AG1 Review: A Look at Claims, Formula, Taste and More with Expert Insights

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American adults have a problem with plants. Specifically, we don’t eat enough of them. A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 10 percent of American adults consume the recommended two to four cups of vegetables per day. 

AG1 (Athletic Greens, as it was formerly known) is a mixable powder supplement with a formula rich in nutrients found in fruits, vegetables and other plants. The lengthy list of ingredients also includes prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants. The formula is designed primarily to benefit the digestive and immune systems and support energy levels.

In this review, we'll examine how AG1 compares to a complete multivitamin and other dietary supplements, what vitamins and minerals are included and more. We'll also take a deep dive into the ingredients and share some expert insights on AG1's potential to live up to its claims.

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to make sure it's safe for you.

What Is AG1?

AG1 is a greens powder that aims to provide a once-a-day, all-in-one nutritional solution to an on-the-go lifestyle. The supplement has a nutrient-dense supplement composed of 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, dairy-free probiotics and adaptogens. AG1 contains several superfood blends, including Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants; Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex; and Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex.

Although not regulated by the FDA, AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that it's been proven to not contain unsafe levels of contaminants, prohibited substances or masking agents, and that what's on the label matches what's in the product. This is important for professional athletes who adhere to strict rules regarding supplements and nutritional products.

In addition to a product, AG1 is also a brand. The company Athletic Greens was founded in 2010 in New Zealand. Its goal was to help people take ownership of their health by providing them with comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition. The company is still called Athletic Greens, but the name of the greens powder changed to AG1 in 2021. According to the brand’s website, AG1 is for anyone seeking daily nutritional insurance, from the health journey beginner to elite athlete.

AG1 Overview

If you read an Athletic Greens review before the product was rebranded to AG1, you can rest assured that the only substantive change is the name. Here's a quick overview of AG1 greens powder:

Key features and details

• Form: Mixable powder
• Key ingredients: 75 vitamins, minerals and nutrients, along with prebiotics and probiotics, adaptogens and several superfood blends
• Claims include: Supporting gut health, immune health, focus, energy and healthy aging
• Recommended use: One scoop (12 grams) mixed in 8-10 ounces of cold water, once daily before your first meal on an empty stomach
• Purchase options: Pouch or travel pack (30 servings each)
• Cost per serving: Pouch–$2.48 (subscription) or $3.30 (one-time purchase); travel pack– $2.82 (subscription) or $3.63 (one-time purchase)
• Refund policy: 90 day money-back guarantee
• Certifications include: NSF Certified for Sport, manufactured in NSF GMP-registered facility
• Compatible with: Vegan, paleo, and keto
• Shelf-stable: Only when seal is unopened; must be refrigerated after opening; travel packs are shelf stable until opened

Prices

• One-time purchase (30 servings): Pouch $99, travel pack $109
• Single subscription (30 servings delivered monthly): Pouch $79 per month, travel pack $89 per month
• Double subscription (60 servings delivered monthly): Pouch $149 per month, travel pack $149 per month

Subscription details and extras

Each AG1 subscription option comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. You can cancel subscriptions anytime by logging into your online account or contacting the AG1 customer care team. The double subscriptions are recommended for households with two daily users.

• Single pouch subscription also includes a premium jar and shaker bottle and five free AG1 travel packs
• Double pouch subscription also includes free starter kit with premium jar and two shakers, free Vitamin D3+K2 and five travel packs
• Single travel pack subscription also includes free starter kit, shaker and five travel packs
• Double travel pack subscription also includes two shakers, free Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Discounts and AG1 promo codes

AG1 has a referral program. If you give your friends five free travel packs of AG1 on their first purchase, you get $15 off your next order once they place their order. Sponsored podcast hosts provide most promotional offers.

How to buy AG1

You can buy AG1 online at the AG1 website. Note that AG1 products on Amazon are sold by unauthorized third-party sellers.

What Experts Think of AG1

We asked some experts for their opinions on AG1. Here's what they think about its ingredients, formula and claims.

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM

"AG1 contains a variety of ingredients that have been shown to support gut health, focus and energy, healthy aging and immune health," says Raj Dasgupta, MD. "However, AG1 is not a magic bullet for improved health and well-being. It's important to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize quality sleep in order to achieve optimal health."

Dasgupta adds, "It's also important that consumers know that AG1 traditionally does not contain vitamin D or iron and it's not a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables.”

Pete Nastasi, Certified Sports Nutrition Coach

"AG1 is truly a well-rounded product designed to fit into your daily routine," says Nastasi. "So what you're going to get is a superfoods complex, a bunch of antioxidants and enzymes and a mushroom complex, a bunch of different vitamins and minerals."

