Garden of Life Greens Review (2025)

Garden of Life is a well-known brand in the health industry, but does this mean its greens powder is a worthwhile purchase? As a dietitian, I understand that just because a company has a health halo does not mean that all its products are beneficial or formulated well. This is especially true for greens powders, which are relatively new to the market.

To help my clients interpret the facts, I’ve thoroughly examined Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Superfood to determine whether its ingredients, quality, and claimed benefits are worth it or superfluous.

While Garden of Life produces a decent greens product, I prefer to recommend Live it Up Super Greens to my clients because it meets more of the nutritional criteria I look for in a quality greens powder.

In this article:

• Is Garden of Life Worth a Try?
• What Is Garden of Life?
• Purported Health Benefits
• Ingredient Breakdown
• Quality and Safety
• Cost Analysis
• Taste Review
• Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens

Garden of Life Quick Facts

• Key ingredients
  • 29 vegetables, greens, roots, and fruit
  • 12 sprouted seeds and beans
  • 12 digestive enzymes
  • 250 million CFU probiotics
• Flavor: 
  • The Original flavor is sweetener-free, which customers describe as grassy with a hint of pineapple.
  • The Apple and Chocolate flavors include stevia.
• Health claims: Supports healthy digestion, detoxification, a healthy immune system, and metabolism.
• Potential side effects: Digestive upset, rare allergic reactions, and possible interactions with medication.
• Certifications:
  • Certified USDA Organic
  • Non-GMO Verified
  • NSF Certified Gluten-Free
  • U Kosher
• Recommended use: 1 scoop mixed into 8 ounces juice, smoothie, or water taken daily.
• Price: 
  • 30-day supply, one-time purchase: $39.19 ($1.31 per serving)
  • 30-day supply, monthly subscription: $33.31 ($1.11 per serving)
  • Subscribers save 15% on their first four orders, then 20% on orders thereafter.
• Shipping: Free only with subscription.

Is Garden of Life Worth a Try?

Garden of Life Greens has high quality and safety standards and is a good choice for people who don’t mind the taste of greens. Since it is lower in probiotics and micronutrients than other brands, this supplement works best for people who are already getting these from other sources in their diet. If you’d prefer a greens powder that covers more of your needs, Live it Up Super Greens offers more probiotics and more comprehensive nutrition for potentially greater benefits.

What Is Garden of Life Green Superfood?

Garden of Life has been producing a wide range of supplements since 2000 and is guided by the promise of Empowering Extraordinary Health®. This company puts heavy emphasis on the quality of their products as well as the traceability of their ingredients. 

While Garden of Life Green Superfood is a relatively new addition to their supplement line-up, customers seem to be embracing it for the most part.

Garden of Life Pros

• Certified USDA Organic and third-party certifications
• Variety of superfoods
• Plenty of digestive enzymes
• Includes sprouted beans and seeds
• No stevia, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners
• No additives or fillers
• Dairy-free

Garden of Life Cons

• Low dose of probiotics
• Minimal fiber
• Only 9 listed vitamins and minerals
• May not contain effective doses of superfoods

Garden of Life Greens Purported Benefits

Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Superfood definitely pushes the envelope when it comes to their purported health benefits. Words like “detoxify” and “alkalize” are usually trigger words for misleading health claims, so it’s important to really dig into each benefit to see if they truly stack up.

Clean Nutrition

I’ll assume that by “clean”’ Garden of Life is referring to a product without anything artificial added. This is true: Garden of Life Greens does not have any fillers, additives, or artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.

It is also USDA organic, which means that at least 95% of its ingredients are certified organic. This is a bonus for many people who prefer a product that comes without pesticides and herbicides. 

Bottom line: Garden of Life lives up to its Clean Nutrition claim in terms of ingredient purity but lacks comprehensive nutrition with only nine vitamins and minerals.

Energize

As for energy, Garden of Life mentions that B vitamins, especially B12, are important for energy production and metabolism, which is true. However, this greens powder does not actually state how much, if any, B vitamins are in their Perfect Food Green Superfood original powder, so we can’t be certain if the powder itself will play a role in our energy production.

Garden of Life also mentions that chlorophyll helps transport oxygen in the body, but this has not been proven. While chlorophyll is very similar in structure to red blood cells, it does not contain iron, so it cannot carry oxygen in our body. With that said, animal studies indicate that it may help increase red blood cell count, so there is potential.

Bottom line: Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Original Powder may provide some energy support via the few micronutrients it contains.

Detoxify

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of “detoxify” is “to remove a harmful substance (such as a poison or toxin) or the effect of such from.” 

While this word is often used with supplements, there is currently no evidence from well-designed studies proving that supplements get rid of toxins from the body. The liver is an amazing organ that filters our blood by processing nutrients, breaking down medications, and pulling out toxins to be excreted. So, in most instances, a supplement is not needed to help detoxify.

