Top 5 Kale Varieties For Juicing: A Quick Review

Do you ever look at the pile of kale in the grocery store and wonder which one will actually taste good in your morning juice? You want that vibrant green boost, but sometimes the reality is a bitter, grassy mess. Choosing the perfect kale for juicing can feel like a guessing game. Some varieties are tough, others are overwhelmingly strong, and you want that smooth, nutrient-packed drink every time.

We know the struggle! Finding the right texture and flavor balance is key to making juicing a habit, not a chore. If you are tired of buying the wrong bunch and wasting money, you are in the right place. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which types of kale are the superstars of the juicer and why.

Keep reading to unlock the secrets to the best-tasting kale juice you have ever made. We break down the top contenders, explain their unique flavors, and give you the confidence to grab the perfect bunch every single time. Let’s dive into the world of perfect juicing kale!

Top Kale For Juicing Recommendations

No. 1
Luzrise Manual Wheatgrass Juicer Portable Crank Wheatgrass Extractor Hand Fruit& Vegetables Squeezer 304 Stainless Steel for Juicing Celery, Kale, Spinach, Parsley, Pomegranate, Apple, Grape
  • [GET NUTRITION FORM VARIOUS MATERIALS] - MANUAL JUICER is suitable for wheatgrass, celery, kale, spinach, parsley, pomegranate, apple, grape, orange etc. but NOT suitable for carrot, mango, banana, tomato or sugarcane. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, which not only provide the body with the necessary nutrients but also improve the immune function, so if you don't like eating fruits or vegetables, try to DIY a glass of wheat grass juice!
  • [FOOD GRADE STAINLESS STEEL] - WHEATGRASS JUICER is made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, and the surface has been polished with a mirror finish, which ensures the freshness and health of the juice, but also resistant to wear and tear, greatly extending the service life. You could disassemble it into several small parts, conducive to deep cleaning and please dry it after cleaning and assemble the juicer for the next use.
  • [COUNTERTOP CLAMP DESIGN] - The squeezer can be fixed to different thicknesses of tables by adjusting the screws on the bottom. You only need to clamp the machine body on the table and tighten the screws to fix the machine firmly. Please note that the thickness of the table should not exceed 5.5cm/2.1 inches, and please leave enough space for the rotation of the handle.
  • [PRECAUTIONS] - If you want to juice fruits such as apples or pears, cut them into small pieces of about 2cm/0.8" first, and if the raw material has a hard wrapper, please peel it first. To prevent clogging of the slag outlet and for higher juice yield, please juice in small quantities repeatedly and don't put large amount of ingredients at once.
  • [LUZRISE GUARANTEE] - We offer you a two-year free warranty and support a lifetime online consulting service. If you encounter any problems, please contact us and we will reply you within 24 hours.
No. 2
DUIBAII Manual Wheatgrass Juicer, Stainless Steel Manual Juicer, Hand Fruit& Vegetables Squeezer for Juicing Celery, Kale, Spinach, Parsley, Pomegranate, Apple, Grape
  • 【Build to Last】: Manual wheatgrass juicer is made of premium 304 stainless steel and wood, treated with a mirror polishing process, which is scratch-resistant, and wear-resistant, ensuring a long service life.
  • 【Practical Tool】: The premium filter can effectively filter out debris, making the juice more delicate and clean, and the manual operation reduces the need for electricity, making it a practical and energy& money-saving grinding tool in your daily life. Our product is equipped with a C-shape clamp, making it easy to fix on the tabletop, and increasing stability during operation.
  • 【User-friendly】: The large inlet(3.54" in diameter) makes it very convenient for adding fruits and vegetables. A practical material stick makes it easy for you to push materials without getting your hands dirty, and a juice cup with a handle is more convenient to use.
