As a nutritionist, my clients often ask for my opinion about popular greens powders they are considering trying. My response always begins with examining each supplement against a few non-negotiable standards. For me, this means the use of organic, nutrient-dense ingredients, a science-backed formula, transparency about testing and manufacturing, great taste, and affordable pricing.
So when I was asked about Beyond Greens, I had to put it through my test. Beyond Greens offers a few nutritious ingredients, a generous money-back guarantee, and third-party testing. But I still find myself recommending Live it Up Super Greens powder as the dietary supplement that delivers.
Below, my review will cover:
- Is Beyond Greens Worth a Try?
- What Is Beyond Greens?
- Purported Health Benefits
- Ingredient Breakdown
- Quality and Safety
- Cost Analysis
- Taste Review
- Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens
Live Conscious Beyond Greens Quick Facts
-
Key ingredients:
- 21 ingredients, including mushrooms, herbs, and greens
- 1 probiotic strain
- 3 types of prebiotics
- Sweeteners like stevia and xylitol
-
Flavors: One option, light matcha
- Manufacturer health claims:
- May support gut health
- Can support energy
- May help with immune system response
- Detoxifies the body
-
Possible side effects:
- Digestive discomfort issues like bloating, cramps, or gas
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Calories: Not provided
-
Price:
- $38 for one jar of 30 servings, $1.26 per serving
- A monthly subscription of one jar comes to $1.03 per serving
- A bundle of two jars every two months averages to $0.98 per serving
- Shipping: Free shipping
Bottom Line: Is Beyond Greens Powder Worth a Try?
My personal take is that Beyond Greens is more of a wellness mix than a traditional greens powder because the true quantity of greens is minimal. Instead, the formula relies heavily on a mixture of herbs and mushrooms, although even these are used in small amounts.
The formula lacks digestive support from fiber or digestive enzymes, and the brand fails to disclose its micronutrient profile. I’m also not thrilled by the choice of xylitol and stevia as sweeteners.
If you need a little help with your diet, I think Live it Up Super Greens is the better choice. It's an all-natural greens powder that offers a generous and effective amount of greens and gut support, transparency on essential vitamins, and delicious flavors.
Read the Beyond Greens vs. Live it Up side-by-side comparison.
What Is Beyond Greens?
Beyond Greens is a greens powder by Live Conscious, formerly known as LiveWell Labs, a brand that’s been in the health and wellness market since 2014. Live Conscious products prop a multitude of health goals, from supporting gut health to bridging nutritional gaps. Some of their popular products include Collagen Peptides, Beyond Brew, and OmegaWell.
Beyond Greens is Live Conscious’ take on a greens juice. It features a mystic blend of 21 non-GMO ingredients that includes organic plants and herbs, powerful adaptogens, prebiotics, and probiotics. The vegan and keto-friendly product is manufactured in the U.S. and is independently tested by third parties.
| Beyond Greens Pros | Beyond Greens Cons |
|
|
Beyond Greens Purported Benefits
The real question isn't just about whether Beyond Greens is healthy, but rather whether the ingredients in this greens supplement match up to the benefits the brand promotes.
Benefit #1: Supports Gut Health
Beyond Greens contains prebiotics in the form of tahl gum, xylooligosaccharides (XOS), and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Emerging research has highlighted the positive prebiotic properties of tahl gum (acacia seyal) that aid digestion. Similarly, studies on FOS and XOS emphasize their ability to change gut microbes and spur the growth of probiotics.
However, the blend’s digestive support is limited and includes only one minimally dosed (300 million CFUs) strain of probiotics. I’m used to seeing at least between 1-10 billion CFUs of probiotics in greens powders that actively support gut health as one of their top benefits. The Beyond Greens blend also lacks digestive enzymes, which can impact nutrient absorption.
Benefit #2: Supports a Healthy Immune System
I admire Beyond Greens for including nontraditional ingredients like ceylon cinnamon bark, milk thistle seed, and echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower). The blend also features a powerhouse of adaptogens like reishi, lion’s mane, and turkey tail mushrooms, which can reinforce the body’s natural defenses due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
There’s also rhodiola root, which some studies suggest may help ease stress and strengthen cellular immunity. Now, here’s the kicker. For rhodiola root to have a meaningful influence on immune function, the daily dosage should be at least 200 mg, but Beyond Greens has only 50 mg. Similarly, the mushrooms are also significantly underdosed.
