If you are a health-conscious parent, you might worry about whether or not your child is eating enough vegetables. If this is the case, you might have considered trying to give the best greens powders for kids, especially if you take them yourself.
However, kids are more sensitive than adults, so the big question is, can my child even HAVE super greens?
There are many benefits to taking greens powders for kids over the traditional multivitamins, and if you give a child a child-friendly version of a super green powder, it can be a great way to give your child the essential greens they are missing.
Unfortunately, most greens powder is unsuitable for kids due to their strength and the RDA for vitamins being higher than those recommended for kids.
If you are considering giving your child super greens, choose a kid-friendly version.
Greens Powders And Their Benefits
Greens powders are a dietary supplement most often mixed in with water that contains vegetables in liquid form to help you intake the proper vitamins and minerals you need each day.
Most greens powders include:
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Parsley, etc.)
- Seaweed (Spirulina, Kelp, etc.)
- Vegetables (Broccoli, beets, carrots, cabbage, etc)
- Grasses (Barley, wheatgrass, etc)
- High-Antioxidant Fruit (Blueberries, raspberries, acai berries, etc.)
- Nutritional Extracts (Green tea, grape seed, etc.)
- Probiotics (lactobacillus rhamnosus, etc.)
- Plant-based Digestive Enzymes (amylase, cellulase, etc.)
- Herbs (Basic, milk thistle, etc.)
- Mushroom (maitake, shiitake)
- Natural Sugar (stevia, monk fruit)
- Fiber (rice, inulin, etc.)
With all that packed into one powder, greens powders can be an extremely efficient way to get nutritional value from vegetables and other ingredients you might be lacking in your diet.
The benefits of greens powders include, but are not limited to:
- Better and more robust immune functions
- Better energy levels
- Faster workout recovery
- Improved Digestion
- Better Mood
- Stress Reduction
Difference Between Greens Powders For Adults & Kids
The majority of the greens powders you see on the market are not suitable for children and are instead recommended for those who are over the age of 18.
This is not all powders, though, there are some powders you can find that were made for kids to consume and formulated with their specific needs in mind.
So what is the main difference between the greens powder made for kids versus those made for adults?
The biggest difference between greens powders for kids and adults is the strength and amount of vitamins included.
Most adult greens powders contain amounts of some vitamins that are over the daily recommended intake for children.
Another difference is the ingredients included.
Children should stay away from greens powders containing ingredients such as green tea extract and ginseng because of their energy boosting properties.
It is also a good idea for kids to stay away from any ingredients that might alter their hormones, such as maca root.
When buying greens powders for both kids and adults, it is best to get one with a clearly labeled ingredient list, and stay away from those that list “proprietary blend” as you need to know exactly what you are taking.
Best Greens Powders For Kids
There are less choices for kids than for adults, so if you want your kids to take advantage of powdered greens, then these are some good options to consider.
1.Amazing Grass Kidz
The Amazing Grass Green company started as a family farm in Kansas, growing nutrient-dense greens with their perfected process.
They make both adult and kids supplements that provide natural energy, improves gut health, contains antioxidants, and is a good source of fiber.
It also features Vitamins C and K to boost immunity.
Their children’s line is called Amazing Grass Kidz and they provide both a “Kidz Superfood” product and a kids “Protein and Probiotic” product.
This is a very popular choice due to the easy availability and well-known brand name.
Pros
- Easy to find in stores and online
- Comes in multiple flavors
- Affordable and even offers a subscribe and save option
Cons
- Lack of evidence-based information on the Amazing Grass Green company website
- Lists proprietary blends, which makes it hard to know exactly what is included in each supplement
- No proof of 3rd party testing
Kidz Superfood
This great greens supplement is made from farm-fresh greens and over 30 wholesome fruits and veggies that help give kids the nutrition they need.
This product creates a smoothie in two kid-friendly flavors: Outrageous Chocolate and Berry Blast.
This product is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and plant-based.
Price: $26.99 for 30 servings (less if you subscribe to routine deliveries)
At this price, it is a great supergreen for those on a budget!
Protein & Probiotic
Crafted with a “rainbow of organic greens, fruits, and vegetables, this contains 1 billion CFY probiotics in just one scoop.
