While Ghost Lifestyle is known for its whey protein powder and pre-workout collaborations with popular snack brands like Oreo, Sour Patch Kids, and Cinnabon, you won’t want to sleep on their Ghost Greens Powder. In addition to being packed with greens, it also has reds, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. At only 30 calories per serving, this is a nutrient-dense beverage that won’t skew your macros.
Here at BarBend, we like to leave no stone unturned in our quest to bring you the best greens powders and other supps. In this Ghost Greens review, I’ll work alongside BarBend editorial team member Alex Polish (we’re both certified nutrition coaches and personal trainers) to bring you all the ins and outs of this supplement. Polish is our expert tester and will discuss their experience testing Ghost Greens using our supplement testing methodology (which we’ve used to test dozens of greens powders). I’ll fill you in on all the nitty-gritty details and how this compares to other green supplements. Overall, we don’t love that Ghost Greens isn’t third-party tested, but it’s got a great mix of unique ingredients and Polish says it’s a pretty well-balanced flavor profile.
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.
This greens boasts both greens and reds. Plus, it has a solid dose of prebiotics and probiotics.
Main Takeaways
- Ghost Greens is a greens supplement that also includes an antioxidant reds (fruit) blend, a proprietary ORAC blend (for antioxidants and immunity), prebiotics, probiotics, and a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes.
- This may contain small amounts of caffeine from the Coffea arabica extract and green tea extract.
- Many users report this is the best-tasting green powder.
Ghost Greens Specs
Price | $44.99 |
Price Per Serving | $1.50 |
Servings Per Container | 30 |
Third-Party Testing | No |
Standout Ingredients | Kale powder, organic matcha, organic spirulina, organic cracked cell wall chlorella, organic barley grass, organic astragalus, acai juice powder, pomegranate juice powder, blueberry juice powder, organic noni 5:1, Spectra™ Total ORAC Blend, Inulin (prebiotic from chicory root), GHOST® Probiotic, BioCore® Optimum Complete |
Nutrition Per Scoop | 30 calories, 7g carbs, 4g dietary fiber, 1g sugar, 1mg iron |
Sweeteners Used | Whole leaf stevia extract, monk fruit |
Available Flavors | Guava Berry, Pink Lemonade, Lime, Apple Cider, Original, Matcha Latte (Limited Time Only), ‘Merica Pop (Limited Time Only) |
Ghost Greens is a green dietary supplement with an ingredient list that includes a blend of reds, an antioxidant blend, prebiotics, a probiotic blend, a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes, and a proprietary antioxidant blend. While it isn’t super cheap, it’s reasonably priced for the amount of benefits you’re getting by drinking it.
The Super Greens and Antioxidant Reds blends combine 10 different veggies and nine fruit powders into one. As a certified nutrition coach, I like that Ghost Greens includes chlorella and spirulina. Research suggests that these green superfoods may support cardiovascular health, mitigate anemia, boost immune function, ease arterial stiffness, and reduce cholesterol. (1)
Spectra™ Total ORAC is an interesting proprietary blend — we’ll dig deeper into it in a minute — but the short version is that it’s a blend of antioxidants that research suggests may significantly reduce the production of free radicals (harmful molecules), lower the body’s inflammatory response and increase levels of nitric oxide, which supports blood flow. (2)
That said, I don’t love that the potentially great ingredients are shielded in a proprietary blend. Certified nutrition coach and BarBend editorial team member Alex Polish explains: “Proprietary blends often sound cool, but by having a trademark covering the blend, companies are obscuring the actual ingredients, particularly their amounts. I’d rather know exactly what’s going into my body, and proprietary blends don’t allow this kind of transparency. Especially combined with no third-party testing, it’s not my favorite thing to see on a supplement like Ghost Greens.”
Ghost Greens also supports your gut health with a probiotic blend containing five different strains that are cumulatively 10 billion CFUs, 2,000 milligrams of prebiotic fiber from chicory root, and a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes called BioCore® Optimum Complete. They are all advertised as helping with digestive issues such as gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Ghost Greens
At BarBend, we know that not all supplements are the right choice for everyone. Everyone has different goals, and yours will help you determine which is the best greens supplement for your needs.
