Is AG1 (Athletic Greens) Worth the Price? Dietitians Review [2023]

If you’ve been on social media or listened to a healthy lifestyle podcast lately, chances are good that you’ve seen an ad or two for AG1 (previously called Athletic Greens). This supplement is a vibrant green powder supplement that you mix into water and drink. It claims to provide everything you need for a solid base of what the company calls ‘foundational nutrition.’

As registered dietitians, we often get asked if AG1 is worth the hype it has received from influencers and self-proclaimed health experts.

If you’re wondering whether or not AG1 is a good fit for you, read on to get our take on what is reportedly one of the best greens powders out there. We’ll walk you through how we tested this product, what we as dietitians think of the ingredient list, possible benefits, the cost, who should not use AG1, and possible alternatives (including other dietary supplements).

Our Verdict

What Is AG1?

AG1, made by Athletic Greens, is one of the most talked about greens powder supplements out there. Each scoop of greens powders delivers 75 vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients (plant compounds sourced from whole foods), probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

The purpose of these proprietary blends of superfoods, adaptogens, and essential nutrients is to support optimal health and well-being in those who use it regularly.

One of the most popular claims made by the company and its devoted users is that daily use supports:

• Brain health
• Immune health
• Increased energy production
• Gut health
• Hormone health
• Healthy aging

Here’s How We Reviewed This Product

Our team of dietitians and our social media coordinator were all provided a complimentary one-month supply of AG1 to try for ourselves. 

Our goal was to consume one serving per day for 30 days and note any changes in how we felt. We paid the closest attention to changes in appearance of our skin, energy levels, immune system function, and digestion. 

Here’s what we noted*:

• Overall, we did not notice any improvements in the appearance of our skin. 
• Ana, our social media coordinator, and Dean, Jessica’s husband, both reported increased energy and improved digestion (improved regularity). 
• We did not test the product long enough to know if it impacted our immune system or hormone health in a positive manner.

*We enjoyed our experience and think AG1 can be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet. Our results weren’t surprising, as we all eat balanced diets with many whole foods on a regular basis. You may have a different experience, especially if you start using AG1 as part of a major dietary overhaul.

If you’re here and already know you’d like to try AG1, use this link to make your first purchase and get a free starter kit (including a refillable canister, shaker bottle, and 5 travel packs).

How We Use AG1

For the most helpful AG1 review, we tried to stick to exactly how Athletic Greens recommend the supplement be consumed. We added a single (12-gram) scoop of the green powder to 8 ounces of cold water in a shaker bottle.

You could add AG1 to a smoothie, juice, yogurt, oatmeal, or other soft or liquid food. You can find recipes for smoothies featuring AG1 here if you want to branch out!

According to the company, you should not mix this greens powder with:

• Anything containing caffeine (like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or kombucha)
• Foods that contain excessive amounts of fiber (such as psyllium husk or another fiber supplement)
• Beverages that are hot or highly acidic

They warn that not following these guidelines may affect the integrity or efficacy of some of the ingredients or reduce your ability to absorb some of the ingredients. 

We did, however, find that the amount of water added to make the powder most palatable varied from person to person depending on their tastes and preferences. 

AG1 is meant to be consumed daily. Some of our team and their spouses found it easy to create a daily habit of drinking AG1 in the morning. However, others found that, like other nutritional supplements, it was hard to remember to do everyday. For that reason, some of our testers’ intake over the 30 days was more sporadic. 

AG1 can be taken any time of the day. Ideally, you would drink it 10 minutes before a meal, mixed with 8-10 ounces of cold water, on an empty stomach to optimize the vitamin, mineral, and probiotic absorption. 

If you are someone who forgets to take your vitamins once your day is underway, it may be best to drink AG1 first thing in the morning so you have one less thing to remember later on. 

What Does AG1 Taste Like?

Since everyone experiences taste differently, it’s hard to say for sure if you’ll love the taste. Here are the tasting notes that we picked up on when trying Athletic Greens for ourselves:

• Overall, the taste is fairly pleasant with a slight sweetness. None of us noted any strong flavors of broccoli or kale, as you might expect in a greens powder.
• Very subtle hints of pineapple, cucumber, apple, and even a bit of vanilla were noted by our team members when taste testing.
• Levels of perceived sweetness from the added stevia varied from ‘not very sweet’ to ‘pleasantly sweet’ with one team member finding it ‘way too sweet’. Keep in mind that it’s a supplement with 75 different ingredients, and it’s meant to be consumed rather quickly rather than be sipped all day. 

Will you like the taste? That depends on what you like, but overall, we can say that the taste was not unpleasant or gross (yes, we’ve tasted some greens powders that we just couldn’t stomach). We didn’t need to hold our noses and chug it to get it down, but instead found it pretty easy to drink. The only way to find out if you like the taste is to try it for yourself.

