Pregnancy can be a beautiful and transformative journey, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. With the challenges of morning sickness, food aversions, and fatigue, meeting your nutrition needs for both you and your baby can feel like a chore. The best greens powders can help provide a little boost when you need it – I personally leveraged greens supplements during my recent pregnancy for my prenatal needs as a registered dietitian and first-time mom.
To help you choose the best greens powders for pregnancy, our team of experts and registered dietitians carefully evaluated various products based on their nutritional content, ingredient quality, safety, mixability, taste, digestive support, value, and third-party testing. Check out our list of curated picks in this review.
The 6 Best Greens Powders for Pregnancy of 2024
- Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy Overall: Nested Naturals Super Greens
- Best Prebiotic Greens for Pregnancy: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
- Best Budget Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Jacked Factory Green Surge
- Best Natural Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Live It Up Super Greens
- Best Tasting Greens Powder for Pregnancy: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
- Best Vegan Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Naked Nutrition Naked Greens
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Greens Powders for Pregnancy
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best greens powders for pregnancy, we’ve tested 53 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.
- Nutritional Content: Our registered dietitians evaluated the nutrient density, macronutrients, and micronutrients of various greens powders to ensure they support optimal wellness for parent and baby. Many picks on our list include vitamins and minerals to nourish birthing parent and baby, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent cramping. (1)(2)
- Quality Ingredients: Only greens powders with high-quality and primarily natural ingredients made our list – free from harmful additives, artificial preservatives, and low-grade fillers. We also included an organic option for parents who prefer products prepared without pesticides.
- Safety: Safety is a must during pregnancy, so our registered dietitians carefully reviewed the effectiveness of each greens powder and evaluated any potential side effects or safety concerns. We read through the supplement facts and each ingredient on the label.
- Mixability: Many greens powders can leave clumps or residue that may be off-putting, especially if you have heightened sensitivity to textures and aversions during pregnancy. So, we tested each greens powder in various liquids to make sure it mixed well without the hassle of stirring or putting it in an electric blender.
- Taste: When you have food aversions during pregnancy, we know an earthy and grassy taste from ingredients like wheatgrass might not be your favorite. We’ve included greens powders in several flavors that mask the taste and even included our vote for the best-tasting greens powder.
- Digestive Support: Digestive discomfort is expected in pregnancy, from morning sickness to constipation and diarrhea (especially during the first and third trimesters). In case this is an issue for you, we’ve chosen greens powders that contain ingredients that support digestion, like probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes.
- Value: We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the greens powders on this list by balancing cost per scoop against the quality and quantity of the ingredients included. The picks on our list range from $0.60 to $2.33 per serving, including budget picks and those that offer premium nutritional benefits.
- Third-Party Testing: Unlike food and pharmaceuticals, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements, meaning manufacturers and consumers are responsible for evaluating a product’s safety and efficacy. We’ve included many picks that are third-party tested by reputable organizations to help ensure that greens powders are free from contaminants and heavy metals – and to ensure the ingredients are what the manufacturers state.
Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy Overall: Nested Naturals Super Greens
Nested Naturals Super Greens blends micronutrients with digestion-focused ingredients, including probiotics and digestive enzymes. You can get this product in a handful of flavors with different objectives, including immunity or energy.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.60 to $1.00
- Servings Per Container: 30 servings
- Sweeteners Used: Monk Fruit Extract (Luo Han Guo)
- Nutrition Per Scoop: One 8-gram scoop provides 30 calories, 5 grams of carbs (2 grams of fiber), 2 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat
- Available Flavors: Original (Unsweetened), Chocolate
- Third-Party Testing: USDA Organic, Independently Lab Tested
Hailing from Canada, Nested Naturals believes nutritional supplements should be like mother’s milk – no fluff, all-natural ingredients. Nested Naturals Super Greens harnesses the power of 20 whole foods to provide a delicious way to meet your nutrition needs and support your digestive health during pregnancy. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, naturally non-GMO, organic, and third-party tested for heavy metals, assuring its quality, safety, and efficacy. Overall, Nested Naturals Super Greens gets our vote for the best greens powder for pregnancy.
