With so many nutritional supplements on the market, it can be difficult to decipher which ones can actually support your health. And that's where I can help.
I'm a registered dietitian dedicated to sampling and researching dietary supplements so that I can recommend the best options. I do all the heavy lifting for you, examining everything from the ingredients and purported health benefits to the flavors, pricing, and more.
For my latest review, I decided to dive into Transparent Labs Greens. While my favorite supplement is Live it Up Super Greens, I wanted to see how Transparent Labs Greens, a prebiotic greens powder, stands up to my top choice.
My Transparent Labs prebiotic greens review will cover the following:
- Is Transparent Labs Greens Worth a Try?
- What Is Transparent Labs?
- Purported Health Benefits
- Ingredient Breakdown
- Quality and Safety
- Cost Analysis
- Taste Review
- Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens
Transparent Labs Green Quick Facts
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Key ingredients:
- Organic spirulina and organic chlorella
- Organic acacia fiber
- Green banana flour
- Jerusalem artichoke fiber
- Chicory root
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Flavor:
- Original flavor
- Peach Mango flavor
- Pineapple Coconut flavor
- Manufacturer health claims: Supports gut health, metabolism, and immune health
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Possible side effects:
- Digestive upset or bloating
- Potential interactions with medications
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Nutrition Facts: 1 scoop serving = 16.17g
- Calories: 30
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
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Price:
- One-time purchase: $49.99 ($1.66 per serving)
- Subscription: $44.99 ($1.50 per serving)
- Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $99 and subscriptions
Bottom Line: Is Transparent Labs Greens Worth a Try?
At a time when many supplement brands overstuff their formulas with low-dose or unnecessary ingredients, I appreciate that Transparent Labs' prebiotic greens powder has a straightforward blend, but itās primarily a fiber supplement. I believe this formula is a little too simple, especially compared to robust formulas of brands like Live it Up. I would have liked to see additional ingredients included, such as more greens to increase nutritional value and probiotics and digestive enzymes to support gut health.
What Is Transparent Labs?
Transparent Labs is a supplement brand dedicated to providing "clinically dosed and scientifically backed" products. Weary of brands that overstuff their supplements with low-quality ingredients, Transparent Labs prides itself on offering clean, evidence-based supplements with natural ingredients.
Transparent Labs offers a greens powder, in addition to multivitamins, protein powders, collagen peptides, workout supplements, and more.
Transparent Labs Pros
- Contains mostly organic ingredients
- Simple, concentrated ingredient list
- No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- Includes broken-cell chlorella
- Free welcome kit with a subscription
- Money-back guarantee
- Third-party tested
Transparent Labs Cons
- Only contains two greens (spirulina and chlorella)
- Includes stevia extract
- No digestive enzymes or probiotics
- No mention of non-GMO ingredients
- No listed vitamins and low DV of minerals
- Free shipping is only offered on orders over $99
- Very fiber-rich, which could have digestive side effects
Transparent Labs Greens Purported Benefits
The Transparent Labs prebiotic greens powder offers several purported health benefits, so let's take a closer look at the science behind these claims.
Benefit #1: Deliver Nutrition
Nutritional value is one of the first things I consider when evaluating a greens powder. To start, the prebiotic greens' supplement facts list six minerals, but their daily recommended value percentages are low, ranging from 1% to 6%, so they contribute only a small amount to your daily intake. What's more, the supplement facts don't list any vitamins, so it's unclear how many vitamins (if any) are present in the formula.
The blend does contain several nutrient-dense ingredients, including organic spirulina and chlorella, which are rich in antioxidants. Additionally, it includes organic Jerusalem artichoke fiber and chicory root, offering prebiotic benefits. However, I would have liked to see more vegetables in the blend, such as leafy greens or cruciferous vegetables, to increase the nutritional intake.
Given the low mineral and undisclosed vitamin content, as well as the limited ingredients, it's difficult to determine the nutritional value of this formula.
Benefit #2: Support Gut Health and Digestion
I was pleased to see that this formula includes some gut-healthy ingredients, including prebiotics and dietary fiber.
In terms of prebiotics, the blend contains Jerusalem artichoke fiber and chicory root. These prebiotics are responsible for stimulating the growth of probiotics, which help maintain a healthy gut.
The formula also contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber (6g), including organic green banana flour and acacia fiber, which further supports a healthy digestive system. However, 6 grams is double the amount of fiber in most greens powders, so those who are sensitive to high fiber should start with small doses to avoid digestive upset.
Additionally, I was disappointed that the formula doesn't contain any probiotics or digestive enzymes, which play a significant role in microbiota balance, food breakdown, and nutrient absorption for energy.
Benefit #3: Boosts Immune Function
The prebiotic greens blend includes nutrient-rich algae, including organic chlorella and spirulina, which may help support immune function.
For instance, chlorella and spirulina contain immune-supporting nutrients, such as vitamins E, C, and B12, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. These aquatic greens also contain polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and antioxidants, which offer additional immune support.
However, when I refer to the supplement facts to examine the nutrient content, I only see 3% DV of iron listed. This makes me question how much this formula actually contributes to immune health.
Transparent Labs Greens Ingredients Breakdown
Next, let's address the six main ingredients in this prebiotic greens powder.
- Organic spirulina: This blue-green alga is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, zinc, selenium, and potassium. It's also a good source of antioxidants and may help support the immune system.
- Organic chlorella: Another kind of algae, chlorella contains protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, B12, D, E, and K, as well as iron, potassium, selenium, and zinc. It may also support immune health.
- Organic acacia fiber: This soluble fiber, derived from the acacia senegal tree, may help balance the gut microbiome and support gut health.
- Green banana flour: Made from green bananas, this powder is high in fiber, which may support digestive health. It's also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron, among other essential nutrients.
