8 Greens is a superfood supplement that has grown very popular as of late due to the convenient method in which it is consumed. Most people don’t want to use greens powders because they don’t like the taste, so 8 Greens created tablets and gummies as an alternative.
In this 8 Greens review, we will discuss why both the 8 Greens gummies and the 8 Greens tablets are are products that we would recommend avoiding. They both contain very few actual superfoods and provide very little nutritional value whatsoever.
To discover several products we recommend much more highly than 8 Greens, check out our top 10 BEST SUPERFOOD POWDERS.
8 Greens review: Is 8 Greens any good?
Let’s take a quick look at 8 greens for what it is. This can hardly be classified as a superfood supplement as it only contains 10 active superfood ingredients and has an overall potency of under 700 milligrams per serving with regard to superfoods specifically.
700 milligrams worth of superfoods per serving is a pitiful number, and it’s simply nowhere near enough nutrients to actually produce significant benefits in our view. For perspective, our top ranked superfood powder contains 15,000 milligrams of superfoods per serving.
Yes, you read that right. Our top ranked greens powder, the TOTAL LIVING DRINK, is literally 20 times more potent than 8 Greens. Even our second ranked greens supplement is 14 times as potent. That should put into perspective exactly how weak this supplement is. However, that didn’t stop me from testing it out for you guys! I bought both the 8 Greens gummies and the tablets and tested them out. Here’s what happened…
My Personal 8 Greens Results & Experience
As a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach, I always like to personally test supplements in order to be able to give my clients a more personal and in depth answer when they ask me whether a particular supplement is any good or not. I’ve had a lot of people asking me if 8 Greens is any good or not lately, so I tried it for myself. I bought the gummies and the tablets, and they were both terrible.
The biggest problem for me with regard to the 8 Greens tablets is simply that they did not produce any benefits for me whatsoever. I took them for several days thinking that maybe eventually some health benefits would kick in…I was wrong. The 8 Greens tablets did literally nothing for me in the way of actual health benefits, which I suppose is not surprising based on the fact that the formula only contains 700 MG worth of nutrients. The only positive thing I would say about the tablets is that they were very fast dissolving and therefore convenient.
When it came to the 8 Greens gummies, things only got worse. With the tablets, I was able to get around the poor taste of the lemon lime flavor by dissolving the tablet in orange juice instead of water. However, with the gummies, I could not find a way to get past the horrible taste. On top of that, they didn’t produce any noticeable health benefits for me either. To make matters even worse, the gummies actually gave me some gastrointestinal side effects…stomach pain, constipation, and indigestion. Greens powders are supposed to improve your digestive health, not make it worse.
Bottom Line: 8 Greens is one of the worst greens powders I have ever personally tried. Based on the combination of my terrible personal experience as well as my analysis of the nutrition facts, I would never recommend 8 Greens to any of my clients or readers.
What does 8 Greens do?
What does 8 Greens do for you? Well, the label suggests that it has the ability to boost energy and immunity. However, just because the label says that does not make it true. It is supposed to boost immunity and energy, but we don’t think it’s capable of doing so.
The dosages are way too low. It contains some great greens as we will discuss below, but none of them are sufficiently dosed, which means they’re pretty unlikely to produce the benefits you are seeking. I personally tried the lemon lime flavor of tablets, which didn’t do much for me at all in the way of health benefits and tasted pretty bad. A client of mine bought the melon flavor and said that one tasted bad as well.
8 Greens ingredients list
Here are the primary 8 Greens ingredients:
- Spinach
- Aloe vera
- Organic wheatgrass powder
- Kale
- Chlorella
- Spirulina extract
- Turmeric
- Barley grass
- Blue green algae
- Vitamin C
- Beta carotene
Proprietary Greens Blend
8 Greens consists of one proprietary blend that they call their Greens Blend. This blend consists of all of the above listed ingredients. Many of these ingredients are powerful and proven superfoods, such as Chlorella, Spirulina, Organic Wheat Grass Powder, and Organic Barley Grass Powder.
However, the problem with the blend does not lie in the ingredient selection. It lies in the dosage sizes of said ingredients. The total amount of nutrients the blend provides is 690 milligrams, which is extraordinarily low as I pointed out earlier.
So, the greens may be high quality, but they can’t produce the benefits they are designed to produce without sufficient dosages. It’s unfortunate to see such high quality nutrients so severely under dosed. Nonetheless, this is the primary reason we don’t recommend the 8Greens tablets or the 8Greens gummies.
Wheat Grass
Wheatgrass powder is derived from the young shoots of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It has gained popularity as a superfood due to its nutrient-rich profile. Here are some potential benefits associated with consuming wheatgrass powder:
1. Rich in Nutrients:
- Wheatgrass is a concentrated source of essential nutrients, including vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), amino acids, and chlorophyll.
2. Antioxidant Properties:
- The chlorophyll in wheatgrass has antioxidant properties, helping neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.
3. Detoxification Support:
- Some proponents believe that wheatgrass may support the body’s natural detoxification processes by helping to eliminate toxins.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
- Wheatgrass contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to overall health and well-being.
