AG1 (Athletic Greens) Review: A Convenient, But Costly Way to Get Your Nutrients + Our 6-Month Experience (2024)

What We Like About AG1

• Offers 100% of the daily value for many micronutrients and could easily replace a multivitamin if desired
• Undergoes third-party testing and is NSF-Certified for Sports
• Helpful customer service
• The brand offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on your first order

Important Considerations

• The specific amount of each ingredient in its four proprietary blends is not provided
• Some ingredients could interact with prescription medication
• If using AG1 as a multivitamin, note that it does not contain vitamins D and K (including omega-3)
• AG1 is not an ideal source of fiber and does not replace eating whole fruits and vegetables
• It may be costly for some
• Shipping is always a flat rate of $9 regardless of whether you subscribe or not

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A Quick Look at AG1

We all know that eating your fruits and vegetables benefits our overall health in many ways. However, only 1 in 10 adults consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables daily.(1) With so many people missing the mark, greens powders have exploded onto the market, promising to offer a convenient way to help people bridge this gap.

Founded in 2009, AG1 by Athletic Greens is one of the earliest and probably most well-known greens powder, sponsoring many popular podcasts and running TV ads. It contains a concentrated form of 75 traceable ingredients made primarily from whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, adaptogens, and fiber. It is also high in many vitamins and minerals, offering the convenience of a multivitamin.

AG1 has a lot going for it, and it is one of the best greens powders we have tested. In fact, it remains our top pick three years in a row. However, before we share our experience with AG1 and compare it to the alternatives, let’s briefly discuss what greens powders can (and can’t) do for you.

Research clearly shows that increased fruit and vegetable consumption benefits overall health and can reduce the risk of disease and many conditions. However, it is still unclear whether the powdered form of fruits and vegetables can offer the same benefits.

A handful of small studies have specifically looked at the benefits of greens powders for immune, digestive, and heart health. While results are promising, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

We can conclude at this time that greens powders are not a silver bullet to fix your health problems, but they could be a convenient source of nutrients to support your overall health. If you don’t typically consume a variety of leafy greens, fruits, and other vegetables, a concentrated powder will likely provide some nutrients that are lacking in your diet.

Ultimately, determining if a greens powder works will be based on how you feel after using it for a few months and whether you think it’s worth the investment as part of your healthy lifestyle.

Our Experience of Taking AG1 for Six Months

Editor’s Note: At WellnessVerge, we evaluate hundreds of products, some of which become part of our daily routines. Here’s how our co-founder, Dmitry Ozik, uses AG1.

Before I share my experience with AG1, here’s a full disclaimer: When I began drinking AG1, I was already consuming a well-balanced, predominantly whole-food diet, getting the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables most of my days.

Based on my research into the benefits of AG1, there was a lot to like about this product, and I was genuinely excited to give it a shot.

Going into it, I knew that AG1 is the type of product meant to be taken consistently and that I should not expect an immediate effect that I can quantify overnight. So I decided to test it for six months to see its impact on my health.

Also, because AG1 does not contain vitamin D, a nutrient many are deficient in, I opted for the vitamin D drop that Athletic Greens sells. I added two drops to our mix. However, this created an extra step, and as silly as it sounds, I forgot to add the drop on some days.

Customer Service

Ordering AG1 from Athletic Greens was a breeze, and I had a very smooth and pleasant customer experience. I received the product on time, and the brand sent me helpful emails with tips and resources along the way.

I was able to pause or cancel the subscription and change the frequency of shipments through our online account without issues.

Additionally, as a courtesy reminder, Athletic Greens sent emails three days before the next shipment went out, giving me a window to modify my subscription whenever needed.

Prep and Taste

I followed Athletic Greens’ recommendations and drank AG1 daily on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with 10 oz of cold water (the company says 8–10 oz of cold water is ideal). I used the aesthetically-pleasing shaker that was included in the welcome kit. Typically, it took me 20–30 seconds of shaking for the powder to mix well. Also, the company recommends storing your AG1 canister in the fridge once it’s opened, which I did.

