Greens powders have exploded in popularity as a convenient way to supplement nutrient intake, with AG1 by Athletic Greens and Blooms Greens & Superfoods leading the market. While both offer a blend of superfoods, probiotics, and vitamins, they cater to different needs and budgets. This in-depth guide will help you determine whether AG1 or Blooms is the right greens powder for you by breaking down their ingredients, cost, taste, and quality.
AG1: The Premium, All-in-One Supplement
AG1 is known for its comprehensive formula, packing over 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients into a single scoop. Marketed as a foundational daily health drink, it is designed to replace multiple supplements like multivitamins and probiotics.
Key Features of AG1:
- Richer Nutritional Profile: AG1 is significantly more nutrient-dense than Blooms, with a higher quantity of vitamins and minerals. For example, one serving of AG1 provides robust doses of vitamins C, B6, and B12, unlike Blooms, which doesn't list many vitamins on its label.
- Robust Gut Health Support: AG1 boasts a substantial 7.2 billion CFUs (Colony-Forming Units) of five probiotic strains, offering powerful gut health support. It also includes digestive enzymes and prebiotics like inulin.
- Extensive Third-Party Testing: A major selling point for AG1 is its NSF Certified for Sport® status, ensuring the product is tested for banned substances and heavy metals. This provides a high level of confidence in its quality and safety, especially for competitive athletes.
- High Price Point: As a premium product, AG1 is considerably more expensive per serving than Blooms, which can be a significant barrier for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Flavor Variety: The original formula has an earthy, subtle vanilla-pineapple flavor, though new tropical and berry flavors have been introduced. The taste is generally palatable but less sweet than Blooms' offerings.
- Better Mixability: AG1 typically mixes smoothly in water with minimal grittiness, though it can settle if left undisturbed.
Blooms: The Budget-Friendly, Taste-Focused Option
Blooms Greens & Superfoods is a popular, more affordable alternative that focuses on digestive benefits and a wide variety of flavors. It contains a smaller list of ingredients (around 30+) compared to AG1.
Key Features of Blooms:
- Great Taste and Variety: A key advantage of Blooms is its extensive range of flavors, including mango, coconut, and citrus. The sweeter, more palatable taste makes it a good entry point for greens supplement newcomers.
- Focus on Digestion: Blooms includes multiple digestive enzymes and has a probiotic blend. Many customer testimonials praise its effectiveness in reducing bloating and improving digestion. However, the CFU count for its probiotics is not disclosed.
- More Affordable: At a significantly lower cost per serving, Blooms offers an accessible entry point into the world of greens powders.
- Less Potent Formula: With a much smaller serving size (5.44g) and proprietary blends, the dosages of key ingredients are likely much lower than in AG1. Reviewers express concern that the individual ingredients may not be potent enough to deliver significant benefits.
- No Third-Party Certification: Unlike AG1, Blooms lacks transparent third-party testing certification, which may be a concern for some consumers.
- Inconsistent Mixability: Some reviewers have noted that Blooms can be prone to clumping and sediment, especially when mixed with just a spoon.
AG1 vs. Blooms Comparison Table
| Feature | AG1 | Blooms |
|---|---|---|
| Price per serving | High ($2.63–$3.33) | Low (Starting at ~$1.08) |
| Ingredient Count | 75+ ingredients | 30+ ingredients |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Nutrient-dense, detailed amounts listed | Less robust; many not listed |
| Probiotics | Disclosed CFUs (7.2 billion) | CFUs not disclosed |
| Digestive Enzymes | Fewer listed ingredients in blend | More digestive health compounds listed |
| Adaptogens | Significantly more adaptogens | Fewer adaptogens |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (NSF Certified for Sport) | No disclosed certification |
| Taste | Earthy, slight pineapple/vanilla (Original) | Multiple sweeter, fruit-forward flavors |
| Mixability | Excellent, smooth consistency | Mixed reviews, can be clumpy |
The Verdict: How to Choose
Choosing between AG1 and Blooms depends entirely on your priorities. If you are a committed health enthusiast or athlete who prioritizes maximum potency, rigorous testing, and is willing to pay a premium, AG1 is the superior choice. Its comprehensive formula and transparency regarding sourcing and third-party certification set it apart as a top-tier supplement.
However, if you're a newcomer to greens powders, are on a tighter budget, or simply prioritize a more pleasant taste experience, Blooms offers a worthwhile entry point. It provides a basic nutrient boost and can be effective for managing minor bloating, as reported by many users. The lower cost and variety of flavors make it easier to incorporate into your daily routine and build a new habit.
Ultimately, both can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but neither is a substitute for a balanced, whole-foods diet. Consider your personal wellness goals and budget before making a decision. For a more detailed breakdown, you can read expert comparisons on sites like Garage Gym Reviews.
Conclusion
In summary, AG1 and Blooms occupy different niches within the greens powder market. AG1 is the high-performance, high-cost option for those who demand maximum nutritional support and verified quality. Blooms is the accessible, good-tasting option ideal for casual users and those with budget constraints, though its potency is less certain. Your best choice depends on whether you seek an all-encompassing, premium supplement or a basic, affordable one to support your general well-being.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Before purchasing either supplement, assess your nutritional needs. If you already consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, adding an expensive greens powder might be unnecessary. Consider starting with a more affordable option like Blooms to see if you notice benefits before potentially upgrading. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, as some ingredients may not be suitable.
