RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for Men

Zero sugar energy drinks are more popular among those working toward weight loss or otherwise restricting calories. That’s because they are a way to boost energy levels without consuming caloric drinks like lattes and sugary beverages. That said, there’s some controversy about these drinks being detrimental to our wellness due to poor formulation and quality. Let’s see how PRIME Energy Drinks stack up based on our experience.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Our Experts Help You Separate Hype From Hoax

Don’t trust social media to inform you on what’s best. The fitness professionals, registered dietitians, and personal trainers on Team GGR take pleasure in personally testing each nutritional product to provide you with an honest picture of the products we review. 

We rate products using a scale of 1 to 5 based on our custom GGR supplement testing methodology. This methodology examines criteria like:

• Quality of the formulation
• Taste/solubility
• Side effects
• Third-party testing
• Price/value
• Customer reviews/service

PRIME Energy Drink

PRIME Energy

GGR Score: 3.55

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Product Highlights

• Vegan energy drink 
• Founded by YouTubers and entrepreneurs KSI and Logan Paul 
• Includes electrolytes and coconut water 
• Available in 8 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Gluten-free
• 0 g of sugar
• 8 different flavors that are positively reviewed by customers
• Available in a wide variety of stores, including grocery and convenience stores

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• Customers report receiving damaged cans when shipped
• Can is smaller than the 16-oz can that other energy drinks come in

Bottom Line

PRIME Energy is a vegan energy drink that features coconut water and electrolytes. Customer reviews of this drink were extremely positive—they really enjoyed the taste. However, some customers who purchased via Amazon complained about receiving dented and damaged cans.

A Quick Look at PRIME Energy Drinks

PRIME is an American brand that was created by purported YouTube rivals Logan Paul and KSI. It started with PRIME Hydration Drink in 2022 which sought to rival mainstream sports drinks like Powerade with their now-iconic flavors like Meta Moon. 

Their hydration drinks even contain branched-chain amino acids. Now, the duo is in the energy drink business with beverages that contain both caffeine and electrolytes without any added sugar. 

Before You Buy

• Think carefully before ordering online, as Amazon offers no refunds and you have to commit to a case of 12.
• Those under the age of 18 should only try Prime Energy Drinks with adult supervision.

Are PRIME Energy Drinks Worth It?

Though the inclusion of electrolytes can be appreciated, it’s just not enough to justify the higher-than-average cost of $2.50 per can when compared to other, comparable energy drinks. That said, we were impressed by how great the drinks taste and the solid buzz you get from taking them, so it all depends on how much you’re willing to pay to buy into the hype. 

RELATED: Bang Pre-Workout Review

PRIME Energy Drink Specs

Experience Using PRIME Energy Drinks

We had PRIME Energy Drinks tested by Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, who had an overall positive experience. He warns active people not to expect to get the effects of pre-workout, as the drink doesn’t contain ingredients like BCAAs or beta alanine, but he generally approved of the taste, formulation, and effects he got from PRIME. 

Price Per Serving

We gave a rating of 3 out of 5 stars for price, as $2.50 per can is a bit much when you can get very similar drinks like Celsius and C4 for cheaper. Some may argue that the product’s similarity to sports drinks like Powerade and Gatorade could justify the higher price, but we’ll get to that next. 

Formulation

We rated formulation 4 out of 5 stars, as it actually has a lot more to offer than most of your average energy drinks, namely the electrolytes and caffeine content. First off, it contains some electrolytes, namely sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. As a sports dietitian, though, I have to let out a big ol’ sigh at the ratio of these electrolytes.

RELATED: Best Electrolyte Powder

The second ingredient in Prime Energy Drinks (and the Prime Hydration Drink, for that matter) is coconut water. Unfortunately, coconut water is widely thought to be a top-tier drink for rehydration, but this is not true. Coconut water is indeed high in potassium, which is an electrolyte, however most people taking electrolytes for rehydration actually need a surplus of sodium because this is the main mineral we lose in our sweat. Prime Energy Drinks proudly tout that they contain 355 milligrams of electrolytes, which breaks down like so:

• Potassium: 170 mg
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Calcium: 60 mg
• Magnesium: 55 mg

While the amount gets a thumbs up, you can see the ratio for rehydration isn’t comparable to other sports drinks. For perspective, a 12-ounce Gatorade contains 160 milligrams of sodium and 50 milligrams of potassium. PRIME is also sweetened with the sugar alcohol inositol and sucralose. 

Vitamins B6 and B12 have been added, which is cool, but largely unnecessary. I know I’m not the only dietitian who is exhausted with having to explain why we need to stop putting B vitamins in things and then slapping “energy” on it. While B vitamins do play a role in the metabolic process that produces ATP, nearly everyone gets enough B vitamins from their diet. 

In any case, PRIME contains taurine, a common ingredient in other energy drinks like Red Bull. Taurine is one of those semi-essential amino acids that science suggests can reduce muscle soreness. Finally, we want to point out the caffeine content of 200 milligrams, which is a solid amount to give you a nice boost. 

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for Women

That said, given the drink’s popularity on TikTok, parents are urged to avoid giving their children PRIME, as some public health guidelines² recommend those under age 18 not have more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. Luckily, it’s relieving to see that PRIME’s website does specify that its product is intended for those 18 and over. 

Taste

We gave PRIME 4 out of 5 stars for taste. Our tester Matt says, “The Ice Pop tasted just like a Rocket Pop. What threw me off, though, is that the flavor is super strong and sweet compared to other energy drinks I’ve tried. It wasn’t bad, though!”

Side Effects

Based on Matt’s experience, we gave it 4 out of 5 stars in this category. “You get a nice little bump in your focus and energy from PRIME, which I like—it qualifies as an energy drink for sure,” Matt reports. “Don’t expect to get the tingles or a pump like you would from pre-workout, but it’s still great when you need a second wind in the afternoon.”

RELATED: Pre-Workout vs Energy Drink

Third-Party Testing 

We gave this category a rating of 3 out of 5 stars, as PRIME isn’t third-party tested by NSF for Sport or Informed Choice. However, PRIME is an energy drink which is a beverage and means it is regulated by the FDA. So, if safety is your concern, know the FDA has much tighter regulations on beverages than is offered to supplements.  

PRIME Energy Drink vs C4 Energy Drink

C4 Energy Drink

C4 Energy Drink

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Carbonated and uncarbonated options
• No sugar, carbs, or calories
• Includes beta alanine and citrulline
• Comes in 8 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Zero calories
• Carbonated and uncarbonated options
• No sugar
• Comes in 8 flavors that are generally well-liked
• Affordable

Cons

• Dosages of beta alanine and citrulline not readily available
• While affordable, it's more expensive than C4's powder pre-workout

Bottom Line

C4 Energy is a well-known pre-workout drink with 200 mg of caffeine as well as ingredients like beta alanine and citrulline. We love the flavors and the price point of this classic drink.

Between the ubiquity of PRIME and C4 Energy, the likes of Red Bull, which used to dominate the world of energy drinks, are becoming relics. These are two energy drinks that are very similar. Both have the same caffeine content, are free of added sugar but sweetened with sucralose, and contain vitamin B12.

However, at nearly $1 cheaper per can, C4 is way more affordable. It also contains some ingredients that are commonly found in pre-workout, like beta-alanine, which makes it a more appealing choice to active individuals. If you want the full details on C4, you can see our full C4 Energy Drink Review. 

Customer Experience 

We had to give 1 out of 5 stars for customer experience, as all purchases of PRIME are final sale—no refunds. Access to customer service is also minimal, with there only being a website query form—no phone or live chat. Finally, when buying products like beverages on Amazon, be aware that returns are not accepted. 

Ordering PRIME Energy Drinks

One thing about buying PRIME is that you can’t just buy one can to try, you gotta commit to 12 of these suckers when you buy them on Amazon. Secondly, if you go to the PRIME website, you can buy products like their PRIME Hydration Drink online. 

However, when you navigate to the energy drinks, you get a store locator that shows you the closest place to buy them in person. So, if you want your tropical punch deliciousness delivered to your door, you’ll have to get PRIME on Amazon.  

RELATED: Best Electrolyte Drinks

Customer Reviews

There are curiously no customer reviews available on PRIME’s official website, but the energy drinks are rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 1,631 customer reviews at the time of writing. 

Most reviews rave about the taste and energy boost they get, saying the drink is worth it. Most negative reviews complain their cans were damaged upon arrival, but this didn’t happen when our team ordered them, luckily. 

Final Verdict of Our PRIME Drink Review

While we can’t say there are any outstanding features that would prompt us to recommend PRIME Energy Drinks over other, similar energy drinks on the market, it’s a nice tasting option that’s got a pretty good amount of caffeine to get the job done. 

That said, the lack of carbohydrates and iffy ratio of electrolytes don’t make it as effective a hydration tool as the marketing may imply, so we don’t recommend using it for that purpose. All in all, it’s a good option for some afternoon energy if you don’t mind the price tag. 

• Zero sugar, but sweetened with artificial sweeteners
• Order at your own risk from Amazon, as damaged cans seem common
• Not recommended for those under 18

Full Rating

PRIME Energy Drink

PRIME Energy is a vegan energy drink that features coconut water and electrolytes. Customer reviews of this drink were extremely positive—they really enjoyed the taste. However, some customers who purchased via Amazon complained about receiving dented and damaged cans.

Product Brand: PRIME

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 21.95

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.3

PRIME Energy Drink: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Kurtz, J. A., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Doyle, J. A., & Otis, J. S. (2021). Taurine in sports and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00438-0
2. Cho H. W. (2018). How Much Caffeine is Too Much for Young Adolescents?. Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives, 9(6), 287–288. https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2018.9.6.01

While Olly’s Perfect Women’s Multi stands out as one of the best multivitamins for women, they offer over 60 products targeting sleep, mood, beauty, gut health, and more. With such a wide selection, does quality outshine quantity?

In this Olly Vitamins Review, join me, a registered dietitian, as I break down some of the most popular items—Goodbye Stress, Undeniable Beauty, Hello Happy, and Daily Energy—with insights from GGR’s expert testers. Let’s chew into it!

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Nutrition and Fitness Experts Test Multiple Multivitamins

At GGR, our team of certified personal trainers, dietitians, and nutritionists has tested hundreds of vitamins. We don’t just sample tasty gummies—we thoroughly evaluate each product using our GGR supplement testing methodology, rating several categories on a scale of 1 to 5, including:

• Price
• Formulation
• Taste
• Swallowability
• Third-party testing
• Customer reviews
• Customer service

A Quick Look at Olly Vitamins

Olly’s vibrant products embody their mission of promoting happiness through good health. They offer over 60 gummies, soft gels, and capsules—from collagen supplements to daily vitamins—such as: 

• Goodbye Stress
• Undeniable Beauty
• Hello Happy
• Daily Energy
• Active Immunity
• Men’s and Women’s Multis
• Sleep Blackberry Zen
• Prebiotic + Probiotic
• Pre-Game Energize

Ahead, we’ll dive into a few of its most popular products and highlight some other noteworthy options.

Before You Buy

• Olly gummies aren’t vegan-friendly due to their gelatin content.
• Multis don’t supply all essential nutrients like calcium and iron.
• While most products are gluten-free, some contain wheat.

Are Olly Vitamins Worth It?

The value of Olly vitamins depends on your specific needs, as the women’s multi likely won’t help catch Zzz’s like Olly sleep gummies might. However, offering reasonable pricing and various savings opportunities, Olly might be worth it to some. 

Olly Vitamins Specs

Olly Goodbye Stress 

Good for: Promoting calmness and alertness without jitters

Olly Goodbye Stress

Olly Goodbye Stress

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Daily gummy vitamin
• Designed to decrease stress and boost alertness
• Berry Verbena flavor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15% available
• Can take without food or water
• Third-party tested and NSF-certified
• Gluten-free and no synthetic flavors or colors

Cons

• Only available in 1 flavor
• Processed in a facility with products that may contain soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat
• Some customers reported experiencing dizziness, drowsiness and/or lack of focus

Bottom Line

Olly Goodbye Stress is a daily gummy supplement with three key ingredients: GABA, L-theanine, and lemon balm. According to OLLY, these ingredients combine to decrease stress and increase alertness. There are mostly positive reviews, however, there were multiple customers that reported dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of focus.

GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, SET, tried and experimented with Olly Goodbye Stress.

Frieda rated the formulation a 2 out of 5, questioning if its GABA (100 milligrams) and L-theanine (50 milligrams) content were effective. For context, while one study¹ shows 100 milligrams of GABA may improve stress markers, the research is mixed and limited. L-theanine², one of the best pre-workout ingredients to balance caffeine’s effects, also has limited dose guidelines but is considered safe up to 250 milligrams per serving by the Food and Drug Administration³ (FDA).

As for taste, Frieda didn’t particularly enjoy them, rating them a 3 out of 5. However, she rated their swallowability 5 out of 5, emphasizing, “I love a gummy! They are so much easier to take than pills and they don’t upset my stomach like pills often do. These ones are pretty standard—not too squishy, not too hard.”

Despite not loving the flavor, Frieda would keep using them for their effects, noting, “While there wasn’t a dramatic difference, they seemed to help a bit on a particularly stressful day.” Plus, Olly Goodbye Stress didn’t cause any negative side effects, earning a perfect 5 out of 5. 

Frieda ordered Olly Goodbye Stress through Amazon and rated their customer service 3 out of 5 due to its no-return policy. However, she appreciated the thoughtful packaging, including an ice pack to prevent melting. 

The price is a plus, costing as little as $0.66 per serving for the 60-day supply, earning a 5-out-of-5 rating. 

Olly Undeniable Beauty

Good for: Supporting hair, skin, and nail health

Olly Undeniable Beauty

Olly Undeniable Beauty

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Daily gummy supplement
• Designed to improve hair, nail, and skin health
• Grapefruit Glam flavor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Third-party tested and NSF-certified
• Gluten-free and no artificial colors
• Don’t need to take with food or water

Cons

• Only available in one flavor
• Processed in a facility with products that may contain soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat
• Only available in one 30-serving container
• Some customers experienced breakouts

Bottom Line

OLLY Undeniable Beauty is a daily gummy supplement designed to help improve hair, skin, and nail health. Most customer reviews are very positive with people noting improved nail and hair health and growth. However, there were some customers that experienced breakouts on their face after starting these supplements.

GGR Senior Editor Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT, tested Olly Undeniable Beauty.

