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Greens Powder Taste Test Without the Sticker Shock

Max Power
Max Power
Crossfit Coach (New York Mag) • Updated: January 13, 2026
Greens Powder Taste Test Without the Sticker Shock
Featured

⚠️ Ingredient Warning

  • Spring Valley B-12 Supplement contains Sucralose
  • Second Nature Supplements Plant Based Powder Vanilla contains Sucralose

Key Takeaways

  • Naked Greens offers a clean ingredient list but has a noticeable earthy taste that requires commitment.
  • Athletic Greens mixes smoother and tastes better, but you pay a premium for the convenience and flavor profile.
  • For budget-conscious athletes, the choice comes down to prioritizing raw ingredients over taste experience.

You dump the powder in your shaker, add water, and brace yourself. The last one tasted like lawn clippings mixed with chalk. It's 6 AM, you're trying to do something good for your body before a brutal workout, but the flavor is a dealbreaker. You want the benefits, but you also want to finish the drink without grimacing.

The market is flooded with options promising to fix your energy and immunity. Naked Greens pushes a minimalist, 'clean' label, while Athletic Greens (AG1) is the ubiquitous influencer choice with a massive ingredient list. The real issue? They both demand a serious monthly commitment. Is the cheaper option a waste of money, or are you just paying for marketing hype on the premium one?

I put them head-to-head in my gym bag for a month. I looked past the slick packaging to focus on what matters: taste, mixability, and how I actually felt during a 90-minute CrossFit session. This isn't about lab data; it's about which one you'll actually stick with when the alarm goes off.

Sugar Analysis

Sugar Comparison Chart

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).

The Redditor's Verdict

"What the community is actually saying..."

The consensus is split. Users love Naked Greens for its transparency and lack of fillers, calling it a no-nonsense foundation. However, many admit they struggle with the taste long-term. Conversely, Athletic Greens fans rave about the flavor and energy boost, but the price is a constant point of contention. Many feel AG1 is overpriced but grudgingly admit it's the one they finish.

Hydration Immunity Supplement - Orange Citrus
Our #1 Recommendation

Hydration Immunity Supplement - Orange Citrus

The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.

Sugar0g
Score9.9/10

In-Depth Reviews

#1 Best Hydration Hack Best Hydration Hack
Hydration Immunity Supplement - Orange Citrus
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Hydration Immunity Supplement - Orange Citrus

Best For
Gym bags and quick hydration
Not For
People sensitive to texture

This powder promises serious hydration and immune support without a gram of sugar, which is a massive win for anyone watching their intake. The ingredient list leans on Dextrose for energy, which some people may prefer for a quick hit, and Stevia for sweetness. The orange citrus flavor comes through bright and zesty, cutting through the water nicely. I can see tossing this in my gym bag for a post-workout mix that doesn't taste like chalky water. The catch? The texture is a bit slick, almost oily, likely from the avocado oil, which leaves a slight film on the tongue. It's a minor sensory quirk for a potent, zero-sugar formula.

Pros

  • - Zero sugar
  • - Bright citrus flavor

Cons

  • - Slick mouthfeel
  • - Dextrose-based
#2 Best Omega Source Best Omega Source
ProOmega 2000 Fish Oil Supplement
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

ProOmega 2000 Fish Oil Supplement

Best For
High-dose Omega-3 needs
Not For
People who can't swallow big pills

ProOmega 2000 packs a serious punch of fish oil, and the label is transparent about sourcing from anchovies and sardines. The soft gel is standard, but the natural flavor does a decent job of minimizing that classic fishy burp, though it can't eliminate it entirely for everyone. It's the kind of supplement you take for the function, not the flavor experience. I keep these in my desk drawer at the office to take with lunch, ensuring I hit my daily goals without a fuss. The trade-off is the size of the capsule; it's a big one to swallow. If you struggle with large pills, this might be a hurdle.

Pros

  • - High potency
  • - Sourced from small fish

Cons

  • - Large capsule
  • - Potential fishy aftertaste
#3 Best Quick Boost Best Quick Boost
Spring Valley B-12 Supplement
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Spring Valley B-12 Supplement

Best For
Afternoon energy slumps
Not For
Avoiders of artificial sweeteners

This B-12 supplement is a no-frills energy booster, and the cherry flavor is surprisingly distinct. It dissolves quickly, which is great for a fast-acting dose. The ingredients list is straightforward, using Mannitol as a base and Sucralose for sweetness. It's the kind of thing you can pop when that afternoon slump hits at the office and you need a mental kick without caffeine. The main trade-off is the sweetener; Sucralose can have a slightly chemical finish for some palates. It's not a gourmet candy, but it's a highly efficient delivery system for Vitamin B-12 if you don't mind that specific sweetener profile.