Nutrition Facts

One serving of AG1 (1 scoop or 12 grams) provides the following:

• Calories: 50
• Total Carbohydrates: 6 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
  • Total Sugars: < 1 gram
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Vitamin A: 62% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 467% DV
• Vitamin E: 553% DV
• Thiamin (B1): 250%
• Riboflavin (B2): 154% DV
• Niacin: 125% DV
• Vitamin B6: 176%
• Folate: 170% DV
• Vitamin B12: 917% DV
• Biotin: 1100% DV
• Pantothenic Acid: 80%
• Calcium: 9% DV
• Phosphorus: 10% DV
• Magnesium: 6% DV
• Zinc: 136% DV
• Selenium: 36% DV
• Copper: 22% DV
• Manganese: 17% DV
• Chromium: 71% DV
• Sodium: 2% DV
• Potassium: 6% DV

Find the full ingredient list here.

What’s in AG1?

AG1 contains the usual vitamins and minerals you would expect to find in a high-quality multivitamin. But in addition to those, it also includes 4 proprietary blends made up of a variety of fruits, vegetables, plant extracts, functional mushrooms, probiotics, and more. 

Because these blends are proprietary, meaning the amounts of each ingredient are secret (like a special recipe), we can only report what is in each blend. We cannot say whether the amount of each ingredient is enough to support optimal health or have any meaningful effect.

Vitamins and Minerals

You’ll find the usual suspects here like vitamins A, C, E, and an array of B vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. These micronutrients support a wide range of functions in the body such as supporting your immune system, bone health, and energy production. 

Some important nutrients you won’t find in AG1 are vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, and iron. 

Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex

The purpose of this blend, according to the company’s website, is to support a healthy gut microbiome and various other aspects of overall health.

Ingredients: 

• Organic spirulina
• Lecithin
• Organic apple powder
• Inulin (FOS prebiotics)
• Organic wheat grass juice powder (leaf)
• Organic alfalfa powder (leaf)
• Organic chlorella powder
• Organic barley leaf powder (leaf)
• Acerola fruit juice powder extract
• Broccoli flower powder
• Papaya fruit powder
• Pineapple fruit concentrate
• Bilberry fruit extract
• Beet root powder
• Rose hip fruit powder
• Carrot root powder
• Spinach leaf powder
• Cocoa bean polyphenol extract
• Grape seed extract
• Green tea extract
• Licorice root powder
• Lycium berry fruit extract
• Ginger rhizome powder
• Slippery Elm bark powder

Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs and Antioxidants 

AG1 contains a blend of several plant compounds, including adaptogens, which may help our bodies better adapt to stress. 

Ingredients: 

• Alkaline pea protein isolate
• Citrus bioflavonoids extract
• Artichoke leaf extract
• Citric acid
• Rhodiola root
• Eleuthero root extract
• Rosemary leaf extract
• Milk thistle seed extract
• R,S alpha-lipoic acid
• Ashwagandha root extract
• Dandelion whole plant dry concentrate
• Hawthorn berry extract
• Beta glucans
• Policosanol
• Coenzyme Q-10
• Stevia leaf powder
• Vitamin K2

Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex

This blend is designed to support optimal digestion and improve nutrient absorption. 

Ingredients: 

• Astragalus root powder extract
• Bromelain (dietary enzyme)
• Burdock root powder
• Reishi mushroom powder
• Shiitake mushroom powder

Dairy-Free Probiotics (7.2 billion CFU)

AG1 includes 2 strains of probiotics to support gut health:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus (UALa-01)
• Bifidobacterium bifidum (UABb-10)

Cost

Here we break down the cost of AG1 to help you decide if it fits your budget. All subscriptions can be paused or canceled at any time, and Athletic Greens offers a 90-day money back guarantee if you find it’s not for you.

Shipping

All orders (one-time and monthly subscriptions) are charged a flat rate shipping fee of $9 in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Factor shipping into the total cost when deciding if this product is for you. 

The FAQ page on the company’s website states that you can save 50% on shipping costs by having your order delivered every other month. To do so, you’ll need to sign up for a Double Subscription, then manually change the delivery date in your account so that you are skipping every other month. 

This would save you up to $54 a year and help reduce your carbon footprint, but it also puts the burden on you to manage your subscription.

Potential Health Benefits of Using AG1 

The makers of AG1 claim that consuming it daily:

• Boosts energy by improving nutrient absorption
• Helps recovery thanks to superfoods, antioxidants, and adaptogens
• Aids digestion through the addition of enzymes that help improve the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat
• Promotes cognitive health and mental clarity via the addition of superfoods and adaptogens

Of these listed benefits, the members of our team who use AG1 have experienced boosted energy and more consistent digestion. 

3 Benefits We Found From AG1

While we can’t say that we all experienced every improvement on AG1’s list, after trying AG1 for 30 days for ourselves, we came to a few conclusions.