Benefit #3: Boosts Energy Levels
Beyond Greens primarily relies on rhodiola root and cracked cell wall chlorella to target energy metabolism. I also like the inclusion of cordyceps militaris mushroom, as science links this fungus as being integral to the production of ATP, our body's main energy carrier.
The greens powder also provides a gentle dose of energy through matcha. But matcha can contain up to two times more caffeine than green tea. For some, even a hint of caffeine can lead to side effects like a rapid heart rate, anxiety, and irritability. And while matcha usually doesn't lead to drastic energy crashes like those induced by a cup of coffee, it's still something to consider for those seeking consistent energy levels throughout the day.
I would have also liked to see transparent information on micronutrients like iron, folate, and vitamins D, B12, and B2, which are essential to energy and vitality.
Benefit #4: Aids Whole-Body Detoxification
Beyond Greens claims to help the body detox from toxins and heavy metals. It’s a common marketing phrase in the wellness market that I believe requires closer scrutiny. The nutritional qualities of milk thistle may support liver function. Although limited, a few studies have highlighted chlorella’s positive impact on liver markers.
However, the body’s detoxing champion is your liver. And there’s little scientific evidence that these ingredients can effectively “detox” the body and remove harmful substances.
Beyond Greens Ingredients
While most greens powders try to pack as many ingredients as possible, Beyond Greens takes a more restrained approach with just 14 ingredients. I typically approve of these more concentrated ingredient lists, but as I mentioned earlier, many of these are underdosed since a serving of Beyond Greens is just 3.8g total (compared to 6-12g of other greens powder brands).
- Adaptogens: This greens powder contains organic reishi, cordyceps militaris, turkey tail, and lion's mane mushrooms. Reishi mushroom, a popular herbal remedy in Asian culture, has been linked to supporting immune function and potentially improving white blood cell count. Lion’s mane has been tied to nerve cell growth and cognitive function.
- Supergreens: Beyond Greens incorporates matcha leaf and cracked cell wall chlorella as its primary greens. Matcha leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants, especially catechins, which may enhance the body's fighting power. Still, I’d prefer to see more actual greens in this greens powder.
- Herbs: The herbs featured are echinacea purpurea, milk thistle seed, and rhodiola root, recognized for their anti-inflammatory capabilities.
- Probiotics: This blend has only one strand of bacillus coagulans, a dairy-free probiotic.
- Prebiotics: Beyond Greens contains FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), XOS (xylo-oligosaccharides), and tahl gum (acacia seyal). These prebiotics are excellent for gut health, but in small amounts, they are unlikely to make an impact.
- Other ingredients: Other ingredients include ceylon cinnamon bark, natural flavors, xanthan gum (an anti-caking additive), xylitol, salt, sodium copper chlorophyllin, and stevia. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is a processed version of chlorophyll commonly used to give foods that vibrant green color. However, this may not be ideal for those seeking a greens blend made from natural, unprocessed plant foods.
Beyond Greens Quality and Safety
I value Beyond Greens’ use of organic ingredients, commitment to third-party testing, non-GMO product certification, and assurance that their manufacturing follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
However, the product contains additives in the form of sodium-copper chlorophyllin and xanthan gum. Also, the use of xylitol, a natural alcohol sugar commonly used as a sugar substitute, can cause digestive discomfort and is linked to emerging health concerns. While these concerns don't negate Beyond Greens' strengths, they're something to take note of.
Beyond Greens Cost Analysis
At first glance, I found Beyond Greens to be quite competitively priced.
- A one-time purchase of their tub of 30 servings costs $38. That’s just $1.27 per serving.
- Signing up for a monthly jar subscription brings the cost per serving down to $1.03 per serving, a savings of 18%.
- They also have one of the most customer-friendly return policies I have ever come across. If you aren’t satisfied, you have 365 days to get a refund!