While Erin rated the overall product positively, she gave its formulation a 2.8 out of 5 and commented—and I agree—“Biotin⁴ and keratin⁵ both play a role in promoting hair growth, but can easily be consumed through your diet. It also has 2 grams of added sugar, which is low for a flavored gummy, but not nothing.” Despite this lower formulation score, $0.46 per serving is very reasonable and earned a 5-out-of-5 price rating.

But now it’s time for this gummy to show off its beauty.

Erin gave the taste a 5 out of 5, saying, “The gummies have a pleasant grapefruit smell and taste that I really enjoyed. But if you don’t like grapefruit, this won’t be for you.” She also appreciated its really soft and easy-to-chew texture, giving swallowability a 5 out of 5.

Regarding side effects, the product earned another 5-out-of-5 rating, as Erin experienced none.

Erin’s additional notes were positive but wary: “I really like how these taste, so I’ll keep taking them, but I probably wouldn’t purchase them again unless I see drastic results. I keep asking the mirror, ‘Am I the fairest of them all, yet?’ So far, no answer.’”

Olly Hello Happy

Good for: Balancing hormones and enhancing mood

Olly Hello Happy

Olly Hello Happy

GGR Score: 4.04

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Product Highlights

• Gummy worm supplement for boosting your mood
• Utilize blend of saffron and vitamin D to help you feel more upbeat
• Tropical Zing flavor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Third-party tested and NSF-certified
• Don’t need to take with food or water
• Gluten-free and no artificial colors
• Customers enjoyed the gummy worm form

Cons

• Only available in one flavor
• Gummy form tends to melt if shipped in hotter weather
• Processed in a facility with products that may contain soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat
• Many customer reviews preferred the previous vitamin D gummy that was discontinued
• Mixed reviews on the the smell and taste
• Some customers experienced adverse side effects like upset stomach, nausea,

Bottom Line

Olly Hello Happy comes in a gummy worm form and is designed to boost your mood at the start of the day. There were mixed reviews on the effectiveness, taste, and smell of this product. There were customers that found them very effective and incorporated this supplement in their daily routine. Other customers found them ineffective or even experienced adverse side effects like stomach upset.

GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT, gave the Olly Hello Happy gummy worms a fair shot.

Amanda rated the formulation 3 out of 5. She appreciated the inclusion of 50 micrograms of vitamin D3, but noted the absence of vitamin K2 as a missed opportunity to support bone health⁶, similar to many of the best vitamin D supplements. She also pointed out its added sugar.

Amanda didn’t notice significant changes while taking, likely due to her long-term use of vitamin D supplements. However, she experienced no adverse side effects, earning a 5 out of 5.

These pineapple, orange, and saffron gummy worms scored a 4 out of 5 for taste. Amanda, who doesn’t use saffron often, found them pleasant but not strongly tropical. She particularly liked the texture, rating the chewable as a 5 out of 5, and noted, “The texture is exactly like the candy gummy worms you can get at any food store, gas station, or convenience store.”

Amanda purchased through Amazon and rated the customer service a 3 out of 5 for the lack of return policy. The cost, however, was a downside at about $0.67 per serving, resulting in a 2 out of 5 rating since many other vitamin D supplements are more affordable. 

Olly Daily Energy

Good for: Supporting cellular energy production and metabolism 

Olly Daily Energy

Olly Daily Energy

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Daily gummy supplement
• Designed to increase energy without using caffeine
• Contains vitamin B12, goji berry, and co-enzyme Q10
• Tropical Passion flavor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Third-party tested and NSF-certified
• Gluten-free and no artificial colors
• Don’t need to take with food or water
• Customers enjoyed the taste

Cons

• Mixed customer reviews on effectiveness
• Only available in 30-serving containers
• Only available in one flavor
• Processed in a facility with products that may contain soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat
• Only 30 mg of Coenzyme Q-10 (recommendations vary but generally 100-300 mg/day)

Bottom Line

Olly Daily Energy uses vitamin B12, goji berry, and Co-enzyme Q10 to provide a daily energy boost without caffeine. According to OLLY, this supplement helps support cellular energy production to increase energy without the jitter associated with caffeine. The majority of reviews found these gummies helped with their energy. However, there were numerous customers that didn’t feel any changes.

GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, a certified exercise specialist and nutrition coach, put Olly Daily Energy to the test.

Matt rated the formulation 3 out of 5. While its key ingredients—goji berry juice powder⁷, CoQ10⁸, and vitamin B12⁹—are known for their antioxidant properties, cellular energy support, and energy metabolism, he felt the doses could be more impactful; I agree.

The Tropical Passion flavor impressed Matt, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 for great taste. However, he found the vitamin gummies easy to consume yet slightly too chewy, leading to a 4 out of 5 swallowability rating. 

In terms of side effects, the gummies scored a 5 out of 5, as Matt experienced no negative reactions. Summing up his experience using them, Matt said, “I didn’t notice anything at all, but it’s also a caffeine-free energy gummy, so I wasn’t expecting much. They taste great, but I don’t know if it helps.”

Other Olly Vitamins We Tested

• Olly Active Immunity: Berry-flavored gummies with echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C to support your immune system.
• Olly Men’s Multi: Blackberry-flavored gummy multivitamin with vitamins A, C, D, E, and B vitamins, zinc, folate, selenium, and chromium to support men’s health.
• Olly Women’s Multi: Women’s multivitamin gummies in a Blissful Berry flavor filled with biotin, folic acid (the supplemental form of folate), and other essential nutrients to fill women’s nutritional gaps.
• Olly Prebiotic + Probiotic: Peach-flavored gummies combining prebiotics and probiotics for gut health.
• Olly Fiber Gummies: Strawberry-watermelon gummies with 5 grams of fiber per serving.
• Olly Pre-Game Energize: Novel blackberry-lime pre-workout gummies designed to boost energy and focus.

Customer Experience 

Olly enhances customer experience through many offerings, such as a rewards program, first responders and military personnel discounts, full refunds within 30 days, and free shipping on orders over $49.

The vitamin brand receives a 5-out-of-5 rating for ensuring its products undergo third-party testing for safety and purity, with many supplements certified by NSF (National Sanitation Foundation). As a certified B Corporation, Olly also meets high social and environmental performance standards.

Ordering Olly Vitamins

Ordering from Olly.com is simple. Add your products to the cart, enter your shipping and payment info, and checkout. You won’t need an account for single orders, but a subscription for a 15% discount requires one.

Alternatively, you can order through third-party retailers like Amazon. Be aware that their policies will apply, including no returns, unlike Olly’s 30-day return policy.

Customer Reviews

Overall, customers are quite satisfied with Olly vitamins, verified by these Amazon ratings (out of 5 stars):

• Olly Goodbye Stress: 4.3 stars
• Olly Undeniable Beauty: 4.6 stars
• Olly Hello Happy: 4.3 stars
• Olly Energy Gummies: 4.4 stars

Customers generally find these products effective, noting improvements in stress levels with Goodbye Stress and better hair, skin, and nails with Undeniable Beauty. The taste of all gummies is generally well-received, though opinions on the Hello Happy flavor are mixed. Some customers also questioned the value for money and reported that the gummies arrived melted.

Final Verdict of Our Olly Vitamins Review

Olly specializes in gummy vitamins, offering over 60 products to support health and wellness. Here are the key insights from our Olly Vitamins review:

• Formulations: Most contain low doses of active ingredients, with gummies containing added sugar, although our testers experienced some positive outcomes without side effects.
• Taste and Swallowability: Generally well-received, though preferences can be subjective.
• Price: Varies between products, but many are budget-friendly.
• Third-Party Testing: Olly excels in this category, ensuring product quality and safety.
• Ordering: Amazon might not be the best option, as they don’t offer perks like Olly does.

Olly Vitamins Review: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Yoto, A., Murao, S., Motoki, M., Yokoyama, Y., Horie, N., Takeshima, K., Masuda, K., Kim, M., & Yokogoshi, H. (2012). Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks. Amino Acids, 43(3), 1331–1337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-011-1206-6 
2. Anas Sohail, A., Ortiz, F., Varghese, T., Fabara, S. P., Batth, A. S., Sandesara, D. P., Sabir, A., Khurana, M., Datta, S., & Patel, U. K. (2021). The Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 13(12), e20828. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.20828 
3. GRAS Notices. (2022). Fda.gov. https://www.cfsanappsexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=GrASNotices&id=209
4. Bistas, K. G., & Tadi, P. (2020). Biotin. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554493/ 
5. Basit, A., Asghar, F., Sadaf, S., & Akhtar, M. W. (2018). Health improvement of human hair and their reshaping using recombinant keratin K31. Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 20, e00288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.btre.2018.e00288
6. Kuang, X., Liu, C., Guo, X., Li, K., Deng, Q., & Li, D. (2020). The combination effect of vitamin K and vitamin D on human bone quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Food & Function, 11(4), 3280–3297. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9fo03063h
7. Vidović, B. B., Milinčić, D. D., Marčetić, M. D., Djuriš, J. D., Ilić, T. D., Kostić, A. Ž., & Pešić, M. B. (2022). Health Benefits and Applications of Goji Berries in Functional Food Products Development: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(2), 248. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020248
8. Sood, B., & Keenaghan, M. (2019, October). Coenzyme Q10. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/ 
9. Al Amin, A. S. M., & Gupta, V. (2020). Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559132/ 

As a self-described coffee connoisseur and fungi fanatic, the concept of combining one of my favorite beverages with functional mushrooms sounds fantastic…in theory. However, while there’s plenty of research to support whey protein powder for muscle growth or creatine for enhanced ATP production, there’s far less data available showing whether mushroom coffee actually delivers on promises like improved gut health, reduced stress, enhanced focus, and no jitters. 

To gain a deeper understanding of this emerging category in the food and nutrition industry, we put Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee through our rigorous testing process. Did it live up to the hype? Or is it another health and wellness product that fell short of expectations? 

Read on to learn about the formulation, side effects, and more in our Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee review, where we give expert insight (and our honest opinion) based on first-hand experience. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Fitness Experts Putting the Focus on Functional Mushroom Coffee

At Garage Gym Reviews, we have a stacked team of experts, including certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, professional athletes, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainers. As health and fitness enthusiasts who’ve tested everything from the best greens powders to the best collagen protein, we aim to provide detailed, accurate assessments so you can determine which supplements and nutrition products are worth buying. 

With functional mushroom coffee becoming more popular, we entrusted someone who functions at an elite level to try it: GGR Senior Staff Writer and Olympic weightlifter Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1. An avid coffee drinker himself, Caine analyzed Everyday Dose using our custom supplement testing methodology, which ranks the following factors on a scale from 1 to 5: 

• Price per serving
• Formulation
• Taste 
• Solubility
• Side effects
• Transparency and third-party testing
• Customer service

Although we’re just diving into the mushroom coffee waters, we’re eager to expand our lineup beyond MUD WTR, RYZE, and Four Sigmatic, which is why we called upon Caine to help us write a review of Everyday Dose by sipping on something different than his normal cup of joe. 

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Starter Kit

GGR Score: 3.78

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Product Highlights

• Combination of coffee, mushrooms, collagen protein, and nootropics
• Listed benefits: Improve energy, mood, focus, memory, sleep, immunity, and gut health while reducing stress
• Dairy-, soy-, sugar-, and gluten-free
• Included: 30 servings mushroom coffee, rechargeable frother, gunmetal dose spoon, breathwork app by Othership, and wellness booklet

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines coffee, mushrooms, collagen, and nootropics
• No GMOs, herbicides, pesticides, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners
• Keto- and paleo-friendly

Cons

• Only 2 mushrooms in the blend
• Not vegan due to collagen
• Only available in the United States

Bottom Line

Everyday Dose is a coffee alternative that combines a two-mushroom blend and coffee. One serving contains 45 milligrams of caffeine. Customer reviews for this were generally positive. Many consumers found this product helpful in reducing their coffee and caffeine consumption.

A Quick Look at Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee is an alternative to regular coffee and stimulants featuring functional mushrooms, collagen protein, and nootropics. According to the company’s website, this product helps “promote laser focus, improved mood, all-day energy, and reduced stress.” 

Free of gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar, it’s marketed as keto-, paleo-, and kosher-friendly, making it suitable for people with various dietary restrictions. Everyday Dose claims their mushroom coffee is lab tested and double extracted—a process that increases the bioavailability of the compounds in the chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms. 

The formulation also includes collagen protein and L-theanine. However, with just 45 milligrams of caffeine per serving, you may not get the same energizing effect as a traditional cup of coffee.

Before You Buy

• Contains 45 mg of caffeine per serving 
• Includes two types of functional mushrooms, collagen protein, and L-theanine
• Available on the Everyday Dose website or Amazon
• First order includes a starter kit with free gifts like a rechargeable frother and gunmetal dose spoon

Is Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Worth It?

At $1.20 per serving, Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee is an affordable, low-caffeine alternative to standard black coffee. It offers several useful ingredients—including collagen protein, L-theanine, and chaga mushrooms—that can provide physical and mental benefits you won’t get from your typical cup of coffee. 

However, with only two types of mushrooms, you may want to consider another option if you want more variety. Plus, Everyday Dose uses a proprietary blend and hasn’t had this product third-party tested. 

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Specs

Experience Using Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, was tasked with trying this enhanced coffee that claims to boost energy and focus and provide a delicious coffee taste without the jitters. He didn’t experience any noticeable improvements, but also didn’t experience any negative side effects. 

Let’s dive deeper into where Everyday Dose stood out and where it left us low energy.

Price Per Serving

A 30-serving bag of Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee costs $36 or $1.20 per serving. 

Already available at a great price point, you can score additional savings with limited-time sales. For example, at the time of publication, Everyday Dose is running a 25% off sale that lowers the cost to just $27—or $0.90 per serving—for your first purchase. After that, you’ll be charged $36 every 30 days for a recurring subscription.   

You’ll also get free gifts with your monthly delivery, adding even more value. Out of all the mushroom coffees we’ve tested, Everyday Dose and RYZE have the lowest price per serving at $1.20. As a result, we gave Everyday Dose a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in this category.

Formulation

A dose of this mushroom coffee (about one tablespoon) contains 4,725 milligrams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, 2,275 milligrams of a proprietary mushroom and nootropics blend that includes coffee bean extract, L-theanine, organic chaga fruiting body double extract, and organic lion’s mane fruiting body extract, and zero sugar.

While we appreciate the non-GMO formulation is free of artificial additives, it only earned 2 out of 5 stars. Although Everyday Dose included bovine collagen, one serving contains less than 5 grams. That’s less than half the amount of most of the featured products in the best collagen supplements, which support healthy hair, nails, skin, and joints. 