This product comes in two kid-friendly flavors: Extreme Chocolate and Strawberry Blast.
This product is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and plant-based.
Price: $29.99 for 15 servings (less if you subscribe to routine deliveries)
2.Feel Great 365 Kids
Next, from Feel Great Vitamin Co. there is the USDA Organic Kids Superfood Chocolate Greens.
This powder has probiotics and digestive enzymes, and it is also known to be a delicious choice for kids.
The flavor they offer is chocolate, and the reviews from actual customers are that their kids actually LIKE the taste!
Some ingredients that they promote on their website include:
- Acia
- Green Tea
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Milk Thistle
- Blackberries
Less popular and available than Amazing Grass Kidz, this supplement can still be found in some stores, making it easier to access than if solely sold online.
Some of the powders from Feel Great Vitamin Co. are even Keto-Friendly greens.
Price: $41.97 for 60 servings (less if you subscribe to routine deliveries)
Pros
- Free shipping and a money-back guarantee make it a good choice to try
- Organic Ingredients
- Has been 3rd Party Tested
Cons
- Lists proprietary blends, which makes it hard to know exactly what is included in each supplement
- Contains Green Tea, which can be an ingredient you might want to avoid with kids
3.Sprigs Kids Daily Super Greens
Sprigs Life makes a great Kids Daily Super Greens supplement for your little ones to enjoy.
Packed with 48 different superfoods, this is a great nutritional option for your kids.
Some superfood ingredients include, but are by no means limited to:
- Broccoli
- Acai
- Maca
- Baobab
- Elderberry
- Nettles
- Goji
In addition to all the included superfoods, they packed this supplement with enzymes, probiotics, fiber, trace minerals, and tons of phytonutrients to support full-body health.
Kids Daily Super Greens comes in a chocolate flavor that kids are sure to enjoy.
Directions for use include:
- For Children Ages 1 to 3: Half of a scoop in 4oz of cold water and stirred until mixed
- For Children Age 4 or Older: One full scoop in 8 oz of cold water and stirred until mixed
The product is also Non-GMO, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan.
Price: $39.99 for 9.5 oz (15% off if you subscribe)
Pros
- Easy to read and highly informative ingredient list
- No green tea extract
- All natural ingredients
Cons
- More expensive than other choices
- Has been claimed not to mix very well and requires constant stirring
4.Garden of Life Kids Multivitamin Powder
Last, but not least, from Garden of Life you can find the Kids Organic Multivitamin Powder.
This powder contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals and lists a handful of great benefits for your kids.
These benefits include:
- Healthy Growth
- Healthy Bone Development
- Made with Certified Organic Real Food
- Certified USDA Organic
- Non-GMO
- NSF Certified Gluten Free
Garden of Life has many adult products and now they have created a supplement for kids as well.
Price: $19.99 for 2.11 oz or 30 servings
Pros
- Certifications verifying their claims
- Certifications verifying their claims
- Price is inexpensive compared to other options
- Only choice that lists Healthy Bone Development as a benefit
Cons
- Taste
- Has been claimed not to mix very well and require constant stirring
- Less Superfoods, vitamins, and minerals in comparison to other choices
Greens Powders vs Multivitamins
Multivitamins are generally accepted and used by most consumers, however, greens powders are starting to take over in popularity.
The main difference between the two is what they do for you.
Multivitamins give you the vitamins and minerals you could be lacking in your diet, while greens powders contain all that and added vegetables and other minerals that could help you with even more health benefits.
Another difference is the delivery system.
Multivitamins are sold in tablets or capsules, while greens powders are dehydrated into a powder mixed with water or other liquids.
Most people are now realizing the added benefits that come with greens powders and are making the switch from multivitamins.
Are Greens For Kids Safe?
It is no secret that kids need greens for a healthy diet and good development.
It is also no secret that kids do not like to eat their vegetables as they should.
That’s why parents are looking for alternatives.
Benefits of Greens
Green vegetables are high in calcium, fiber, folate, magnesium, and potassium, essential for your kids and their growing bodies.
You can also find green vegetables packed with vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
These combinations of vitamins and minerals mean that green veggies are helpful for your kids:
- Digestion
- Bone Growth
- Strength
- Body Health
- Immune System
- Blood Circulation
- Cholesterol
- Energy Levels
These benefits are highly important no matter what age you are, but are even more important for kids.