As registered dietitian nutritionists, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., and I both rated Nested Naturals Super Greens powder 3.75 out of 5 for its formulation, with deductions from its proprietary blends and low CFUs. I also love that it contains nutrients to meet micronutrient needs during pregnancy.
To highlight a couple of these essential nutrients, it contains 11 percent of the daily value (DV) for iron, which is vital for supplying oxygen and blood to the baby, 42 percent of the DV for vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and supports the birthing parent’s immune system, and 32 percent of B12 for increased energy levels for the birthday parent. (3)(4)(5) Note that pregnant women will likely still need a prenatal multivitamin to help meet the total needs for folate and DHA, but this is a pretty good start.
Digestive issues are also during pregnancy, mainly since the body produces more progesterone during pregnancy – which can slow down your digestive system. (6) Super Greens contains 2 grams of fiber, 1.67 billion CFUs, and digestive enzymes. These ingredients are helpful for birthing parents since probiotics help establish a healthier gut and digestive enzymes may support better digestion. (7)(8)
However, the probiotics content could be higher, and we wish Nested Naturals would disclose what goes into their proprietary blends. Bourgeois states, “Nested Naturals Super Greens contains multiple proprietary blends. So, while they may offer many purported health benefits, you can’t be sure exactly how much of each ingredient you consume. It doesn’t provide as many CFUs as other probiotic-containing greens powders.”
Our tester rated the solubility a 4 out of 5 due to some natural grittiness when mixing, but it’s nothing too crazy for a greens powder. They state, “I’ve yet to find a greens powder that doesn’t settle at the bottom of my shaker, and this Nested Naturals sample was no different. You do get some residue at the bottom of your cup and along the sides.” Pro Tip: Add more water than the label calls for – or add it to juice or a smoothie for better solubility.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality greens powder that helps meet part of your nutrition needs during pregnancy, offers digestive support, mixes decently well, and offers all-natural ingredients, try Nested Naturals. You can also opt for a refill pack of two on Amazon for the best value for your money.
Read our full Nested Naturals Super Greens Review.
Best Prebiotic Greens for Pregnancy: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
A simple but effectively-dosed supplement that emphasizes sea greens and prebiotic fiber, and contains other ingredients in full doses backed by science. Use the code BARBEND10 for 10% off!
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.38 to $1.53
- Servings Per Container: 30 servings
- Sweeteners Used: Stevia Extract
- Nutrition Per Scoop: One 16-gram scoop provides 44 calories, 7 grams of carbs (6 grams of fiber), 4 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat
- Available Flavors: Original (Unsweetened), Peach Mango, Pineapple Coconut
- Third-Party Testing: Informed Choice
Many people have heard of probiotics in greens powders for pregnancy – but did you know that prebiotics are also helpful for mamas? Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that may promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which may support better digestion and absorption of essential nutrients and maintain regular bowel movements during pregnancy. (9) They’re essentially food for your “good” bacteria. We think Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens are the best prebiotic greens for pregnant women since it contains 6 grams of this slow-fermenting prebiotic fiber from organic acacia fiber, organic green banana flour, and organic Jerusalem artichoke fiber.
In addition to the prebiotic fiber, this pick contains algae greens – 3 grams of spirulina and 3 grams of chlorella. These nutrient-dense ingredients deliver this product’s vitamins, minerals, and protein content. (10)(11) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. agrees and states, “I’m a huge fan of the nutrition facts for Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens. Unlike other greens powders, you get more than just a serving of veggies with Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens. It contains nutrients, protein, fiber, and many health-promoting vegetables.”
Plus, it’s free from artificial ingredients, which many pregnant women choose to avoid, and is non-GMO and suitable for a gluten-free diet. Our testing team rated this formulation a solid 4.5 out of 5, with minor deductions for not having more micronutrients to help meet pregnant women’s unique needs.
Greens powders usually aren’t known for their excellent texture, but our team gave this product a rare 5 out of 5 for solubility and texture. Our tester, who is a certified personal trainer, states, “I really enjoyed the texture and mouthfeel of this greens powder. It’s surprisingly smooth, and there were no clumps left over after mixing a shake.”
And while there’s a grassy flavor (as is usually the case with most greens!) and some bitterness from being sweetened with stevia, the Peach Mango and Pineapple Coconut varieties mask the earthiness better than the Original (Unsweetened). Our team rated this product’s taste a 4 out of 5 stars. “Admittedly, I was a little frightened by the rich green color of the mixture, but overall, I’m pleased with the taste. I like how the Peach Mango flavoring sort of masks this earthy base. I recommend mixing this in a bit of orange juice for an even more enjoyable flavor profile,” our tester adds.
Best Budget Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Jacked Factory Green Surge
This greens supplement costs only about $0.83 per serving, making it one of the most cost-friendly greens powders on the market. However, it's also loaded with digestive enzymes, probiotics, and essential nutrients.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.60 to $0.83
- Servings Per Container: 30 servings
- Sweeteners Used: Stevia Extract, Sucralose
- Nutrition Per Scoop: Not Disclosed
- Available Flavors: Mixed Berry, Sour Apple, Unflavored
- Third-Party Testing: No
We know having a baby isn’t cheap – according to research, the average woman spends about $18,865 on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. (12) So, we get it if you’re trying to save some money on your needs, including choosing a greens powder that fits your budget. For $0.60 per serving, we think Jacked Factory Green Surge is an excellent budget pick to meet pregnant women’s needs.
Don’t let the cheap cost fool you – this pick is delicious and mixes well. Our tester, who is a certified personal trainer, gave this pick a score of 4.5 out of 5 for taste and states, “I had the Mixed Berry variety and found it to be delicious. Yes, that grassy base flavor is still hard to eliminate in greens powder, but the berry notes make this supplement a little more palatable.”
The solubility was also a 4.5 out of 5 compared to other greens powders. “Mixing was a simple process, and I had no issues with clumps or off-putting textures,” our tester adds. If you encounter any issues with leaving residue behind, we recommend adding more than what the label calls for.
As for the formulation, we rated this product a 3.5 out of 5 for its stacked ingredient list that supports gut and immune health. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “I love that Jacked Factory Greens Surge includes a probiotic and inulin blend – talk about a way to promote strong immune function and gut health. I also love that Jacked Factory breaks down the ingredients list with the exact amounts included in every serving.”
However, as registered dietitians, Bourgeois and I both want to caveat that Jacked Factory markets the product as containing green “superfoods” – and while this sounds fancy, the word “superfood” is just another marketing buzzword and doesn’t describe the nutritional value of a product. While there are certainly many benefits of greens powders including those offered by this product, be careful of marketing claims that aren’t regulated by the FDA.
However, we deducted some marks for its proprietary probiotic blend, lack of third-party testing, lack of disclosure of macros per scoop, and the inclusion of sucralose, an artificial sweetener. Based on some customer reviews on Amazon, Jacked Factory Green Surge can also cause diarrhea in some individuals, so be sure to test your tolerance before adding this to your permanent nutrition regimen. For moms-and-other-birthing-parents-to-be looking to cut costs, try Jacked Factory – it’s tasty, soluble, and contains probiotics and inulin fiber.
Best Natural Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Live It Up Super Greens
Live It Up Supergreens pack more than 100 percent of plenty vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B12, to name a few. It also has a refreshing minty flavor.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.33 to $2.00
- Servings Per Container: 30 servings
- Sweeteners Used: None
- Nutrition Per Scoop: One 8-gram scoop provides 30 calories, 5 grams of carbs (3 grams of fiber), 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat
- Available Flavors: Original, Wild Berries
- Third-Party Testing: Yes, but Live It Up doesn’t disclose who conducts the testing
Many moms-and-other-birthing-parents-to-be prefer natural products over synthetic ones during pregnancy so that they (and their babies!) get nourishment from whole foods. Live It Up delivers on that preference by offering greens powder supplements made with organic vegetables to help parents meet their daily recommended fruit and veggie consumption goals as part of a healthy diet. During pregnancy, consuming two to four servings of fruits and four servings of veggies (including green vegetables) daily is recommended for optimal well-being for birthing parent and baby. (1)
Our team tested this green superfood and enjoyed it. Our tester gave this pick high marks for its effectiveness and states, “These greens are a daily addition to my regimen. After six months of taking it, I’m happy to report less bloating, better gut health, and improved energy stores. They have a minty aftertaste that I enjoy.” It’s a strong greens blend option for pregnant and breastfeeding women who experience common GI symptoms and diminished energy levels.