Meanwhile, we do like that Everyday Dose includes L-theanine—an amino acid shown to help support cognitive function¹. As for the mushrooms, chaga mushrooms have been utilized for centuries by different cultures to support the immune system, and lion’s mane has been shown to positively impact mood and help reduce stress².

What we don’t like, however, is that the company uses a proprietary blend of mushrooms and nootropics. That means there’s no way to know the exact amount of each ingredient. As a result, the formulation earned a disappointing 2-star rating. 

RELATED: 6 Benefits of Collagen Protein Powder

Taste

Although I’m still waiting to take my first sip of Everyday Dose, I trust Caine’s taste buds. (And so should you!) The big man may not be adding mushroom lattes to his morning routine, but he wasn’t ready to turn his back on fungi-infused coffee, either. 

“It wasn’t bad,” Caine says. “It tastes somewhere along the lines of instant coffee, or like it’s watered down. But you don’t really get too much earthiness from the mushrooms.” 

After trying Everyday Dose on its own, Caine mixed it into his normal coffee and enjoyed a more pleasant sipping experience. 

Overall, while he wasn’t necessarily blown away by the flavor, the coffee tasted good enough to earn 4 out of 5 stars.  

Solubility

Whether it’s whey, collagen, coffee, or any other powdered supplement, solubility is paramount. Nobody wants to take a swig out of their mug or shaker cup and end up with a mouthful of grit. 

RELATED: Protein Coffee

Luckily, Everyday Dose sets their mushroom coffee drinkers up for a smooth sipping experience by including a rechargeable frother with your first purchase. 

As Caine puts it, “It’s a game changer.” 

Utilizing the frother helped create a fully mixed concoction with no settling.

“The frothing gives it a bit more of an airier texture than I think it’d get otherwise,” Caine says, giving Everyday Dose a perfect 5 out of 5 solubility score.

Side Effects

Caine happily reported no negative side effects after drinking Everyday Dose. He also experienced no caffeine rush or crash, which you can attribute to the low amount per serving (45 milligrams). 

He noted that some long-time customers reported positive improvements in their gut health. Everyday Dose specifically lists on their website that this product shouldn’t cause any jitters or bloating that’s often associated with regular coffee. 

Overall, Caine rates this mushroom coffee 5 out of 5 stars for side effects. 

Third-Party Testing 

Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) steers clear of the supplement industry, we place a high value on products that undergo third-party testing. Unfortunately, Everyday Dose does not feature a third-party testing certification. 

Instead, the company states, “We test for beta-glucans, heavy metals, allergens, mycotoxins, and mold.” 

In addition, Everyday Dose uses a double extraction process that “increases the bioavailability of beta-glucans, triterpenes, triterpenoids, and sterols.” 

Although we appreciate the transparent approach, that’s not enough to meet our standards in this critical category. Between using a proprietary blend and having no third-party testing certification, Everyday Dose earned the lowest possible score of 1 out of 5 stars. 

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee vs RYZE Mushroom Coffee

RYZE Mushroom Coffee

RYZE Mushroom Coffee

GGR Score: 3.7

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Vegan mushroom coffee with less than half the caffeine of a traditional cup of coffee
• Features California grown mushrooms and Mexican coffee
• No sugar, gluten, dairy, soy or GMOs
• 1% of profits go to teaching mindfulness in schools
• Listed benefits: Improved focus, energy without a crash, supports immune, gut, and digestive health, and optimizes brain function

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30 Day Guarantee
• 100% recyclable packaging
• Vegan, keto, and paleo friendly
• 6 mushroom blend

Cons

• Only available in the United States currently
• More caffeine than competitors
• Mixed reviews on taste

Bottom Line

Ryze Mushroom Coffee contains both a 6 mushroom blend and coffee. Despite containing coffee the taste still received mixed reviews from people making the switch from traditional coffee. It was described as “earthy” both positively and negatively.

Pitting Everyday Dose against RYZE gives you a chance to see what separates two similar products at the same price point,.which eliminates one key factor from the equation. It also opens the door to examine aspects like formulation and taste—two other areas that make a big difference for coffee drinkers.  

Interestingly, both products have nearly the same caffeine content and a small difference in calories per serving. You’ll see, however, that RYZE has a more expansive list of ingredients that includes six types of functional mushrooms. But does that necessarily make it better than Everyday Dose? 

Check out our full RYZE Mushroom Coffee review to learn more.

Customer Service 

Everyday Dose earned a solid score of 4 out of 5 in this all-important category for a number of reasons. First, they offer a 45-day return policy for first-time buyers. In addition to free shipping, you receive free gifts with every order—a nice perk that may make a monthly subscription worth it. 

Although Everyday Dose claims you can cancel your subscription at any time, Caine encountered a roadblock when he tried to do so. 

“They said to try it for 20 days before canceling,” he explains. “I’m not a huge fan of that since people could easily forget to cancel after three weeks.” 

Still, Everyday Dose deserves credit for a strong return policy, free shipping, and free gifts with every order. 

Ordering Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

You get much more than just a bag of “magical” coffee when you order through the Everyday Dose website. Your first purchase includes several free items, including a rechargeable frother, a gunmetal dose spoon, a wellness booklet, and access to a breathwork app. There’s also an option to add a $20 container of coconut collagen creamer, which could be a nice addition to your cup. 

The company is currently running a 25% off sale that lowers your first purchase price to $27. The recurring subscription price of $36 every 30 days still represents solid value. Ordering on 

You can also order Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee on Amazon, where it earned a rating of 4.3 stars based on nearly 3,000 reviews. 

Customer Reviews

With an average rating of 4.9 stars from more than 53,000 customers, the reviews on the Everyday Dose website feature plenty of positive feedback about the company’s signature product. Many verified buyers have been impressed by the taste and the physical effects compared to regular coffee. Additionally, this product has garnered an average rating of 4.3 stars based on nearly 3,000 reviews on Amazon.

“After a week of drinking Everyday Dose I’m HOOKED! This is an incredible coffee replacement that tastes delicious and I feel great after drinking it! My nails even feel stronger and no coffee jitters!” wrote a verified reviewer named Katherine. 

Meanwhile, verified reviewer Gerardo R. quickly changed his tune about drinking coffee once he tried this enhanced version.

“Honestly was never really big on drinking coffee but I was looking for something to provide me with all the health benefits EDD claims to bring to the table. I’ve been drinking this once a day for over a week now and have already noticed a difference in the way I feel throughout my day. Now I normally drink my coffee black and not going to lie this is the best tasting coffee I’ve ever had. I appreciate how quick and easy it is to make. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.” 

However, not all customers found Everyday Dose worthy of their morning mug. 

“I liked the company a lot and wanted to love the coffee…but I didn’t love the flavor. Also, I didn’t get any positive results after a month and a half of using 1.5-2 scoops. The other brand I tried, I felt a clearer mind after only a few days. Wanted to love it, just didn’t and with the cost I couldn’t wait another month or two to see if it did anything,” wrote a verified buyer named Melina G. in her 2-star review.

Another customer enjoyed the product but wasn’t enamored with the price, resulting in a 2-star rating. 

“I like the coffee! It’s great. But getting the benefit and results to your health that Everyday Dose claims would cost close to $100 per month. That little bag is gone in just over a week (using it sparingly). I would much rather have more mushroom coffee for my money than the extra gifts. The glass is useless to me. I like mine hot and use a large mug. I am canceling my subscription,” wrote verified buyer Bonnie A. 

Final Verdict of Our Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Review

Caine Wilkes may not be ready to make Everyday Dose his go-to coffee, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. Because our minds and bodies all respond differently, it can be tough to gauge just how big of an impact something like lion’s mane or chaga can have on your focus, energy, and mood. Considering the first bag costs less than $30, it’s worth switching up your A.M. routine just to find out if it makes a difference. 

• Everyday Dose uses a proprietary blend that includes two functional mushrooms, collagen protein, and L-theanine.
• The coffee tastes similar to a watered-down version of instant coffee without being overly earthy.
• You’ll receive free gifts with your monthly subscription that add more value to a product that’s already affordably priced.

Full Rating

Everyday Dose

Everyday Dose is a coffee alternative that combines a two-mushroom blend and coffee. One serving contains 45 milligrams of caffeine. Customer reviews for this were generally positive. Many consumers found this product helpful in reducing their coffee and caffeine consumption.

Product Brand: Everyday Dose

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 36

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.78

Everyday Dose: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Baba, Y., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kaneko, T., Kobayashi, M., & Takihara, T. (2021). Effects of L-Theanine on cognitive function in Middle-Aged and Older subjects: a randomized Placebo-Controlled study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 24(4), 333–341. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2020.4803
2. Docherty, S., Doughty, F. L., & Smith, E. F. (2023). The acute and chronic effects of lion’s mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive function, stress and mood in young adults: a Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, pilot study. Nutrients, 15(22), 4842. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842

If you’ve spent time around a breastfed newborn, you may know colostrum is the first milk a mother’s body produces for her infant. All mammals produce colostrum after birth. Colostrum is super nutrient dense and, as such, sometimes called “liquid gold.”

ARMRA claims their powdered colostrum contains over 200 bioactive nutrients that can repair the body’s mucosal barriers and regenerate aging cells for improved digestion, immune health, metabolism, skin appearance, energy level, mood, athletic performance, and workout recovery.

Keep reading our ARMRA review to find out what Matt Dustin, one of GGR’s staff writers, thought about using this supplement, and my take as a registered dietitian on the benefits of colostrum.

RELATED: Best Muscle Recovery Supplements

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

We Search High and Low for the Best Sports Nutrition Supplements 

At GGR, we don’t limit sports supplement reviews to pre-workout and protein powders. Our testers are always game to try products that promise to support total-body well-being, like colostrum.

GGR product testers are credentialed fitness and nutrition professionals, including certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, Olympic athletes, and registered dietitians.

GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, gave ARMRA a whirl and shared his thoughts on how it mixes, tastes, and any benefits he experienced. Using GGR’s product testing methodology, he also rated ARMRA on a scale of 1 to 5 stars for price per serving, formulation, side effects, third-party testing, and customer experience.

ARMRA

ARMRA Colostrum Immune Revival

GGR Score: 4.26

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Bioactive whole food immune supplement
• Features over 400 research-backed ingredients
• Listed benefits: Strengthen skin, lung, and gut barriers, improve microbiome and cellular health, and general whole body wellness
• Too use add supplement to a cool beverage and mix well

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 3 flavors - including unflavored
• Keto certified and NON-GMO
• Made in the United States in GMP certified facility
• 3rd party clinical trial study found supplement effective

Cons

• Contains proprietary ingredients
• For best results recommended take 3-4 servings per day
• Only save 5% with a subscription
• Flavored varieties $10 more expensive

Bottom Line

ARMRA Colostrum immune revival is a powdered supplement with over 400 ingredients. It has been third party tested for effectiveness. Customer reviews found the supplement effective but complained about the expensive price. It is under $2 dollars per serving, however, for best results it is recommended you take 3-4 servings per day, significantly increasing the daily price.

A Quick Look at ARMRA

ARMRA was created by Dr. Sarah Rahal, a pediatric neurologist, as a means to heal herself and defend against potentially harmful chemicals we encounter in daily life. According to the website, Dr. Rahal found more than 5,000 studies supporting the use of colostrum for better health. 

ARMRA sells two versions of colostrum sourced from cows. One is called immune revival and the other performance revival. The first is available unflavored or flavored, while the performance product is chocolate flavored and contains cacao, cumin, and tart cherry powder to support endurance and recovery.

This is not the only colostrum supplement on the market. Most competitors contain colostrum from grass-fed cows and cost less, but ARMRA claims their colostrum is more pure, potent, and bioavailable due to their low-heat processing.

Before You Buy

• The unflavored canisters contain 120 servings, but the flavors only contain 90 servings.
• ARMRA recommends 3 or 4 servings daily for best results.
• It should be mixed with cold liquids only.

Is ARMRA Worth It?

We think ARMRA is best for those who like to stay on top of supplement trends and prefer all-natural products. Many customers report improved skin, hair, and nails with this product, so it’s a good choice for beauty lovers.

It’s recommended to take 3 or 4 servings of ARMRA daily, which means you’ll be dropping over $100 a month on colostrum. Since this colostrum comes from cows, it’s not a good choice for vegans or anyone who is dairy-free for personal or health reasons.

ARMRA Specs

Experience Using ARMRA

Matt Dustin is a GGR staff writer, certified exercise specialist, and certified nutrition coach. He started using the unflavored version of ARMRA colostrum and shared his thoughts. 

While he gave it high marks for flavor, solubility, and side effects, he didn’t notice much in the way of benefits. “By all manufacturing standards and claims, this seems like it should be quite potent, but I haven’t felt anything,” said Matt. 

Price Per Serving

One canister of unflavored ARMRA Immune Revival costs $109.99. It contains 120 servings, making the price per serving about $0.92. The watermelon and blood orange flavors cost $119.99 and contain 90 servings for a higher price per serving of $1.33. 

The less than $1 price per serving earned 5 stars, but be aware the daily and monthly price adds up quickly if you use as directed. Remember: ARMRA recommends using 3 to 4 servings daily. Doing so would make the price per day $2.76 to $3.68 for the unflavored and $4 to $5 for the flavored veersions.

Formulation

Each serving of ARMRA contains 1 gram of colostrum concentrate sourced from grass-fed cows in the United States. Surplus colostrum is collected after the cows feed their calves to support animal welfare.

The formula is free from soy, gluten, sugar, and artificial ingredients. ARMRA is non-GMO Project Verified and tested for the presence of glyphosate, a crop herbicide. ARMRA claims their colostrum contains health-promoting compounds, including:

• B vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Trace minerals (including zinc, copper, selenium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium)
• Antioxidants
• Amino acids
• Immunoglobulins 
• Tissue growth factors
• Prebiotics
• Antimicrobials
• Immune modulating factors
• Adaptogens
• Mitochondrial regenerators

There is compelling evidence that colostrum supplements are safe and effective. The most well-documented benefits include improved gut permeability¹, which may result in better nutrient absorption and less bloating, intestinal inflammation, and other digestive issues, and enhanced immunity², which may result in fewer colds and infections.

A 2022 study³ found athletes who took colostrum for 6 months had reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress following intense training. That’s important because exercise-induced inflammation prolongs recovery and impedes muscle repair and growth. More research is needed to determine if colostrum is advantageous for improving body composition and exercise performance⁴, plus the optimal dosages for sport.

