The supplement industry is rife with products making bold claims, and SkinnyFit Skinny Greens is no exception. This article aims to provide an in-depth review of SkinnyFit Skinny Greens, a powdered supplement marketed as a weight loss aid with additional benefits such as increased energy, improved mental performance, reduced bloating and stress, and enhanced skin health.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.
Decoding the Claims of Greens Powders
Greens powders often promise a range of benefits, including weight management, blood sugar control, and cholesterol reduction. However, many of these claims lack solid scientific backing and are difficult to verify without rigorous clinical research.
SkinnyFit Skinny Greens: A Closer Look
SkinnyFit Skinny Greens is marketed as a “green juice superfood powder” containing 34 superfood ingredients. While the product has received mostly positive reviews, some users have reported dissatisfaction with its taste and effectiveness. The brand makes a lot of promises regarding this supplement (and its other products), so we decided to test it for ourselves and find out if any of the claims are true.
Product Overview
- Price per serving: \$3.00
- Flavors: Green Apple, Mango Splash
- Serving size: 1 Scoop (7.9 g)
- Sweeteners: Monk fruit extract, stevia leaf extract
- Third-party testing: No
Key Ingredients
- Wholesome Superfood Blend: Lemon juice powder, organic chlorella powder, organic spirulina [whole plant], spinach leaf powder, organic wheat grass powder, organic matcha (leaves), alfalfa powder (aerial parts), organic moringa leaf powder, artichoke extract (leaves)
- Healthy Gut Probiotic Blend: Organic inulin powder, bromelain, digestive enzyme blend: amylase, lactose, cellulase, protease, lipase, probiotic blend [500 million CFU: Birdobacterium lactis, B. breve, B. longum, Lactobacius acidophivs. L Cose, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. salivarius. L. ramnosus. L.
- Waist-Slimming Blend: The blend includes glucomannan root, apple cider vinegar, and green tea leaf extract.
Ingredient Analysis and Dosage Concerns
One of the primary concerns with SkinnyFit Skinny Greens is the use of proprietary blends. This makes it impossible to determine the exact quantity of each ingredient in the formula. The total weight of the superfood blend is only 3.405 grams, which may not be sufficient to deliver significant health benefits.
Read also: Skinny Guys Bulking Guide
Probiotics: The product contains a probiotic blend with 500 million CFUs (colony-forming units). According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, the minimum effective dose of probiotics is 1 billion CFUs. However, the effective dose depends heavily on the strain of probiotic and what, exactly, “effective” means-different strains confer different health benefits and efficacy is all relative to the condition or symptom at hand.
Adaptogens: SkinnyFit Skinny Greens includes an adaptogen blend totaling 670 milligrams. While adaptogens have shown promise in supporting stress relief, focus, cognitive function, and overall wellness, their effects are dose-dependent. Without knowing the specific amounts of each adaptogen, it's difficult to assess the potential benefits. For example, the effective dose of ashwagandha is between 240 to 600 milligrams, while the effective dose of ginseng root extract is thought to be 200 milligrams. The effective dose of turmeric (not curcumin10, turmeric’s bioactive compound) supported by clinical studies is 100 to 1,500 milligrams per day11, depending on the condition one is trying to treat.
Weight Loss Potential: Examining the Evidence
SkinnyFit markets this as a surefire weight loss aid, and claims that its Skinny Greens ingredients include a “waist-slimming blend.” However, it’s unwise to rely on a supplement for weight management. The "waist-slimming blend" contains glucomannan root, apple cider vinegar, and green tea leaf extract. While some studies suggest that glucomannan may promote weight loss, the evidence for apple cider vinegar (ACV) and green tea leaf extract is limited.
- Glucomannan: In a randomized controlled trial, participants who supplemented with glucomannan lost more weight than other participants.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Green Tea Leaf Extract: There’s limited evidence that either could help with weight loss in combination with a caloric deficit.
Taste, Solubility, and Side Effects
According to our product tester Lauren Strong, SkinnyFit Skinny Greens powder has great solubility. As for taste, Lauren says, “Eh. It’s a greens powder! “I sort of puckered a little while testing the first time,” she continues. “I’ve since watered this mix down a bit more-14 ounces is the recommended amount of water but I put a splash more. Lauren herself didn’t experience any side effects after taking SkinnyFit Skinny Greens, but there are some unfavorable reviews on Amazon mentioning adverse effects. People who are taking blood thinners, particularly warfarin and drugs with the same mechanism of action, should check with their doctor before using SkinnyFit Greens or any greens powder. Concentrated vegetable supplements are typically high in vitamin K, and vitamin K interacts with warfarin. Some greens powders contain ingredients like acacia fiber and glucomannan, which may support satiety, or the feeling of being full and satisfied from food. Some greens powders contain ingredients that are also found in fat burners, detox teas, or other supplements, such as green tea extract and caffeine.
