Wheatgrass Powder: What It Is, What It Contains and How to Use It
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Wheatgrass is the young green shoot of the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), harvested at an early growth stage — typically within the first 10 days after germination, before the stem begins to elongate and the plant diverts energy into grain production. At this stage the grass contains a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll than at later stages of growth.
Interest in wheatgrass as a dietary supplement dates to the 1930s, when the American agricultural chemist Charles Schnabel began researching its nutritional properties and developed early methods for drying and powdering it. It has been used in various forms in the health food tradition ever since.
What does wheatgrass contain?
Dried wheatgrass powder has a concentrated nutritional profile relative to its volume. Key components include:
Chlorophyll — wheatgrass is one of the richest dietary sources of chlorophyll, the green pigment found in all photosynthesising plants. Chlorophyll contains magnesium at its centre and has been a subject of nutritional interest primarily for its high concentration in green plant foods.
Vitamins — vitamins A, C, E and several B vitamins are present. The levels are meaningful in concentrated powder form.
Minerals — iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus are all present in dried wheatgrass powder.
Enzymes — fresh wheatgrass juice is notable for its enzyme content; these are less stable in dried powder form but some activity is retained depending on processing temperature.
Amino acids — wheatgrass contains a range of amino acids, though it is not a primary protein source in the way that spirulina is.
A typical serving of wheatgrass powder is around 3–5g — a small amount that delivers a concentrated serving of the above nutrients.
Is wheatgrass gluten-free?
This is one of the most common questions about wheatgrass. The answer depends on how it is harvested. Wheatgrass harvested at the young grass stage — before the grain forms — does not contain gluten, which is found only in the grain of the wheat plant. However, anyone with coeliac disease or serious gluten sensitivity should check with their supplier that the product has been harvested before the jointing stage and that there is no risk of cross-contamination with grain during processing.
Our New Zealand wheatgrass powder and EU origin wheatgrass powder are both harvested at the young grass stage. If you have coeliac disease, please consult your GP before using any wheatgrass product.
New Zealand vs EU origin wheatgrass
We stock two origins of wheatgrass powder, which differ in growing environment.
New Zealand wheatgrass is grown outdoors in the South Island of New Zealand, one of the cleanest agricultural environments in the world with minimal industrial pollution and strict organic standards. Outdoor growing and New Zealand’s temperate climate produce a deep green colour and robust flavour profile.
EU origin wheatgrass offers the same nutritional character from certified organic farms within Europe. A practical everyday option with strong traceability.
Both are also available as capsules for those who prefer not to deal with the flavour directly. All are Soil Association certified organic and part of our organic supplements range.
What does wheatgrass taste like?
Fresh wheatgrass juice has a strong, grassy, slightly bitter flavour that most people find intense on its own. Dried powder is slightly milder but still distinctly ‘green’. It works best mixed with fruit juice, blended into a smoothie with mango or pineapple, or taken quickly in a small glass of water or juice. Most people prefer not to use it in food as it will colour and flavour the dish noticeably.
How to use wheatgrass powder
The most common method is to mix a teaspoon (around 3–5g) into a small glass of cold juice and drink it quickly — the traditional “wheatgrass shot” approach. Apple juice or mango juice are popular choices for balancing the intensity of the flavour.
It can also be added to smoothies alongside other ingredients, though the flavour will come through. Capsules are the straightforward option for anyone who wants the nutritional density without the taste.
For a comparison of wheatgrass with other green whole food supplements, our green superfoods guide covers the broader range. For our spirulina products and how they compare, our spirulina post covers the detail.