  • 【Thoughtful Design】: The smooth wood handle provides a comfortable grip, ensuring long-term use without much fatigue, and the long handle arm(6.89in) makes your operation more flexible and labor-saving.
  • 【Simple Installation】: The simple structure and complete accessories allow you to install it without complex tools, saving time and effort. The smooth surface allows you to easily wipe it with a cleaning brush after each use.
No. 3
Juice & Smoothie Garden Seed Set – 7 Healthy Varieties for Fresh Juicing & Blending - Includes Beet, Carrot, Kale, Spinach, Parsley, Celery & Chives
  • 🌱 7 Varieties for Juicing & Smoothies – Includes Beets, Carrot, Kale, Spinach, Parsley, Celery & Chives – the perfect mix of greens, herbs, and roots for fresh, homemade blends.
  • 💪 Packed with Nutrients – Grow your own vitamin-rich ingredients to support energy, immunity, and overall wellness.
  • 🏡 Easy to Grow Indoors or Outdoors – Perfect for backyard gardens, raised beds, or patio containers. Great for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
  • 🇺🇸 Premium Quality Seeds – 100% Non-GMO, heirloom seeds proudly sourced in the USA for reliable germination and strong growth.
  • 🎁 Great Gift for Health Enthusiasts – Ideal for juicers, smoothie lovers, gardeners, and anyone looking to grow fresh, healthy food at home.
No. 4
Juice: Recipes for Juicing, Cleansing, and Living Well
  • Hardcover Book
  • de Castro, Carly (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 160 Pages - 07/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Ten Speed Press (Publisher)
No. 5
Juicing Recipe Book: Juicing Bible for Beginners with 101 Juicing Recipes
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Polska, Diana (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 112 Pages - 02/15/2017 (Publication Date)
No. 6
The Complete Juicing Recipe Book: 360 Easy Recipes for a Healthier Life
  • Hardcover Book
  • Leach, Stephanie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 214 Pages - 09/14/2021 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
No. 7
Glass Juice Shot Bottles with Caps, Clear, 2oz, Colored Lids & Silicone Grip Bands, Beverage Storage, Juicing, Turmeric & Ginger Shot Bottles
  • AIRTIGHT, LEAKPROOF - Perfect shot bottles with caps for taking them on-the go or making a bulk batch to have on hand for the week, the spill-proof caps seal in the goodness
  • THICK, PREMIUM GLASS - High quality & crystal clear 2 oz glass bottles with lids, so you can easily see the contents and if it's truly clean
  • WIDE MOUTH PERFECTION - The large neck opening of these small glass bottles with lids is uniquely made for easy pouring, storing, drinking and cleaning. Funnel is recommended but not needed
  • SUPER VERSATILE JARS - These 2 ounce glass jars are Ideal for all wellness shooters, coffee shots & teas, herbal syrups, probiotic kefir, bone broths and liquors. May also be used for spices, dressings, favors, honey, crafts, slime storage, jewelry
  • PURE, CHEMICAL FREE - Reusable & dishwasher safe, a truly health conscious choice you'll use countless times for years to come. No worries of toxins leaching into your beverages ITEM SPECS: 8 pack set with colored lids & matching grip bands; Bottle measures 3.2" high, 1.6" base diameter, mouth diameter 1.4"
No. 8
JUICING GREEN LEAFY VEGGIES FOR ANEMIA COOKBOOK: A Complete Guide to Iron-Rich Green Juices for Optimal Blood Health
  • WILLIAM, Dr SARA (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 131 Pages - 12/15/2025 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Kale for Juicing

Kale is a superfood! It packs a lot of vitamins and minerals. Juicing kale is a healthy way to drink your greens. This guide helps you pick the best kale for your next glass of green juice.

Key Features to Look For

When you buy kale for juicing, you want the freshest and best quality. Think about these features:

Leaf Appearance
  • Color: Good kale has deep, vibrant green leaves. Avoid leaves that look pale or yellow.
  • Texture: The leaves should feel firm and crisp. If they feel floppy or wilted, they are not the best choice.
  • Blemishes: Look for leaves without many holes or dark spots. Small amounts of bug damage are normal, but too much means lower quality.
Type of Kale

Different types of kale juice differently. Some are easier on your stomach.

  • Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale): This kale has dark, bumpy leaves. Many people find it has a milder, slightly sweeter taste when juiced.
  • Curly Kale: This is the most common type. It has very ruffled edges. It juices well but can sometimes taste a bit stronger or more bitter.
  • Red Russian Kale: This kale has flatter leaves with reddish stems. It often tastes the sweetest of the bunch.

Important Materials (What to Check Before Buying)

Kale is a plant, so “materials” means how it was grown and handled.

Organic vs. Conventional

Conventionally grown kale sometimes uses pesticides. Organic kale grows without these chemicals. Many juicers prefer organic kale because they drink large amounts, reducing chemical intake.

Source and Storage

Where did the kale come from? Kale tastes best when it is fresh. Check the date if possible. If the kale sits too long in the store, its nutrients start to decrease.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes your kale juice taste great or terrible?

Quality Enhancers (Better Taste/Nutrition)
  • Freshness: Super fresh kale tastes sweeter and less bitter.
  • Massaging/Soaking (Optional Prep): Some people lightly massage curly kale before juicing. This can break down some of the tougher fibers, sometimes leading to a smoother juice.
  • Younger Leaves: Smaller, younger leaves often have a milder flavor than very large, older leaves.
Quality Reducers (Worse Taste/Nutrition)
  • Bolting: If kale plants get too warm, they “bolt,” meaning they start to flower. Bolted kale tastes very bitter. You should avoid it for juicing.
  • Wilting: Old, wilted kale has lost much of its water and flavor punch.
  • Washing Issues: Always wash your kale well. Dirt or grit ruins the smooth texture of juice.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use your kale affects what you should buy.

For Beginner Juicers

If you are new to green juice, start with milder kale, like Lacinato. Mix it with sweet fruits like apple or pineapple. This helps balance the strong green flavor.

For Experienced Juicers

Experienced drinkers can handle strong, dark curly kale. They often use it as the main base for their juice recipes. They might also buy larger bunches since they consume more juice daily.

Storage for Juicing

Do not wash kale until right before you juice it. Store the unwashed leaves loosely in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This keeps the leaves crisp until juicing time.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kale for Juicing

Q: Should I use organic kale for juicing?

A: Many people choose organic kale. Since juicing concentrates the plant matter, using organic helps reduce pesticide exposure.

Q: Which kale type is best for beginners?

A: Lacinato (Dinosaur) kale often has the mildest flavor, making it a good starting point for new green juice drinkers.

Q: Does the stem need to be removed before juicing?

A: Most juicers leave the stems on, especially if you have a powerful masticating (slow) juicer. Stems contain nutrients. If you have a weak juicer, you might remove very thick stems.

Q: How do I make my kale juice taste less bitter?

A: Mix the kale with sweet or tart ingredients. Apples, lemons, cucumbers, and ginger are great additions that balance the bitterness.

Q: How long does fresh kale stay good for juicing?

A: Unwashed, refrigerated kale stays crisp for about 5 to 7 days. Use it quickly for the best taste.

Q: Can I juice frozen kale?

A: Yes, you can juice frozen kale, but it works best in a high-speed blender for smoothies, not traditional juicers. Juicers work best with fresh, crisp produce.

Q: What is ‘bolted’ kale, and should I buy it?

A: Bolted kale has started to flower due to heat. You should avoid it because it tastes very strong and bitter.

Q: Should I wash kale before storing it?

A: No. Do not wash kale until right before you plan to juice it. Water speeds up spoilage and makes the leaves go limp faster.

Q: Does curly kale juice better than flat kale?

A: Both juice well. Curly kale produces a lot of juice but can sometimes have a slightly rougher texture than flat-leaf varieties.

Q: How much kale do I need for one glass of juice?

A: This depends on your juicer. Generally, one large bunch of kale yields about 4 to 6 ounces of concentrated green juice.