While the best greens powders can be excellent picks for improving energy levels and immune function, one of the major perks associated with this supplement category is digestive health. (1) Popular greens drinks, including 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50, feature probiotic blends with billions of colony forming units (CFUs) to help with regular gut functions and prevent unwanted issues like bloating. (2) Plus, Opti-Greens 50 is available in two flavor varieties — Natural Berry and Chocolate — to help mask that grassy, earthy taste often associated with greens supplements.
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 can be an excellent greens powder for athletes focusing on gut health given the heightened presence of 5 billion CFUs and the formulation’s lack of artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, and preservatives. However, the price point does make this more of an investment and potentially less ideal for budget-minded individuals. In this 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 review, we’ll outline the powder’s formulation and price per serving along with key factors like taste, solubility, and more. For further information on how we test supplements for our content, be sure to read our BarBend supplement testing methodology page.
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.
Medical disclaimer: 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.
Main Takeaways
- Opti-Greens 50 contains 5 billion colony forming units of probiotic strains, which research suggests can be beneficial for gut health and digestive support. (2)
- Our expert contributor points out that many nutrient serving sizes are hidden behind proprietary blends, raising concern over the actual dosages contained within this greens powder.
- Per our tester, the Natural Berry flavor is appealing but should be taken as a standalone supplement — mixing it with other powders such as protein can create unpleasant flavor notes within your shaker cup.
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $2.33 |
| Calories Per Serving | 30-35 |
| Included Vitamins | Not listed |
| Included Minerals | Not listed |
| Available Flavors | Natural Berry, Chocolate |
| Whole-Food Sources | Organic barley grass, organic spirulina, organic wheatgrass, organic alfalfa grass, organic oat grass, organic kale, organic spinach, organic parsley, broccoli extract, soluble rice bran, organic beet, raspberry, organic turmeric root, strawberry, cranberry, non-GMO corn |
| Digestive Support | L-acidophilus, B-bifidum, B-longum, L-bulgaricus, L-plantarum, L-rhamnosus, L-salivarius, C-thermophilus, L-reuteri |
| Colony Forming Units (CFUs) | 5 billion |
| Adaptogens | None listed |
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia Leaf Extract |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (Informed Choice) |
1st Phorm Opti-Greens is available in two container formats — a 30-serving bag or a package of 28 travel-friendly individual packets. If you’re looking to save some coin, we recommend opting for the base powder, which costs $2.33 per serving, whereas the on-the-go travel sticks equate to roughly $3.07 per serving. Regardless of your preference, each serving equates to 10 grams of greens powder.
The formulation of this greens powder is balanced well with a range of whole-food sources, including various fruits and veggies for an effective mix of nutrients and antioxidants. (3) These ingredients also combine to give each serving of Opti-Greens 50 2 grams of protein — a rarity amongst greens powders. Other macronutrient counts for this supplement include 5 grams of total carbohydrates (2 grams from dietary fiber) and 0.5 grams of total fat.
Unfortunately, the nutrition facts are fairly vague when it comes to the actual dosages of key nutrients. There are five proprietary blends encompassing nearly all of the listed ingredients, labeled as the Green Superfood Complex, Glycemic Balance Blend, Phytonutrient Complex, Plant Enzyme Blend, and Probiotic Blend. “This reliance on proprietary blends and lack of information on vitamins and minerals does give me pause with this greens powder,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer. “Other supplements in the category use proprietary blends, but the transparency is still present.”
The one standout across these nutrition facts, though, is the 5 billion colony forming units of probiotics. This puts it in line with some of the best probiotic supplements on the market, which often contain between 1 and 10 billion CFUs per serving. (2) “I’m very impressed with these probiotic counts,” Bourgeois adds. “It’s right in the sweet spot for efficient gut health and can be great for preventing bloating or gastrointestinal distress.”
Speaking of potential stomach issues and unwanted side effects, we do want to point out that Opti-Greens 50 uses stevia leaf extract as its main sweetening agent. This natural source stays in step with the powder’s natural makeup that’s gluten-free, non-GMO and free of artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or preservatives. However, some athletes may be sensitive to stevia, as the natural sweetener can potentially influence your gut microbiome leading to stomach distress. (4)
Unlike other greens powders only available in an Original or Unflavored variety, Opti-Greens 50 is offered in Natural Berry and Chocolate tastes. Rosie Borchert, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, appreciates how the notes mask that all-too-common earthiness of greens supplements. That said, the flavored profile does limit its mixability with other supplements like the best protein powders. “I recommend keeping this to its own shaker bottle — it can be difficult to find a compatible taste when it comes to mixing ingredients,” Borchert says.