5. Supports Digestive Health:
- The fiber content in wheatgrass can aid in digestion and support a healthy digestive system.
6. Boosts Hemoglobin Levels:
- Wheatgrass is a good source of iron, which is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen in the blood.
7. May Enhance Immune Function:
- Nutrients in wheatgrass, such as vitamins A and C, may contribute to immune system health.
8. Alkalizing Properties:
- Some proponents suggest that wheatgrass has alkalizing effects on the body, helping to balance pH levels.
9. Potential Blood Sugar Regulation:
- There is some evidence to suggest that wheatgrass may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for those with diabetes.
Barley Grass
Barley grass powder is derived from the young leaves of the barley plant, Hordeum vulgare. It is known for its nutrient-rich composition and has been consumed as a supplement for its potential health benefits. Here are some of the potential advantages associated with barley grass powder:
1. Nutrient Density:
- Barley grass is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium), chlorophyll, antioxidants, and amino acids.
2. Alkalizing Properties:
- Most blue green algae ingredients are believed to have alkalizing effects on the body, which may help balance pH levels.
3. Antioxidant Support:
- The presence of antioxidants in barley grass, such as flavonoids and chlorophyll, can help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.
4. Supports Detoxification:
- Some proponents suggest that barley grass may aid in detoxification processes, helping to eliminate toxins from the body.
5. Digestive Health:
- It contains dietary fiber, which can support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in digestion.
6. Potential Blood Sugar Regulation:
- Some studies suggest that it may have a positive impact on blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
7. Heart Health:
- This blue green algae nutritional powerhouse ingredient may contribute to cardiovascular health by helping to lower cholesterol levels and supporting normal blood pressure.
8. Immune System Support:
- Nutrients found in this blue green algae like vitamin C and Vitamin A may contribute to immune system health.
9. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
- Barley grass contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation in the body.
8 Greens dosage: How much 8 Greens should you take & when?
According to the 8 Greens nutrition label, the 8 Greens dosage size is 1 tablet or 1 gummy, depending on which product you choose of course. You simply consume one tablet or one gummy daily. The directions do not specify when you are supposed to use the supplement. However, it is my personal preference to use greens powder in the morning time so that I can experience the health benefits throughout the day. I would also recommend mixing it in with juice instead of water in order to mask the greens taste. Lastly, when I personally tried 8 Greens, I went with the lemon lime flavor and would not recommend it.
8 Greens pros and cons
Here are the 8 Greens benefits and side effects.
8 Greens benefits
I’d love to be able to tell you about the long list of 8Greens benefits, but unfortunately, there simply isn’t one. In my view, pretty much the only benefit of using 8Greens is the convenience factor. Most greens supplements come in powder form as I explained before, but not this one.
You can get either 8Greens tablets or 8Greens gummies. The two products are essentially the same thing nutritionally. Neither one has much to offer other than convenience. It’s easier to eat a gummy or dissolve one tablet than it is to consume a regular green drink. With that being said, you’re just not getting a whole lot of super greens or other superfoods with this supplement.
8 Greens side effects
You’re pretty unlikely to experience any 8Greens side effects because there’s really not much of anything in this supplement. On the bright side, side effects are highly unlikely. However, the reason they are unlikely is because the product is so weak, which is obviously a problem.
Greens supplements generally can produce some mild stomach discomfort when you first start taking them, which is just your body adjusting to the healthy nutrients you’re taking in. This side effect usually goes away after the first few servings.
Other 8 Greens cons
Side effects are not a problem. We have already established that. However, there are several major problems that we would like to point out for you here so that you don’t waste your money on what we see as a pretty ineffective product.
The biggest 8Greens cons are that it is under-dosed, overpriced, lacks potency, lacks value, and as a result of all those things is not likely to produce benefits. High quality ingredients are useless if you are only taking minuscule amounts of them.
So, while the gummies and tablets may seem very convenient, the cons dramatically outweigh the pros here. It’s just not worth the price and doesn’t have much to offer in our view.
Greens Powder Supplements Vs. Eating Real Greens
Supplementing with a super greens powder and consuming real greens both offer potential health benefits, but there are differences between the two approaches. Here are some key distinctions:
1. Nutrient Density:
- Real Greens: Whole, fresh greens are naturally nutrient-dense, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. They offer a complex and diverse nutritional profile.
- Super Greens Powder: While super greens powders aim to capture the nutritional content of real greens, the processing involved may result in a loss of some heat-sensitive nutrients. However, they can still offer a concentrated source of nutrients.
2. Dietary Fiber:
- Real Greens: Whole greens contain dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
- Super Greens Powder: Depending on the processing method, super greens powders may contain less fiber compared to whole greens. Some products may include added fiber.
3. Bioavailability:
- Real Greens: Nutrients in real greens are in their natural form, which may enhance bioavailability. The body may absorb and utilize nutrients more efficiently from whole foods.
- Super Greens Powder: The bioavailability of nutrients in super greens powders can vary. Some formulations include ingredients with enhanced bioavailability, while others may not be as readily absorbed.
