can enhance consumer trust and provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
To learn more, read our blog article on the compliance responsibilities of a supplement manufacturer. This resource is especially useful for those new to the dietary supplement industry, providing key insights to consider when selecting a supplement manufacturer.
Market Insights: Navigating the Green Supplements Industry
The powdered greens supplement market was valued at $282.1 million in 2021 and is projected to grow to $991.04 million by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 13.4%.
According to Fact.MR, North America currently leads the greens food supplements category, driven by a strong consumer focus on healthy eating, bodybuilding, and overall wellness. Similarly, Grand View Research reports that in 2022, North America accounted for 41.2% of the total revenue share in the superfood powders market, further reinforcing the region’s dominance in this space.2Superfood Powders Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Organic, Conventional), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030. Grand View Research. Retrieved February 17, 2025 from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/superfood-powders-market.
Health Benefits of Powdered Greens Supplements
Why are powdered greens supplements so popular? Consumers expect these products to deliver meaningful health benefits. But what are the key benefits of greens powder? The three main ones are:
- Compensating for a lack of vegetables and leafy greens in the diet
- Supporting and/or promoting the body’s detoxification processes
- Adding an alkalizing component to the diet to help promote overall health
Compensating For a Lack of Vegetables
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Americans consume about 40% fewer vegetables than the recommended daily intake,3U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. 7th Edition, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, December 2010.—and specifically, 60% fewer green vegetables.
While powdered greens supplements are not a direct substitute for whole vegetables, they can provide some of the antioxidant benefits and other health-supporting properties found in vegetables.
For example, research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine4Shyam R, et al. Wheat grass supplementation decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects: A comparative study with spirulina. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(8):789-91. found that:
- 1 g/day of wheatgrass powder significantly reduced blood malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) while increasing total antioxidant status, vitamin C levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
- 5–10 g/day of broccoli sprouts demonstrated similar antioxidant effects.5Bahadoran Z, et al. Broccoli sprouts powder could improve serum triglyceride and oxidized LDL/LDL-cholesterol ratio in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2012 Jun;96(3):348-54. 6Bahadoran Z, et al. Broccoli sprouts reduce oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;65(8):972-7.
- 2 g/day of spirulina also contributed to improved antioxidant status.7Parikh P, et al. Role of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Med Food. 2001 Winter;4(4):193-199.
Supporting And/Or Promoting the Body’s Detoxification Processes
About 3.97 billion pounds of toxic chemicals are disposed of or otherwise released to the environment annually.8United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2010. Toxics Release Inventory National Analysis Overview. Washington DC.
The good news is that the body was designed to process and excrete many toxins. The bad news is that our bodies may not always be equipped to handle the volume of modern environmental pollutants and toxic substances. However, there are many nutraceuticals that can help support and promote the detoxification process.
Regarding green superfoods, unpublished research has shown that 3 g/day of a proprietary blend containing broccoli, Daikon radish, and red radish sprouted seed concentrates significantly increased paraoxonase 19Research Report: SproutGarden™ (#1) increases paraoxonase 1 in human blood. Acute effect case studies. VDF Futureceuticals. and increased quinone reductase, both of which are detoxification enzymes.10Research Report: SproutGarden™ #1 stimulates activity of Quinone Reductase in human peripheral blood cells in-vivo. Acute effect case study. VDF Futureceuticals.
Another study11Yi B, Kasai H, Lee HS, Kang Y, Park JY, Yang M. Inhibition by wheat sprout (Triticum aestivum) juice of bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in young women. Mutat Res. 2011 Sep 18;724(1-2):64-8. found that consuming 100ml/day of wheat grass juice1 promoted the detoxification of bisphenol A (BPA) in young women, further highlighting the potential role of green superfoods in supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Adding An Alkalizing Component to the Diet to Help Promote Overall Health
The idea that diet influences the body’s pH balance is widely discussed. A diet high in meat and dairy is thought to contribute to a more acidic pH, which some believe may promote disease, while a diet rich in vegetables and fruit is associated with a more alkaline pH, which is thought to support better health.
This belief has led to the rise of alkalizing diets, including the use of specific dietary supplements and even alkaline water. While the benefits of alkalizing supplements may sometimes be overstated, research has shown some effects.
One study12pH7.5™ increases systemic pH value in Clinico. Unpublished report. VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc. R&D Department, Momence, IL 60954. examined the impact of 3 g/day of a blend containing vegetables, vegetable sprouts, grain sprouts, and other nutraceuticals. Results indicated that all participants experienced an increase in alkaline pH in their morning measurements after just one dose, suggesting that certain greens supplements may contribute to short-term alkalizing effects.
In consideration of all of this, it is safe to answer yes to the question, “Are greens powders good for you?”