Finally, Opti-Greens 50 does carry third-party certification, providing athletes with assurance that the formulation is free of banned substances and is generally safe to consume. Informed Choice — the accrediting lab used by 1st Phorm for Opti-Greens 50 — is also a well-respected organization in the supplement landscape, so this particular stamp of approval provides an even further sense of trust when it comes to this powder’s makeup.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Not every greens powder is going to provide the same benefits to overall health and well-being. The differences between formulations can influence whether a supplement is all-encompassing or, rather, targets a specific perk like an improved immune system or better gut health. (1) Below, we’ve outlined a few groups we feel would benefit from 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 along with camps that may be better off with a different blend of organic grasses and superfoods.
Recommended for:
- Individuals looking for a greens powder rich with probiotics and helpful digestive enzymes
- Athletes that don’t want a greens drink with overpowering earthy, grassy flavor notes
- Those that prefer their supplements to be third-party tested
Not Recommended for:
- Athletes that want a more comprehensive breakdown of individual nutrient serving sizes
- Those sensitive to stevia as a sweetening agent
- Budget-conscious individuals looking for a greens powder under $2 per serving
Our Experience Using 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
For this in-depth review, we tested 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 in a similar fashion to the roughly 40 other greens powders we’ve tried over the years. We examined the formulation and included ingredients along with real-world characteristics like taste, solubility, and potential side effects. From there, we rated our findings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
Ingredients and Formulation
When it comes to the ingredients list of this popular greens powder, I do appreciate the variety of whole-food sources across the board. The mix of leafy greens, fruits, and other veggies can be great for facilitating positive energy levels, a strong immune system, resilient digestive system, and more. (1) However, there’s little information on how much of each nutrient you’re getting in each serving, and that lack of information can raise questions on the effectiveness of the formulation.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and BarBend expert contributor, rates the formulation at 3.75 out of 5 given the extensive use of proprietary blends. “I like the mix of different fruits and vegetables,” she states, “But there’s no way of knowing just how many nutrients you’re getting in each dose.”
For example, the Glycemic Balance Blend in Opti-Greens 50 features popular ingredients like cinnamon bark extract and stevia leaf extract for managing blood sugar levels. (5)(6) Given these ingredients are buried under the proprietary blend umbrella, there’s no way of knowing how much you’re ingesting or if the dosage is even portioned appropriately to generate a glycemic response.
Despite our disdain for proprietary blends, there are still some positives worth praising with Opti-Greens 50’s formulation, most notably in relation to the probiotic blend of 5 billion colony forming units. This is aligned with the common 1 to 10 billion CFUs seen in probiotic supplements, and an especially beneficial inclusion for athletes. (2) Probiotics for athletes can help improve gut health, curb unwanted side effects like bloating, promote better digestion, reduce anxiety, and more. (2) Having all of this in a 10-gram serving of greens can be a quick, convenient way to elevate your performance on a daily basis.
Taste
Like any supplement — from the best vegan protein powders, post-workout supplements, and beyond — your ability to maintain a regular consumption schedule with a greens powder hinges greatly on the flavor profile. If you’re less enthused by the taste, you’ll likely not want to down a serving day in and day out. Thankfully, Opti-Greens 50 forgoes the signature grassy, earthy notes of the supplement category and instead features a sweet, appealing profile.
Rosie Borchert, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, sampled the Natural Berry variety of this 1st Phorm greens drink, rating the flavor at a conservative 3 out of 5. “I may be the wrong audience for this product, since I’ve yet to find a greens powder I enjoy drinking,” she says. “However, this profile does go down easily due to its sweetness and lack of that ‘dirt’ taste you get with other formulations.”
While Borchert did enjoy the taste, she does recommend consuming this greens powder on its own. “The Natural Berry flavor is difficult to combine with other supplements and can throw off the entire blend. I tried this powder with a Vanilla protein source, and the greens are just too overbearing. Keep everything separated, though, and you should be fine.”
Lastly, 1st Phorm offers Opti-Greens 50 in a Chocolate flavor, which we feel is rare for a greens supplement. We’ve yet to test this option, though, so we’ll have to report back on how well the brand executes this flavor note, which is typically saved for protein powders and bars.
Solubility
Another positive mark for 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 comes in its easy-to-mix makeup. Borchert scores the solubility at 5 out of 5, stating, “I had no issues with unwanted clumps or residue. Plus, I like that once it’s mixed, it stays mixed, meaning the powder won’t separate if left unattended for an extended period between sips.”
In addition to blending this greens powder with some of the best shaker bottles on the market, we also mixed Opti-Greens 50 with your standard tablespoon and glass. While Borchert says the powder mixes successfully with either method, “I’d recommend using a shaker bottle more often than not. I did notice a few powder pockets when mixing this supp with just a spoon,” she adds.