ARMRA claims their colostrum is clinically proven to be better absorbed and more effective than other types of colostrum. They repeatedly cite a third-party clinical trial, but we couldn’t locate the original study to fact-check it and found no studies outright comparing ARMRA to other forms of colostrum.

Most of the studies in a 2022 systematic review⁵ looking at colostrum for gut health used 20 grams per day, which is significantly less than a serving of ARMRA. 

“I’m not sure how strong 1 gram of colostrum concentrate is compared to the recommended 20- to 60-gram dose,” said Matt. Because of uncertainty about the dosage, he rated formulation 3 out of 5 stars.

Taste and Solubility 

Matt said his ARMRA dissolved easily his drinks, earning a 5-star rating for solubility. He also rated taste 5 stars since the unflavored was essentially tasteless and inoffensive. “It has a very light aftertaste in plain water, but disappears in anything flavored,” said Matt.

Now, for a quick note on preparing ARMRA: Please do not take ARMRA dry, as many customers report doing. This product is designed to be dissolved in liquid. Dry scooping powdered supplements doesn’t give you an edge and comes with an increased risk of side effects.

Side Effects

Our tester, Matt, didn’t experience any side effects while taking ARMRA so he rated this category 5 out of 5 stars. The unflavored colostrum contains one ingredient, so it’s unlikely to cause issues for most people—unless you can’t tolerate dairy.

This product comes from cow’s milk, but ARMRA claims it’s very low in lactose and casein-free. They say it’s usually well tolerated by people with lactose sensitivity, and safe for most people allergic to milk. That may be so, but I’d advise you to use caution. Individuals who are allergic to dairy or have lactose intolerance should get a doctor’s approval before trying a colostrum supplement.

RELATED: Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Third-Party Testing 

ARMRA uses third-party labs to test their products for contaminants, including heavy metals, and glyphosate. I couldn’t find the analysis reports on their website and there is no recognizable third-party testing seal, such as NSF or Informed Sport, on the product. Certified products are the gold standard, so we rated them a 4 out of 5 stars for third-party testing.

ARMRA vs AG1 

AG1

Athletic Greens AG1

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
• Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
• Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
• Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
• Magnesium is added to boost energy
• May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by notable health experts
• Transparent and detailed ingredient list
• 75 vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers dislike the taste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.

Athletic Greens, aka AG1, doesn’t contain colostrum but is an uber-trendy greens powder that’s nutrient dense and promises to benefit energy, immunity, mood, and gut health. If you’re trying to decide between ARMRA and AG1, here’s what to know.

At first glance, AG1 costs more per serving. However, if you take multiple servings of ARMRA per day, as recommended, the cost ends up being similar—around $3 per day. AG1 doesn’t come in flavors, so ARMRA might be better if you want options.

The main ingredient in ARMRA is colostrum, while the ingredient list on AG1 reads like a book. 

AG1’s formula contains a long list of vitamins and minerals, plus superfoods, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, adaptogens, and probiotics. 

AG1 claims their daily green drink delivers 75 nutrients versus the more than 200 nutrients in ARMRA. Our testers didn’t notice a huge difference in their health while taking either of these products, but either one is a good choice to supplement your diet.

Check out our full Athletic Greens Review to learn more.

Customer Experience 

ARMRA accepts returns of their stick packs within 30 days of purchase, but the jars of colostrum are final sale since they’re considered a food item. If you happen to order multiple jars, unopened and unused jars can be returned for a refund.

If you need assistance, there is an in-depth help center on the website and customer service is available by email at help@tryarmra.com or via contact form. Since there’s no money-back guarantee, we rated customer service a 3 out of 5 stars.

Ordering ARMRA

You can order from tryarmra.com or Amazon. On the ARMRA website, you’ll be prompted to select your flavor and size. If it’s your first time, the travel sticks cost less than the jar and include 30 servings, so that’s a nice way to sample it. At the time of this writing, both the jars and sticks cost more on Amazon.

Then, you can decide to make a one-time purchase or enroll in a subscription. Subscribing saves you 5% on each order, which is only about $5 per tub—not a huge incentive, but it’s something. Orders over $80 ship free in the United States. 

Customer Reviews

ARMRA has been reviewed by over 10,000 customers on their website who have given it an average 5-star rating. It has just over 3,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Customers seem to have mixed feelings on taste and benefits. Many report health improvements, like improved regularity, stronger nails, more youthful skin, and faster growing hair. Several customers mention ARMRA helps them “feel younger.”

Here’s what some Amazon customers have to say:

Several customers note they experienced digestive issues after starting ARMRA, but here are some tips that helped one customer:

Final Verdict of Our ARMRA Review

ARMRA may seem like a product of stellar marketing, but there’s a lot of evidence that taking bovine colostrum can support cellular health. While our tester didn’t notice any immediate results, there are thousands of customers who swear by the product.

• ARMRA sources surplus colostrum from grass-fed cows.
• The unflavored colostrum contains just one ingredient and the flavors contain organic natural flavoring, color, and stevia.
• It’s expensive, but ARMRA is made with patent-pending manufacturing processes and  undergoes third-party testing for safety.

Full Rating

ARMRA

ARMRA Colostrum immune revival is a powdered supplement with over 400 ingredients. It has been third party tested for effectiveness. Customer reviews found the supplement effective but complained about the expensive price. It is under $2 dollars per serving, however, for best results it is recommended you take 3-4 servings per day, significantly increasing the daily price.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 109.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.26

ARMRA Review: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Chandwe, K., & Kelly, P. (2021). Colostrum Therapy for Human Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Nutrients, 13(6), 1956. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061956
2. Główka, N., Durkalec-Michalski, K., & Woźniewicz, M. (2020). Immunological Outcomes of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Trained and Physically Active People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 12(4), 1023. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041023
3. Cieślicka, M., Ostapiuk-Karolczuk, J., Buttar, H. S., Dziewiecka, H., Kasperska, A., & Skarpańska-Stejnborn, A. (2022). Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum on Iron Homeostasis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Female Athletes: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 15(1), 186. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010186
4. Davison G. (2021). The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Sport and Exercise. Nutrients, 13(6), 1789. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061789
5. Dziewiecka, H., Buttar, H. S., Kasperska, A., Ostapiuk-Karolczuk, J., Domagalska, M., Cichoń, J., & Skarpańska-Stejnborn, A. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Influence of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation on Leaky Gut Syndrome in Athletes: Diagnostic Biomarkers and Future Directions. Nutrients, 14(12), 2512. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122512

While we did rank Nutrisystem as the easiest to follow on our list of the best weight loss programs, there are important caveats to consider. Besides, just because a route is easy to follow doesn’t mean it’s the best path for you—and you still might find yourself making trips to the grocery store using this meal delivery service.

In our Nutrisystem review, join me, a registered dietitian, as I blend my in-depth investigation with firsthand testing by GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC. Let’s get into it!

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. 

We’ve Chewed and Reviewed 40+ Meal Delivery Services

The GGR team of expert testers—including certified personal trainers, dietitians, and nutritionists—recognizes the importance of proper fueling for health and fitness, which is exactly why we’ve tested over 40 of the best meal delivery services. In this review, Nicole shares her Nutrisystem experience, rating several categories on a scale of 1 to 5 using our GGR testing methodology, including:

• Price
• Taste
• Portion size
• Ingredient quality 
• Meal plans and customization
• Ordering, packaging, and shipping
• Customer reviews
• Customer service

Nutrisystem Review

Nutrisystem

GGR Score: 3.1

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Pre-made, pre-portioned food that you heat and eat
• Six plan options to choose from
• Can curate your own food menu or opt for a Chef’s Choice
• Each plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Membership includes access to general coaching and support
• Meals and snacks are frozen or shelf-stable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All meals are pre-planned and pre-portioned
• Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• No cooking involved
• Several targeted plans to choose from
• All plans include coaching and support

Cons

• Doesn’t teach you anything about nutrition or how to put your own plan together
• Expensive, but it includes food
• Makes some outlandish claims and focuses on rapid weight loss
• Includes processed foods that may not be the best choices long-term

Bottom Line

NutriSystem is a good option for those looking for convenience, but there’s not a lot of emphasis on learning about nutrition or your habits. Once you’re off the plan, it can be difficult to continue your progress when you have to cook for yourself.

A Quick Look at Nutrisystem

Since 1972, the Nutrisystem diet program has evolved from a liquid protein diet into a meal delivery service to simplify weight loss, grocery shopping, and meal prep. It claims to help you break free from fad diets and calorie counting by offering balanced meals of “good” carbohydrates, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats among its frozen and prepackaged meals, snacks, and protein shakes. Nutrisystem’s website and Numi app also offer educational resources, recipes, and personal support.

I value this balanced and supportive approach as a dietitian, but there’s more to consider before starting Nutrisystem.

Before You Buy

• Nutrisystem provides most of your food, but you’ll need to add some extras to boost your calorie intake. Their meals typically have fewer than 300 calories, with many under 200 calories.
• While not specific plans, Nutrisystem offers various low-sodium, diabetes-friendly, and vegetarian options. 

Is Nutrisystem Worth It?

With a daily cost of $13.93 for women and $15.36 for men on the 7-day plan for all meals and snacks, it seems reasonably priced, given Nutrisystem’s convenience, variety, and flexibility. However, while these advantages may benefit some, they may not suit everyone.

RELATED: Best Frozen Meal Delivery

Nutrisystem Specs

Experience Using Nutrisystem

GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, tried Nutrisystem and had mixed feelings about it. She appreciated the program’s focus on portion control and the convenience of having a month’s worth of meals. Still, she was concerned about the heavy reliance on processed foods and using the diet plan for sustainable weight loss.

To fully grasp Nicole’s thoughts and our overall impression of Nutrisystem, let’s highlight the essential details.

RELATED: Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service

Price Per Meal

Nutrisystem pricing varies based on a 5- or 7-day shipment bundle, with discounts for multiple shipments. A first-month order includes a $30 discount, and the regular 7-day plan costs $13.93 per day for women and $15.36 per day for men, covering 28 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) plus daily snacks (one for women, two for men).

Although meal costs aren’t itemized, we estimated that snacks cost around $1.43, based on the price difference between the men’s and women’s basic plans. For women, this suggests each meal costs about $4.64 ($13.93 daily cost minus $1.43 for the snack, divided by three meals).

Supplementing these meals with additional food is recommended, incurring extra costs.

Nutrisystem Meal Preparation

Most entrees require a quick microwave heat-up or are ready to eat from the package, but you’ll likely encounter additional prep and expenses. At a minimum, certain dishes may need alternative cooking methods, like oven baking, or simple pairings, such as adding milk to cereal. 

RELATED: Best Oven-Ready Meal Delivery

The Nutrisystem Starter Guide also suggests incorporating “add-ins,” which are nutrient-dense foods such as “SmartCarbs” (fiber-rich fruits and whole grain pasta), “PowerFuel” (lean proteins like chicken breast), and non-starchy veggies. Those who opt for the 5-day Nutrisystem plan must also create “Flex Meals” using their guide to fill in the dietary gaps. 

Taste, Ingredient Quality, and Portion Size

Nicole evaluated the Nutrisystem food and rated its ingredient quality 2 out of 5, mentioning that it aligns with typical frozen and prepackaged meals. She rarely eats frozen items, so someone with different habits and preferences might find the quality acceptable.

For taste, Nicole rated Nutrisystem 3 out of 5. She commented, “This is all frozen or packaged… and it tastes as such,” further noting that many meals were bland and needed extra seasoning. “Even my kids wouldn’t eat those, and that’s saying something,” she says. 

Her kids enjoyed the frozen mac and cheese and ravioli, while she liked the double chocolate caramel bar, pancakes, and waffles, but didn’t find them satisfying. The bar, with 10 grams of protein and 28 grams of carbs, felt more like a dessert, and she needed to add eggs to the pancakes and waffles.

“How on earth would I just eat two frozen waffles [containing only 160 calories and 5 grams of protein] for breakfast and be satisfied?” she says. Besides, for Nicole’s meal plan and the one I selected, the entrees were about 250 calories or less than 1,000 calories daily.

The lack of protein was also concerning, with Nicole’s plan providing about 60 grams daily as-is and its Margherita pizza with 15 grams deemed “high protein.” For context, research¹ supports that about 25 to 30 grams of protein per meal helps improve appetite and manage body weight, and why we recommend choosing high-protein meal delivery options that offer at least 25 per meal. Due to this lack of satiety, Nicole rated Nutrisystem’s portion size 2 out of 5.

Meal Plans and Customization

Nutrisystem claims to offer personalized plans that are “Uniquely Yours,” but they’re limited to a few options: Men’s and women’s plans for all ages and those over 50, along with a partner plan.

Nicole states, “This feels highly generalized and could also be borderline unhealthy depending on people’s caloric needs. You just pick the plan based on your gender and age.” Her observation highlights a critical flaw in the system: Many factors beyond gender and age affect weight management. As such, we scored it a rating of 1 out of 5 for customization. 

Nutrisystem offers various meals and snacks, from Italian-inspired pasta dishes to American classics like hamburgers and ice cream sandwiches, to satisfy multiple cravings. However, Nicole feels the offerings could be redundant after several months, rating its variety a 3 out of 5.

RELATED: Low-Calorie Meal Delivery

Ordering, Packaging, and Shipping 

Ordering Nutrisystem was easy and convenient, earning 4 out of 5 stars. Nicole chose Chef’s Choice, letting them pick everything for the first box. Otherwise, you manually select a month’s worth of food, which takes longer but allows personalized choices.

Packaging and shipping were excellent, scoring 5 out of 5 stars. Frozen items arrived in a styrofoam container with dry ice, while shelf-stable items came in a separate, well-packed box. The company also sends an email on the delivery day for better planning and organization.

Nutrisystem vs Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

GGR Score: 4.47

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based meal service
• Frozen meals and smoothies
• Schedule deliveries every 1-4 weeks

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sustainability-sourced, plant-based meals
• Vegetarian and vegan options
• Many nut-free and gluten-free options

Cons

• Additional shipping fees for each delivery
• Subscription model
• Not all meals have a high-protein content

Bottom Line

Mosaic is a frozen meal delivery service that offers plant-based options for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike. Once you sign up, you’ll have access to pick your meals and view pricing. While all meals are meat-free, you’ll find a variety of nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan options as well. Mosaic has a wide selection of frozen veggie bowls, family meals, pizzas, smoothies, soups, and oat bowls.

Mosaic is a plant-forward meal delivery service offering a variety of frozen breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, including smoothies, soups, and veggie bowls. They cater to singles and families with several nut-free and gluten-free options.