4. Taste and Texture:
- Real Greens: Eating whole greens provides a variety of textures and flavors, contributing to a satisfying eating experience.
- Super Greens Powder: Powders are often mixed with water or other liquids. While some people find the taste acceptable, others may find the flavor less appealing compared to the variety of tastes offered by real greens.
5. Convenience:
- Real Greens: Consuming real greens may require washing, chopping, and preparing, which can be time-consuming.
- Super Greens Powder: Powders offer convenience, as they can be easily mixed with water, juice, or added to smoothies, providing a quick and efficient way to incorporate greens into your diet.
6. Versatility:
- Real Greens: Whole greens can be cooked, sautéed, added to salads, or incorporated into various dishes, offering versatility in meal preparation.
- Super Greens Powder: Powders are versatile and can be easily incorporated into different recipes or consumed as a drink.
7. Cost:
- Real Greens: Depending on the type of greens and their availability, buying fresh greens can be cost-effective, especially when purchased in season.
- Super Greens Powder: While the initial cost of super greens powders can vary, they may be perceived as more expensive compared to buying whole greens.
8. Environmental Impact:
- Real Greens: Choosing locally sourced, seasonal greens can contribute to a lower environmental impact compared to the manufacturing and packaging associated with some super greens powders.
- Super Greens Powder: The production and packaging of supplements can have environmental implications.
8 Greens complaints & praise (info from real 8 Greens customer reviews)
We were able to find a total of roughly 1,500 8Greens reviews on Amazon. For the most part, the 8Greens tablets reviews are pretty positive. Out of 1,500 total ratings, the tablets achieved an average rating of 4.5 out of 5…not bad.
However, there are also plenty of 8Greens negative reviews. 15% of customers left ratings of between only 1 and 3 stars, which is pretty bad. The majority of people seem to like the product, but it’s always worth taking a look at the negative reviews.
8 Greens Gummies reviews
There are a total of about 850 8 Greens gummies reviews on Amazon. The gummies did not get as many positive ratings as the tablets did. People had a lot of complaints about the taste and lack of effectiveness.
The 8 Greens gummies received an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Over 20% of customers left the product a rating of between only 1 to 3 stars, which is pretty bad. The 8 Greens gummies definitely have more negative reviews as opposed to the tablets.
Is 8 Greens good or bad? Our Conclusion
In case you haven’t noticed by now, we do not like 8 Greens. Regardless of whether its the tablets or the gummies, this supplement is just far too weak to produce any benefits in our view. It may seem cute and convenient at first glance, but a deeper dive reveals ugly details.
We do not recommend 8 Greens tablets or gummies based on a severe lack of potency and what we see as a very low probability of efficacy. Feel free to have a look at our top recommended superfood supplements to see some MUCH better options.
8 Greens FAQs
Is 8 Greens FDA approved?
No, 8 Greens is not FDA approved. No superfood supplement is FDA approved, and it’s not likely that any of them will be in the near future. These are natural supplements, which are generally not seen in a positive light by the FDA and rarely are able to achieve approval.
Does 8 Greens help you lose weight?
No, 8 Greens will most likely not help you lose weight. The reason people think greens supplements can help them lose weight is because the very potent ones contain enough nutrients to serve as meal replacement supplements. In that case, you could lose weight.
However, this one barely contains any nutrients, and it certainly doesn’t contain enough to be considered a meal replacement supplement. Therefore, it’s unlikely that it can produce weight loss benefits.
Are 8 Greens gummies vegan?
Yes, the gummies are in fact vegan friendly. They are additionally gluten free and dairy free. There should not be much to worry about here in terms of dietary restrictions. The only real cause for concern is that it’s our opinion the supplement is unlikely to work.
Is 8 Greens safe?
Yes, 8 Greens can generally be considered as a safe supplement. It only contains vitamins, minerals, and vegetable extracts. There’s nothing in the product that would be considered dangerous. However, always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement.
Do 8 Greens expire?
The 8 Greens gummies and tablets both supposedly have a shelf life of about two years. So, should you decide to go ahead and purchase 8 Greens, you shouldn’t have to worry about them expiring for quite some time…but you should have other concerns in our view.
Are there any 8 Greens coupon codes or promo discount vouchers?
No, there are not currently any 8greens coupon codes at the time of writing. This is unfortunate because the product is absurdly overpriced. You pay about $40 for a 30 day supply, which may sound cheap, but don’t forget there’s very few nutrients in the product.
You get what you pay for. There’s a reason 8 Greens is cheap. Even if you can find a discount code somewhere, I’d still strongly recommend steering clear of this supplement. It’s not worth it.
References
- See 8 Greens Reviews on Amazon
- Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health
- Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications
- Molecular Mechanism of Functional Ingredients in Barley to Combat Human Chronic Diseases
- Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Unwrap by Proteome Profiling and DPPH and FRAP assays
I’m not just a supplement analyst. I’m an extremely qualified one! I am a Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) and actually received my certification directly from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am also a Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, certified by the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA).