Posts about greens powders on TikTok have amassed millions of views, with influencers posting reactions, reviews, and a whole heap of claims - everything from how the powders can reduce bloating to how they boost energy levels.
So, what are greens powders and what's the truth behind the claims you're seeing on your socials? Check out this clip below from an episode of Sliced Bread, a BBC Sounds podcast.
Greg: Emily, for someone who's never seen or heard of a greens powder before. Can you describe what they are?
Emily: So these green powders are basically supplements that are powder dried vegetables. So primarily the leafy greens and grasses, you've got some fruits in there and then you tend to also have some added vitamins and minerals too. And they're called greens powders because they tend to be this really bright, very vibrant green colour.
Greg: We have a spectrum of three different greens with these three different products. In fact, actually we talk a lot about health claims here on sliced bread. Remind us what you are allowed to say about these kinds of products and these kinds of ingredients that are in them.
Sian: These would fall under the Nutrition and Health Claims regulation. There's an approved list of claims that you can make, and there's criteria that something has to meet in order to be able to make that claim. So for example, for a vitamin and mineral claims. So something like saying this is a source of iron or this is a good source of vitamin C, the product would have to contain a certain percentage. Basically, if it's not on the list, you can't see it.
What are greens powders?
Greens powders are supplements of powdered dried vegetables, primarily leafy greens, grasses and fruits and most powders have added vitamins and minerals to them. The term ‘greens powders’ comes from its vibrant green colour.
The ingredients within differs with many claiming to contain 'superfoods', which is a food considered to be very good for your health. However, this is a marketing term created to sell more products - companies in the UK are only allowed to make this claim if there is research to prove it makes a difference to health.
Why are greens powders so popular?
Health and wellness trends have become extremely popular on TikTok, with greens powders being the latest boom with creators using them in their daily routines. One brand has had over 100 million views. Research suggests the greens powder market will double from £220 million in 2023 to £395 million by 2030, due to its increased popularity on social media.
Online trends can easily influence our tastes and behaviours and there could be many reasons why wellness seems to be on the rise. There’s a much bigger interest in healthy lifestyles than before, products are more affordable and it’s much easier to get your hands on them. As a result you may see a lot more promotion on your FYP, especially from celebrities and influencers. But, with anything health related, it’s always essential you check medical and expert advice before purchasing and consuming.
Do greens powders boost your energy levels?
There have been several studies that have looked into this. In each, a group of people have taken the drink and were then measured through ‘self-reported energy’, which is where participants are asked questions related to their energy. Whilst there was evidence of improvement in some areas, studies have been ‘single arm experiments’ which means that the drink wasn’t compared to anything so it is unclear whether it was the powder itself or participants simply thinking that it was giving them more energy.
According to the NHS, nutrients like copper, iron and vitamin B12 help your body release energy and can be found in some powders however, without proper scientific evidence, dietitians advise you can get everything you need through a healthy balanced diet, including your good old five a day!
Do greens powders reduce bloating?
Ingredients like ginger and peppermint, commonly found within greens powders, can aid in reducing bloating and help with digestive problems. However, there is not enough research to prove that the quantity within each powder is enough to completely reduce these issues. Nutritionists say that eating a wide variety of whole foods can improve overall health, but one sole ingredient will not provide an instant solution.
In the video pictured here, the creator references being able to eat ‘unlimited’ gelato and pasta which the green drink allows her to do. TikTok videos like this can go viral in many ways, especially when influencers have such huge followings. Because of the lack of detail in their post, this could be seen as a form of clickbait. Check out the link to see what signs you can look out for.
What do experts say about greens powders?
Sian Porter, spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association and an interviewee in the Sliced Bread episode, says greens powders aren’t harmful and contain ingredients with potential health benefits. However, Sian also emphasises that the best way to improve overall health is through a balanced diet of whole foods and that there is no quick fix solution for nutrition.
There can be a lot of misinformation out there so it is important to always use credible sources. Learn more about how TikTok can influence you and how to control your FYP.
You can get more from Sliced Bread, Bitesize and BBC News on BBC Sounds.
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