In our Mosaic Meal Delivery Review, GGR Senior Staff Writer Lauren Strong, CPT, rated these meals 5 out of 5, praising their filling nature despite some having only 10 grams of protein per serving. The meals’ quality ingredients, rich in nutrient-dense veggies and high-fiber plant sources, satisfied her.

The main drawback is the ordering process, requiring an email address before you are able to view prices and meals. Despite this, Mosaic earned a 4.47 overall rating.

Overall, Mosaic is an excellent choice if you prefer high-quality, plant-based meals for singles or families. For more snacks and sweet options, Nutrisystem might be a better fit.

Customer Experience 

Nutrisystem offers a money-back guarantee, which sounds promising. However, it only applies within the first 7 days of delivery for a full refund and is limited to initial 4-week plans for first-time customers.

Nicole expressed frustration with the cancellation process, which required a phone call. She found the call unpleasant as the representative repeatedly asked about her goal weight and tried to convince her to stay. Additionally, the rep informed her that canceling after one month would incur a $125 charge due to the initial auto-delivery discount.

She concluded, “All in all, the cancellation process sucked compared to other services I’ve tried,” resulting in a 2.5 out of 5 rating.

Customer Reviews

To minimize bias from Nutrisystem’s website, we reviewed the Kickstart Balanced 7-Day Weight Loss Kit on Amazon, which has a 4-star rating from nearly 900 reviews. Most reviewers find the food tolerable and convenient, though not the best tasting. Many appreciate the kit as a low-commitment way to try Nutrisystem, though some question its value.

Final Verdict of Our Nutrisystem Review

Nutrisystem is a weight loss service that delivers pre-packaged and frozen meals and snacks to your doorstep. While Nutrisystem offers variety, they recommend adding extra foods to the plan, which can diminish the convenience factor. The meals are very low-calorie, which might lead to initial weight loss but may not be sustainable for long-term weight management and overall wellness.

Nicole aptly says, “Building healthy habits should center on fresh foods and cooking for yourself. Nutrisystem might work as a jumpstart for weight loss and to learn portion control, but how many people wean off it? Probably not many.” However, “Nutrisystem could be a step in the right direction for a true beginner to weight loss,” she says.

As with any dietary approach, we recommend consulting a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for guidance.

Full Rating

Nutrisystem

NutriSystem is a good option for those looking for convenience, but there’s not a lot of emphasis on learning about nutrition or your habits. Once you’re off the plan, it can be difficult to continue your progress when you have to cook for yourself.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 15.36

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.1

Nutrisystem FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., Woods, S. C., & Mattes, R. D. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(6), 1320S–1329S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038

I’m happy to report that they can.

For this grüns review, I ate one pack of gummies every day for a month. I also consulted with Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, to get her expert opinion on their formulation. Below, I’ll share my honest thoughts about whether or not these healthy gummy bears are worth adding to your daily routine.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Hundreds of Supplements Tested by Experts

I’m a certified personal trainer and prospective certified nutrition coach, and I’ve been writing fitness and supplement reviews for almost four years. The GGR staff also includes certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, certified nutrition coaches, and an Olympian.

We’ve tested hundreds of supplements, including the best protein powders, creatine, pre-workouts, and more. We care about what we put in our bodies and carefully evaluate each product we test using our multi-point supplement testing methodology. This methodology includes a thorough analysis of the following factors:

• Price per serving
• Formulation
• Taste and texture
• Side effects
• Third-party testing
• Customer experience
• Customer reviews

grüns daily

Grüns Daily Holistic Nutrition Gummy

GGR Score: 4.04

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Product Highlights

• Vegan greens gummy supplement
• Contains whole fruits and vegetables, adaptogens, herbs, antioxidants, prebiotics, super mushrooms, vitamins, and minerals
• Gluten-, nut-, and dairy-free
• Strawberry-flavored

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Made in the United States
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Available in low-sugar and sugar-free versions
• Autoship and save 25-30%, depending on amount ordered
• No gelatin—vegan gummy using pectin

Cons

• 1 serving is 8 gummies
• Less than 1 month supply—only 28 servings per container
• The grüns website displays few, selected positive reviews
• Mixed reviews on taste and effectiveness
• Expensive at $1.95-$3.11 per serving, depending on amount purchased

Bottom Line

Grüns gummies are a vegan daily greens supplement. A packet of eight gummies is a single serving. These gummies include whole fruits and veggies, adaptogens, 20 vitamins and minerals, and other ingredients. The reviews are mixed for both flavor and effectiveness.

A Quick Look at grüns

Grüns currently sells two daily nutritional supplements, one for adults and one for kids. They come in gummy form and aim to support whole-body health and wellness. Each adult snack pack contains 100% of the Daily Value (DV) of important vitamins, such as A, C, D3, E, and K2, plus around 25% DV of minerals like chromium, copper, zinc, and iron.

The plant-based gummies are free from nuts, gluten, and dairy, making them suitable for various dietary needs. They don’t contain any artificial colors or flavors.

Before You Buy

• Each pack of grüns gummy vitamins has 8 grams of added sugar. A sugar-free version is available for those trying to watch their sugar intake.
• Before trying grüns nutritional gummies, check with your doctor to see if you’re deficient in specific nutrients. It might make more sense to supplement only the nutrients your body is lacking.
• You’ll save 25% by signing up for grüns’ AutoShip & Save plan.

Are grüns Worth It?

If you already consume a healthy diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables and/or take a daily multivitamin, grüns may not be necessary. You likely already get enough of the nutrients your body needs for optimal health. If you need a little extra help filling some nutrition gaps, grüns can be a beneficial addition to your daily routine. Just be prepared to spend nearly $3 per snack pack.

grüns Specs

Experience Using grüns

I ate one pack of grüns daily gummies each day for a month. Sometimes I took them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach; other times I took them after a meal. No matter when I ate the gummies, I didn’t experience any negative side effects aside from minor bloating. After a few days, I even started looking forward to taking them.

I can’t say that the gummies greatly affected my mood or energy levels or led to significant progress in my workouts. Perhaps it’s because I only took them for a month, or because I’m already pretty good about eating fruits and veggies most days. Still, grüns left me pleasantly surprised. I’d definitely consider keeping them in my pantry for days when I can’t stick to my normal diet but want to make sure my nutritional bases are covered.

Price Per Serving

A bag of grüns with 28 snack packs costs about $79, which equals around $2.82 per serving. I gave them 1 out of 5 stars for price because this is one of the most expensive super greens supplements I’ve seen. Even with the increasing prices of groceries in my area, I can usually get a month’s worth of fresh fruits and vegetables for cheaper.

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, echoed this sentiment. “I don’t like any daily supplement that costs $2 or more per serving. It’s just too steep to justify for people who can just as easily buy fresh, healthy food,” she said.

Grüns offers recurring subscriptions that bring the cost down to around $2.11 per serving. The lower price is appealing but is still higher than many multivitamins and greens powders. For reference, Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens cost $1.53 per serving, and Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend is just $1.33 per serving.

Formulation

Grüns contain 60 vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, antioxidants, super mushrooms, and prebiotics. These ingredients are intended to support gut health, immunity, brain health, cognitive function, and more.

“There’s a lot to be said about grüns gummies, as they have a lot of benefits that similar products lack. They have enough micronutrients to rival a good multivitamin, along with nearly 10 grams of adaptogens, greens, fruits, and prebiotics. That’s a lot!” said Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD.

RELATED: Super Greens Powder Benefits

Each snack pack also has 6 grams of fiber, which impressed Destini. “That’s about the amount of fiber you could get from eating two oranges or three cups of broccoli,” she commented.

“I also really like that grüns are vegan-friendly. Most gummies are made with gelatin, which is derived from crustaceans and thus isn’t suitable for those who don’t eat animal products. Instead, grüns gummies are made from pectin, which is a fiber derived from fruit,” Destini added.

While this all sounds good, the formulation didn’t quite earn a perfect score. Instead, I rated it a 4 out of 5. There are two versions available: a low-sugar one and a sugar-free one. The low-sugar version still contains 8 grams of added sugar, which can be a lot for people who prefer to limit their sugar intake.

Additionally, the antioxidants, adaptogens, prebiotics, and super mushrooms are hidden in a proprietary blend called a Core Nutrients Blend. When companies hide ingredients behind proprietary blends, it’s hard to determine if you’re getting research-backed dosages of each.

Taste and Texture

Grüns describes their greens gummies as having a berry-like, sweet green flavor. I definitely noticed the berry taste, and while there was a hint of earthiness, they didn’t taste overwhelmingly like grass. They weren’t cloying but still helped satisfy my cravings when I wanted something sweet after a meal.

RELATED: How To Make Greens Powders Taste Better

The texture reminded me of the fruit snacks I used to eat when I was a kid. The gummies were easy to chew and swallow and didn’t get stuck in my teeth. However, they had a coating that felt like a soft, invisible powder. I found it weird at first but got used to it after eating a couple of packs.

All in all, I rated grüns 4.5 out of 5 stars for taste and texture.

Side Effects

Everyone reacts to supplements differently, but some of the most common side effects of greens supplements include bloating, cramping, constipation, or loose bowel movements. I had some minor bloating after taking grüns but didn’t experience any other negative side effects, so I rated them 5 out of 5 in this category.

RELATED: Do Greens Make You Poop?

Third-Party Testing 

Grüns are manufactured in NSF-, GMP-, and FDA-certified facilities in the USA and tested for heavy metals and contaminants. This is good to know, especially since many greens powders (and supplements in general) aren’t tested at all. However, I wish there was more transparency about who does the testing, so I gave grüns a 4-out-of-5-star rating here.

grüns vs AG1

AG1

Athletic Greens AG1

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
• Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
• Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
• Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
• Magnesium is added to boost energy
• May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by notable health experts
• Transparent and detailed ingredient list
• 75 vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers dislike the taste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.

The most obvious difference between AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens) and grüns is that AG1 is a powder while grüns come in gummy form. AG1 is available in individual travel-sized packets, but grüns are still more travel-friendly since you don’t have to mix anything into a beverage.

Having tried both, I prefer the taste of grüns over AG1. I didn’t dislike the flavor of AG1 on its own and even enjoyed the hints of pineapple in it, but the grassy, earthy flavor was more apparent in AG1 than in grüns.

Neither supplement is cheap, but grüns are more affordable at about $2.82 per serving. AG1 costs around $3.30 per serving. A major contributing factor to the higher cost is AG1’s inclusion of 75 nutrients. Grüns only have 60. Both supplements offer subscriptions that bring down the cost, but grüns are still cheaper.

Learn more in our Athletic Greens review.

Customer Experience 

Grüns has a 30-day return policy and allows you to return unopened snack packs for a full refund, no questions asked. You’ll just have to submit a form on the company’s website to start the return process.

If you sign up for a recurring subscription—which I did when I ordered mine—you can cancel at any time. I’ve seen complaints online about people struggling to cancel their subscriptions, but I was able to cancel mine easily. I feel confident giving grüns a 5 out of 5 for customer service.

Ordering grüns

You can order grüns directly from the company’s website. Shipping is quick—my package shipped the day after I placed my order, and I received it two days later. You get free shipping if you sign up for recurring deliveries, but you’ll have to pay around $6 for shipping if you make a one-time purchase. If you don’t want to pay the full price all at once, you can use Shop Pay at checkout to break the payments into four installments.

Grüns are also on Amazon. I’ve seen them for as low as $66 per bag for one-time purchases, which is about $13 cheaper than buying from the brand’s website, and two-day shipping is available for Prime members. However, signing up for a recurring subscription costs around $59, the same as a subscription on grüns’ website.

Customer Reviews

Grüns has an average rating of 4.9 stars on their website but doesn’t disclose the number of total reviews. The majority of the reviews are positive, with customers saying they enjoy the taste and convenience. Buyers also appreciate the comprehensive formula.

On Amazon, grüns daily has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 207 reviews. Most Amazon buyers also left positive remarks on the convenience and taste, and some customers say grüns offers good value for money. However, a few Amazon customers didn’t like the taste.

Final Verdict of Our grüns Review

While grüns daily gummies taste great and boast a comprehensive ingredients list, they aren’t intended to replace fresh fruits, vegetables, and other whole food sources in your diet. Instead, they should be used as a supplement to help fill nutritional gaps. They could be good for you if you:

• Have the budget to spend over $2 per snack pack
• Prefer the convenience of eating gummies
• Want something that tastes better than your typical greens powder

Full Rating

grüns daily

grüns daily gummies contain 60 vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support whole-body health. They have a subtle berry taste, but they are expensive at over $2.80 per serving.

Product Brand: grüns

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 79

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4

grüns: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Our qualified testers provide detailed feedback regarding SuperBeets’ taste, ingredients, solubility, cost, and effects. Whether you’re looking to improve circulation and heart health or want to power through intense workouts for longer, we’ll help you decide if SuperBeets powder could help you achieve your goals. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Expertise You Can Trust

Our team has tested hundreds of supplements, including some of the best protein powders, creatine, pre-workouts, multivitamins, probiotics, supergreens powders, and more. As qualified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, and weightlifting competitors, we understand the importance of sports nutrition. We aim to help consumers make informed choices about supplements, ensuring they find the best products to support their health and performance goals.

We thoroughly test each product in the following categories, awarding each a rating between 1 and 5. 

• Price
• Formulation
• Taste
• Solubility
• Side effects
• Third-party testing
• Customer reviews 

SuperBeets Heart Powder

HumanN SuperBeets Heart Powder

GGR Score: 3.35

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Product Highlights

• Powdered beet root supplement for blood pressure support
• Caffeine-free formula
• Listed benefits: Support healthy blood pressure, blood circulation, and heart health, increase energy and nitric oxide production

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten free
• Manufactured in the United States in a cGMP compliant facility
• No artificial sweeteners

Cons

• Website defaults to subscription plan
• Mixed reviews on taste
• More expensive than other beetroot supplements
• Some customers experienced acid reflux or stomach discomfort

Bottom Line

Super Beets is a powdered supplement meant to be mixed in 4 to 6 ounces of water and consumed. This supplement is designed to support blood pressure, circulation, and heart health. Customers generally liked the supplement but found it expensive. Some people experienced stomach discomfort and/or acid reflux.

A Quick Look at SuperBeets

Humann is a supplement company made up of leading medical experts dedicated to formulating products that enhance cardiovascular health by improving blood flow. Among their products are various SuperBeets supplements, available as gummies, chews, and powders. In this SuperBeets review, we explore the SuperBeets Heart Powder. 

Humann claims that SuperBeets Heart Powder provides four key benefits: promoting healthy blood pressure, boosting energy levels, supporting healthy blood circulation, and increasing nitric oxide production. The key ingredient driving these potential benefits is beetroot powder. 

