Although green powders have been hogging the wellness limelight for a while, red powders aren’t far behind.
Arguably, the prettier cousin of greens, red powders are punchy, power-packed blends that add some extra sass to your morning routine.
Unlike their green counterpart, red powders are usually made from fruits, berries and antioxidant-rich ingredients, which help keep your cells healthy, protecting them from stress and damage. Green powders, on the other hand, while also filled with benefits, contain slightly less appetising foods such as veggies and algae.
Whether you blend them into smoothies, stir into porridge and overnight oats, add to bakes or simply mix with juice or water and drink on their own, red powders are a quick and convenient way to pack some extra goodness into your diet.
Some quite literally brim with ingredients, from fruits and vegetables, to added vitamins, mushrooms (the functional, non-psychedelic kind), herbs and even hydrating electrolytes, which can often offer a boost to energy, immunity, cognitive function and perhaps even fertility levels. Meanwhile, other red powders are a little more targeted, perhaps helping to improve skin health or even giving your brain a gentle boost.
In my experience, red powders typically do taste better than green powders. It’s like comparing a blueberry with a piece of kale: most folks are more likely to find the former the more appealing of the two. That said, some may pack in extra sugar and sweeteners, which could lead to a sweetness overload or they might taste a bit like the earth. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However, the health benefits of some red powders might just be worth the grimace.
To get the scoop on red powders, we asked registered nutritionist Claire Hitchen for her insights.
What are red powders?
“Red powders are concentrated powder supplements that are made by dehydrating and grinding different red-coloured foods - such as fruits, vegetables or herbs.
There are different types of red powders and they often contain ingredients such as beetroot, red berries (think raspberries or strawberries, as well as cranberries and goji berries), pomegranate or red grapes. You can get products that are pure beetroot powder, for example, as well as products that contain a blend of different powdered foods.
The nutrients will vary depending on the specific ingredients, but many list a range of important micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), including vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium and more, albeit in small amounts. Some products also add other ingredients, such as protein powder, other extracts (such as mushrooms), fibre or they fortify with vitamins.”
What do red powders do?
“A lot of red powder products make quite bold health claims, from supporting everything from immunity and energy levels to gut health, hormone balance, fertility and healthy ageing.
There is some evidence that beetroot supplements (in powder but also juice) could help to reduce inflammation thanks to their antioxidant activity.
The issue is, most red powders don’t have any clinical trials to back them up, because most haven’t been tested in the same format as they’re sold. For example, the brands haven’t done their own trials to test their products and see if they actually have any benefit.
Some of the ingredients red powders include have shown a health benefit in scientific studies - for example beetroot extract. But, the dose of these ingredients that you find in red powder products is usually much lower than researchers used in clinical trials. So, we can’t say for sure that there would be a benefit to having them in smaller amounts.”
Are red powders good for you?
|I’m all about the food-first approach, so I would always recommend enjoying as much variety of whole foods as you can. If you’re relying on red powders to get your veggies and fruits in, or to hit your 5-a-day, then it won’t be doing much for you and we need to switch up the focus.
Instead, I’d eat a variety of fresh or frozen red berries, add beetroot or pomegranate to your salads or smoothies and snack on red grapes. Then, if you want to add a bit of red powder on top, you can.
I always advise my clients to count colours (not calories). Rather than focusing on ‘red foods’ or ‘green foods’, aim to get lots of different colours from a wide variety of plant-based foods.”
Should you take red powders for an extended period?
“If you like adding some red powder to a smoothie, as part of an overall well-balanced whole food diet, then go for it. For most people, as long as it’s a safe high-quality product, I don’t think there’s any harm in it. Just don’t do it thinking it’s some magical superfood or miracle cure.
If you want to incorporate red powders into your diet, go for trusted products from reputable brands, with high-quality, pure ingredients. Ideally, opt for pure products that focus on fruits and vegetables, without high-dose herbal extracts or additives.”
Should anyone avoid red powders?
“Anyone with a health issue, taking any medications or with allergies, should check with their GP or registered nutritionist before adding in any supplement into their diet.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid products with herbal extracts (as they may not be verified for safety in pregnancy) and speak to a qualified nutritionist who can advise you personally.”
Best red powders at a glance
- Best overall: IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials - £79, IM8
- Best for affordability: Aduna Superfoods’ Radiance Blend - £19.98, Amazon
- Best for longevity: Youth & Earth V14 Longevity Reds Daily Blend - £99.99, Youth & Earth
- Best for skin support: Ancient + Brave Radiant Collagyn - £28.80, Amazon
- Best for pre-workout: Myvegan Red Superfoods - £29.99, MyProtein
- Best for joint care: Revive Joint Complex - £39.95, Revive
- Best for a no-sugar option: BodyMe Super Reds Powder - £22, BodyMe
- Best for taste: Wellgard Ruby Super Reds Powder - £22.98, Amazon
- Best for brain health: Juice Plus+ Luminate - £76, Juice Plus
- Best for blood health: EHPlabs OxyReds Super Beets Powder - £26.94, Amazon
How we tested
As a health and fitness journalist, I have tested hundreds, if not thousands, of health-related products. For this roundup, I tried a different red powder each morning, mixing the recommended serve with water and downing it first thing. Taste played a big part in my red powder selection, as did the number of ingredients and superfoods. I also made sure the quality was up to scratch, plus the amount of various different nutrients.