Price Per Serving
Opti-Greens 50 from 1st Phorm is available for $2.33 per serving with the individually-packed travel sticks available for roughly $3.07 per dose. This does place this 1st Phorm greens drink at a higher-than-average cost, as we’ve found the median price per serving for greens supplements typically sits at $1.79. This isn’t the most expensive greens powder we’ve seen, though, so we rate the price per serving at a conservative 3 out of 5.
Third-Party Testing
This popular greens drink is third-party tested by Informed Choice, one of the most recognizable certifying labs in the supplements industry. This seal of approval helps showcase that Opti-Greens 50 is free of banned substances and has been manufactured under quality standards. As such, we rate this 1st Phorm sample at 5 out of 5 for the category.
What to Consider Before Buying 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Whether purchasing some of the best creatine supplements, multivitamins, pre-workouts, or greens powders, choosing a supplement to add to your routine shouldn’t be a thoughtless endeavor. Below are a handful of factors worth considering and thinking through when looking to add a greens powder such as 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 to your online cart.
- Micronutrient Profile: Many athletes use greens supplements as a means to fill gaps in their nutritional intake, but that can’t be achieved if your powder of choice lacks the vitamins and minerals you’re looking to target. Take a quick look at your greens powder’s nutritional facts to ensure it features adequate servings to support your daily counts.
- Colony Forming Units: When using a greens powder for digestive support, you’ll want to look for listed digestive enzymes and probiotics, illustrated by the number of colony forming units or CFUs. Studies report that most probiotic supplements feature between 1 and 10 billion CFUs per serving, so this can be a worthwhile range to consider. (2)
- Available Flavors: Greens powders have a reputation for having a grassy, earthy taste given the range of leafy green ingredients used in the formulation. If you’re averse to this profile, be sure to look for a greens supplement with an appealing taste such as Natural Berry, Orange Mango, and Pineapple Coconut among others.
- Price: The average price of a high-quality greens powder equates to roughly $1.79 per serving. However, crunch some numbers and look for a supplement that suits your finances best.
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 Vs. Competitors
Write a short intro introducing the below chart and the concept of this section. The popularity of greens powders continues to rise, with the global market projected to touch USD 991.04 million by 2031. (7) As such, 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 is not without competition. We’ve composed a side-by-side chart of two comparable greens supplements we feel match up well to Opti-Greens 50’s formulation — Athletic Greens AG1 and Pro Health Longevity Greens.
| 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 | Athletic Greens AG1 | Pro Health Longevity Greens | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $2.33 | $3.33 | $2.17 |
| Calories Per Serving | 30-35 | 50 | 30 |
| Included Vitamins | Not listed | Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid | Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin |
| Included Minerals | Not listed | Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, sodium, potassium | Iron, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, sodium |
| Available Flavors | Natural Berry, Chocolate | Unflavored | Apple Banana |
| Whole-Food Sources | Organic barley grass, organic spirulina, organic wheatgrass, organic alfalfa grass, organic oat grass, organic kale, organic spinach, organic parsley, broccoli extract, soluble rice bran, organic beet, raspberry, organic turmeric root, strawberry, cranberry, non-GMO corn | Acerola, alfalfa, apple, artichoke, barley grass, bilberry, bioflavonoids, broccoli flower, carrots, cocoa bean polyphenol extract, hawthorn berry, lycium berry, natural pineapple flavor, natural vanilla flavor, papaya, pea protein, pineapple, spinach, spirulina, stevia, wheatgrass | Wheat grass, spirulina, barley grass, alfalfa grass, oat grass, beet root, broccoli, kale, apple, carrot, green cabbage, parsley, spinach, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, tomato, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, acai juice, blackberry, black currant, cherry, acerola, bilberry fruit, banana, pineapple, orange, mango, papaya, peach, pear, lemon peel, maca root, green tea leaf, matcha green tea leaf, eleuthero root, American ginseng root, oat fiber, pea fiber, Jerusalem artichoke, moringa leaf, ginger root, camu camu fruit, ashwagandha root, amla fruit |
| Digestive Support | L-acidophilus, B-bifidum, B-longum, L-bulgaricus, L-plantarum, L-rhamnosus, L-salivarius, C-thermophilus, L-reuteri | Beta glucan, bromelain, bifidobacterium bifidum, inulin, l. acidophilus | B-coagulans, L-rhamnosus, B-bidum, B-longum, L-acidophilus, L-casei, S-thermophilus |
| Colony Forming Units (CFUs) | 5 billion | 7.2 billion | 500 million |
| Adaptogens | None listed | Ashwagandha, astragalus, beet powder, burdock root, chlorella, citric acid, dandelion root, eleuthero root, ginger, grapeseed extract, green tea extract, kelp, lecithin, licorice, milk thistle, policosanol, reishi mushroom, rhodiola, rose hips, rosemary, shiitake mushroom, slippery elm | Ashwagandha, eleuthero root, American ginseng, maca root |
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia Leaf Extract | Stevia | Stevia, sugar |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (Informed Choice) | Yes (NSF-Certified for Sport) | Yes (Twin Arbor Analytical) |
You’ve likely seen or heard of Athletic Greens AG1 given the brand’s successful marketing campaigns on social media. The popularity is warranted, too, given AG1’s comprehensive ingredients list of over 75 whole-food sources and 7.2 billion colony forming units for additional digestive support. AG1 is also third-party tested and NSF-Certified for Sport. However, Opti-Greens 50 can be more preferable given AG1’s higher price tag of $3.33 per serving.