SuperBeets Heart Powder is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Unlike many pre-workouts that offer similar benefits, SuperBeets powder is free from caffeine and other stimulants. It contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes—the rich red color comes naturally from the beets!

Before You Buy

• SuperBeets Heart Powder does not appear to be third-party tested. 
• It is available in two flavors: Black Cherry and Apple.
• It comes with 30 servings per tub. 

Is SuperBeets Worth It?

SuperBeets Heart Powder may appeal to athletes or those with heart health concerns. While the supplement potentially offers several benefits, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. At $1.14 per serving, it’s a mid-range price for this type of product.

RELATED: Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout

SuperBeets Specs

Experience Using SuperBeets

GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, tested SuperBeets and shared his insights on the experience. Using SuperBeets Heart Powder is straightforward. Just mix a teaspoon of the deep red powder with water, stir well or shake, and drink. This supplement is designed for daily use. “This will stain anything it touches red once it’s mixed,” Matt noted. 

Having used beetroot supplements before, Matt acknowledged they typically make him feel great with regular use. However, he found the taste of SuperBeets to be a drawback. “SuperBeets just has such a bad taste, I don’t think I’d continue to use it. I would dread this if I had to take it daily for my health,” he shared.

Price Per Serving

A tub of SuperBeets Heart Powder costs $34.16 on Amazon. Each tub contains 30 servings and each serving costs $1.14. This price per serving is pretty standard compared to other SuperBeets products, so we rated the cost a 3.5 out of 5. 

If you prefer to order on the Humann website, a single tub costs $39.95. At this price, each serving costs $1.33. The website offers a discount for customers willing to order in bulk. For instance, you could buy three tubs for $98.01, which reduces the price per serving to $1.09. There’s also an option to order six tubs for $181.98, resulting in the lowest price per serving of $1.01. 

Formulation

The SuperBeets formula is simple, containing only a few ingredients and free from artificial additives. Humann claims the product is gluten-free, vegan, and made with non-GMO ingredients. Although this sounds great, we would ideally like to see certifications backing these claims, but overall we appreciate the formulation of SuperBeets and rated it 4 out of 5.

The main ingredients of the product are beetroot powder and fermented beetroot powder. Each 5-gram (1 teaspoon) serving contains the equivalent of 40 teaspoons of regular beets, an antioxidant-rich superfood. Beetroot powder is rich in nitrates, which provides several potential benefits for athletes and active individuals. Dietary nitrate helps the body produce more nitric oxide, which enhances physical performance. 

Nitric oxide stimulates vasodilation, relaxing blood vessels to enhance blood and oxygen delivery throughout the body and to muscles more efficiently. Increased nitric oxide production may increase endurance¹, allowing athletes to work out longer before exhaustion. Additionally, it may improve peak power and reduce the time to reach peak power during resistance training.

RELATED: The Best Pre-Workout Ingredients 

What’s more, beets are an excellent source of potassium, with each serving of SuperBeets providing 160 milligrams. Potassium helps to relax the walls of blood vessels², which can improve blood flow and support heart health.

Aside from beetroot powder, the product contains malic acid. Malic acid is involved in the Krebs cycle, the process that generates ATP (cellular energy). While it supports the body’s natural energy production process, it is unlikely to result in a significant energy boost. Malic acid also contributes to the product’s tartness and flavor. 

Furthermore, magnesium citrate in SuperBeets may help promote heart health by reducing the workload of the heart. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, promote blood flow, and lessen the risk of high blood pressure³.

Finally, the product uses natural flavors and sweeteners. Stevia leaf extract is a calorie-free sugar substitute. While most tolerate it well, some people may experience digestive discomfort. 

Taste and Solubility 

Many people don’t get too enthused over the taste of beets, but since Matt likes them, we figured he might appreciate the flavor of SuperBeets Heart Powder. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Matt said, “Super earthy and honestly really hard to get down. This is just a gross powder when mixed with plain water. I chugged it, and it still wasn’t great.” He rated the taste an underwhelming 2 out of 5.

Matt noted that the powder might improve if mixed with a stronger-flavored liquid, such as pomegranate juice. Still, he remarked, “I really wouldn’t want to drink this every day.”

Although the taste wasn’t great, SuperBeets rated well in the category of solubility, earning a 4 out of 5. Regarding mixability, Matt said, “Honestly pretty good when mixed into a glass of water with a spoon.” 

For an even smoother blend, Matt suggests using a blender. He said, “I mixed another serving with one of those little hand blenders, and all the powder mixed perfectly.”

Side Effects

Matt rated the side effects a 4 out of 5, noting minimal impact on his physical activity after taking SuperBeets. He mentioned, “As a pre-workout, not much, maybe improved blood flow and a good pump?”

On a positive note, there was a change in his blood pressure. “It certainly improved my blood pressure after a few hours, with a morning test and then a re-test after the supplement, but that may be a coincidence,” said Matt. 

RELATED: Does Cardio Lower Blood Pressure?

Humann advises consumers that the beetroot powder may turn their urine pink, but this side effect is harmless. 

Beetroot powder is high in oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones, especially if you have a history of them. It’s always best to talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement to ensure safety.

Third-Party Testing 

SuperBeets Heart Powder is not third-party tested, resulting in a low rating of 1 out of 5. Third-party testing is important because it verifies that the supplement has been analyzed for harmful levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. It also confirms the accuracy of the product’s labeling, offering customers peace of mind regarding its safety and quality. 

SuperBeets vs Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder

Nutricost Beet Root Powder

Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 100% beet root powder
• 91 servings per tub
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Certified USDA organic

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low cost per serving
• Non-GMO]
• Certified USDA organic
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Some customer reviews don’t like the taste

Bottom Line

Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder is simply made from 100% organic beet root. Along with being organic, the beet root powder is gluten-free, non-GMO, and soy-free as well; plus, this supplement is produced in a GMP-compliant and FDA-registered facility.

SuperBeets and Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder have a similar caloric and carbohydrate content, but they differ drastically in formulation and price per serving. Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder provides 20 calories per serving, only 5 more calories than SuperBeets, with both products containing 4 grams of carbs, some of which come from natural sugar.

Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder is made with a single ingredient—beetroot powder. On the other hand, SuperBeets contains additional ingredients for flavoring and sweetness. Nutricost is certified USDA organic, whereas SuperBeets lacks any certifications.

Another major difference is the cost. Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder is significantly cheaper per serving than SuperBeets Heart Powder. If you’re looking for an affordable, organic beetroot powder supplement with minimal ingredients, Nutricost Organic Beet Root Powder is the better choice. 

Customer Experience 

If you order SuperBeets Heart Powder on Amazon, the product is non-returnable. Amazon does not accept returns on certain ingestible products due to safety concerns. However, you may request a refund or replacement product if your item is damaged or defective. 

Ordering through the Humann website offers more flexibility, as they accept returns within 90 days of purchase. Shipping and handling fees are not refundable. Products can be returned opened or unopened. 

We rated Humann’s customer service a 4 out of 5. Not only do they provide a reasonable return policy, but offer multiple contact options including chat, phone, and email, ensuring customers can easily reach out for assistance.

Ordering SuperBeets

When ordering SuperBeets from the Humann website, customers can choose between a one-time purchase or a subscription. Subscribers receive a 15% discount on their orders and can set up deliveries ranging from every 30 days to once every 180 days.

Standard delivery takes 3 to 10 days from the date of placing an order. Customers can opt for expedited shipping with a 2-day or next-day option for an additional fee. All orders over $75.00 qualify for free shipping.

Customer Reviews

Customers who purchased from the Humann website rate SuperBeets a 4.5 out of 5 based on 3,911 reviews. Customers generally like the natural ingredients and effects they feel from taking the product, but several customers dislike the product’s high cost. 

One verified buyer wrote, “In a subtle way, I have more overall energy, without relying on caffeine to push on through.” Another customer who took advantage of a special, said, “Really like the product but the price can be prohibitive. That is why the buy 2 get 2 free offers are so valuable to me.”

Amazon customers rate the product a 4.3 out of 5 based on 34,404 ratings. The majority of reviewers like the health benefits they notice, but there are mixed feelings about the taste and smell.

A customer who feels better when they take SuperBeets shared, “I have noticed a significant increase in my energy levels since starting to take this powder. It gives me that extra boost I need to get through the day.” Another customer tried to mask the taste and wrote, “Flavor isn’t very good, even being cherry flavored you still get the beets coming through, but I mix it with other drink mixes and add sweetener as needed.”

Final Verdict of Our SuperBeets Review

SuperBeets Heart Powder is formulated with nitric oxide-boosting beetroot powder to enhance circulation and lower blood pressure. The improved blood flow throughout the body, including to muscles, may increase endurance and athletic performance. If you’re looking to delay fatigue during training without using stimulants like caffeine, SuperBeets could be a worthwhile nitric oxide supplement to consider, but it comes with a steep price tag. 

• Beetroot powder may support enhanced endurance during exercise 
• No artificial sweeteners or dyes
• Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO
• Not third-party tested 
• Expensive cost per serving of $1.14

Full Rating

SuperBeets

Super Beets is a powdered supplement meant to be mixed in 4 to 6 ounces of water and consumed. This supplement is designed to support blood pressure, circulation, and heart health. Customers generally liked the supplement but found it expensive. Some people experienced stomach discomfort and/or acid reflux.

Product Brand: HumanN

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 37.95

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.35

SuperBeets: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Chen, L., Zhu, Y., Hu, Z., Wu, S., & Jin, C. (2021). Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity. Food Science & Nutrition, 9(11), 6406–6420. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2577
2. Cleveland Clinic. How Potassium Helps Lower Your Blood Pressure. Updated January 2022. Accessed July 2024. 
3. Rosanoff, A., Costello, R. B., & Johnson, G. H. (2021). Effectively Prescribing Oral Magnesium Therapy for Hypertension: A Categorized Systematic Review of 49 Clinical Trials. Nutrients, 13(1), 195. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010195
4. Flueck, J. L., Bogdanova, A., Mettler, S., & Perret, C. (2016). Is beetroot juice more effective than sodium nitrate? The effects of equimolar nitrate dosages of nitrate-rich beetroot juice and sodium nitrate on oxygen consumption during exercise. Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme, 41(4), 421–429. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2015-0458

Like those who drink powdered greens for the super greens powder benefits, many people like drinking the best mushroom coffee for the purported gut health, immune system boost, and stress reduction benefits of medicinal mushrooms.

RYZE Mushroom Coffee is one such alternative aimed at providing sustained energy without the jitters that can come from your standard cup of joe. Their social media ads are convincing, but is it really worth the price?

Read on to see what the experts have to say in our RYZE Mushroom Coffee review, where we try the product firsthand and give you our honest opinion.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

The Buzz on Mushroom Coffee From Nutrition Experts

Our expert team consists of fitness and nutrition professionals, including Olympic athletes, registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, and CrossFit coaches. 

We’ve tested dozens of adaptogen-containing supplements from the best greens powders to pre-workouts to electrolyte drinks. 

Our product tester for this article was Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, and GGR head of content. She analyzed RYZE mushroom powder using our supplement testing methodology, which ranks factors on a scale from 1 to 5. These include:

• Price
• Formulation
• Taste
• Solubility
• Side effects
• Third-party testing
• Customer service

To get the best feel for the product, Nicole followed the preparation instructions provided by the brand.

RYZE Mushroom Coffee

RYZE Mushroom Coffee

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Vegan mushroom coffee with less than half the caffeine of a traditional cup of coffee
• Features California grown mushrooms and Mexican coffee
• No sugar, gluten, dairy, soy or GMOs
• 1% of profits go to teaching mindfulness in schools
• Listed benefits: Improved focus, energy without a crash, supports immune, gut, and digestive health, and optimizes brain function

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30 Day Guarantee
• 100% recyclable packaging
• Vegan, keto, and paleo friendly
• 6 mushroom blend

Cons

• Only available in the United States currently
• More caffeine than competitors
• Mixed reviews on taste

Bottom Line

Ryze Mushroom Coffee contains both a 6 mushroom blend and coffee. Despite containing coffee the taste still received mixed reviews from people making the switch from traditional coffee. It was described as “earthy” both positively and negatively.

A Quick Look at RYZE Mushroom Coffee

RYZE Mushroom Coffee is an organic blend of dried adaptogenic mushrooms, coffee, MCT oil, and coconut milk. It’s sold as an energizing, gut-friendly alternative to regular coffee that won’t leave coffee lovers feeling jittery or anxious.

According to RYZE Superfoods, their California-grown mushrooms provide health benefits like sustained energy levels, improved focus, immune support, gut health, and stress reduction.

With only 48 milligrams of caffeine, one serving contains half the amount of caffeine you’d find in a cup of coffee or the same amount as a cup of black tea.

Before You Buy

• Contains 48 mg of caffeine per serving
• Available on the RYZE website; only sold by third-party shops on Amazon 
• RYZE offers coconut milk creamer to go with it

Is RYZE Mushroom Coffee Worth It?

If you need a caffeine-free coffee alternative, RYZE isn’t the product for you. However, RYZE could be worth it if you’re looking for a relatively affordable, antioxidant-rich coffee alternative with less acidity to help reduce your caffeine intake.

The use of medicinal mushrooms is based on ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic practices, but research on medicinal mushroom benefits¹ is mostly limited to animal or petri dish studies. Actual benefits in humans are still unclear, so we don’t know whether RYZE Mushroom Coffee can deliver on its claims.

That said, this product is pretty affordable, so trying it won’t set you back too much. 

RYZE Mushroom Coffee Specs

Experience Using RYZE Mushroom Coffee

Whipping up a serving of RYZE Mushroom Coffee was quick and easy, taking no longer than brewing a typical cup of coffee. 

Nicole mixed one tablespoon of mushroom coffee powder with 8 ounces of hot water for a warm, comforting beverage. If you’re more of an iced coffee person, you can easily mix it with cold water and add ice.

To round out the experience, RYZE sends a complementary acacia wood spoon with your first order and sells their own dairy-free vanilla probiotic creamer for an additional charge ($30).

Price Per Serving

A 30-serving bag of RYZE Mushroom Coffee costs $36 per bag or $1.20 per serving. 

You can usually save some money by signing up for a subscription or waiting for seasonal sales. At the time of writing, for example, RYZE was offering a 40% summer discount. Shipping is free for first-time purchases and on all subscription orders. 

Thanks to the low starting price and multiple savings options, we rated RYZE a 5 out of 5 for price. It’s more expensive than brewing your own coffee at home, but could save you money if you’re used to ordering lattes on your way to work.