I found AG1 to have a grassy, earthy flavor, which you may need to get used to (it took me around two weeks to acquire the taste). Many reviewers say this earthiness is tolerable, but some dislike it. But as we know, taste is generally a personal preference.

And even though I didn’t look forward to drinking AG1 each morning for its tastiness (like I would a hot cup of coffee or tropical smoothie), I did enjoy drinking it for its benefits.

My Key Takeaways

Here are my takeaways after drinking AG1 for six months. (Spoiler alert: my household still uses it, but with a twist.)

• It’s a great way to hydrate. Drinking AG1 first thing in the morning with at least 10 oz of water was an excellent way to remember to hydrate, which is known to have many benefits.
• It’s a good foundational habit. When I drank AG1, I felt I was starting our day right by investing in my health. This helped encourage healthier food choices throughout the day. (In a way, it created a sense of accountability for me.)
• You need to drink it by faith. I did not notice any visible benefits to my energy levels, recovery, or gut health, but that was to be expected. Going into the test, I knew that AG1 is designed to support your diet and cover potential nutrient gaps. Based on what I knew about Athletic Greens, I understood that the ingredients in AG1 are beneficial to support optimal health, so I “took it by faith,” knowing that I was supporting my overall health.
• I did not experience any side effects. Everyone is different and may react differently to Athletic Greens. But I personally did not experience any side effects while drinking it for 6 months.

Why I Stopped Drinking It Daily and What I Decided to Do Instead

I stopped drinking AG1 daily because it was a pricey habit to maintain long-term. I felt that I was already eating a healthy diet, so I realized that, in my case, it would make more sense to “stretch our dollars” and use AG1 more strategically on days when I needed extra nutrient support.

I typically drink it a few days a week when I have strength training or extra cardio activity and sports. I also drink it when I travel or when someone in the household gets sick for extra immunity support.

Overall, there is enough that I liked about AG1 that it has become a staple in my fridge. However, the cost makes it an expensive product to use daily, so I typically make one bag last 2–3 months. Of course, Athletic Greens recommends drinking its product daily for optimal benefit. Still, I feel that is not the only way to use the product (the company offers flexible subscription options that help accommodate me).

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Research-Backed Benefits of Athletic Greens

As mentioned, AG1 has 75 ingredients packed with nutrients, probiotics, essential vitamins and minerals, and adaptogens backed by research and can help support your overall health when taken consistently over time. This particular supplement does not contain vitamin D or omega-3s, which are also helpful for your health. However, Athletic Greens sells them as add-ons or includes them as a bonus when you subscribe to receive 60 monthly servings.

On the label, some of the ingredients are divided into four main categories:

• Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex, 7,388 mg: Primarily made of green superfoods that may offer protective effects for the liver, maintaining optimal pH balance in the body, and supporting heart health.
• Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants, 2,732 mg: It contains high-quality pea protein and herbs that may benefit brain health, blood sugar, energy, and concentration.
• Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex, 154 mg: Made with medicinal mushrooms and natural digestive enzymes that may help support gut health and normal immune response.
• Dairy-Free Probiotics, 7.2 billion CFU, 38 mg: Contains two well-studied probiotics that may help support a healthy gut bacterial balance, promote digestive health, and offer antimicrobial benefits.

Below, we will discuss some of the ingredients used in AG1 and how they may support your health.

Gut Health

Athletic Greens contains well-research probiotic strains called Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which effectively promote gut health. In addition, this supplement contains inulin, a type of soluble fiber that acts as food for the probiotics in the gut, stimulating their growth. Together these ingredients may support your gut health.(2, 3)

Energy Support

AG1 contains essential nutrients for energy production, including magnesium and B vitamins. If you’re deficient in these nutrients, supplementing them may help support energy levels. Vitamin B12 also plays a significant role in energy metabolism, as it helps to convert food into ATP, the body’s primary energy source.(4, 5, 5)

Additionally, AG1 contains Rhodiola Rosea, which is considered an adaptogenic. Studies show it may help fight stress and reduce fatigue.(6, 7)

Tip: Foods such as almonds, salmon, and blueberries can give you much-needed energy when you’re tired.

