Ingredient guide · dossier № 9
Chlorophyll from Alfalfa
MB1 · Tonic Awakeningoptionalgreens
Verify the label says chlorophyll(in) derived from alfalfa leaves — most liquid 'chlorophyll' is sodium copper chlorophyllin of unspecified plant origin, and the alfalfa pedigree is exactly what this recipe specifies.
Where to buy
- DeSouza's (Liquid Chlorophyll from Alfalfa)$21.99 / 16 fl ozThe heritage alfalfa-chlorophyll brand (since 1946); explicitly alfalfa-derived, which is the distinction this recipe cares about
- World Organic (Liquid Chlorophyll 100 mg)$16.09 / 16 fl oz at SwansonSodium copper chlorophyllins derived exclusively from alfalfa leaves; also sold at Vitamin Shoppe, Vitacost, natural grocers; mint version available
- NOW Foods (Liquid Chlorophyll, 16 fl oz)$17.43 / 16 fl oz (mint) on iHerbWidely available budget option; sodium copper chlorophyllin — plant source not specified as alfalfa, so it misses the recipe's alfalfa criterion
Role in the beverage
Chlorophyll turns MB1 its signature deep green and carries the “liquid greens” intent of the recipe: in the alternative-health tradition it’s taken as an internal deodorizer, gentle detoxifier, and blood-builder (the chlorophyll-hemoglobin structural analogy). Mainstream evidence is modest — chlorophyllin has legitimate research as an internal deodorizer and some antioxidant activity, but the broader detox claims are unproven. Flavor contribution is minimal: faintly green and mineral, easily covered by the fruit components, with mint versions available if a cooling note is wanted.
Quality criteria
- Alfalfa-derived, explicitly: the recipe author’s key distinction. Alfalfa is the traditional Western source crop for supplemental chlorophyll; many cheaper products use mulberry leaf or don’t disclose the source plant at all. DeSouza’s and World Organic state alfalfa on the label; NOW does not.
- Chlorophyllin vs. natural chlorophyll, honestly: virtually every liquid product — including the alfalfa-derived ones — is sodium copper chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative where copper replaces magnesium. It’s more stable and mixes into water (natural fat-soluble chlorophyll won’t); truly natural chlorophyll essentially means eating the plant or a whole-leaf alfalfa powder. What varies between brands is the source plant and quality, not chlorophyllin chemistry.
- Stated mg per serving (50-100 mg typical) rather than a proprietary blend.
- Clean formula: water, chlorophyllin, and at most glycerin/mint — no dyes (ironic but real in cheap “greens” products), sweeteners, or preservative stacks.
- Copper in chlorophyllin is generally recognized as safe at label doses, but it argues for respecting serving sizes.
Where to buy
DeSouza’s is the purist’s pick and the best match for this recipe: a family brand making alfalfa chlorophyll since 1946, $21.99 for 16 oz direct from buydesouzas.com (verified July 2026), also on Amazon. World Organic Liquid Chlorophyll is the widely stocked alfalfa-derived standard — the label specifies sodium copper chlorophyllins from alfalfa leaves, 100 mg per serving — at $16.09 for 16 oz at Swanson (verified July 2026), and it’s carried by Vitamin Shoppe, Vitacost, Fruitful Yield, and most natural grocers. NOW Foods Liquid Chlorophyll is the ubiquitous budget fallback at $17.43 for 16 oz (mint) on iHerb (verified July 2026), a clean chlorophyllin formula from a GMP manufacturer — but it doesn’t declare alfalfa as the source plant, so treat it as the compromise option when the alfalfa brands aren’t available.
Backpacking form
Chlorophyllin travels well in solid form: chlorophyll tablets or capsules (World Organic sells alfalfa-derived tablets; NOW sells 90-count chlorophyllin capsules, roughly $8-12, prices approximate as of July 2026) can be dropped, crushed, or opened straight into hot water, where chlorophyllin dissolves instantly and colors the whole cup. It is heat-stable enough for a hot-water mix and needs no refrigeration. Skip liquid bottles on trail — they’re heavy, and the deep green stains everything if they leak.