A crucial detail changed my perspective on pricing. Their serving size is just 3 grams, less than half the average serving size of other greens powders (usually between 6-9 grams). I did some quick math and adjusted for this difference. When I doubled the serving size from 3 grams to 6 grams, the cost per serving came to $2.54, which places Beyond Greens on the higher end of the market pricing spectrum.
Beyond Greens Taste Review
With matcha being one of the primary ingredients, it’s no surprise that Beyond Greens comes in a light matcha flavor. The general consensus is that the powder tastes just okay, with one customer mentioning the matcha taste dominating even when the powder was mixed in their smoothie.
Another Amazon verified buyer found the addition of stevia too sweet for their liking. Many customers reported issues with its dissolvability, something I also encountered when I tried to mix it in my juice or almond milk.
If I am seeking something to be part of my daily routine, I want it to taste good and blend seamlessly into anything I opt for. That’s why I find myself always going back to Live it Up Super Greens. The two flavor options, Original (slightly minty) and Wild Berries (a bit tart), allow me to switch things up. And I can add it to my juice, protein shake, or smoothie bowl without worrying about a taste clash or clumping, and many customers seem to love it like me.
Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens
Ultimately, I found that Beyond Greens isn’t as well-rounded a greens powder as my go-to Live it Up Super Greens, and I wish it went back to basics with its formula. My key concerns are:
- Lack of greens and effective dosing
- No digestive enzymes
- Low CFUs of probiotics
- Use of fillers and xylitol
Live it Up Super Greens powder is an all-natural product that packs 7.6 grams of quality greens in each serving. Our comprehensive formula includes natural ingredients like spinach, moringa, spirulina, kale, peppermint leaf, and barley grass, alongside some lesser-known ingredients like oat grass and nopal cactus.
The nutrient-rich, organic vegetables are carefully selected and precisely dosed to help offer a balanced immune response and sustained energy without caffeine. For digestive health, there's support from 5 billion CFUs of probiotics, digestive fiber, and digestive enzymes.
Live it Up Super Greens focuses on taste, too. It comes in two flavors, each sweetened with monk fruit extract and nothing artificial making it my top choice for clients.
FAQs About Beyond Greens
Does Beyond Greens have any side effects?
I have seen that most clients face mild gastric discomfort, like bloating and increased stool frequency, when they start a greens powder. However, these side effects go away on their own as the body gets used to it. I expect Beyond Greens to have a similar impact.
In some instances, a greens powder can react with medications and even trigger rare allergic reactions. I always err on the side of caution and have my clients run their supplements past their physician or me to ensure suitability. You can also start with small amounts and work up to recommended doses over a few weeks.
Does Beyond Greens provide digestive support?
If you are looking for a greens powder to support digestive health, I would probably not turn to Beyond Greens. I say this because while Beyond Greens does have one type of probiotic and three kinds of prebiotics, the quantities are quite minimal, and key supporters like digestive enzymes and fiber are absent.
On the other hand, Live it Up Super Greens powder offers more comprehensive gut support with its 5 billion CFUs of probiotics, digestive enzymes like bromelain and papain, and three grams of dietary fiber.
Is drinking a greens powder good for you?
Drinking a greens juice is not just for health-conscious individuals. It's actually a great way to increase your vegetable intake, get in the essential nutrients, and actively support your overall health. Potential health benefits include robust immune support, healthy energy levels, and balanced gut health.
What is an alternative to Beyond Greens?
The best supplement for you comes down to your health goals and preferences. That said, I genuinely believe Live it Up Super Greens powder is one of the best greens powders on the market. Made entirely from whole foods, the blend features concentrated doses of organic vegetables that provide vital nutrients and is completely free from sugar, artificial sweeteners, and artificial fillers.
References
- https://www.prweb.com/releases/scale-media-announces-name-change-of-its-lifestyle-wellness-brand-to-live-conscious--895380443.html
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dangers-of-xylitol
- https://www.healthline.com/health/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency/the-role-of-digestive-enzymes-in-gi-disorders
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9228580/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/milk-thistle-benefits
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8622900/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10480226/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26853959/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-green-tea
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9792400/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-450/fructo-oligosaccharides-fos
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268005X21004331
- https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/the-facts-behind-4-detox-myths-should-you-detox-your-body.h00-159385890.html
Leave a comment