With that said, some foods may help support the liver’s ability to work its best. Cruciferous vegetables and certain antioxidants have been shown to be modulators of detoxification pathways in the liver. 

Garden of Life Greens contains broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage, which are cruciferous vegetables. If these are present in high enough amounts, they may impact the detoxification pathways.

Bottom line: Detoxification is a stretch, but the Garden of Life formula contains ingredients that might help support liver function.

Alkalize

The premise of maintaining “balanced alkalinity” is to eat foods that keep your body within a specific pH. The theory is that keeping the body more alkaline versus acidic will help protect against disease. 

However, the body already regulates our pH levels. The stomach is quite acidic to help digest food, and the blood is tightly regulated to maintain a slightly alkaline pH. While food can certainly change the pH of our urine, this is not a good indicator of our health or our body’s acid-base balance.

While there is evidence that eating more vegetables, beans, and plants (which are more alkaline) may be beneficial, the reason for these benefits is not linked to how these foods affect our pH. 

Bottom line: Garden of Life Greens contains plenty of vegetables and plants, which are nutritious and beneficial additions to the diet. With that said, eating foods to maintain alkalinity is not proven. 

Garden of Life Greens Ingredient Breakdown

Garden of Life claims their greens supplement contains “naturally occurring chlorophyll, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids and dozens of phytonutrients.” Does this mean it's good for us? This section reviews each blend and what they may provide.

U.S.A. Organic Farmed Green Juice Blend

With five green grasses making up 3.5 grams, this is the most robust and effectively dosed blend within the Garden of Life greens formula. 

While other greens powders use both powdered whole grasses and powdered juiced grasses, Garden of Life uses only juiced greens powders in their greens supplement. Some sources say that the juice of grasses are more concentrated in nutrients, though studies have shown that powdered grasses have exceptional benefits as well. 

For example, barley grass is rich in phytocompounds and may help support immune function, alfalfa grass has a high antioxidant content and may help with inflammation, and wheatgrass may aid in digestive health.

Garden of Life states that their grasses are juiced then cold-temperature dried to help maintain nutrient levels.

Organic Fruit & Veggies Juice Antioxidant Blend

This blend is much more varied, containing organic fruits and vegetables. Everything from organic apples and organic beets to organic broccoli, raspberries, blueberries, green bell peppers, garlic, and red cabbage.

These plants are packed with antioxidants, phytocompounds that help protect against harmful free radicals in the body. Research has shown that a diet abundant in antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits is quite important to help protect against chronic oxidative stress-related diseases. 

One thing to note is that this blend packs in over 20 ingredients into 2.4 grams of space. This may mean that these ingredients are not as effectively dosed, leaving fewer potential benefits.

Organic Sprout Blend

As a dietitian, this blend makes me quite excited. Sprouted grains and beans are particularly high in nutrients, as these freshly germinated seeds often offer better digestibility and nutritional content. 

Additionally, research shows that sprouted garbanzo beans and other plants may reduce their phytic acid content. Phytic acid is considered an “anti-nutrient” because it makes it difficult for the body to absorb specific nutrients. This means that sprouted beans, seeds, and grains may not only have more nutrients, but we may also get more nutrition from them.

This blend includes organic ingredients like chia seed sprouts, quinoa sprouts, and garbanzo bean sprouts. Unfortunately, there are 13 plants packed into 1 gram, which may impact how much of each we’re getting.

Raw Probiotic & Enzyme Blend

This is an interesting blend, particularly because it uses “raw” probiotics. While there is not a lot of information available on raw probiotics versus regular probiotics, Garden of Life mentions that raw probiotics are produced without heat and are supposed to “emulate eating fermented foods.” Though the company claims that these maintain more nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics, there is currently no research to back this claim up.

And even if raw probiotics were a better option, there are only 250 million CFU available in the Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Superfood, which is a far cry from an effective dose. 

Where Garden of Life Greens does well is their digestive enzyme blend. This greens powder contains 12 different digestive enzymes.

Garden of Life Greens Quality and Safety

As a company, Garden of Life leans heavily into the quality and safety of their products. Their greens powder is third-party tested and produced in a GMP-certified facility, and they claim to trace all their ingredients back to the source.

The greens powder itself also has no added artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors, as well as no fillers or other unnecessary ingredients. 

Overall, Garden of Life does a good job with the quality and safety of their product, just as Live it Up puts the same intensive focus on their superfood powders. Like Garden of Life Greens, Live it Up Super Greens is third-party tested, GMP-certified, and contains nothing artificial or unnecessary. 

Garden of Life Cost Analysis

Cost can be a make-or-break when it comes to which greens powder you choose. Garden of Life greens is fairly average when it comes to price, though for long-term customers they do try to sweeten the deal.