"The way that they source their ingredients is fantastic," he adds. "They make sure that there's no pesticides, no GMO's, no herbicides. It has none of the fillers, preservatives, added sweeteners, colors, any of that. So you know you're getting high quality, lots of value from their product."

AG1 Pros and Cons

Like any product, AG1 greens powder has advantages and disadvantages. They include:

Pros

• Nutrient-dense formula with a wide variety of sources
• Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and peanut-free
• Free from GMOs, herbicides, pesticides, sucrose, dextrose, preservatives, sweeteners, added flavors and artificial colors

Cons

• Pricey, even with the savings of the subscription options
• Doesn't contain iron, an essential mineral used to make hemoglobin and some hormones
• Doesn't contain vitamin D, a mineral critical for calcium absorption and other biological processes (however, AG1 does offer separate vitamin D3 + K2 supplements for certain subscription holders)

Who Should (or Shouldn't) Take AG1?

AG1 packs an impressive punch with its 75 ingredients, but it might not be suitable for everyone. Here's a general overview of which types of people could benefit from AG1 and those who might want to avoid it.

Remember, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Talk to your healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

AG1 could be good for:

• Athletes and non-athletes alike. The brand claims that AG1 is for everybody, not just athletes. From energy metabolism and production to supporting bone health, proper vitamin consumption is critical for maintaining a healthy body.
• People looking to round out their nutritional intake. AG1 is designed to offer nutrition for people who may not have time or the ability to maintain a healthy, whole-food diet, or those who want to make sure that they’re filling in any nutritional gaps.
• People who follow certain diets. AG1 is suitable for those following a keto, vegan, vegetarian, Paleo or low-carb diet.
• People with certain food allergies or sensitivities. AG1 doesn't contain peanuts, dairy, lactose, gluten, wheat or eggs.

Speaking of allergies, we should mention AG1 and soy. The ingredients labeling says that AG1 includes two ingredients derived from soy, but they've been tested to ensure they don't contain soy proteins or soy trypsin inhibitors that could trigger allergic reactions.

AG1 might not be best for:

• People taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications. Some supplements could interact with medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing side effects. For example, the recommended one scoop serving of AG1 has 20 milligrams of niacin, which is 125 percent of the recommended DV. Adverse symptoms of niacin consumption, such as skin flushing, have been reported when a user takes 30 milligrams.
• Children under 18 and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. AG1 doesn't recommend that anyone in these groups use its greens powder or any other dietary supplement without first consulting with a medical professional.
• People who feel nauseated when they take multivitamins. A potent dose of vitamins can cause an upset stomach, even if it's not in the form of a hard-to-swallow capsule.

What Does AG1 Claim to Do?

AG1 aims to bring comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to almost every person. One daily serving of AG1 is designed to eliminate the need for other supplements, including multivitamins, multiminerals, superfood blends, phytonutrients, greens blends, adaptogens, digestive enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics.

The 75-ingredient spectrum claims to provide nutritional support across five major areas of health, including energy, immunity and gut health.

AG1 has yet to publish any studies correlating its claims and contents. However, AG1’s pool of ingredients supports the traditional building blocks necessary for foundational health.

Improve energy

AG1 is a supplement that can support immune function and sustained energy, which likely comes from the B-complex vitamins. B vitamins are necessary building blocks for energy; they help the body extract nutrition from food and convert it into usable energy. Furthermore, B6 and magnesium, both ingredients in AG1, have been found to help manage anxiety symptoms.

Although the ingredients list green tea extract and a concentrated cocoa extract, which contains a cousin of caffeine, the brand says that it standardizes for the antioxidant content in both of these extracts, leaving only trace amounts of caffeine.

Related Post: The 10 Best Energy Supplements for Chronic Fatigue

Support gut health

AG1 is a synbiotic product that contains both probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics support gut health and a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics are nutrient fibers that feed probiotics. Together they support a healthy gut. The two probiotics in AG1 are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, and inulin is the prebiotic.

Build immunity

The abundance of vitamins and minerals per serving of AG1 supports the immune system. Vitamins C and A and magnesium provide anti-inflammatory properties and support immune function. AG1 sources whole foods like spirulina, which are rich in protein to help protect cells from damage.

Note: Dietary supplements like AG1 do not require approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before coming to market, and AG1 is not approved by the FDA. Therefore all statements made regarding AG1 have not been evaluated by FDA, and the brand acknowledges that the product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

AG1 Ingredients

A balance of vitamins and minerals is crucial for a well-functioning nervous system and a strong immune system, and AG1 has dozens of ingredients that provide a long list of nutrients that support both.

AG1’s formula contains 21 vitamins and minerals, many of them in dosages that approach or exceed the recommended daily value:

Despite the comprehensive list of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs, AG1 does not include iron or vitamin D. 

Here's a closer look at some of the vitamins and minerals found in AG1 greens powder:

Vitamins included in AG1

B complex vitamins

AG1 contains methylcobalamin (B12), thiamine (B1), vitamin B6, folate (B9) and biotin (B7). B vitamins are necessary building blocks for energy, red blood cell transport and skin and nail growth. In addition, they help the body extract energy from food and convert it into usable energy.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a nutrient your body needs, but does not make. AG1 provides 467 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Adequate vitamin C intake can ward off muscle weakness, which is important for recovery from exercise. Vitamin C is also responsible for boosting immunity and producing collagen.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body. As mentioned previously, it’s essential to be aware of the amounts of vitamins and minerals in AG1 and how they align with your dietary preferences. AG1 contains 83 milligrams of vitamin E, which provides over 500 percent of the recommended daily value. Consumption of high-dose of vitamin E supplements (over 300 milligrams a day) may lead to interactions with drugs such as aspirin or warfarin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vitamin that bolsters immune function, supports cell growth and is critical for vision. AG1 has 62 percent of your recommended daily value.

Minerals included in AG1

Calcium

Calcium in AG1 is present as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and calcium phosphate. The body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones and support smooth muscle function.

Copper

Copper is an essential mineral in energy production; it supports immunity and brain function.

Selenium

Selenium can aid in supporting immunity and thyroid hormone metabolism.

Zinc citrate

Zinc is a major player in building proteins, healing damaged tissue and supporting a healthy immune system.

AG1 Nutrient Complex and Blends

AG1 contains several nutrients, herbs and antioxidants broken down into three blends: Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants; Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex; and Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex.

Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants

This blend contains adaptogenic herbs and nutrient-dense natural plant extracts claiming to support hormonal function and antioxidant activity. Ingredients include ashwagandha, which may improve an individual’s stress response, and citrus bioflavonoids extract, which has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). AG1 also contains coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a naturally occurring antioxidant that decreases as you age. Taking a CoQ10 supplement has been linked to improved cardiovascular health; furthermore, it can ward off migraines and may help increase energy to improve physical performance.

Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex

This superfood complex contains ingredients that purportedly provide an antioxidant content equivalent to 12 servings of vegetables and fruit. Ingredients include organic spirulina, rosehip (Rosa canina) and organic chlorella.

Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex

This digestive and mushroom complex includes ingredients such as digestive enzyme bromelain, burdock root, reishi mushroom powder, shiitake mushroom powder and astragalus root powder. The blend reportedly aids digestive health, nutrient absorption and immune function. However, there is not currently sufficient evidence to determine if the ingredients, such as bromelain, are effective. 

Related Post: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Review

How to Use AG1

To achieve maximum absorption, drink AG1 on an empty stomach in the morning, at least 10 to 15 minutes before your first meal. The recommended serving is one scoop (12 grams) in eight to 10 ounces of water. AG1 team members recommend adding the powder to the water to minimize clumping.

Nastasi put the recommendation to the test. “I placed one scoop of the AG1 powder in the bottle provided by the company, added 16 ounces of cold water, and mixed vigorously,” he says. Instead of consuming the mixture right away, Nastasi waited to see if any settling of the product occurred. After about a half hour, Nastasi noticed a “significant amount of sediment at the bottom of the container” indicating this powder does not completely dissolve. If you do not anticipate consuming AG1 in one go, Nastasi recommends shaking the bottle between each sip or adding more liquid to help dissolve the solution as much as possible.

Due to the ingredients of AG1, refrigeration after opening is recommended. Once the pouch is open, the contents are good for 90 days. If unopened, the AG1 product is shelf stable until the expiration date located on the package.

How Does AG1 Taste?

AG1 has an earthy, semi-sweet flavor that some users describe as having hints of pineapple, vanilla and papaya. While the greens powder doesn't use artificial sweeteners, it does include a small amount of the plant-derived sweetener stevia.

Since AG1 contains many whole-food sourced ingredients and live probiotics, the company says the flavor can vary slightly with each batch. Compare AG1 ingredient sourcing to a vineyard experience; the taste of AG1 can be influenced by the resources, time of year, weather conditions or the geographical source of the ingredients.