Formulation

We appreciated that the blend includes six different mushrooms, is free from added sugars and unnecessary food additives, and is made with organic ingredients. 

However, we could only rate the formulation a 3 out of 5 since RYZE uses a proprietary blend of mushrooms. This means the amount of each specific mushroom is unclear. We know there are 2,000 total milligrams of mushrooms, but we don’t know how much is cordyceps versus lion’s mane, for example. 

It probably contains a good amount of antioxidants from the mushroom blend, so it could help fight oxidative stress, as claimed. However, it contains almost no dietary fiber, which means it’s low in beta-glucans. These soluble fibers are partly responsible for the immune-supporting benefits² of medicinal mushrooms.

Taste and Solubility 

Nicole gave RYZE a 4 out of 5 rating for taste. She didn’t love it enough to replace her usual cup of coffee but said, “I could enjoy this as a warm coffee alternative on winter afternoons when I don’t want as much caffeine. It tastes a little like watered-down instant coffee with hints of earthiness and could be a nice alternative to tea. It’s not as good as coffee, but not bad either.”

Unfortunately, RYZE may not be the best option for people who like to savor their morning beverage slowly. “The powder dissolves well at first, but it starts to settle if you don’t drink it right away,” said Nicole, rating it a 3 out of 5 for solubility.

Side Effects

Nicole used RYZE in place of her regular morning coffee a few times but didn’t notice any significant differences in how she felt. 

“I’ve seen lots of reviews where people mention feeling better after drinking RYZE in place of coffee, avoiding the usual caffeine crash. I’ve noticed a slight energy boost from the caffeine, but I don’t feel any different so far,” said Nicole. 

Because she didn’t have any negative side effects but also didn’t experience any of the positive side effects touted by the brand, Nicole gave it a 4 out of 5 rating here.

RELATED: Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Third-Party Testing 

Because dietary supplements aren’t tested for safety or purity by the FDA, we prefer supplements that have been independently tested. 

Unfortunately, RYZE doesn’t have third-party testing done for their mushroom coffee. This means you’re basically taking the company at their word that the product is free from contaminants.

And because RYZE uses a proprietary mushroom blend, we’re even less certain about what you’re getting in each bag. This product earned a disappointing 1 out of 5 rating here. 

RYZE Mushroom Coffee vs MUD\WTR

MUDWTR

MUD\WTR

GGR Score: 3.4

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Product Highlights

• Low- or no-caffeine coffee alternative
• Listed benefits: Provides energy boost without jitters, improves focus and mood, supports immunity
• Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO project verified, certified vegan, Kosher, and Whole 30-approved
• Available in 4 varieties: Original, Matcha, Turmeric, and Rest
• Included: 30-serving tin, rechargeable frother, guidebook, sticker, and sample

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2 flavors with caffeine and 2 flavors without caffeine
• 30-day money back guarantee
• Vegan, Kosher, and Whole 30 Approved
• Free shipping within the United States

Cons

• Very mixed reviews on taste, texture, and mixability
• Website defaults to 30-day subscription when you attempt to purchase
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness

Bottom Line

MUD\WTR is a low- or no-caffeine alternative to a cup of coffee. They recommend pouring hot water over 1 tablespoon and mixing with a spoon or frother. MUD\WTR claims this powder will give you energy without the jitters and crash associated with coffee. They also claim it will improve your mood and support your immune system. This drink has extremely mixed reviews on taste, texture and effectiveness. The taste is described as ‘earthy’ in both positive and negative reviews.

Now that we’ve discussed RYZE Mushroom Coffee in detail, you’re probably wondering how it stacks up to the competition. To make choosing the right mushroom coffee easier, we’ve directly compared RYZE to one of its top competitors, MUD\WTR, in the chart below.  

For more detailed information on MUD\WTR, check out our full MUD WTR review.

Customer Experience 

We gave RYZE a 5 out of 5 rating for their 30-day return policy and “Love It” guarantee, which offers a full refund on your first subscription order, taking the risk out of trying the product and not liking it.

We also appreciate that you can initiate a return by email, sending a DM on social media, or sending them a text.

We only found a couple weak areas in their customer service policies. One is that the “Love It” guarantee doesn’t apply to one-time orders, and the other is that finding the one-time purchase option on the RYZE website is a little difficult. I ended up having to do a Google search to find it.

Customer Reviews

RYZE Mushroom Coffee has an excellent 4.7-star rating on the company’s website.

Most customers love the woodsy flavor, especially when mixed with coffee creamers, cinnamon, oat milk, or cocoa powder to imitate hot cocoa. Some admitted that it took a couple of days to appreciate the taste, and others said it needed sweetener. 

Many mentioned feeling more well-rested, sleeping better, feeling energized but not jittery, having less bloating and anxiety, and improved their skin and hair. Others said they didn’t notice any health improvements. 

Complaints were rare, limited to a few people who didn’t like the flavor or who felt shipping took too long. 

Final Verdict of Our RYZE Mushroom Coffee Review

While we weren’t impressed with the proprietary blend, lack of third-party testing, and so-so solubility, RYZE Mushroom Coffee is made from high-quality ingredients, including six different adaptogenic mushrooms. 

It doesn’t have a strong coffee taste, but we (and many other customers) liked the cozy earthiness and the slight energy boost. This could be the right mushroom coffee for you if you:

• Need an affordable, lower-caffeine alternative to coffee
• Don’t mind proprietary blends
• Want a drink you can enjoy hot or iced
• Plan to add milk or creamer
• Feel better when drinking it

Interested in learning more about taking adaptogens? Check out our article on the best time to take ashwagandha. 

Full Rating

RYZE Mushroom Coffee

Ryze Mushroom Coffee contains both a 6 mushroom blend and coffee. Despite containing coffee the taste still received mixed reviews from people making the switch from traditional coffee. It was described as “earthy” both positively and negatively.

Product Brand: RYZE

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 45

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.7

RYZE Mushroom Coffee: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Venturella G, Ferraro V, Cirlincione F, Gargano ML. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(2):634. Published 2021 Jan 10. doi:10.3390/ijms22020634
2. Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, Didziapetriene J, Kevelaitis E. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicina (Kaunas). 2007;43(8):597-606.
3. Sharma H, Sharma N, An SSA. Unique Bioactives from Zombie Fungus (Cordyceps) as Promising Multitargeted Neuroprotective Agents. Nutrients. 2023;16(1):102. Published 2023 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/nu16010102
4. United States Food & Drug Administration. Facts about dietary supplements. FDA website. Last updated May 2023. Accessed 7/24/24.

Enter: SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen. 

But is the juice worth the squeeze? Or is this simply another skincare/haircare supplement that’s been overhyped by the anti-aging industry? In this SpoiledChild Collagen review, I’ll give you expert insight into the formulation, effectiveness, and value based on my experience as a certified personal trainer (CPT) and longtime athlete. 

Plus, I’ll pit this product against a popular collagen supplement that earned high praise from the GGR team so you can decide whether to spoil yourself with a premium-priced liquid or stick with your powder of choice. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

We Hold High Standards for Collagen 

At Garage Gym Reviews, our talented team of certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, professional athletes, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainers takes tremendous pride in providing accurate assessments of nutritional products using our supplement testing methodology. We’ve tested more than 20 collagen products, rating each from 1 to 5 based on key criteria, such as: 

• Cost per serving 
• Ingredient list 
• Dosage 
• Solubility
• Company policies 
• Customer reviews

Based on decades of collective experience testing everything from the best collagen supplements to the best pre-workout, we know what separates an effective supplement from a poorly-formulated one. As someone who’s used powdered collagen for over a year and been pleased with the results, I was eager to see if a liquid version met my (and GGR’s) high standards in this category. 

SpoiledChild Collagen

Spoiled Child E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen

GGR Score: 3.67

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Product Highlights

• Liquid collagen supplement with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
• Listed benefits: Improved skin, hair, nail, gut, and joint health
• Dairy-, sugar-, soy-, and gluten-free

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Also includes vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production

Cons

• Only 5 g collagen pers serving (other supplements have 10-20 g)
• Contains sucralose
• Only 2 flavors and no unflavored option
• Mixed reviews on taste and effectiveness
• Needs to be refrigerated after opening

Bottom Line

Extra Strength Liquid Collagen provides 5 grams of collagen per serving. This product is designed to improve hair, nail, skin, and joint health. This supplement has less collagen per serving than competitors that range from 10-20 grams. Customer reviews were mixed on the effectiveness and taste of the supplement.

A Quick Look at SpoiledChild Collagen

SpoiledChild offers a robust collection of wellness, haircare, and skincare products. Their lineup includes everything from anti-aging moisturizers and hair masks to probiotics and biotin gummies. Many of their offerings cater to customers seeking help with common issues like hair loss and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

However, while their hair growth and skin health products garner positive reviews, E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen remains SpoiledChild’s best seller. Featuring a blend of Type 1 and Type III bovine collagen peptides and several other ingredients, it comes in multiple flavors and must be refrigerated after opening. Both types of collagen occur naturally in the body, providing structural support¹ for muscles and other tissues. Bovine, in particular, is rich in the amino acids glycine² and proline³—both of which play critical roles in supporting healthy joints, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. 

Although E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen hasn’t been third-party tested, SpoiledChild conducted a consumer study that claims the following data on their website: 

• 97% saw significant improvement, including plumper skin, thicker hair, better gut health, and healthier joints and bones in four weeks. 
• 91% saw firmer, more glowy skin and a reduction in wrinkles in eight weeks.
• 5 out of 6 saw thicker, fuller, shinier, and healthier hair in eight weeks.

Before You Buy

• Flavor options: While most collagen supplements are unflavored, SpoiledChild offers this product in two flavors: pineapple or mango. 
• Cost: A bottle costs $55 and includes 30 servings. You can save 10% by signing up for a one-bottle-per-month subscription that includes a free gift, free shipping, and free returns.
• Dosage: One serving only contains 5 g of collagen—which falls short of our ideal standard of 10 g.
• Extra ingredients: In addition to bovine collagen peptides, this SpoiledChild product contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid⁴—a collagen booster that hydrates and improves skin elasticity. 

Is SpoiledChild Liquid Collagen Worth It?

Unless you aren’t concerned about maximizing your bang for your buck, I’d look elsewhere for a supplement that provides a higher dosage of collagen per serving for a better price. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t sip your way to better skin, hair, and nails with SpoiledChild’s help—if you can stomach swallowing about $50 a bottle. 

SpoiledChild Collagen Specs

Experience Using SpoiledChild Collagen

After using two popular forms of powdered collagen for years—Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein and Vital Proteins—I was eager to see if SpoiledChild discovered a better way to deliver collagen protein and other nutrients by putting them in a bottle. I ditched my go-to collagen for about two weeks and replaced it with a liquid version that (surprisingly) left a pleasant taste in my mouth. 

However, we all know flavor isn’t necessarily the most important factor when it comes to testing supplements. So, let’s see how SpoiledChild fared once I dug deeper. 

Price Per Serving

One bottle of SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen contains 30 one-tablespoon servings. At $55 for a one-time purchase, that puts the cost per serving at $1.83. That figure drops slightly to $1.65 if you sign up for the recurring subscription, which brings the cost of one bottle down to $49.50. 

Either way, you pay a premium price for a collagen product that costs much more than competitors. For example, Unflavored Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein checks in at less than half the cost at $0.85 per serving. As a result, SpoiledChild Collagen earned a price value rating of 1 out of 5. 

Formulation

Unfortunately, this is where SpoiledChild left me feeling like a disappointed parent. Although E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen contains Types I and III bovine collagen, one serving only contains 5 grams. That’s half the amount we like to see in top collagen products, meaning you aren’t getting enough to make us confident that you’ll see results.  

The formulation includes vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can boost your immune system, and hyaluronic acid to help improve skin elasticity. One serving contains 80 milligrams of vitamin C and 30 milligrams of hyaluronic acid. 

SpoiledChild managed to make this liquid collagen taste sweet without any sugar by using sucralose—a common sugar substitute. If you’re not a fan of artificial sweeteners, you should steer clear of this product. 

Overall, the formulation leaves something to be desired. I like the fact that it’s non-GMO, sugar-free, and gluten-free, but I don’t like that there’s only 5 grams of collagen per serving. As a result, I could only give it a 2 out of 5 rating. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners

Taste and Solubility 

Although I didn’t get a chance to try the Mango version, the Pineapple E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen earned a perfect score for taste—and swallowability. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I poured the thick, almost medicine-like substance into the “shot glass” that accompanied the bottle. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the sweet-but-not-overly-sweet taste, especially since there’s no sugar. 

According to SpoiledChild, you should store the bottle in the fridge after opening. I noticed that the consistency became thicker due to the temperature difference, which made it a challenge to get every drop out of the serving cup. Still, I have to give a tip of the cap (and a 5-out-of-5 rating) to SpoiledChild for producing a great-tasting product. 

Side Effects

I experienced no adverse side effects using SpoiledChild Collagen. While it can be difficult to gauge just how much of a difference it makes in your hair, skin, nail, and joint health, I did notice some minor acne on my forehead clear up after about a week of use. In all fairness, though, that could have been from cleaning up my diet. 

With nothing negative to report, I gave a 5 out of 5 rating in this category. 

Third-Party Testing 

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the supplement industry, we appreciate products that undergo third-party testing. Some companies meet this standard, however SpoiledChild does not.  

As I touched upon earlier, the company lists consumer study data on the landing page for E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen. However, it’s fair to question the accuracy of the claims that customers see such significant results in a matter of four to eight weeks. 

In addition, SpoiledChild claims the product is “approved by dermatologists and experts” and features video testimonials from healthcare professionals supporting its efficacy. This may help give potential customers added confidence in making a purchase. 

Ultimately, I’ll give SpoiledChild credit for being transparent about their ingredients and providing some testing data and testimonials from medical professionals, resulting in a 3-out-of-5 rating. 

SpoiledChild Collagen vs Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate

Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• No artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives
• Formulated with grass-fed bovine collagen peptides
• Claimed to help eliminate visible signs of skin aging like sagging and wrinkles
• Made with minimal ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Worldwide shipping
• A good amount of positive reviews
• Easily mixable in cold or hot beverages

Cons

• Only 10 g of protein per serving
• Low doses of collagen compared to other brands
• Doesn’t include vitamin C, which can help with absorption
• Only comes in 1 flavor

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is a collagen rich in type I and type III collagen peptides made without artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives.