- Jerusalem artichoke fiber: This ingredient is an excellent source of inulin, a prebiotic and insoluble fiber that helps support digestion.
- Chicory root: A perennial plant, chicory root is rich in the prebiotic inulin, which helps stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria. In addition to aiding gut health, chicory root may also add a natural sweetness to the formula's flavor.
Transparent Labs Greens Quality and Safety
Transparent Labs is committed to quality and safety as they enlist third-party testing on their products through Informed Choice. In fact, the company even provides a "Certificate of Analysis" for each product, listing the analytical testing results. The evaluation covers yeast and molds, metals, and contaminants like E. coli and Salmonella. Furthermore, the company manufactures its products in facilities that follow GMP standards.
I'm glad to see that Transparent Labs has high standards when it comes to quality and safety, following similar practices as my all-time favorite greens supplement brand, Live it Up Super Greens.
Transparent Labs Greens Cost Analysis
Now, let's look at how much it costs to purchase Transparent Labs prebiotic greens:
- One-time purchase of a 30-day supply: $49.99 ($1.66 per serving)
- Subscription purchase of a 30-day supply: $44.99 ($1.50 per serving)
- Free shipping on subscriptions and orders over $99 in the U.S.
- Free welcome kit with subscription purchase (greens travel pack, vitamin D3 and K2 supplements, and frother)
- 45-day satisfaction guarantee
While Transparent Labs prebiotic greens certainly aren't the most expensive supplements we've seen on the market, they are still a bit higher than other greens powders. For example, Live it Up Super Greens costs just $39.99 ($1.33) with a subscription. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, Live it Up Super Greens is the way to go.
Transparent Labs Greens Taste Review
When it comes to the taste and consistency of this product, I sampled the greens powder myself but also scoured the Transparent Labs prebiotic greens reviews to see what verified customers were saying.
This prebiotic greens powder is available in three flavors: Original (earthy), Pineapple Coconut, and Peach Mango. Personally, I found that the flavors had an overpowering sweet taste, which could be due to the formula containing stevia.
One verified customer agreed, saying the "flavor was extremely sweet." Another one said, "When I bought unflavored. I wasnāt expecting it to taste like I ate 1,000 Luden's cherry cough drops.
However, some found the flavors to be more fishy, likely due to the use of algae and no other superfoods. A customer explained, "Guys, this tastes like something the Little Mermaid would drink. I am sure the nutritional value is great, but this type of greens is not for me. So, if you can handle the flavor, it is great as a supplement. Personally, the seaweed can stay in the ocean."
As for the texture, it did clump a bit for me and left behind some grit even after vigorously stirring it. One customer said, "It does not fully mix the best; you just have to keep stirring it. The flavor is not the best, but it's not terrible, definitely goes down with no trouble."
Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens
I like that Transparent Labsā prebiotic greens feature a simple formula with algae, prebiotics, and fiber to support immune and digestive health, but this blend leaves me wanting more. I would have liked to see a more comprehensive blend with additional ingredients, such as leafy greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and higher doses of vitamins and minerals.
Due to these shortcomings, I'll continue to recommend Live it Up Super Greens to my clients. This nutrient-dense formula contains 20+ all-natural superfoods with vitamin and mineral doses that align with the daily recommended values. It includes leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, prebiotic dietary fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, which help support gut health, immunity, and energy levels.
Now, I understand everyone has different preferences, but I truly believe Live it Up Super Greens is one of the most delicious greens powders on the market. It comes in two flavors, Original (mint) and Wild Berries (sweet and tart) sweetened with monk fruit, making it easy to incorporate this greens powder into your daily routine. Moreover, this dietary supplement is affordable, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind knowing you're supporting your overall health without incurring significant costs.
FAQs About Transparent Labs Greens
Follow along to find out the answers to some frequently asked questions about Transparent Labs prebiotic greens.
Is Transparent Lab Greens good?
Yes, Transparent Labs greens powder is good as it has six healthy ingredients, including algae and prebiotics. These ingredients are excellent sources of antioxidants and essential nutrients that can help support gut health and immunity. Furthermore, the dietary supplement doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring.
Is Transparent Labs a good supplement company?
Yes, Transparent Labs is considered a good supplement company. The brand is committed to providing a range of supplements with high-quality, scientifically backed ingredients. Transparent Labs products are also manufactured in GMP-certified facilities and undergo third-party testing for quality and safety.
What are the side effects of prebiotic greens?
As is the case with consuming any kind of greens powder, there's always a chance you'll experience mild side effects, such as temporary bloating, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. This prebiotic greens powder may also interact negatively with certain medications you're taking.
If you're concerned about potential side effects or experience health issues after consuming this product, I recommend consulting with your healthcare professional for medical guidance.
When should you take prebiotic greens?
You're welcome to take your prebiotic greens any time you want, but I recommend taking them on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. This may help your body better absorb the nutrients, helping to fuel your body for the day ahead. That said, it's essential to consume greens powders in combination with a balanced diet. These supplements are not meant to replace meals.
Who should take prebiotic greens?
Prebiotic greens powders are a great option for those who want to support their gut and digestive health. For example, Transparent Labs greens powder contains Jerusalem artichoke fiber, green banana flour, and acacia fiber, which are prebiotics that act as a source of food for probiotics. This prebiotic fiber can help stimulate gut bacteria, balancing your gut microbiome and supporting digestion.
References
- https://www.transparentlabs.com/products/greens?
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10222865/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8759652/
- https://prebioticassociation.org/prebiotic-type-spotlight-acacia-fiber/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6627159/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7356569/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-of-chicory
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RBHE1CCDJ8UQE/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R22AUZK1GI7Y35/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RM0KUFNUPYH5V/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8
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