Recommended for:
- Individuals looking for a greens powder that includes reds, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Those who need help getting enough whole fruits and veggies in their diet daily
- Folks who need digestive help and regulating bowel movements
Not Recommended for:
- Individuals looking for a third-party tested greens supplement that doesn’t contain proprietary blends
- Those who don’t like the taste of stevia or monk fruit
- Folks already taking one of the best probiotic supplements, as an additional 10 billion CFUs might be too much and may cause stomach or digestive issues
Our Experience Using Ghost Greens
Our overall experience with Ghost Greens was positive. Alex Polish, our expert tester and a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, enjoys the taste and texture of this nutrient-dense powder supplement; however, they do mention the taste being noticeably sweet. They also do not like that Ghost Greens contains proprietary blends or is not third-party tested.
Ingredients and Formulation
Ghost Greens contains a variety of blends, all of which can potentially be great for boosting your overall health and wellness, particularly your heart and gut health. The addition of a reds blend and two proprietary blends of antioxidants make this a good choice getting in your vitamins and minerals and potentially boosting your immunity — if you don’t mind the inclusion of proprietary blends.
The greens blend includes a variety of 10 different vegetable powders including super greens like spirulina and cracked cell wall chlorella, which, as a certified nutrition coach, I love. These super greens are packed with nutrients like vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids and have been shown to have immense health benefits specifically heart health and immune function. (1) Studies also suggest that these algae can have an ergogenic effect and can increase peak oxygen uptake and time to exhaustion; although, more studies need to be done on this. (1)
[Related: Best Fruit and Vegetable Supplements]
Their antioxidant proprietary blend, Spectra™ Total ORAC, is really interesting. It’s a clinically studied formula of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It was the first of its kind that was suggested in studies to inhibit free radical production, optimize cellular metabolic activity, and increase nitric oxide levels. (2) In short, Spectra™ may help stop or slow down the creation of harmful molecules in your body called free radicals. They also may assist the cells in your body in functioning better and more efficiently, and help your body in getting more oxygen.
Our expert taster, certified nutrition coach and personal trainer Alex Polish, thinks the formula is pretty decent, noting the proprietary blends and lack of third-party testing as the main downside of the Ghost Greens formula. In that regard, they said, “To me, that’s an automatic big dock in points.”
Polish goes on to say, “But I do like that I’m getting probiotics, too — which isn’t the case with all greens powders — at 10 billion CFUs per scoop, which is on par with what most clinical studies suggest can be effective for maintaining gut and digestive health. (3) I also like the antioxidant inclusion (though I wish it wasn’t in a blend with uncertain amounts of ingredients). Overall, I give the formula and ingredients a 3 out of 5, docking the points for including proprietary blends.”
Taste
Polish tried the Matcha Latter flavor and has this to say about it: “It’s a lot better than other greens powders I’ve tried. I like the taste better than brands like Live it Up (though that’s good, too) because Ghost is sweet, but not overly so. That said, it….alas, doesn’t taste like a matcha latte. That might be because I’m boring and drink my matcha unsweetened, and this is on the sweet side. But it’s not overly sweet, which I appreciate a lot.”
Polish goes on to offer an alternative, saying, “When I’m in the mood for the wholesome grassy taste (I know, I’m weird), I’ll definitely opt for Vibrant Health’s Green Vibrance over this one, but I’ll choose Ghost over a lot of other sweetened greens powders if I want something sweet, but not too much so.” All in all, they gave Ghost Greens’s flavor a 3.5 out of 5.
Solubility
Users report that Ghost Greens mixes well. Polish agrees: “Just my blender bottle and a few strong shakes do the trick. If I pay close attention, then yes, it’s a bit grainy — but if I’m just going about my day and drinking it, I don’t tend to notice. So, a 4.5 out of 5 for solubility.”
Polish adds: “Solubility is largely about usability — how accessible is this powder? Another aspect of that for me is how the mixing starts: with the scoop. Ghost supps come with their scoops looped to the top of the container in a special lip inside the tub, so you don’t have to get messy digging around for the darn thing. That’s a great plus for accessibility, except that I found the process of unhooking it a little difficult — much less accessible. I suggest fiddling with the scoop from side to side instead of trying to force it.”