Before trying the powder, Nastasi was a little skeptical of how it might taste. “There's always the lingering fear with greens powders that it will taste the way a freshly cut lawn smells,” he says. But despite the reported sediment, the first sip was a pleasant surprise. “The powder had this subtle sweetness, and I could pick out notes of vanilla and pineapple,” Nastasi says. Due to the aforementioned settling, he reported a gritty texture as the liquid diminished.

If you’re not a fan of the earthy flavor, you can mix it with juice, put it in a smoothie or combine it with your favorite milk.

How Is AG1 Different from Other Greens Powders?

Variety of ingredients

AG1 shares a few basic ingredients with many other greens powders. To name a few examples, Bloom Greens, Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens, Legion Athletics Genesis and KOS Show Me the Greens also contain ingredients derived from spirulina and chlorella.

On the other hand, some other greens powders have ingredients that AG1 lacks. Unlike AG1, Vibrant Health Green Vibrance does contain Vitamin D (125 percent DV).

One area where AG1 separates itself from many competitors is by offering one of the most well-rounded varieties of probiotics, enzymes and micronutrients.

"Aside from just having the added benefits of the vitamins and minerals, I really like the fact that they add some probiotics into their formula," says Nastasi. "So what this should do is really help your gut health, your overall digestion, and how well you absorb the other foods that you're taking into your diet."

AG1 also boasts a few unique ingredients compared to most competitors, including plants that are tied to cognitive benefits, like rhodiola rosea, and liver health, like milk thistle.

Flavor

Unlike AG1, a number of competitors offer flavor options ranging from Peach Mango to Acai Berry. Mixed with water—not in a smoothie or shake—AG1 has notes of citrus and a far less grassy, grainy texture than other greens powders.

Price

AG1 is among the more expensive greens powders on the market—in some cases, costing nearly twice as much as rival products. Nastasi acknowledges the cost as a potential downside but adds, "You know it has very high quality ingredients. It's one of those things where you're going to get what you pay for."

Alternatives to AG1

If you're not sure that AG1 is the right greens powder for you, here are a few other products to consider:

Bloom Greens

Bloom Greens is a greens powder designed to help improve gut health and digestion, reduce bloating and boost energy, with a seven-blend formula containing more than 30 superfood ingredients. Of particular interest for users of greens powders is the Green Superfood Blend, which includes five organic powders: wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella and alfalfa. The overall formula also includes blends that provide fiber, prebiotics and probiotics, fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes, antioxidants and adaptogens.

Bloom Greens is available in seven flavors. It's worth noting some nutritional variations among the flavor options, such as calories and carbs, but each flavor provides 7 percent DV of dietary fiber and 3 percent DV of iron per serving.

For more information, check out our Bloom Greens review.

Vibrant Health Green Vibrance

The theme may be green, but the ingredient list is transparent. Unlike greens powders that use proprietary superfood blends, Vibrant Health Green Vibrance clearly displays ingredients and amounts. For example, you can see on the label that Green Vibrance contains 700 milligrams apiece of barley leaf grass powder, oat grass leaf powder and wheat grass leaf powder (all certified organic) per serving.

The key areas Green Vibrance is designed to support are nutrition, digestion, circulation and immunity. In addition to the ingredients that fall under the greens category, it also contains more than 50 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D and E, and potassium, iron and phosphorus. Other ingredients include probiotics, adaptogens, antioxidants and herbs.

For more information, check out our Vibrant Health Green Vibrance review.

Sprout Living Epic Protein

Sprout Living Epic Protein has some similarities to greens powders but also brings something else to the table—specifically, 20 grams of plant protein per serving. If you're interested in fruits, vegetables and superfoods similar to those in green powders, you'll need to choose the Kingdom Green flavor. This flavor's blend includes spirulina, chlorella, kale, oat grass, Jerusalem artichoke and spinach, along with lucuma fruit and heirloom red banana.

Sprout Living Epic Protein also contains prebiotics to support gut health. It has 7 milligrams of iron, 105 milligrams of calcium and 619 milligrams of potassium per serving. This vegan protein powder currently has an average 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with 2,268 total ratings.

Purchase Sprout Living Epic Protein Green Kingdom

What Customers Say About AG1

AG1 currently has an average 4.5/5-star rating with more than 37,000 user reviews on the AG1 website. Top comments in favor of AG1 stem from overall feeling, taste and how easily it fits in the daily routine. Here are a few AG1 user reviews:

• "Tastes great and is an easy way to ensure I’m getting the proper nutrients within my diet. I have been using AG1 for two months and feel more alert and more energetic. I train pretty hard and AG1 is a great way for me to plus up on nutrients that my diet may be lacking." – Timothy G.
• "I’ve been using AG for a few months now... It’s easy (not having to use ten different supplements), it’s convenient (just pack what you need when you travel), it’s quick (just mix and drink). It took a little time to notice the change but…I’m more clear-minded, more energetic, and seem to have a better sense of overall well being." – Helene N.
• “Was skeptical, but surprised how great it works. My 2 p.m. crashes are gone. You can definitely feel it working. I can say I have sustained energy throughout the day. ” – Eduardo S.