As registered dietitians, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., and I rated the formulation a 2.75 out of 5. We loved that this product contains digestive enzymes and dairy-free probiotic strains to support gut health. (6)(7) We also liked that it doesn’t contain any added sugars, fillers, or artificial ingredients. And while we love seeing that it’s third-party tested, Live It Up doesn’t disclose who does the testing on its website.
However, Bourgeois states, “While Live It Up! Greens contain leafy greens and an impressive amount of certain nutrients, such as chromium, iodine, thiamine, and vitamin B12, they contain less than 10 percent of the recommended daily value for many others.” The overall nutritional profile isn’t bad, but we would have liked to see more nutrient density for the price. Moreover, if you’re looking to meet your electrolyte needs through a greens powder, you may want to supplement your diet with some of the best electrolyte supplements rather than relying on this product. “Plus, many of the ingredients are tied up in proprietary blends,” Bourgeois adds.
Regarding texture, it’s about on par with other greens and can be a little clumpy. Our product tester gave this product a 3.5 out of 5 for its texture and states, “As with other greens powders, expect to have a little left over at the bottom of your shaker cup. I’ll add more water and blend again to get the full serving size.”
While its texture and formulation could use work, Live It Up Super Greens is an excellent choice for mamas who prioritize natural and organic ingredients.
Best Tasting Greens Powder for Pregnancy: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Opti-Greens 50 contains digestive enzymes and probiotics to help combat any unwanted bloating. Plus, you can buy this product in single-serving packets for easier on-the-go supplementation.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.00 to $2.33
- Servings Per Container: 30 servings
- Sweeteners Used: Stevia Extract
- Nutrition Per Scoop: Two scoops (10 grams) provide 30 calories, 5 grams of carbs (1 gram of fiber), 2 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat
- Available Flavors: Chocolate, Natural Berry
- Third-Party Testing: Informed Choice
Based on thousands of glowing reviews and a 5-star rating on the 1st Phorm website, customers like that this product is available in a chocolate flavor, whereas most greens only offer berry or unflavored varieties. Our team agrees and rated this product as the best-tasting green for pregnant women – even the ones with food aversions and strange cravings during pregnancy.
Our product tester, who is a certified exercise scientist, states, “I liked how this greens powder doesn’t taste as grassy as others I’ve had in the past. As my daily greens supplement, getting a mix down is enjoyable with this formulation.” This is pretty consistent for 1st Phorm products, with our 1st Phorm Protein Review scoring the product’s taste at a 4.5 out of 5 as well.
Opti-Greens 50 also boasts a decent formulation – as a registered dietitian, I’d rate this formula a 3.75 out of 5. It received high marks for the inclusion of probiotics to support digestion. (7) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “I’m super impressed that each serving of 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 contains a probiotic with 5 billion colony forming units (CFUs). With gut health-promoting ingredients like that, bloating shouldn’t be a problem with this greens powder.” Our tester agrees and states, “I’ve actually turned on a few colleagues to it, and they’ve raved about the bloating assistance they’ve experienced.”
However, we deducted points for the lack of ingredient detail and the inclusion of gums and fillers. “However, the lack of information regarding the ingredient breakdown and resulting vitamin and mineral content is more concerning,” Bourgeois adds. As for the gums and filler ingredients, we commonly see this in products that taste good – so while we’re disappointed to see this on the ingredients list, we’re not surprised since these ingredients help to make the product more palatable.