The cost of each product naturally played a part in my roundup too, because while you have to invest in health; there is only so much we’re willing to spend on powders.
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IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials
Best: Overall
Co-founded by one David Beckham, IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials is a red powder filled with 92 superfoods including greens, fruits, herbs, vitamin D, pro and prebiotics for gut health, an extensive range of minerals and even electrolytes for hydration.
Whilst a picture of Beckham drinking literally anything is bound to draw punters in, IM8 is worth considering thanks to the impressive formula of ingredients.
IM8 claim its Daily Ultimate Essentials replaces the need for 16 individual supplements which target eight key areas of health, including energy and immunity, so whilst the cost per month is on the steep side, it is a very useful all-in-one powder that pretty much has you covered in terms of supplements.
Plus, this actually tastes good and comes in a cool red, hexagonal tub that will look great on your kitchen counter. Now, who said health had to be boring?
Buy now £79.00, IM8
Aduna Superfoods Beauty Superfood Blend
Best for: Affordability
Aduna offers a range of different superfood powders, each targeted at supporting a different area of health.
The Beauty blend red powder focuses on skin health and contains several ingredients such as vitamin-C rich baobab, acai, goji and hibiscus, all said to support collagen formation and radiant skin.
Each two teaspoon serving of this powder also contains fibre from ingredients such as ground flaxseeds and agave inulin powder, so your digestion may benefit too.
The price point of this powder is a huge plus as it’s considerably cheaper than some of the other options. Plus, Aduna as a brand is committed to sustainable and ethical ingredient sourcing -they work directly with the communities where the ingredients of their superfood powders grow and they invest in regenerative farming, so it’s a red powder with green credentials.
The flavour of this powder packs a punch - in fact, the berry and hibiscus flavours really stand out. If you’re after something that will wake up your tastebuds, looks no further.
Buy now £19.98, Amazon
Youth & Earth V14 Longevity Reds Daily Blend
Best for: Longevity
Not only does this red power contain a huge array of antioxidant-rich superfruits and vegetables including acai berry, beetroot, acerola cherry, carrot and pomegranate (to name just a handful), several minerals and plenty of essential vitamins such as vitamin D3, K2 and C, it also has 14 longevity-enhancing compounds.
Within these compounds is spermidine, which promotes cellular renewal and healthy ageing, magnesium malate, which supports energy production and muscle function and carotenoids such as astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which support eye health, brain function and they help protect your skin.
Youth & Earth claim that within 30 days you will feel a surge in energy and improved focus, after 60 days, your mind will feel sharper and more resilient and by 90 days, the ingredients that support your cells and ageing markers supposedly work together to enhance longevity, keeping you feeling strong and youthful.
The line up of ingredients is extremely impressive and despite it being one of the more expensive options, with just under a month’s supply (28 sachets) coming in at £99.99, you’d be paying considerably more for these ingredients as individual supplements.
Buy now £99.99, Youth & Earth
Ancient + Brave Radiant Collagyn
Best for: Skin support
Radiant Collagyn has been designed to nourish your skin from within and support your body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, supporting skin, bones, hair, nails and muscles, so without it, you’re more likely to develop wrinkles, joint stiffness and weaker hair and nails.
This delicious red powder contains a blend of amino acids (the building blocks of protein) found in collagen as well as antioxidants, such as raspberry, beetroot and haskap, and vitamin C, which all work to protect cells from oxidative stress and ageing. Vitamin D, zinc and biotin are also added in the mix to help support immune function while probiotic fibre, in the form of chicory root inulin, helps to feed the gut bacteria in your gut. A happy gut means a smoother digestion and it’s even been linked to helping reduce skin issues.
This powder mixes well with water and doesn’t go lumpy, plus the berry flavour is delicious.
Buy now £28.80, Amazon
Myvegan Red Superfood
Best for: Pre-workout
Each tub of this red powder contains 50 servings, which is more than the other red powders offer, but the servings of this powder are small.
Filled with 11 plant extracts, phytonutrients (naturally occurring plant compounds), fruit and vegetables, Myvegan claims this powder has been designed to support your everyday health, as well as your workouts, when taken as a pre-workout. Ingredients such as acerola cherries and acai provide vitamin C, which helps to reduce fatigue and support psychological function.
This blend also includes green coffee extract and green tea extract for energy (hello workout PBs) plus blueberry, turmeric, cherry, broccoli and kale, so you’ll be getting a nice little dose of goodness.