Supports Immune Health

Both reishi and shiitake mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, which are compounds that support your immune function.(8, 9, 10)

AG1 also contains zinc, vitamin C, and many more high levels of vitamins and minerals, all responsible for helping support your immunity system.(11, 12)

Recovery from Training

AG1 contains adaptogens and antioxidants that have been shown to reduce inflammation and help the body recover from a tough workout. For example, studies have shown that ashwagandha and ginger may help muscle recovery after training.(13, 14)

To maximize AG1 in exercise recovery, make sure also to eat enough protein as it has amino acids that help your muscle repair and rebuild.(15)

Is AG1 Safe?

AG1 is considered safe for most people when taken as directed and meant for people over 18. However, you should not take it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, this powder contains ingredients derived from soy, so those with soy allergies should avoid this product.

AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that the supplement is certified as free of substances banned by major sports organizations and does not contain any unsafe levels of contaminants.

When you first start taking AG1, the most common side effects may include stomach upset, gas, or bloating, but it should be temporary. However, if this continues, you may want to reduce the dosage or discontinue the supplement.

Because Athletic Greens offers a large ingredient list, be sure to read the label carefully to avoid potential allergens and interactions with medication (especially medications for diabetes). We recommend that you consult your healthcare professional before using this product, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications.

Athletic Greens uses proprietary blends, preventing consumers from knowing the exact amount of each ingredient they take. This is a downside for anyone who needs to ensure they are not taking too much of a particular ingredient.

AG1 Costs and Subscription Options

AG1 is available on the brand’s official website and through Amazon. However, the supplement is far more expensive when purchased on Amazon.

Here is the AG1 Pouch pricing overview:

• 30 Servings (One-Time Purchase): $99
• 30 Servings (Monthly Subscription): $79 + starter kit and 5 Travel Packs (1 serving each)
• 60 Servings (Monthly Subscription): $149, includes starter kit and a year's supply of Vitamin D3+K2 drops

And for the Travel Packs:

• 30 Servings (One-Time Purchase): $109
• 30 Servings (Monthly Subscription): $89, includes starter kit and 5 Travel Packs
• 60 Servings (Monthly Subscription): $169, includes starter kit and a year's supply of Vitamin D3+K2

When you subscribe, Athletic Greens includes a starter kit with your first order that includes a plastic shaker bottle, a scoop, a reusable storage canister that you will use to refill your powder from subsequent shipments, and five bonus travel packs (1-serving each). However, shipping is always $9 on every shipment, regardless if you subscribe.

Athletic Greens offers a 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee for your first order. You can try AG1 for yourself with a risk-free one-time purchase.

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How AG1 Compares to Its Competitors

Even though many greens powders are on the market, there are no established formulation standards. Each brand is unique and contains a different combination of ingredients, proprietary blends, and serving sizes, making it very challenging for consumers to decide which specific brand is best for them. Additionally, it is not always possible to objectively determine if one brand works better than the other because everyone has different nutrient needs.

What we can compare are several key attributes of each brand listed in the table below:

What is evident from this comparison is that even though AG1 is the most expensive option, it is a well-rounded greens powder offering the most ingredient variety and amount per serving.

For some perspective, take Beyond Greens, for instance. It’s a decent option and considerably cheaper than AG1, but the daily serving size is about three times smaller and doesn’t include certain beneficial ingredients. Although it seems like a more affordable option, if you want to match the daily serving size of AG1 using Beyond Greens, you’ll spend more per month.

AG1 remains our top pick for the best overall greens powder for the third year in a row. We believe it is a solid choice if it fits your budget. And if you would like a more budget-friendly option that’s as close to AG1 as possible, Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food is a great option.

Tip: To get the most benefit from greens powders, you must take them consistently long-term with a good diet. Consider the ongoing monthly cost to find the brand that fits your budget. Also, everyone’s nutritional needs and diets differ, so more ingredients aren’t necessarily better, making it difficult to quantify any benefits from greens powders.