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Our beverages range is a small group of drink mixes and add-ins rather than ready-to-drink cans, including a beetroot drink mix from Force Factor and organic bee pollen from Forest Super Foods that you can stir into smoothies. Each one is made up at home with water or your drink of choice.

Read the Beverages buying guide
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Beverages: buying guide

Greens powders

A greens powder combines powdered plant ingredients, often with added nutrients, in a single scoop that you mix with water. Treat it as an extra on top of fruit and vegetables, not a replacement for them, and check the label for the full ingredient list and serving size. If you also take a multivitamin, the US NIH Office of Dietary Supplements advises checking that your total intake of each nutrient stays under its upper limit.

Beetroot drink mixes

Beetroot is a source of dietary nitrate, which the body converts to nitric oxide. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) lists nitrate as a Group A performance supplement and suggests about 6 to 8 mmol (roughly 350 to 500 mg) of nitrate, 2 to 3 hours before exercise. It also notes that many beetroot products have not been independently tested for nitrate content and that antibacterial mouthwash can blunt the effect. Pink urine afterwards is harmless. Athletes who are drug tested should choose batch-tested products (for example HASTA or Informed Sport certified) and check with their sport.

Bee pollen

Bee pollen is made by worker bees from plant pollen and nectar. According to Drugs.com's natural products monograph, research has not shown it improves athletic performance and its benefit for any medical condition is uncertain. It can cause allergic reactions, so ask your doctor first if you have allergies, especially to bee stings or other bee products. Do not use it if you are pregnant, and check with your doctor if you take warfarin.

How to choose

  • Pick by purpose: daily nutrition (greens), training (beetroot) or a food-style add-in (bee pollen).
  • Check serves per container and the serving size, as these vary between products.
  • Read the full ingredient list for allergens, caffeine and sweeteners.

Popular picks at Supps247

Related categories

See greens, beetroot, superfoods and hydration and electrolytes.

Sources: AIS: Beetroot juice and nitrate fact sheet; Drugs.com: Bee pollen; NIH ODS: Multivitamin/mineral supplements.

Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.

Beverages: questions and answers

Can a greens powder replace fruit and vegetables?
No. A greens powder adds some nutrients, but it does not replace a varied diet of vegetables and fruit. Use it as an extra rather than a substitute, and if you also take a multivitamin, the US NIH Office of Dietary Supplements advises checking that your combined intake of each nutrient stays under its upper limit.
When should I drink beetroot powder before exercise?
The AIS suggests about 6 to 8 mmol (roughly 350 to 500 mg) of nitrate 2 to 3 hours before exercise, because nitrite levels in the blood peak around two and a half hours after intake. Check how much nitrate your product provides per serve, as many beetroot products have not been independently tested. Try it in training before using it on race day.
Is bee pollen safe?
It can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Drugs.com's monograph advises asking a health professional first if you have allergies, especially to bee stings or other bee products, and not using bee pollen during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should not be combined with warfarin without medical advice. Stop and seek help if you notice hives, swelling or trouble breathing.
Why is my urine pink after beetroot?
Pink or red urine and stools after beetroot are common and harmless, according to the AIS. The colour comes from the beetroot itself. It is not a sign that the product is working or not working. If you have not had beetroot recently and notice red or pink urine, see a doctor, as blood in the urine needs checking.

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