The Unflavoured powder is ideal for mixing into smoothies, overnight oats or pretty much any drink. Or you can try the Strawberry Acai flavour which is a lot fruitier.
Buy now £24.99, MyProtein
Revive Joint Complex
Best for: Joint care
If you want to show your joints some extra TLC, this is the red powder you need.
Marine collagen is the star ingredient in this joint-boosting mix. Each sachet contains a high 5,000mg of collagen as well as other ingredients such as MSM and glucosamine, all renowned for their ability to support joints. Plus each sachet contains a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid, which although typically seen in skincare products, is also great for joints.
Each serving also contains essential nutrients such as vitamin D3, vitamin C and copper.
Beetroot powder gives Revive Joint Complex its red colour but don’t worry, it doesn’t actually taste too much like beetroot. In fact, it’s more fruity than anything and tastes great simply mixed with water.
Buy now £39.95, Revive
BodyMe Super Reds Powder
Best for: No sugar option
Another affordable option, this blend of 10 nutrient-boosting organic superfoods has been formulated to help support your immune system and energy levels, so you can power through the day.
All the ingredients are Soil Association-certified, which means they meet the association’s strict, organic standards, so you know you’re not putting junk in your body.
The super berry blend of blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, rosehip and acai provides some different nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin K, while organic carob is high in potassium and calcium. There’s also inulin, which supports gut health. Each serving contains a nice 3.9g of fibre, which is more than 10 per cent of your daily recommended fibre intake.
Plus, you’ll also find chaga and reishi mushroom- two of wellness’ superfoods-of-the-moment - in this blend. These are adaptogenic mushrooms, said to help beat stress, plus they support immune health too.
There is one thing that’s worth noting - as there’s zero sugar or sweeteners in this powder, don’t expect a sweet taste. This does taste a little earthy, however, it’s still very drinkable. Mix with juice or add to a smoothie if the taste isn’t to your liking.
Buy now £22.00, BodyMe
Wellgard Ruby Super Reds Powder
Best for: Taste
If you want a red powder that’s easy to drink, this might be your best option - it’s like drinking berry juice.
Wellgard states that just one daily scoop of their red powder acts as an ‘all-in-one’, providing 100+ scientifically proven health benefits, all thanks to 49 ingredients, which together, help support your immune system and energy levels, hormonal balance, mental focus, skin and hair.
For the price, this red powder offers a pretty impressive roster of ingredients and benefits. Included in the mix are many familiar and exotic superfoods: think acai berry, dragonfruit, elderberry, amla berry, camu camu, pomegranate, beetroot, maca, chia seed powder, aronia berry, lychee, cranberry and blueberry.
On the reverse, each ingredient is listed with the exact amount included per serving. You’ll also get vitamins C and D, as well as B vitamins, zinc, selenium, copper and iron.
There are a number of probiotics (good bacteria for the gut) and prebiotics as well as digestive-supporting enzymes, too.
Buy now £22.98, Amazon
Juice Plus+ Luminate
Best for: Focus
It’s the blend of nootropics - brain boosting substances - and adaptogens in these individual powder sachets that help to boost mental clarity and focus, which is particularly helpful when you’ve got a busy day of work ahead.
With 80mg of natural plant-based caffeine (that’s more than a single espresso), plant-based B vitamins, ashwagandha to help you stay calm and cordyceps and lion’s mane mushrooms for concentration, you’ll be powering through the day, firing from all cylinders.
The individual sachets are really useful for on the go, and they stop the hassle of having to measure out portions. Plus, they come in at just 10 calories per serving with a small 1.8g of sugar.
The Berry + Mango flavour is a little like Marmite - you’ll either love it or hate it. I found it tasted a bit earthy.
Buy now £76.00, Juice Plus+
EHPlabs OxyReds Super Beets Powder
Best for: Blood health
Although this red powder provides a number of benefits, it’s the blood flow support blend that really makes it stand out. In fact, the first ingredient on the ingredient list is beetroot powder; beetroot contains nitrates, which when converted to nitric acid in the body, helps to relax and dilate blood vessels helping to lower blood pressure.
This OxyReds powder also packs in various other fruit and vegetable powders to help with energy and overall wellbeing as well as digestion and gut health, thanks to prebiotic inulin and digestive enzyme, papaya.
Despite beetroot being the star of the show here, this red powder tastes really delicious - a little like berry flavoured cordial. Mix with water and drink alone or add to a smoothie or even mix with plain oats for a raspberry kick.
Buy now £26.94, Amazon
Verdict
Although the competition was very tight, IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials red powder scoops the top spot.
Thanks to the 92 superfoods, including a good helping of electrolytes, there’s little need for individual supplements. Instead, one scoop of this provides a lot of the nutrients you need on any given day.
IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials also tastes great and mixes well with water. Plus, the pretty packaging and quirky packaging is worthy of a spot on your kitchen shelf.