Common themes in less positive reviews involved taste preference and opinion on subscription cost.

• “A very expensive multivitamin—but after several months of taking it, I've been less sick, and bowel movements have been more regular. It's a nice immune enhancement and probiotic if you have extra cash. Otherwise, you could be just as well off making sure that your daily diet includes lots of vitamins and fiber.” – Bradley J.

Some AG1 users also report gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, bloating and other digestive issues. To mitigate the initial digestive upset, the team at AG1 recommends beginning with one teaspoon of AG1 in cold water for four days. After the initial four days, increase to two teaspoons of AG1 for an additional four days. If you're tolerating the powder well by day eight, increase to a full scoop of AG1 greens in cold water.

AG1 Benefits

Some users share that AG1 has helped them regulate their bowel movements and supported their immune systems so they get sick less often. With a potent blend of vitamins and nutrients, users may experience an energy boost and better gut health. Additionally, because AG1 contains digestive enzymes and probiotics, users may also notice improved digestion. Other ingredients, such as alpha lipoic acid (ALA) provide cardiovascular health support and could aid in maintaining already healthy levels of blood sugar.

It's important to remember that because these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, their actual efficacy is difficult to measure.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing AG1

• What are your nutrition goals? AG1, although comprehensively nutrient-dense, is not meant to be a meal replacement beverage or complete all required nutritional needs.
• How do you plan to integrate AG1 into your routine? The simple mix-and-drink process seems straightforward, but depending on your morning routine or workout schedule, will the highly encouraged morning consumption be feasible?
• Will joining the subscription program fit into your monthly budget? AG1 does allow you to cancel your subscription at any time, and subscriptions come with a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Final Thoughts: Is AG1 Worth It?

With high-quality sourcing of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, herbs and more in one shakeable scoop, AG1 is an intriguing product. One of our expert testers says that although she didn't notice any substantial improvements while trying AG1, knowing that she was upping her intake of micronutrients brought some peace of mind.

Dr. Dasgupta credits the AG1 formula for using ingredients that have the backing of scientific research. Still, he reminds us that it's no substitute for a well-balanced diet and might not be suitable for certain people.

"The bottom line point is that AG1 is marketed as an easy way to boost your intake of important vitamins, minerals and plant compounds," he says. "While it may be helpful for some, it is not for everyone—including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking certain prescription medications and those who have certain medical conditions. AG1 still needs more research to confirm safety and effectiveness given the cost to purchase AG1."

AG1 FAQs

How long does AG1 last in the fridge?

AG1 should be used within 90 days of opening. If unopened, AG1 expires two years after the manufacturing date. The expiration date is listed on the package.

Is AG1 actually healthy?

If you agree with the "eat more color" approach to nutrition, the potential health benefits of AG1 should be obvious. AG1 and other greens powders are formulated to target a particular category of nutrients, found in fruits and vegetables and other plants, that many people don't get enough of through their diet alone. AG1 ingredients also include probiotics, digestive enzymes and antioxidants. 

Does AG1 make you bloated?

Some consumers have reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and bloating when taking AG1. The team at AG1 recommends beginning with one teaspoon of AG1 greens in cold water for four days. After the initial four days, increase to two teaspoons of AG1 for an additional four days. If you are tolerating it well by day eight, increase to a full scoop of AG1 in cold water.

Does AG1 spike insulin?

With its low carb composition (less than one gram of total sugars) and taken as recommended, AG1 does not spike insulin. It's also keto-friendly.

Is AG1 safe for pregnant women?

AG1 and similar greens powders are considered to be generally beneficial, but the presence of rhodiola rosea extract in AG1's formula could be a red flag if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Some experts recommend that pregnant women avoid plants of the rhodiola species due to a lack of research about their effects on prenatal development. As with any supplement, check with your healthcare professional before taking AG1.

Is AG1 a monthly subscription?

AG1 offers a one-time purchase option or two different monthly subscription options.

Why is there a lead warning in AG1?

The label on the AG1 supplement is in alignment with a California law called “Proposition 65”—or the “right to know” law. All companies that sell products into California are required to tell consumers their products contain or cause an exposure to one or more chemicals on the state’s list, which includes lead. There have not been any reported AG1 side effects related to this warning. 

Prices are accurate, and items are in stock as of publishing time.