Comparing SpoiledChild’s liquid collagen to GGR’s top overall pick gives you an opportunity to see why one should easily get the nod over the other. Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate may not come in a fruity flavor, but it beats SpoiledChild in just about every other way. 

From a price-per-serving standpoint, you get much better value with the powdered form. You also get more than double the collagen dosage with Transparent Labs versus SpoiledChild. Plus, the former has a huge leg up by passing third-party testing—something we take seriously at GGR. 

Check out our full Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate review to learn more.

Customer Experience 

SpoiledChild earned a perfect score in this all-important category for a number of reasons. First, they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. In addition to free returns, they offer free U.S. shipping for all orders over $40. 

If you go with the subscription model, you not only save 10% but you also receive a free gift in each delivery. You can also cancel at any time, which should give you peace of mind about signing up. All in all, these policies deliver excellent value to the customer even though E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen comes with a premium price tag. 

Ordering SpoiledChild Collagen

As I’ve mentioned, you can make a one-time purchase of SpoiledChild Collagen from the company’s website for $55. Luckily, that price point means you automatically get free shipping.  

On the other hand, one of the pros about a recurring subscription is that you’ll keep a little extra money in your pocket. Signing up saves you 10%, putting your monthly cost for better hair, skin, nail, and joint health at $49.50. 

You can also find SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen on Amazon. However, it’s significantly more expensive, as most sellers list a bottle between $65 to $85. 

Customer Reviews

The reviews for this product are overwhelmingly positive on SpoiledChild’s website, with well over 100,000 customers leaving feedback about the E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen. Many verified buyers included before-and-after photos showcasing how their skin looks markedly better after using this product. 

“After a month of using it, I have noticeably smoother skin and my gut feels more regulated than before. The taste also compliments everything I pair it with for breakfast. It feels more like a treat! I would definitely recommend!,” wrote a verified buyer named Kayla S. 

Another verified buyer who left a 5-star rating highlighted how quickly she saw results. 

“E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen has given my hair, nails and skin the strength and plumpness, hydration that I needed! I’m on month two and results are wild! The taste is also great!”

However, it wouldn’t be an honest review without touching upon some common callouts. 

“I’ve mixed this in many different drinks, smoothies, coffees and shakes. Still has a bad taste that I can’t manage to get over,” a verified buyer named Trinitie R. wrote in her 1-star review. 

Meanwhile, a verified buyer named Michele D. shared a similar sentiment about the taste: 

“The smell alone is bad but the taste is even worse. I tried mixing it with juices but it didn’t help. After the first few days I threw out the entire bottle and canceled my subscription.”  

Final Verdict of Our SpoiledChild Collagen Review

As much as I enjoyed trying something new, I’ll stick to stirring powdered collagen into my morning cup of joe…for now at least. With a lackluster formulation and an expensive price tag, I won’t leave room for another bottle of SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen in my fridge in the near future. 

• The Pineapple flavor was pleasant, and customers seem to enjoy the Mango version, too.
• Taking a liquid collagen supplement might be more convenient for some users.
• You can get better bang for your buck elsewhere, especially considering you only get 5 g of collagen per serving. 

Full Rating

SpoiledChild Collagen

Extra Strength Liquid Collagen provides 5 grams of collagen per serving. This product is designed to improve hair, nail, skin, and joint health. This supplement has less collagen per serving than competitors that range from 10-20 grams. Customer reviews were mixed on the effectiveness and taste of the supplement.

Product Brand: SpoiledChild

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 79.95

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.67

SpoiledChild Collagen: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Singh, D., Rai, V., & Agrawal, D. K. (2023). Regulation of Collagen I and Collagen III in Tissue Injury and Regeneration. Cardiology and cardiovascular medicine, 7(1), 5–16. https://doi.org/10.26502/fccm.92920302
2. Aguayo-Cerón, K. A., Sánchez-Muñoz, F., Gutierrez-Rojas, R. A., Acevedo-Villavicencio, L. N., Flores-Zarate, A. V., Huang, F., Giacoman-Martinez, A., Villafaña, S., & Romero-Nava, R. (2023). Glycine: the smallest Anti-Inflammatory micronutrient. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(14), 11236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411236
3. Albaugh, V. L., Mukherjee, K., & Barbul, A. (2017). Proline precursors and collagen synthesis: Biochemical challenges of nutrient supplementation and wound healing. The Journal of Nutrition, 147(11), 2011–2017. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.117.256404
4. Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923

Thistle delivers plant-based foods and focuses on healthy and sustainable dishes, with a penchant for creative and hearty dishes. In this Thistle meal delivery review, we’ll introduce you to the brand and discuss how it compares to the best plant-based meal delivery services. Keep reading to see what sets Thistle apart from other brands.

RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Bar

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

40+ Meal Kits Tested by Experts

Whether you’re searching for the best hemp-based protein powder or the best meal delivery kit for weight loss, you’ve come to the right place. Our experts include registered dietitians, personal trainers, professional bodybuilders, and moms and dads. We know healthy meals and have tested over 40 meal delivery kits with options for every palate and dietary need. 

We take fitness seriously and know your time is valuable. With that in mind, we write honest reviews on prepared meal kits to help you economize meal prep and grocery shopping and get back to enjoying your life. For this Thistle review, Erin Chancer, GGR senior editor, NASM-CNC, ISSA-CPT, took her time getting to know the food delivery service. Using our nutrition testing methodology, she gave scores on a scale of 1-5 based on categories such as:

• Price per meal
• Ease of preparation
• Taste
• Ingredient quality
• Portion size
• Meal plans and customization

Thistle

Thistle

GGR Score: 4.2

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Meal delivery service that serves select areas in the U.S.
• West Coast and East Coast have different weekly menus
• Delivery once or twice a week depending on plan
• Locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible
• Gluten-free, dairy-free
• Plant-based proteins, with meat options for lunch and dinner meals
• Weekly meals that can be swapped or customized

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plant-based meals with meat options
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• No artificial sweeteners

Cons

• Limited shipping areas
• Even smaller local delivery area
• One of the pricier meal services

Bottom Line

Thistle is a meal delivery service that ships to select areas along the East and West Coast of the United States. Depending on your plan, Thistle delivers once or twice a week, and meals are primarily plant-based, with meat options available for lunch and dinner meals. Ingredients are locally sourced when possible and are gluten-free and dairy-free.

A Quick Look at Thistle

Thistle was started in San Francisco, California, in 2013 by a husband and wife team with Israeli lineage and East Coast influence. Thistle offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with high-quality ingredients, and all meals are ready to eat.

Thistle’s weekly menu reflects the brand’s approach to healthy eating, with an emphasis on plant-forward meals and whole foods. Many of its meals include plant-based proteins and superfoods like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and lentils. The meals are crafted by chefs and nutritionists to appeal to all palates. Thistle offers mostly vegan options, but has ‘omnivore’ choices that allow for chicken or pork in your meals.

Thistle delivers throughout California, and has some coverage across the West Coast. It also delivers to portions of the Northeast U.S., including New York City, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

Before You Buy

• All meals are plant-based, with chicken or pork omnivore options for added protein and flavor. Thistle does NOT offer beef products to reduce environmental impacts.
• Thistle’s menu is dairy-free and gluten-free, and has no refined sugars, artificial ingredients, or additives. In addition to nutritious meals, it offers optional snacks, sides, and cold-pressed juices.

Is Thistle Worth It?

Destini Moodi, RD, CSSD, LD, certainly thinks so. She appreciates the nutrient density of plant-based meals and really likes the convenience of Thistle’s prepared meals. She likes that Thistle offers wholesome plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

“Thistle mimics the model of meals I wish everyone would follow: meals that are comprised mostly of plants, with some carbs and protein thrown in. This is also the style of diet that the healthiest populations in the world follow,” Destini says.

But—and there’s always a but—Thistle isn’t cheap. A single meal starts at $14. Also, many of the main lunches are salads. While veggies are good for you, eating salads multiple times a day can get boring after a while. Thistle does offer East Coast and West Coast menus, so you have some extra variety and seasonal flair.

Thistle aims to promote healthy eating and plant-based foods as a lifestyle, rather than just a meal subscription service. They’ve done quite a good job with their branded, substantial totes, heavy-duty food jars, and well-reviewed juices. They’re not quite up there with brands like Sakara, but they certainly make healthy habits more accessible for those who can afford the meals.

RELATED: Cheapest Meal Delivery Services

Thistle Specs

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Experience Using Thistle

Thistle is a great option for people who want to lean into a plant-based meal subscription. Its meals are prepared, meaning less meal prep and more time enjoying your food. Thistle customers can opt for up to two shipments per week, so you have more food ready when you need it.

Erin Chancer, GGR senior editor, NASM-CNC, ISSA-CPT tried Thistle for a week. In all, Erin really liked the food. The most prohibitive factor for her was the price. She also had thoughts on meal customization, which we’ll get into below.

RELATED: Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services

Price Per Meal

With meals between $10 and $16, Thistle earned 1.5 stars. The price isn’t bad, considering you’re paying for premium food and the cooking is done for you. However, you don’t get any animal protein unless you change your dietary preferences during checkout. For a primarily vegan meal delivery service, we consider the price to be on the high side.

“You do pay for the convenience, but it encourages you to make your own home-cooked dinners instead of ordering takeout,” says Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD.

RELATED: Best High-Protein Meal Services

Thistle Meal Preparation

Thistle offers prepared meals, meaning fewer trips to the grocery store and more time eating. This earned Thistle a perfect 5-star rating in this category. “The meals arrive fresh in plastic containers. Some require you to heat them up in a skillet, but that was quick and painless and made the meal better. Clean-up is easy, and you can recycle the containers,” Erin says.

However, Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, offers a word of advice: “Since the meals are fresh, you need to eat them fast, so that’s something to keep in mind if you have a busy lifestyle.”

Taste, Ingredient Quality, and Portion Size

Erin enjoyed all of the Thistle meals she tried and awarded the taste 4.5 out of 5 stars. “I enjoyed everything I tried. I wasn’t sold at first because it looks like a lot of greens, but everything was flavorful and filling. My favorite meal was the Cuban-Inspired Mojo with Chicken. Excellent flavor and the fried plantains were a real treat,” she reports.

Ingredient quality earned a perfect 5 out of 5. Erin added chicken to some meals, which tasted great. However, as with all meats, we recommend cooking them as soon as possible to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Thistle’s portion sizes earned another 5-star rating. Grains and greens can be pretty filling, which is another win for this healthy meal delivery service. “The portion sizes were just right for me,” Erin says. “I was even getting full halfway through my meals.”

RELATED: Best Paleo Meal Delivery Service

Meal Plans and Customization

Thistle has East and West coast menus, so you get a taste of New York and San Francisco or Seattle. However, its meal plans are limited, there are very few customization options, and the meals have a lot of salads, which earned them 3 out of 5 stars. 

Erin had breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a week, with meat added to the latter two. Still, she felt underwhelmed with the meal selection and felt locked into specific meals.

“I do like that there are breakfast options as well as selections for sides, which isn’t common for meal delivery services that usually just stick to meals. That said, the variety is limited. Almost all of the sides are soups and salads, and the majority of breakfast options are oatmeal and smoothies. Having salad for lunch and dinner everyday can get pretty old, no matter how much you change the ingredients,” adds Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD.

Ordering, Packaging, and Shipping 

Ordering through Thistle is pretty standard. Select the number of meals you want in your meal plan, choose your protein type, indicate whether you have any allergies, delivery frequency, and get ready to eat. You can skip and pause deliveries as needed. For this, Erin awarded Thistle 4 out of 5 stars. 

Thistle is not nationwide, however. It delivers exclusively to the East and West coasts, with a few states in between receiving some attention.

RELATED: Home Chef Review

Thistle vs Factor

Factor

Factor75

GGR Score: 4.03

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Heat-and-eat meals that are delivered weekly
• Five menu plans, including calorie-controlled and keto
• Can mix and match from different menu plans for more variety
• New menus drop weekly
• Can order up to 18 meals per week

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Not restricted to one specific diet plan
• Meals arrive fresh and ready to heat
• Offers options for different dietary preferences
• Can cancel or skip a delivery anytime

Cons

• No options for customization
• No personalized plans for weight loss

Bottom Line

Factor75 is a heat-and-eat delivery service that works well for those on specialized diets. Boxes are delivered weekly, and you can mix and match from different menu plans to maximize your menu variety.

Like Thistle, Factor offers prepared meals that take just a few minutes to reheat. Factor’s meals are more budget-friendly, starting around $3 less than Thistle’s. Factor also ships to the continental U.S., whereas Thistle’s meal delivery area is more limited.

Additionally, Factor offers more variety. It does have vegan meals, but there are several more options for meals with animal-based proteins. Factor provides plenty of keto and low-carb meals. On the other hand, Thistle claims on its website that it’s unable to accommodate these types of diets.

If you’re looking for more meal variety and want to save a few bucks, Factor may be right for you. If you follow a vegan lifestyle or want to incorporate more plants into your diet, Thistle will be the better option.

Learn more about Factor in our Factor meals review.

Customer Experience 

Thistle gets 5 stars for sustainability. The company really makes an effort to have a low environmental impact. The food ships in recyclable, reusable containers with recyclable ice packs. The company also offers large, durable, reusable totes and sources ingredients from organic farms when they can.

The thistle.co website is nicely designed and easy to navigate, with a neat blog to keep you up to date on wellness and food trends.

Customer Reviews

Despite its small geographic footprint, Thistle has a good following. We went to Trustpilot for an official verdict. Based on over 1,000 reviews, Thistle has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. More than half of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with most enjoying the flavor, freshness, and abundance of veggies. Some less positive reviews commented on inconsistent meal deliveries, lack of variety, or missing meals.

Final Verdict of Our Thistle Meal Delivery Review

Thistle proves to be a solid contender for the best plant-based meal kits. It’s ideal for small families and folks with a bit more to spend on food. Thistle offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While it’s an almost exclusively vegan meal kit, it offers chicken and pork add-ons. Thistle also offers a la carte snacks, sides, and juices.

Thistle’s main drawbacks are its price and restrictive delivery map limited to the East and West coasts. That said, Thistle is worth a try, especially if you’d like to take plant-based eating more seriously.

Full Rating

Thistle Meal Delivery

Thistle is a meal delivery service that ships to select areas along the East and West Coast of the United States. Depending on your plan, Thistle delivers once or twice a week, and meals are primarily plant-based, with meat options available for lunch and dinner meals. Ingredients are locally sourced when possible and are gluten-free and dairy-free.

Product Brand: Thistle

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 14

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.2

Thistle Meal Delivery FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.