Third-Party Testing and Transparency
Skinny Greens is not third-party tested by an independent laboratory, while we highly value third-party testing, we respect that such testing is very expensive to undergo and some companies, especially smaller ones, can’t afford it. This is a significant drawback, as third-party testing ensures product quality, purity, and accurate labeling.
Read also: The Truth About Skinny Fiber
Skinny Greens vs. Athletic Greens: A Comparison
Athletic Greens AG1 is considered the gold standard in greens powders. It undergoes third-party testing and discloses the micronutrient profile including the daily value percentage of vitamins and minerals. Both are expensive-Skinny Greens costs \$3 per serving and AG1 costs \$3.30 per serving-but based on the labels, you’re getting a lot more for your money with AG1.
Comparison Table
| Feature | SkinnyFit Skinny Greens | Athletic Greens AG1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price per serving | \$3.00 | \$3.30 |
| Flavors | Green Apple | No flavor |
| Serving size | 1 Scoop (7.9 g) | 1 scoop (12 g) |
| Sweeteners | Monk fruit, stevia | Stevia |
| Third-party testing | No | Yes |
| Key ingredients | Wholesome Superfood Blend (lemon juice powder, organic chlorella powder, organic spirulina [whole plant], spinach leaf powder, organic wheat grass powder, organic matcha (leaves), alfalfa powder (aerial parts), organic moringa leaf powder, artichoke extract (leaves)); Healthy Gut Probiotic Blend (organic inulin powder, bromelain, digestive enzyme blend: amylase, lactose, cellulase, protease, lipase, probiotic blend [500 million CFU: Birdobacterium lactis, B. breve, B. longum, Lactobacius acidophivs. L Cose, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. salivarius. L. ramnosus. L. | Not specified |
Customer Policies and Reviews
One great thing about SkinnyFit is their customer-centric policies. So if you don’t like Skinny Greens for any reason, you can return it within that window. The ordering process is standard, but you can sign up for subscribe-and-save options on the SkinnyFit site to save 15%. Most reviews praise the product for helping with energy, bloat, mood, or digestion. Lauren, our product tester, noted this, too. “While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one of the first 3-star reviews I read says ‘I still haven’t lost any weight which has been disappointing,’” Lauren says. Some negative reviews indicate problems with quality control and concerns that the container seems really empty upon arrival.
The Role of Meal Replacement Shakes
As a registered dietitian, I recommend getting most of your nutrition from a well-balanced diet. But a meal replacement shake can be an efficient supplement to help fill in the gaps, especially if you’re a frequent meal skipper. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey, looking for a high-protein meal, or need something on the go after a gym session, meal replacement shakes can be literal lifesavers (and they're way easier than using protein powders!). The best meal replacement shakes provide calories, protein, carbohydrates, and a mixture of vitamins and minerals to mimic what's found in a meal-just crack open a bottle and sip. They're substantial enough to provide you with the energy you need until your next meal. I often recommend them to clients who skip breakfast if they’re not hungry enough to eat.
However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing the right one for you. If you have diabetes or are watching your carbohydrate intake, choosing one that’s low in carbs and sugar is best. But if you’re active, planning a workout, or replenishing from one, you may want a shake higher in carbs. Calories, protein amount and type, and sweeteners are also worth evaluating.
What to Consider
Protein type: Whey-based: Whey protein is derived from dairy and is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune support, and overall health. The three main forms-concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate-differ in processing, digestion speed, and lactose content. Whey concentrate is the least processed and contains more fats and carbohydrates, while whey isolate is more refined, lower in fat, and typically better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. As for hydrolysate, the protein is broken down into smaller peptides for easy digestion. Plant-based: Plant-based proteins are sourced from ingredients such as peas, rice, soy, and hemp, which makes them a great option if you’re avoiding animal products. While some single-source plant proteins may lack one or more essential amino acids, blends can offer a complete amino acid profile. Plant proteins are naturally lactose-free and often higher in fiber, so they’re ideal if you’re sensitive to dairy or following a plant-forward diet.
Read also: How to Gain Weight if You're Skinny
Amount of protein: While a sedentary adult only needs 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for basic functions, you likely need more than that, especially if you’re active or looking to lose weight. Whether you're a recreationally active woman or a competing athlete, you'll want to aim for around 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, according to current research and recommendations. Protein helps build and repair muscle, supports the immune system, and is needed for almost all chemical reactions that take place in the body. It also helps you feel fuller and slows your digestion down when you eat meals. A meal replacement shake that provides a quarter of your protein needs, or at least 20 grams per serving, is ideal.
