Your alarm goes off. You press snooze for the third (or maybe thirteenth) time. Ultimately, you drag yourself out of bed, leading to a frantic rush to get dressed and caffeinated before either leaving in a hurry or logging into your first Zoom meeting. Does that sound familiar? The truth is, not everyone is a morning person, and that’s completely fine.
Here’s some positive news: Introducing a straightforward change to your routine could make getting up feel less like scaling Everest: plnt® mushroom and greens powders. Available at The Vitamin Shoppe, these blends are rich in nutrients, allowing you to greet the day with more energy without resorting to a high-caffeine energy drink.
“Greens and mushroom powders are fantastic for nutrition and can be an energizing addition to any morning routine,” states Brittany Michels, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian at The Vitamin Shoppe. “Incorporating a greens powder is one of the simplest ways to enhance your intake of various nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds.” By adding a scoop to your daily routine, she suggests you can anticipate positive outcomes such as increased mental clarity and energy*—along with the long-term advantage of filling in any nutritional gaps.
Intrigued to find out if these powders could genuinely make a difference in the mornings and beyond, three of our editors who are prone to hitting snooze included plnt® in their daily routines. From mixing a scoop into juice to dissolving a spoonful in hot water and creamer, they explored the versatility and impact of these superfood blends. Continue reading for their candid reviews, and consider stocking up yourself to elevate your morning energy levels.
A typical morning with my one-year-old looks like this: “Itsy Bitsy Spider” on an endless loop, scavenging breakfast crumbs from her high chair, and generally feeling as if I’ve lived multiple lives before 9 A.M. In summary, my schedule no longer belongs to me, and efficiency has taken on a *completely* new meaning.
Given my lacking daily nutrition and my constant desire for a nap, I eagerly accepted the chance to try plnt® Energizing Greens. “This [unflavored] green powder provides energy-boosting* B vitamins from a variety of organic leafy greens, natural caffeine sources such as matcha and green coffee beans, as well as energy and endurance benefits* from the mushroom cordyceps,” Michels explains. Introducing caffeinated nutrition to my morning agenda is long overdue—but the true appeal for me lies in its straightforward application. I’ve turned it into a habit to dedicate exactly seven seconds (self-care!) to mix a scoop into a cold glass of water or almond milk; after that—feeling nourished, energized*, and accomplished—I can refocus on my little one. If only I had discovered this powder a year earlier.
To help with focus and clarity throughout the day
Stress and I are well-acquainted (balancing a busy job, two young children, and countless communications from various schools and doctors—doing all this while contemplating dinner arrangements). To put it plainly, I often rush so much that my focus and clarity are often compromised, particularly in the morning.
Thus, when I was given the opportunity to sample plnt® Organic Lion’s Mane Powder, which is formulated to provide adaptogenic support for stress* and promote cognitive health*, I was intrigued. This superfood blend can be mixed with either hot or cold water, and adding creamer is optional—I choose to do so. The outcome resembles a mix of coffee and tea with a hint of caramel flavor, which is delightfully smooth (it doesn’t taste like mushrooms at all, I assure you). After one cup, I managed a thorough brainstorming session and tackled tasks with an efficiency I hadn’t experienced in… quite a while. It’s safe to say this has become my new go-to beverage after breakfast—no more mid-morning slumps here. — Eva Rohan, Senior Director, Content + Strategy
As a functional caffeine-free alternative
I’ve stepped away from morning caffeine for quite some time, but I still seek a special drink to enjoy in the mornings while my roommates sip their iced coffees. And if I can find one that combines fun and functionality (think: benefits for stress, immunity, and digestion*)? Even better.
This is where plnt® Vital Greens Superfood Powder comes in: Crafted with organic leafy greens, microgreens, and a mixture of nutrient-dense vegetables such as beets, broccoli, and kale, it’s formulated to support energy* using green tea leaf extract and fruits packed with antioxidants. In addition to the greens, it contains adaptogens for stress balance*, as well as immune and liver-supportive* herbs, along with digestive aids (including fiber, enzymes, and probiotics) for overall wellness*, Michels notes. I’ve started stirring a scoop into lemonade for a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink that also satisfies my sweet cravings (win-win). This nourishing powder is now a staple in my morning routine, requiring zero additional effort. — Maeve McCormick, Assistant Branded Content Editor