As far as texture goes, this product mixes well. We gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for solubility compared to some grittier greens. Our tester states, “I found this powder easy to mix with my standard shaker bottle. I found no clumps or ‘floaties’ and minimal residue at the bottom.”
Overall, if you’ve had odd cravings and food aversions during your pregnancy and need a tasty option that mixes well and supports digestion, 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 is a strong bet. 1st Phorm even offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t love the product, which is important given the higher price point compared to other picks on our list.
Best Vegan Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Naked Nutrition Naked Greens
This vegan-friendly greens powder contains no soy, dairy, or gluten. Its blend of six organic vegetables and grasses — including organic kale, broccoli, spinach, and alfalfa grass — can potentially help promote wellness, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. It also contains pre- and probiotics to support a healthy gut.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.73 to $0.91
- Servings Per Container: 35 servings
- Sweeteners Used: None
- Nutrition Per Scoop: One 7-gram scoop provides 25 calories, 5 grams of carbs (1 gram of fiber), 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
- Third-Party Testing: Yes, tested in a lab in the USA, although not disclosed
While it’s easy to assume that greens powders are vegan since they consist of greens, you’d be surprised to learn that many superfood powders do not contain plant-based ingredients like collagen protein powder, dairy-based probiotic strains, and animal-based amino acids. Thankfully, Naked Nutrition Naked Greens consists of six different organic vegetables and grasses to bring you a vegan-friendly solution during pregnancy.
This pick also contains prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the “good” bacteria in your gut to support your gut health. (9)
Probiotics also may help support gut health. (7) And that’s important when you experience constipation, diarrhea, and everything in between when you’re pregnant — which is normal, by the way. (6)
Moreover, this pick contains adaptogens for stress management, which comes in handy when you’ve got a lot going on to prepare for the arrival of your little one. Just be sure to check with your OB to make sure it’s safe to take since there are limited studies to understand the effect of ashwagandha on your baby. As a registered dietitian, I love that this formula provides two servings of veggies to help you meet your daily needs during pregnancy and has no additives or artificial ingredients. (1) I’d give it a score of 4 out of 5 for its simple and high-quality ingredients, with deductions for inclusion of ashwagandha since its safety during pregnancy isn’t well-known.
Our product tester, who is a certified personal trainer, tried both flavors and states, “Taste is decent. I thought Naked Nutrition did a good job of masking the (very) grassy base.” Overall, we rated this product a score of 3 out of 5 for taste, with deductions from the grassiness of the Original flavor.
Unfortunately, the texture is not a strong suit for this pick, but we know vegan products typically don’t boast the best texture. We rated this product a 2 out of 5 for texture. Our tester, who is a certified personal trainer, states, “Given the simplified formulation, this powder tended to be a burden when it came to mixing. The powder settles horribly in your cup, and you get an extremely grainy mouthfeel as you sip through your concoction.” Rather than mixing it in a cup or blender bottle, we recommend mixing it in an electric blender for smoothies for best results.
Overall, we were impressed with this product. It supports digestion, contains clean ingredients, and may support stress. While taste and texture could use some work, it’s one of the best vegan greens powders. Pro Tip: You may also want to consider adding the best vegan protein powders to your diet to supplement your protein needs during pregnancy.
Benefits of Greens Powder for Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of immense joy and anticipation, but it also comes with challenges, especially when maintaining proper nutrition for both parent and baby. Whether battling morning sickness, meeting the increased nutritional demands for both parent and baby (such as meeting protein needs), or navigating digestive discomfort, a little TLC from greens powders can go a long way.
- Help meet nutrition needs for mom/birthing parent and baby: Eating to fuel both you and baby is a lot of work. Thankfully, many greens powders contain protein, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants essential for maternal health and fetal development while filling any gaps in your diet.