[Related: Athletic Greens Alternatives]
Longevity Greens from Pro Health features a similar price point to Opti-Greens 50 and contains added adaptogens for improved cognitive function. (8) We also appreciate the third-party testing approval as well as Pro Health’s inclusion of the lab results on the product page. However, there is just one flavor option to choose from — Apple Banana — and that may not be ideal for every athlete’s palate.
Places to Buy 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Opti-Greens 50 is available online directly from 1st Phorm’s website.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Ordering this greens powder is similar to any online transaction, but the shipping costs do give us pause. It can be expensive to get your Opti-Greens 50 to your doorstep, regardless of whether you subscribe to repeat orders or not. As a work-around, 1st Phorm does offer free U.S. shipping on orders over $75, so we recommend picking up a few products in order to hit that cart total.
As a brand, 1st Phorm offers athletes a wide range of apparel and supplements, including some of the best pre-workout supplements, protein powders, and more. For inquiries, 1st Phorm can be reached via phone at 1-800-409-9732 or through the brand’s Live Chat feature located on 1stphorm.com.
With over 17,700 reviews on the brand’s page, Opti-Greens 50 has earned a 4.9 out of 5 rating from customers. “Opti-Greens 50 has made a big difference in not only my gut health but energy levels as well. I would recommend it to anyone,” notes one positive response.
Our Final Verdict on 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
While we’d appreciate some additional transparency across the nutrition facts, we still feel Opti-Greens 50 is a worthwhile greens powder, especially when looking to target gut health. The 5 billion colony forming units can be excellent for digestive support, and the available flavors are palatable enough to support regular consumption. (2) You do need to pay a bit of a premium for this powder, but the taste and third-party testing do warrant a bit of a price hike, in our opinion.
When looking for a greens powder, be sure to pay close attention to the listed nutrients and confirm that the supplement can fill in the nutritional gaps you’re trying to close. It can also be wise to look for third-party tested supplements as well as profiles with appealing flavor options. Do your research, stick to your budget, and you can soon be on your way to boosted health and wellness.
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 FAQs
How many calories are in 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50?
A single serving of Opti-Greens 50 will be between 30 and 35 calories, depending on your flavor of choice.
How do you take 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50?
Per the instructions located on the container, you should mix two scoops of Opti-Greens 50 powder (equating to 10 grams) with 8 fluid ounces of water and mix thoroughly.
How much does 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 cost?
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 costs roughly $2.33 per serving. The brand also offers individually-packaged travel sticks that equate to roughly $3.07 per serving given the extra materials and built-in convenience.
References
- Zou, Y., Yu, H., Zhang, L., & Ruan, Z. (2021). Dietary vegetable powders modulate immune homeostasis and intestinal microbiota in mice. Foods, 11(1), 27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35010153/
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, November 3). Office of dietary supplements – probiotics. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
- Janciauskiene, S. (2020). The beneficial effects of antioxidants in health and diseases. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, 7(3), 182–202. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32558487/
- Kasti, A., Nikolaki, M., Synodinou, K., Katsas, K., Petsis, K., Lambrinou, S., Pyrousis, I., & Triantafyllou, K. (2022). The effects of stevia consumption on gut bacteria: Friend or foe? Microorganisms, 10(4), 744. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9028423/
- Moridpour, A. H., Kavyani, Z., Khosravi, S., Farmani, E., Daneshvar, M., Musazadeh, V., & Faghfouri, A. H. (2023). The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Phytotherapy Research, 38(1), 117–130. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37818728/
- Ajami, M., Seyfi, M., Abdollah Pouri Hosseini, F., Naseri, P., Velayati, A., Mahmoudnia, F., Zahedirad, M., & Hajifaraji, M. (2020). Effects of stevia on glycemic and lipid profile of type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7103435/
- Green powder market size, share, growth, and industry analysis, by type (marine sources type, grasses sourced type, fermented greens type and others), by application (supermarkets or hypermarkets, convenience stores, independent retailers, online sales and others), regional insights, and forecast to 2032. Business Research Insights. (2024, November 4). https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/green-powder-market-109839
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188–224. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3991026/