Because kids are growing fast and exposed to many germs and other things throughout their daily lives, these benefits are extremely important for kids to get daily.
That’s why it is best to get your kids in the habit of eating their vegetables as early as possible!
Safety Concerns of Greens Powders
While there are many benefits to greens powders, there are also some concerns to consider in terms of safety for both adults and children.
Some safety concerns of greens powders include:
Interactions with Medication
Some of the ingredients in green powders have been known to interact badly with certain medications.
While this is a more common issue for adults, you will also want to look out for your kids.
Antibiotics are the main medication to look out for kids who are taking greens powders.
You should be careful with cholesterol medications, weight loss drugs, and blood thinners for adults.
Contaminants
Lab tests have shown that some greens powders can contain lead or heavy metals.
This can be a concern in high amounts, especially for children.
Some side effects may include lower energy levels or even organ damage.
Allergies
Another concern is potential allergies.
Some ingredients are highly susceptible to allergies, like wheatgrass and other grasses or other herbs.
If your child is reacting or getting headaches or nausea, you will want to stop them from taking the greens powder and speak with a doctor.
Other Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Irritation
- Reactions when combining supplements
- Drinking with mild or smoothies causes high calorie intake
- Unlisted ingredients that are not good for your health
Benefits with Powdered Greens For Kids
Powdered greens are a great choice for kids, and in addition to getting your kids all the vegetables they need without having to fight them to include them in their diet, there are many other benefits.
These benefits include:
- Improves digestion
- Makes a child feel full between meals, so they reduce snacking
- Supports Immunity
Issues With Powdered Greens For Kids
One of the biggest issues with powdered greens for kids is similar to the biggest issue with powdered greens for adults: a comprehensive list of ingredients.
It can be hard to know if you are getting too much of an ingredient throughout your day without knowing exactly what is in your greens powders.
Another issue you will likely run into with greens powders is taste.
While adults know that they might not be expecting the best taste and just need to power through for the benefits, kids do not.
Just like getting them to eat their vegetables, getting your kids to take greens powders can be challenging if they don’t like the flavor.
You can always work on hiding this in other recipes if you cannot find a way to convince your child to eat it as intended
Verdict
The verdict?
Greens powders can be great for kids and adults alike.
They are extremely beneficial when it comes to closing potential nutrient gaps in your diet, in addition to offering a large number of health benefits.
To know if you are truly getting the best choice for your child, you will need to look at the ingredient list.
The more comprehensive the list is, the better suited it is for you to manage your child’s health and nutrition.
One thing to note is that greens powders should not be a 100% substitute for a healthy diet.
You should still encourage your kids to eat fruits and vegetables at meal times.
You also want to ensure you do not give your kids tons of unhealthy snacks, believing that the greens powder offsets it.
Starting your kid on a journey to healthy eating young is key to them living a long and healthy lifestyle when they are older.
Also, if you give your kids multivitamins or other supplements in addition to greens powders, you will want to be cognizant of how much each nutrient they are getting per day.
Some vitamins and minerals have a suggested daily intake, and your child could be susceptible to side effects if they take too much.
When in doubt, always check with your child’s healthcare provider before starting them on a new regimen or switching things up.
LifeHacker Guy Greens Recommendation
Some Call This An "Extreme" Step...
Most super greens supplements are disappointing.
I learned this the hard way. After creating this blog in 2018, I spent months buying and testing all the most popular brands.
I wasn’t happy with the results so I did something you might call "extreme"....
In 2019 I created my own brand that ticks every single box of what I look for in a super greens product:
- No hidden ingredient amounts - we have full disclosure labelling, so you know EXACTLY whats inside
- Ingredient amounts that make a difference - we include the minimum effective amounts supported by research, and most of the time, MORE
- Ingredients that help immunity, boost mental clarity and shake off brain fog - making for a much more productive and happy lifestyle
No more worrying about ineffective ingredients or too low dosages. I finally have a product I KNOW does the job it’s made to do.
I use it every day and, after years of battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), I now have my energy (and my life!) back.
The good news? I made my brand available to the public so you can see and feel the difference for yourself.