- Support digestive health: It’s common to experience constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea throughout pregnancy. (6) Many greens powders contain ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, dietary fiber and digestive enzymes to support your digestive health and alleviate these common issues. (9)(7)(8)
- A convenient way to incorporate fruit and veggie intake: On days when food aversions make it tough to get enough fruits and veggies — like when even the smell of broccoli is unbearable — greens powders offer a convenient way to ensure you’re still packing in the nutrients.
- Provide clean energy: The clean energy boost from B vitamins and light caffeine in some greens can be a lifesaver during those fatigue-filled first and third trimesters when many birthing parents need extra naps. (5)
- Could help ease morning sickness: Despite the name, morning sickness can happen anytime during the day for expecting parents. Look for greens powders with ingredients that can help soothe nausea, such as ginger – a natural remedy used for centuries to help with nausea and vomiting. (13) Moreover, look for B vitamins in green powders – they can also help support energy levels and keep blood sugars steady, which can also help with nausea. (5)
How Much Do Greens Powders for Pregnancy Cost?
The best greens powders for pregnancy typically cost between $0.60 and $2.33 per serving, depending on the brand, ingredients, and potential health benefits. Premium options with additional benefits, nutrients, and certifications like vegan or organic tend to be on the higher side of this range, while our budget pick starts at $0.60 per serving.
For an accurate cost comparison, compare the cost per serving rather than by scoop since some greens powders come in two-scoop servings.
Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy Overall | Nested Naturals Super Greens | $0.60 to $1.00 |
Best Prebiotic Greens for Pregnancy | Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens | $1.38 to $1.53 |
Best Budget Greens Powder for Pregnancy | Jacked Factory Green Surge | $0.60 to $0.83 |
Best Natural Greens Powder for Pregnancy | Live It Up Super Greens | $1.33 to $2.00 |
Best Tasting Greens Powder for Pregnancy | 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 | $2.00 to $2.33 |
Best Vegan Greens Powder for Pregnancy | Naked Nutrition Naked Greens | $0.73 to $0.91 |
What to Consider Before Buying Greens Powder for Pregnancy
Don’t see a product on our list and want to know what to look for? Check out these critical considerations before buying greens powders to ensure expecting mothers are consuming the most nutrient-dense foods to meet their nutrition needs.
Flavor
Many women experience cravings and aversions during their pregnancy. (14) We know that greens powders can have a grassy taste – and this might be something to consider if your palate is especially sensitive during pregnancy. Some greens powders come in flavored options like berry or chocolate to mask the earthiness and make them more enjoyable if you can’t tolerate unflavored varieties because of your
Ingredients
Choose a product with a simple and clean ingredient list with no additives, fillers, or proprietary blends. Keep a close eye on any ingredients that might not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding to avoid – even the most common foods and ingredients can be harmful to your baby during this time.
A good greens powder should contain veggies and fruits to support your nutrient needs during pregnancy. Some pregnant women also look for organic greens to limit their pesticide exposure, but this is a personal preference.
Micronutrient Needs
Pregnant women have specific nutritional needs and greens are a convenient way to meet all or some of those needs. Some of those nutrients to look for on the supplement facts include folate (folic acid), iron, DHA, and protein. (15) When comparing nutrients in greens powders vs. multivitamins, check with your healthcare provider to ensure you don’t take too much or too little of certain nutrients.
Digestive Ingredients
Since pregnancy can affect digestion, finding a greens powder with added probiotics, prebiotics, dietary fiber, or digestive enzymes can help. Probiotics and prebiotics may help support gut health, while digestive enzymes may alleviate common digestive issues like constipation or bloating. (9)(7)(8) While you should try to get your fiber intake from fruits, veggies, and whole grains, greens powders can also serve as a source of fiber. For context, the USDA recommends a daily intake of 31 to 34 grams of fiber for men and 22 to 28 grams per day for women. (16)
Price Per Serving
The price per serving is essential, especially given that the average woman spends about $18,865 on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. (12) To compare the cost-effectiveness of different greens powders, divide the total price of the tub or bag by the number of servings to get the price per serving.