[Related: Greens Powders Vs. Multivitamins]
Price Per Serving
The price of Ghost Greens is pretty average as far as most green supplements go. Polish adds: “It’s not the cheapest greens powder out there, but it’s also not the most expensive by a long shot. If the lack of third-party testing and the presence of proprietary blends doesn’t bother you — maybe you really want probiotics and don’t want to shell out for AG1 — then I think this is a pretty good price.” For the price per serving, Polish gives Ghost Greens a 3.5 out of 5.
Third-Party Testing
The supplement industry is heavily unregulated. This means third-party testing is imperative for maintaining transparency and ensuring ethical manufacturing among different supplement companies. Alex Polish remarked, “As a certified nutrition coach and someone who generally pays attention to what they put in their body, I really don’t like that Ghost Greens isn’t third-party tested. And I totally get where trademarked ingredients and proprietary blends can seem sexy — there’s ‘science’ behind them, right? — but in reality, they’re things I like to stay away from.”
Polish goes on to caution, “Without third-party testing, these trademarked and registered ingredients often obscure what’s actually in your supplement and therefore, what’s going into your body. For transparency, this gets a 1 out of 5 for me.”
What to Consider Before Buying Ghost Greens
The BarBend team recognizes that there isn’t a “one size fits all” greens supplement that is best for everyone. We’ve tried out dozens of different green supplements, weighing the pros and cons of each to give you everything you need for your selection. To help you make that decision even easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of considerations to ponder before marking your decision.
- Current Supplement Routine: If you’re taking a lot of supplements already, you may not need to add Ghost Greens to the mix, especially if you’re already taking prebiotics, probiotics, or one of the best multivitamins. Their inclusion is a big draw if you want something all-in-one, though.
- Brand Transparency: Brand transparency and third-party testing are essential because they let you know what is on the label is what’s in the tub, and that nothing was added that shouldn’t have been. Ghost Greens contains proprietary blends and lacks third-party testing, which can be a big drawback.
- Budget: Your own budget is a huge factor when considering if a supplement is right for you. It’s important to find a supplement that has everything you need, but also fits in your budget. If the $1.50 per serving cost fits your desired price range, this might be a good fit.
- Health Concerns: If you have health concerns, especially a kidney condition, or are pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement. That might be especially important with brands that aren’t third-party tested like Ghost Greens.
Ghost Greens Vs. Competitors
When browsing greens powders to find the right one for you, it can be overwhelming to sift through the oversaturated market. We’ve put the Ghost Greens specs next to two other green supplements we like — Athletic Greens and Jacked Factory Green Surge — to show you how they stack up against each other.
Ghost Greens | Athletic Greens | Jacked Factory Green Surge | |
Price | $44.99 | $79 (subscription only) | $29.99 |
Price Per Serving | $1.50 | $2.63 | $1.00 |
Servings Per Container | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Third-Party Testing | No | Yes | No |
Standout Ingredients | Kale powder, organic matcha, organic wheat grass, organic spirulina, organic cracked cell wall chlorella, organic barley grass, organic oat grass, organic alfalfa grass, broccoli powder, organic astragalus, acai juice powder, pomegranate juice powder, blueberry juice powder, cranberry powder, jabuticaba powder, camu camu juice powder, aronia fruit powder, organic noni 5:1, organic goji berry powder, Spectra™ Total ORAC Blend, Inulin (prebiotic from chicory root), GHOST® Probiotic, BioCore® Optimum Complete | Organic spirulina, lecithin, organic apple powder, inulin, organic wheat grass juice powder, organic alfalfa powder, organic chlorella powder, probiotics, digestive enzymes, super mushrooms, superfoods, herbs, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals | Probiotic and inulin blend, organic spirulina powder, organic spinach leaf powder, collards leaf blend, organic wheat grass powder, apple fruit powder, organic barley grass powder, organic parsley leaf powder, organic broccoli head/plant powder, organic carrot root powder, pineapple fruit powder, raspberry fruit powder, digestive enzyme blend, green tea extract, grape seed extract, stevia leaf extract |
It’s important to compare different green supplements because it helps show what sets each supplement away from the pack. At BarBend, we love AG1 because it’s third-party tested by NSF Certified for Sport, which means it doesn’t contain any banned substances for competing athletes. We also appreciate the transparency of AG1 in its ingredients list, though they do use plenty of proprietary blends (not great). Ghost Greens and Jacked Factory Green Surge have not been third-party tested and they use proprietary blends.