Calories: If you’re looking for a true meal replacement shake, choose an option with a minimum of 300 to 400 calories. Even then, you may need to supplement it with something else, like a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, or some veggies and hummus. Remember that a shake with fewer than 200 calories won’t supply your body with enough energy.
Sweeteners: Some meal replacement shakes have a lower amount of carbohydrates and added sweeteners, while others may contain anywhere from 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates. Added sugars can range from cane sugar to fructose, but natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or allulose are more common. Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, or sugar alcohols like erythritol or sorbitol can also be found, but it's best to limit your intake. They can cause stomach pain, gas, and bloating in people with sensitivities.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes
- Best Overall Meal Replacement Shake: Huel Black Edition Ready-to-Drink (Provides a complete meal replacement with 400 calories, 35 grams of plant-based protein, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals)
- Best Pea Protein Meal Replacement Shake: Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake (20 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving)
- Best Allergen-Friendly Meal Replacement Shake: Owyn Plant-Based Protein Drink (Top nine allergen-free-ideal for sensitive individuals or those with food allergies)
- Best Almond-Milk Based Meal Replacement Shake: Koia Plant-Based Protein Shake (20 grams of plant-based protein with a comprehensive amino acid profile)
- Best Powder Meal Replacement Shake: Ka'Chava Superblend Shake (Balanced macronutrient profile to support overall nutrition)
- Best Flavored Meal Replacement Shake: Premier Protein Shake (Wide variety of flavors-from classic chocolate and vanilla to unique options like cinnamon roll and root beer float)
Other Meal Replacement Shake Options:
- Kate Farms
- OWYN (Only What You Need)
- Huel
- Vega Protein Nutrition Shake
- Koia
How to Choose a Meal Replacement Shake
When shopping for a meal replacement shake, consider your specific needs - whether it's higher protein, lower calories, added fiber or specific nutrients. Consulting a dietitian can help you select the best option that aligns with your dietary goals, advises Sarah Koszyk, M.A., R.D.N., NBC-HWC, a sports dietitian and founder of MIJA.
- Nutrient balance: “If the shake is truly replacing a meal, make sure it has enough calories to fuel your body as well as a balanced nutrition profile of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals," said Sassos. Also, it’s best to check the nutrition label for important micronutrients like iron, vitamin D, calcium and magnesium, which are often under-consumed in daily diets. If the nutrient breakdown seems unclear, it’s worth reaching out to the brand for more details about what their product offers.
- Protein and fiber content: Aim for shakes that deliver 15 to 25 grams of protein per serving to help you feel full, maintain muscle and keep energy levels steady throughout the day. Protein is key for making a shake feel satisfying and meal-like, especially if you’re using it to replace a full meal. Also, look for shakes with at minimum 3 to 5 grams of fiber per serving to promote better digestion, help you stay fuller for longer and prevent energy crashes by balancing blood sugar.
- Ingredient quality: Pay attention to the ingredient list and choose shakes made primarily with real, whole food ingredients whenever possible. Avoid those with excessive added sugars, excess artificial additives and a long list of fillers. Not all shakes are created equal so always choose the option whose ingredient list aligns with your health needs and preferences.
- Calorie range: Consider your specific needs when looking at calorie content. Meal replacement shakes are typically between 150 to 400 calories per serving. "Remember that a meal replacement shake is a supplement and should be used in combination with whole foods. Consider having a shake for one meal and eating another meal with real foods that have protein and fiber," adds Koszyk. Lower-calorie shakes may need to be paired with extra food to meet energy needs, while well-rounded options with 300-400 calories may provide some people with sufficient energy until their next meal.
- Third-party testing: Third-party testing for meal replacement shakes is relatively new for this category but helps verify that products are free from contaminants, pesticides and heavy metals. Our selections prioritize third-party-tested options or come from reputable brands.
"Prioritize balanced, whole food meals that offer a wide range of nutrients naturally to help keep you fueled and satisfied. Eating a real meal not only engages different senses but also is a more satisfying and enjoyable experience," adds Sassos. Ultimately, it’s about finding an option that aligns with your preferences and health needs. When in doubt, work with a health professional to identify the best choice for your unique goals and sensitivities.
Protein Supplements vs. Meal Replacement Shakes
Protein supplements are made to increase your daily protein intake. Protein shakes are often used after workouts for muscle recovery, by busy individuals as a quick meal option, or to support weight management. These supplements are usually lower in calories and may not provide the full range of nutrients you’d get in a meal. While some products provide fewer calories than a typical meal and may need to be paired with additional food to sustain energy, meal replacement shakes are specifically designed to replace a full meal, offering a mix of protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal option for busy days or supporting weight management.
Downsides of Meal Replacement Shakes
Meal replacement shakes are undeniably convenient, but relying on them too frequently may lead to notable drawbacks. One major concern is their lack of variety - shakes can limit…