However, remember that cheaper options may compromise quality or nutrient density, so try to balance affordability with the benefits offered by the product. For context, the average greens powder for pregnancy ranges from $0.60 to $2.33 per serving.
Credibility
Since greens powders are supplements and not food, the FDA doesn’t regulate them as closely or monitor manufacturers’ claims. Choose greens powders from reputable manufacturers and brands that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing practices. Look for third-party testing on the packaging to ensure the product’s safety, potency, and quality. When in doubt, you can always check with your OB whether a product is safe to take, as individual needs vary.
Greens Powders for Pregnancy FAQs
Can you drink greens powder while pregnant?
Yes, you can drink greens powders while pregnant, but read through the supplement facts and ingredients list to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby during your pregnancy while containing the nutrients your body needs. Check with your healthcare professional before starting any supplement to ensure it suits your nutritional needs.
What is the best greens powder for pregnancy?
There is no single best greens powder for pregnancy, as this highly depends on your nutrition needs, preferences, and criteria when looking for a greens powder. However, we think Nested Naturals Super Greens is a safe bet for general health and wellness needs. It’s a vegan-friendly, all-natural greens powder with 20 whole foods, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber to support digestion and micronutrient intake during pregnancy.
How much do greens powders for pregnancy cost?
Greens powders for pregnancy can cost between $0.60 and $2.33 per serving, depending on what you’re looking for in a greens powder. If finding an economical greens powder is crucial, check out our budget pick, which starts at $0.60 per serving. You may want to opt for a more premium option if you have more specialized needs.
References
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Nutrition During Pregnancy. Available at https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
- Jung, A. P., Bishop, P. A., Al-Nawwas, A., & Dale, R. B. (2005). Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps. Journal of athletic training, 40(2), 71–75.
- Georgieff, M. K., Krebs, N. F., & Cusick, S. E. (2019). The Benefits and Risks of Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy and Childhood. Annual Review of Nutrition, 39, 121–146.
- Abdullah, M., Jamil, R. T., & Attia, F. N. (2023). Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2024). National Institutes of Health. Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
- Gomes, C. F., Sousa, M., Lourenço, I., Martins, D., & Torres, J. (2018). Gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy: what does the gastroenterologist need to know? Annals of Gastroenterology, 31(4), 385–394.
- Scarpellini, E., Basilico, M., Rinninella, E., Carbone, F., Schol, J., Rasetti, C., Abenavoli, L., & Santori, P. (2021). Probiotics and gut health. Minerva Gastroenterology, 67(4), 314–325.
- Quinten, T., Philippart, J. M., De Beer, T., Vervarcke, S., & Van Den Driessche, M. (2014). Can the supplementation of a digestive enzyme complex offer a solution for common digestive problems?. Archives of Public Health, 72(Suppl 1), P7.
- Mohanty, D., Misra, S., Mohapatra, S., & Sahu, P. S. (2018). Prebiotics and synbiotics: Recent concepts in nutrition. Food Bioscience, 26, 152-160.
- Soni, R. A., Sudhakar, K., & Rana, R. S. (2017). Spirulina – From growth to nutritional product: A review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 69(A), 157-171.
- Kose, A., Ozen, M. O., & Elibol, M. (2017). Investigation of in vitro digestibility of dietary microalga Chlorella vulgaris and cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis as a nutritional supplement. Biotechnology, 3(7), 170.
- Rae, M., Cox, C., & Dingel, H. (2022). Health costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Health System Tracker. Available at https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/health-costs-associated-with-pregnancy-childbirth-and-postpartum-care/
- Li, Z., Wu, J., Song, J., & Wen, Y. (2024). Ginger for treating nausea and vomiting: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 75(2), 122–133.
- Bayley, T. M., Dye, L., Jones, S., DeBono, M., & Hill, A. J. (2002). Food cravings and aversions during pregnancy: relationships with nausea and vomiting. Appetite, 38(1), 45–51.
- Kominiarek, M. A., & Rajan, P. (2016). Nutrition Recommendations in Pregnancy and Lactation. The Medical Clinics of North America, 100(6), 1199–1215.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.