What is Jocko Greens?
Jocko Greens is a dietary supplement from the Jocko Fuel brand, founded by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. The powder consists of a blend of organic vegetables, fruits, adaptogens, and probiotics, intended to support overall health, gut function, immune response, and stress management. It is sold in containers containing 30 servings and is available in Peach and Pineapple Coconut flavors. The product positions itself as a high-quality, transparently-labeled alternative to other greens powders on the market, avoiding proprietary blends.
Jocko Greens Ingredient Breakdown
Jocko Greens boasts a comprehensive list of organic and functional ingredients. The transparency of the label, which lists specific quantities, is a major selling point.
The Organic Vegetable Blend
This blend contains 5,400 milligrams of various organic greens and veggies, providing a concentrated source of micronutrients. Key ingredients include:
- Organic Spirulina: A blue-green algae known for fighting inflammation and supporting the immune system.
- Organic Chlorella: Also an algae, this is a source of iron and folate with links to improved heart health.
- Organic Wheat Grass, Kale, and Spinach: Common nutrient-dense greens packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Organic Beets and Carrots: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The Organic Fruit Blend
Providing antioxidants and natural flavor, this blend consists of 3,600 milligrams of organic fruit powders and extracts. Ingredients include:
- Organic Banana Powder: High in fiber, potassium, and vitamins.
- Organic Pineapple and Apple Powder: Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
- Organic Goji, Acai, and Wild Blueberry: Known for their high antioxidant content.
Adaptogens and Probiotics
- Adaptogens (50mg each): The formula includes Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Milk Thistle extracts, which are meant to help the body manage stress. However, some nutrition experts question if these doses are high enough to be clinically effective.
- Probiotics (9 Billion CFU): The blend contains 11 different strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, to support gut health. This is a strong dose compared to some competitors.
Other Ingredients and Sweeteners
The product uses natural flavors and is sweetened with monk fruit extract and fermented cane sugar (Reb-M), avoiding artificial sweeteners. Silicon dioxide is included as an anti-caking agent, which some health experts see as a filler.
Comparison: Jocko Greens vs. Athletic Greens (AG1)
When evaluating Jocko Greens, a popular comparison is with the premium competitor, Athletic Greens (AG1). Here is a side-by-side look:
| Feature | Jocko Greens | Athletic Greens (AG1) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Per Serving | ~$1.66 ($1.50 with subscription) | ~$3.30 ($2.63 with subscription) |
| Organic Ingredients | Features a high number of organic ingredients, including 20+ fruits and vegetables. | Only a few ingredients are organic. |
| Proprietary Blends | Avoids proprietary blends, with transparent ingredient quantities listed. | Includes several proprietary blends, obscuring exact dosages. |
| Probiotics | 9 billion CFU blend (11 strains). | 7.2 billion CFU blend (2 strains). |
| Digestive Enzymes | Does not contain digestive enzymes. | Includes digestive enzymes to aid absorption. |
| Third-Party Testing | States third-party testing is done, but lacks specific details on which lab or test results. | NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring it is free of banned substances and tested for purity. |
| Nutritional Information | Limited nutritional information beyond macros and a few key minerals. | Provides a more extensive breakdown of vitamins and minerals. |
| Flavor Options | Pineapple Coconut and Peach. | Original (pineapple/vanilla notes) and new limited flavors. |
Is Jocko Greens Any Good? Key Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits:
- Transparent Formulation: Unlike many competitors, Jocko Greens provides a clear ingredient list without proprietary blends, so you know exactly what you are consuming.
- Organic Ingredients: The use of organic fruits and vegetables is a major plus for consumers who want to avoid pesticides and other chemical additives.
- Strong Probiotic Count: With 9 billion CFU from 11 strains, it offers a robust dose for supporting gut health.
- Reasonable Price: It is a more budget-friendly alternative to premium brands like AG1, making daily supplementation more accessible.
- Good Taste and Mixability (for some): For many users, the natural flavors and monk fruit sweetener create a pleasant taste profile, and the powder mixes well.
Drawbacks:
- No Third-Party Certification: The lack of concrete details on third-party testing is a concern for verifying product purity and safety.
- Undisclosed Micronutrient Levels: The label provides very little nutritional information on vitamins and minerals, leaving customers in the dark about how much they are supplementing.
- Potentially Underdosed Adaptogens: Nutrition experts suggest the amount of adaptogens may be too low to provide clinically significant stress-reducing effects.
- Missing Digestive Enzymes: The formula omits digestive enzymes, which are included in many premium greens powders to aid nutrient absorption.
- Divisive Taste: While some praise the taste, others find it overpowering or unpleasantly sweet, which can lead to inconsistency in daily use.
Conclusion: So, are Jocko Greens any good?
Jocko Greens is a solid, mid-range greens powder that provides a transparently-labeled blend of organic superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens at a more affordable price than its top-tier competition. It is a good choice for those seeking to supplement their diet with a high volume of organic fruits and vegetables and a significant probiotic dose without breaking the bank.
However, potential buyers should weigh the trade-offs. The lack of detailed third-party testing information and missing digestive enzymes means you might be sacrificing some quality assurance and functional benefits present in higher-priced competitors. The variable taste experience is also a factor to consider, as it can make or break a daily supplement routine. If budget and organic, transparent ingredients are your top priorities, Jocko Greens is certainly a good contender. If you demand extensive third-party validation, comprehensive nutritional transparency, and potent dosages of all functional ingredients, you may need to look at pricier options.
Ultimately, Jocko Greens serves as a great value proposition for many, but its effectiveness depends on your personal health goals and budget. For those considering it, trying a small pouch to see how the flavor sits with you may be the best approach before committing to a larger order.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement routine.