Top Alternatives to 8Greens: Finding Your Ideal Greens Supplement
8Greens, known for its unique effervescent tablet format, has long been a convenient way for many to supplement their daily green intake. However, for a variety of reasons, including cost, taste, ingredient formulation, and overall value, consumers often look for a different option. The market for greens and superfood supplements has expanded significantly, offering powders, capsules, and gummies that provide different benefits. This article explores and compares the best alternatives to 8Greens, helping you find a supplement that fits your health and wellness needs.
Athletic Greens (AG1): The Comprehensive Powerhouse
Often considered the gold standard in the super greens space, Athletic Greens (AG1) is a nutrient-dense powder that provides a vast array of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and probiotics.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive formula with over 75 ingredients.
- Excellent probiotic blend (10 billion CFUs in Next Gen formula) and digestive enzymes.
- NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring high safety and quality standards.
- Flavors include Tropical and Original (with pineapple and vanilla notes).
- Cons:
- Very expensive compared to 8Greens, with a cost of over $3.00 per serving.
- Uses proprietary blends, so the exact amount of each ingredient isn't disclosed.
- Includes synthetic vitamins and is sweetened with stevia, which some dislike.
Live it Up Super Greens: The Organic, Transparent Choice
For those prioritizing organic ingredients and ingredient transparency, Live it Up (formerly Enso Supergreens) is an excellent alternative.
- Pros:
- Mostly USDA-certified organic ingredients, avoiding synthetic additives.
- Transparent nutrition panel, detailing the amount of each ingredient.
- Contains 5 billion CFUs of probiotics and three digestive enzymes for gut health.
- Naturally sweetened with monk fruit, offering a minty or wild berry flavor without stevia.
- More budget-friendly than AG1, priced around $1.33 per serving with subscription.
- Cons:
- Some users find the texture slightly grainy.
- Can only be purchased from their website.
Bloom Greens & Superfoods: The Flavor-Forward, Affordable Pick
Popularized on social media, Bloom offers a wide variety of flavors and a lower price point, making it attractive to those who struggle with the earthy taste of other greens powders.
- Pros:
- Wide range of appealing flavors (e.g., Strawberry Kiwi, Mango).
- More affordable, with servings around $1.33.
- Contains digestive enzymes and adaptogens.
- Cons:
- Not fully organic, and the nutritional profile is less transparent with unknown CFU counts for probiotics.
- Uses stevia, which can have an overly sweet or artificial aftertaste for some.
- Can have a clumpy texture if not mixed well.
Amazing Grass Greens Blend: The Affordable Organic Starter
Amazing Grass has been a market staple for years and offers a certified organic formula at a very accessible price.
- Pros:
- Certified organic by CCOF.
- Highly affordable, priced at less than $1 per serving.
- Available in several flavors, including Original, Berry, and Chocolate.
- Cons:
- Contains only 1 billion CFUs of probiotics and no digestive enzymes, providing minimal gut support.
- Some find the texture gritty.
Huel Daily Greens: High Ingredient Count and Plant-Based Protein
Huel Daily Greens is known for its extensive list of 91 ingredients and an approach focused on “total nutrition”.
- Pros:
- High number of ingredients, including a mushroom blend and adaptogens.
- Offers a small amount of plant-based protein.
- Mostly organic ingredients and third-party tested.
- Cons:
- Proprietary blends mean ingredient amounts are unknown, potentially underdosed.
- Contains stevia and some additives.
- Probiotic content is underdosed compared to competitors.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Key Ingredients | Sweetener | Cost per Serving | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Greens (AG1) | Athletes & those wanting a comprehensive, high-end blend | 75+ ingredients, adaptogens, 10B+ CFUs probiotics | Stevia | ~$3.30+ | Most comprehensive but expensive; proprietary blend may underdose ingredients. |
| Live it Up Super Greens | Organic and transparent ingredient seekers | 20+ organic superfoods, 5B CFUs probiotics, 3 digestive enzymes | Monk fruit | ~$1.33+ | Balanced formula, transparent, organic, and no stevia. |
| Bloom Greens & Superfoods | Taste-focused, budget-conscious consumers | 30+ ingredients, fruits/veggies, adaptogens | Stevia | ~$1.33 | Wide flavor variety but less nutritional transparency and uses stevia. |
| Amazing Grass Greens Blend | Affordable, organic entry-level option | Wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella | Stevia, natural flavors | <$1.00 | Budget-friendly organic option, but weak on probiotic and digestive support. |
| Huel Daily Greens | Users wanting a wide variety of ingredients | 91 ingredients, mushroom complex, adaptogens | Stevia | ~$1.88+ | High ingredient count, but proprietary blends and weak probiotic dose. |
| Grüns Superfoods Gummies | Those who prefer gummies over drinks | 60 different superfoods, adaptogens, vitamins/minerals | Sugar alcohols | ~$2+ (8 gummies) | Chewable, vegan alternative for those who dislike powders; more expensive than 8Greens gummies. |
How to Choose the Best Alternative for You
When selecting a greens supplement to replace 8Greens, consider the following factors:
- Your primary goal: Are you looking for better gut health, a higher nutrient count, or simply a convenient way to supplement your diet? Some products, like Live it Up, focus heavily on digestion, while AG1 offers a broader, more athletic-focused blend.