We love that Jacked Factory Green Surge is extremely affordable compared to the competition and comes in a variety of flavors; although, they don’t offer as many flavor options as Ghost Greens. (AG1 is definitely the most expensive of the trio and only comes in one flavor.) The downside of Green Surge is that it contains sucralose, and as a certified nutrition coach, I’m never a big fan of artificial sweeteners — especially because sucralose may cause some gastrointestinal distress in some users.
I like that all three contain spirulina. Another green that I like, chlorella, is only in Ghost Greens and AG1. AG1 also uses adaptogens in the form of mushrooms, which they advertise as possibly helping with energy, focus, stress, and mood balance naturally.
Read our full Athletic Greens review.
Places to Buy Ghost Greens
- Directly from their Ghost Lifestyle website
- Amazon
- GNC
- Vitamin Shoppe
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Ghost Lifestyle is popular among young fitness enthusiasts. They are known for their innovative, unique flavors and their collaborations with popular snacks like Sour Patch Kids, Chip Ahoy, and Oreo. They have a loyal fanbase and engage with them via social media. Their loyalty program helps repeat users earn points to save on future orders. They also have an app where you can track your points, contact customer support, and make orders easily.
Ghost Lifestyle is also known for giving back to the community by supporting many different non-profit foundations. For example, every tub purchased from their website donates a tree through One Tree Planted. They’ve also partnered with Breast Cancer Research Foundation, K9 for Warriors, and Gamers Outreach.
Their return policy is a little strict. To make a return, products must be returned within 15 days of delivery. It must be unopened, in its original packaging, and you must have the receipt, order confirmation, or proof of purchase from ghostlifestyle.com. Additionally, only items purchased in full can be returned, so items purchased on sale or with a promo code will be accepted for returns.
Ghost Greens has 723 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews don’t like the taste or the texture, but what can you expect? It’s a green drink! They will typically always have a green taste and a slightly gritty texture. Positive reviews note the taste, texture, ingredients, quality, and value of Ghost Greens. Plus, users also reported a boost in mood and overall energy.
[Related: Athletic Greens Alternatives]
Our Final Verdict on Ghost Greens
Overall, we like that Ghost Greens is a well-rounded greens supplement that also contains reds, probiotics, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes. We don’t like that it hasn’t been third-party tested and includes proprietary blends in its ingredients list. The taste is sweet, but not too grassy and it mixes well. The price is average compared to other green supplements — you can find a more expensive green powder, but there are also cheaper options available.
Ghost Greens FAQs
What does Ghost Greens do to your body?
Ghost Greens can fill the nutrition gap in your diet by providing servings of fruits and vegetables you may struggle to get. It’s a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can support immune health and energy levels. In addition to that, the prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes may help support a healthy gut microbiome and regulate digestion. Side effects may include bloating, stomach irritation, or digestive issues, especially if you are new to probiotics or already taking a hefty dose of probiotics.
What are the cons of a super green?
As a certified nutrition coach, I always recommend getting your fruits and vegetables from whole foods and natural sources. No greens or reds supplement will ever be as good as getting the real thing. In some cases, a super green supplement can also be more expensive than buying fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. Some users complain about the chalky, gritty texture and grassy taste. Greens supplements can also cause digestive issues and stomach problems.
What does Ghost Greens taste like?
Users and reviewers online report that Ghost Greens are typically sweet. Our expert tester, certified nutrition coach and personal trainer Alex Polish, says, “The Matcha Latte flavor tastes like the color green — not quite like matcha, and definitely not grassy like other sweetened greens powders — but it’s still got an enjoyable earthy vibe.”
How much does Ghost Greens cost?
From the Ghost Lifestyle website, Ghost Greens costs $44.99 for a tub with 30 servings, which equates to about $1.50 per serving. You can get access to promo codes by signing up with an email. On Amazon, you can save more — It’s only $35.99 and if you have Prime, shipping is free.
References
- Gurney, T., & Spendiff, O. (2022). Algae Supplementation for Exercise Performance: Current Perspectives and Future Directions for Spirulina and Chlorella. Frontiers in nutrition, 9, 865741. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.865741
- Nemzer, B. V., Fink, N., & Fink, B. (2014). New insights on effects of a dietary supplement on oxidative and nitrosative stress in humans. Food science & nutrition, 2(6), 828–839. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.178
- National Institutes of Health (2023, November 3). Probiotics- Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/