• 30-day supply, one-time purchase: $39.19 ($1.31 per serving)
• 30-day supply, monthly subscription: $33.31 ($1.11 per serving)

While a 15% discount is not among the most lucrative greens powder discounts available, Garden of Life offers 20% off if you continue to subscribe past four months. There is also free shipping for all subscriptions.

For comparison, a one-time purchase of Live it Up Super Greens is $59.99, but they offer a 33% discount for subscribers for a monthly cost of $39.99 ($1.33 per serving). 

Garden of Life Greens Taste Review

An interesting fact about Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Superfood’s Original formula is that there is no sweetener at all, artificial, natural, or otherwise. This powder relies on their ingredients alone, with the addition of organic pineapple flavor.

There are two other flavor options that use stevia: Apple and Chocolate. While stevia is a natural sweetener, some people find the aftertaste unpleasant.

As is reflected in the customer reviews, this unsweetened powder delights a few taste buds, but most people have a tougher time getting it down.

When compiling all the reviews, it seemed that most people like what the drink stands for and the good stuff it contains, but have to force it down because the taste is so undesirable. As a dietitian who knows there are so many other comparable (or better) greens powder options available near the same price point, this makes me sad.

Longevity and health are based on consuming quality foods or supplements that you also enjoy, because when it’s not pleasant, it likely won’t be a lasting part of your healthy diet. Super Greens by Live it Up does not have this problem. The majority of customer reviews offer insights into how much they enjoy Super Greens’ taste and texture. 

Dietitian pro tip: Find a product that’s high quality AND tastes great!

Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens

Overall, Garden of Life is a decent choice. It offers an unsweetened experience for those who prefer the natural taste of grasses and greens (or greens with stevia) as well as high safety and quality parameters paired with organically grown greens.

That said, Live it Up Super Greens offers more for almost the same price. It has 22 vitamins and minerals compared to Garden of Life’s nine, 5 billion CFU probiotics compared with Garden of Life’s 250 million, and more effective dosing because the scoop is bigger and there are fewer total ingredients. This is why I recommend Live it Up Super Greens to most of my clients.

While a greens powder can help fill nutrient gaps in your diet, everyone has different health goals and needs, so it’s important to find a greens supplement that works best for you as an individual. And above all, remember that whole vegetables and fruit within a healthy diet are the most important factors for our health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Garden of Life safe to take?

Yes, Garden of Life Greens is safe to take for most people. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are on additional supplements or medication, always check in with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your daily routine.

What is the difference between AG1 and Garden of Life?

While both of these are acceptable choices for a greens powder, there are significant differences. AG1 has over 75 ingredients, while Garden of Life Greens has just over 40. AG1 adds notable amounts of vitamins and minerals, while Garden of Life greens powder only contains vitamins and minerals derived from the plants in their formula. Garden of Life Greens only contains 250 million CFU probiotics while AG1 contains 7 billion CFU. And finally, Garden of Life is certified USDA organic while AG1 is not.

Over these two powders, I’d still recommend Live it Up Super Greens, which has just over 20 potent ingredients and organic vegetables, an all-natural formula, and a well-rounded digestive complex.

Is Garden of Life made in China?

No, Garden of Life products are manufactured in the United States. Like most greens supplement companies, they source their ingredients worldwide.

What happens to your body when you start drinking greens powders?

The best greens powders will provide you with plenty of vitamins and minerals. These micronutrients help support every reaction and function that happens in the body. For some, this may feel like less fatigue and more supported energy levels. A high-quality greens powder will also provide naturally occurring antioxidants that help to protect against harmful free radicals and oxidative stress.

Additionally, if the greens supplement contains adequate fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, consumers may experience healthy digestion and an ease in their bloating symptoms.

What do nutritionists really think about powdered greens?

Most nutritionists and dietitians will always recommend lots of whole vegetables, fruits, and plants as a critical part of an overall healthy diet. However, nutritionists also understand that people are not perfect, and adding in the right greens powder can help their clients fill nutritional gaps. Most nutritionists will thoroughly review a greens supplement to ensure it is high-quality, safe, and includes beneficial ingredients. 

As a dietitian, I personally look for a product made with all organic vegetables, enough probiotics, at least 3 grams of fiber, and effectively dosed superfoods - all key components of Live it Up Super Greens.

References

• https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/nutrition-misinformation-how-to-identify-fraud-and-misleading-claims-9-350/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019700/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10089374/
• https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/detoxes-and-cleanses-what-you-need-to-know
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4488002/ 
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/the-alkaline-diet-myth 
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916524007378 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5904770/ 
• https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/antioxidants/ 
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sprouted-grains 
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8983057/ 
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/