1. AG1 may fill the gaps when your diet is less than optimal.

We all have times when our nutrition is less than optimal. Sometimes, that’s for a day or two. Sometimes, it’s longer. 

While the human body is incredibly resilient, some people like the idea of having a safety net, if you will, to ensure they’re getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals and AG1 can help fill those gaps.

For example, while Jessica is not a daily user of AG1, she keeps some on hand for those times when optimal intake of whole fruits and veggies isn’t going to happen. Think: during travel or after recovering from an illness.

Ana, our social media coordinator, and Dean, Jessica’s husband, are both healthy eaters on most days. Yet still, they choose to use AG1 and they report increased energy and improved regularity with their digestion. 

You can think of it as a liquid multivitamin (without vitamin D or iron).

2. AG1 may help create healthy habits in other areas of your life

We find that healthy habits tend to multiply. For example, when we spend time meal planning on weekends, then we find ourselves eating more healthfully throughout the week. When we stick to our daily movements (walking, Peloton rides), then we also find ourselves getting better and longer quality sleep. 

We think the same is true of taking supplements that are beneficial to you. 

With that said, starting your day off with AG1 sets the intention for following through with other healthy habits throughout the day. These might include daily movement or exercise, meditation, and creating and enjoying well-balanced meals and snacks that keep you feeling energized. 

3. AG1 is compatible with some special diets and uses high-quality ingredients.

We only recommend supplements that are made from high-quality ingredients, and AG1 fits that requirement for us. We also appreciate the fact that you can use AG1 on any of these diets:

• Keto
• Low-carb
• Vegan
• Vegetarian
• Gluten-free

Though AG1 is not certified organic or non-GMO Project certified, it does contain some organic ingredients. The company says it is free of GMOs, herbicides, pesticides, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Their product is also free of gluten, dairy, corn, egg, and peanuts, and it’s made without animal byproducts, lactose, sucrose, or dextrose. 

We like that AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has undergone exhaustive testing to verify that it’s free of heavy metals, contaminants, and free of over 280 banned substances by major athletic organizations. 

We trust that, since AG1 is made in TGA-registered, NSF Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) registered facilities, that what you see listed on the bottle is what’s inside the bottle.

Are There Drawbacks to Using AG1?

Two of our team members initially reported bloating as a side effect of taking AG1 daily. This, however, eventually subsided as their bodies adjusted to the new supplement regimen. Because AG1 contains fiber from the non-digestible fiber inulin, it’s not surprising that they experienced this temporary side effect.

Whether or not you’ll experience bloating or excess gas will depend on your body. The only way to know how you’ll react and the benefits you might experience from taking AG1 is to try it for yourself. 

Remember, Athletic Greens does offer a 90-day money back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can contact the company anytime within 90 days of your first order to initiate the return process.

If you are unsure whether or not AG1 is appropriate for you, we suggest you talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before trying it. 

Who Should Not Use AG1?

AG1 is likely NOT the best choice for you if: 

• You eat vegetables daily and at nearly all meals (then it’s not really necessary)
• You’re on a tight budget (AG1 is not cheap, so if you’re already spending money on healthful ingredients to make nutritious meals at home, then it’s not necessary to spend more money on a supplement)
• You already take a quality multivitamin and/or probiotic (then it’s not really necessary)
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (consult a doctor first, if you’re interested)
• You’re taking blood thinners, such as Coumadin/warfarin (there may be contraindications)

AG1 Alternatives

If you’re not ready to try AG1 or have tried it and are looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, consider these greens powder supplements. Each one provides vitamins and minerals, fiber, plant compounds, and probiotics in varying amounts. 

• Amazing Grass Supergreens
• Organifi
• Primal Harvest Super Greens

FAQs

The Bottom Line: Should You Try AG1?

If you could benefit from a veggie-packed punch in your daily routine and are looking for a quick and easy way to get it, give AG1 a try. You may find it’s the perfect new daily habit, or you might just keep it on hand for travel days or to help you fill in dietary gaps after being sick.

Like any supplement, it’s not going to completely revolutionize your health or transform your life. Our overall opinion is that we thought it generally tasted great, and as dietitians, we definitely approve of the ingredient list and nutrient profile. 

We do, however, think that AG1 is expensive, so if you’re already spending your money on healthful ingredients and eating a healthful and well-rounded diet on most days, then the cost of taking AG1 is probably not worth it for you. 

The only way to know for sure if you like it, tolerate it, and feel it’s worth the cost is to give it a try.

Athletic Greens offers a ‘try it once’ option in addition to a subscription. To kick the tires on AG1 for a month to figure out if it works for you, then that’s the way to go. If you love it, you can save some money by starting a subscription.

For ultimate success, we highly recommend reading the tips in the full blog post above. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words. Link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!