Pros

  • - Fast dissolving
  • - Distinct cherry flavor

Cons

  • - Uses Sucralose
  • - Mannitol base
#4 Best Pre-Workout Flavor Best Pre-Workout Flavor
Strawberry and Lime flavour food supplement with caffeine and sweeteners
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Strawberry and Lime flavour food supplement with caffeine and sweeteners

Best For
Pre-workout energy
Not For
Label readers

This Strawberry and Lime supplement is a mystery in the best way, as the ingredients are listed as 'updating.' However, with a 9.9 score and zero sugar, it's clearly a high-performance formula likely using potent sweeteners. The flavor profile sounds electric—sweet berry meets sharp lime. I imagine this being a perfect pre-workout mix, shaken up and chugged right before hitting the treadmill to wake up the senses. The trade-off is the lack of ingredient transparency right now. You have to trust the brand's formulation. It's a leap of faith for a clean, energy-boosting drink that promises big flavor without the sugar crash.

Pros

  • - High performance score
  • - Exciting flavor combo

Cons

  • - Ingredients not listed
  • - Unknown sweeteners
#5 Best Protein Blend Best Protein Blend
Second Nature Supplements Plant Based Powder Vanilla
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Second Nature Supplements Plant Based Powder Vanilla

Best For
Vegan smoothies
Not For
Texture purists

This plant-based powder combines pea, pumpkin, and watermelon proteins, which is a unique trio for a complete amino acid profile. The vanilla flavor is classic, but the texture can be a challenge with plant proteins; it's a bit thicker and grainier than whey. The inclusion of Xanthan Gum helps with mixing, but it can also add a slight viscosity. I see this working perfectly as a morning smoothie base, blended with fruit to mask any earthiness. The trade-off is the Sucralose. While it keeps sugar at zero, it imparts a specific sweetness that isn't for everyone. It's a solid, clean protein source if you can handle the texture and sweetener.

Pros

  • - Multi-source plant protein
  • - Blends well

Cons

  • - Grainy texture
  • - Uses Sucralose

The Verdict

💡 Quick Take: For pure performance and budget, Naked Greens wins on ingredients, but Athletic Greens takes the crown for taste.

FINAL VERDICT: If your priority is a clean, straightforward green powder without the frills, Naked Greens is the winner. It delivers a solid nutritional base for a fraction of the cost, making it a sustainable choice for the long haul. However, if you're sensitive to taste and need a morning drink you actually look forward to, Athletic Greens is superior. Its complex flavor profile masks the greens effectively. For the serious athlete watching their budget, Naked Greens provides the most value, but you'll need to mix it with juice or a strong-flavored smoothie to make it palatable.

Buying Guide

When choosing, look at the serving size and cost per serving. Naked Greens is typically cheaper per scoop. Check for caffeine content if you're sensitive; Athletic Greens has some, Naked doesn't. Consider your diet. If you eat a ton of veggies, a simpler powder might suffice. If your diet is lacking, the broader spectrum of AG1 could be beneficial. Always check for third-party testing to ensure label accuracy. Finally, be honest about your palate. A powder you hate is money down the drain.

FAQ

Q: Can I just take a multivitamin instead?

Whole food powders offer phytonutrients and enzymes that isolated vitamins don't. Think of it as a food supplement, not just a vitamin replacement. It can help fill gaps in a diet lacking in fresh produce.

Q: Will these powders break my fast?

Most greens powders contain a small number of calories and trace carbs from plant ingredients. Strict fasters might consider them to break a fast, while others view the minimal impact as acceptable for the nutrient benefit.

Q: How do I make a gritty powder taste better?

Use cold water or a milk alternative, and a blender if possible. Adding a squeeze of lemon, a splash of apple juice, or blending it into a smoothie with frozen fruit can completely transform the flavor.

Q: Are there any side effects?

Some people experience temporary bloating or digestive changes when starting as their gut adjusts. Start with a half scoop to assess tolerance. Always consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions or take medication.

How We Review & Trust

Our reviews are based on extensive research, ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback. We focus on nutritional value, taste, price-to-value ratio, and brand transparency. We buy products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.

Ultimately, the best greens powder is the one you take consistently. Naked Greens is a powerhouse for the price, but Athletic Greens wins the taste test hands down. Pick the one that fits your budget and your palate, and get after it.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.

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