- Ingredient quality and transparency: If you prefer organic, transparent, whole-food ingredients, options like Live it Up or Amazing Grass might be better than proprietary blends found in AG1 or Huel.
- Taste and sweeteners: If you dislike the taste of stevia or earthy greens, consider options sweetened with monk fruit (Live it Up) or brands with a range of flavors (Bloom).
- Price: Supplements vary significantly in cost per serving. Budget-friendly options like Amazing Grass or Bloom can be great entry points, while AG1 represents a premium investment.
- Format: While 8Greens comes in a unique tablet, alternatives come in powder, capsule, or gummy forms. Chewables like Grüns offer a different experience for those who prefer not to mix drinks.
Conclusion
Moving beyond 8Greens opens up a wide world of super greens supplements, each with its own strengths. For an all-in-one, comprehensive formula, AG1 stands out, though at a significant cost. If organic ingredients and transparency are your top priorities without the stevia aftertaste, Live it Up Super Greens is a strong contender. Budget-conscious consumers or those prioritizing flavor variety will find Bloom Greens or Amazing Grass to be accessible options. By evaluating your specific needs against the details provided, you can make an informed choice and find the best alternative to boost your daily nutrition. Remember, consistency is key, so choose a supplement you enjoy and can stick with for the long term.
For more information on the efficacy of greens powders and supplement choices, consult authoritative resources like academic nutrition journals or reputable health review sites such as WIRED.
Final Recommendations
- For the budget-conscious: Amazing Grass Greens Blend offers an affordable, organic starting point.
- For those who dislike stevia: Live it Up Super Greens provides a monk fruit-sweetened, minty flavor.
- For the flavor chaser: Bloom Greens & Superfoods has a wide range of flavor options.
- For maximum transparency: Live it Up Super Greens details its specific ingredient quantities.
- For a comprehensive formula: Athletic Greens (AG1) is packed with a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
What to Consider Before You Buy
- Check the serving size and cost: Some budget options require larger serving sizes or have smaller containers, affecting the true cost per serving.
- Examine the sweetener: Stevia is common but may not be for everyone. If you have a sensitive palate, check for stevia-free alternatives.
- Assess digestive support: If you need support for gut health, look for products that clearly list the quantity (CFUs) and strains of probiotics, and include digestive enzymes.
- Read reviews on texture: Some powders are notorious for being gritty or clumpy, so reading reviews can help manage expectations.
Alternative Superfood Formats
Beyond powders, consider other formats if you want a change from 8Greens' tablets:
- Gummies: Brands like Grüns and Goli offer chewable options, which may be more appealing for some.
- Capsules: Some companies offer greens in capsule form for a tasteless, easy-to-take option.
- DIY Greens Powder: For ultimate control and cost-effectiveness, you can make your own powder from dehydrated fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the 'best' 8Greens alternative depends on your individual priorities—be it cost, taste, ingredient quality, or formula comprehensiveness. By exploring the detailed information on leading products like Athletic Greens, Live it Up, and Bloom, you can make an informed decision that best supports your personal health journey. For deeper dives into product ingredients and formulations, referencing reliable health review sites is always a good practice. WIRED and Top Nutrition Coaching provide great resources for comparison.
A Final Word on Greens Powders
While greens powders are an excellent supplement, they are not a replacement for a balanced, whole-food-rich diet. For optimal health, aim to incorporate a variety of fresh, leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables into your meals alongside any supplement routine.
A Final Reminder
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. This ensures that your chosen greens supplement is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