Potential Downsides of Powdered Greens Supplements
While powdered greens supplements are generally great when used daily according to directions, it should be noted that there are some potential downsides:
- Exceeding the recommended daily intake may lead to an excess of certain nutrients, potentially disrupting the body’s natural balance and physiological processes.
- Depending on the product formulation, a high fiber content, particularly from prebiotics, may cause digestive discomfort if consumed in excess. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, or loose stools in some individuals.
- If the greens product is sweetened with added sugar, excessive intake can disturb gut bacteria.
- Since some greens products tend to be somewhat high in heavy metals, excessive intake isn’t recommended and may pose certain risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Are Green Powders Worth It?
Are greens powders worth it? As discussed, a well-formulated greens supplement offers some distinct health benefits. These include helping to compensate for a lack of vegetables/leafy green vegetables in the diet, supporting and/or promoting some aspect of the body’s detoxification process, and adding an alkalizing component to the diet.
However, greens supplements should not be viewed as a replacement for a diet rich in whole vegetables. Instead, they serve as a nutritional complement, helping to fill dietary gaps. Additionally, some green superfoods, such as spirulina, are not commonly consumed in a typical diet, making supplementation a convenient way to access their benefits.
For the best results, choose a greens supplement that is minimally sweetened, preferably with natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit rather than added sugars.
Ultimately, for many people, greens powders are a worthwhile addition to their diet.
Concluding Thoughts
The powdered greens supplement category continues to grow in popularity. This article has explored several key topics, including:
- What are super greens supplements?
- How are powdered greens supplements made?
- Market insights and industry trends
- Potential downsides of greens powders
- Are greens powders worth it?
In conclusion, greens supplements can provide valuable nutritional benefits, making them a worthwhile addition to your new or existing dietary supplement lineup and an excellent option for consumers looking to support their overall health.
Why Choose Vitaquest as Your Powdered Greens Supplement Manufacturer?
Vitaquest is a leading CDMO with over 45 years of experience delivering expert research and development, manufacturing, packaging design, and fulfillment solutions for supplement brands. Our capabilities include agglomerating greens blends to perform better in packaging, dissolve better in solution, and provide a friendly, mess-free user experience.
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to expand your product line, Vitaquest has the expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative solutions to bring your powdered greens supplement concept to life quickly and efficiently.
Beyond powders, Vitaquest offers a wide range of dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and effervescents. Plus, you’ll benefit from exceptional customer support every step of the way.
Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards, as well as sustainability practices. Sourcing sustainable ingredients and utilizing eco-friendly manufacturing processes can enhance brand appeal.
Our FDA cGMP compliance, along with third-party GMP certifications from NSF, USP, and others, assures both brand owners and consumers that we meet industry regulations and standards. Additionally, our ability to offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, as well as FSSC 22000 certification for food safety, highlights our commitment to manufacturing excellence.
Are you ready to capitalize on the rising consumer demand and health benefits associated with Powdered Green Supplements? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!
Frequently Asked Questions About Powdered Greens Supplements
Q: Are powdered greens good for you?
Beneficial ingredients in a powdered greens formula may include algae, grasses, common green vegetables, sprouted versions of grass and green vegetables, and other nutraceuticals. A good greens formulation may help compensate for a lack of vegetables/leafy green vegetables in the diet. It may also support and/or promote some aspect of the body’s detoxification process and add an alkalizing component to the diet.
Q: Are greens good for weight loss?
It all depends on what the formula contains. Some greens supplements provide ingredients that help reduce appetite, and/or support the metabolic process of burning fat. The right greens formula can support a weight loss program that includes a good diet and exercise plan.
Q: Are green powders better than multivitamins?
There are many different greens powders, and their nutritional content varies. Some contain a sufficient range and amount of vitamins and minerals to be considered a multivitamin, while others do not. The best way to determine this is by checking the Supplement Facts panel on the label to see which vitamins and minerals the product provides.
Q: Are powdered greens FDA-approved?
The FDA does not offer a process for submitting any dietary supplement, including greens powders, for approval. However, some regulations provide Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for the safe production of dietary supplements. A good way to ensure that a product is made according to GMP is to ask the manufacturer if they are GMP certified. If you want to go one step further, request the manufacturer to provide a copy of their GMP certificate.
Q: Is greens powder a laxative?
Not generally. Although it is possible for a greens powder to contain sufficient amounts of fiber or other nutraceuticals with some laxative properties. Make sure to carefully read the label of a greens product before purchasing it to see what it contains. If there is a lot of fiber, then be aware that it may act as a laxative.
Q: How do I choose super greens powder?
The best way to choose a greens powder is to start with a trusted brand and carefully review the Supplement Facts panel to understand what the product contains. Look for a well-balanced blend of ingredients, which may include algae, grasses, common green vegetables, sprouted versions of grasses and green vegetables, and other beneficial nutraceuticals. Additionally, check the sugar content—ideally, it should have no more than 5 grams per serving to avoid excessive added sugars.
