AG1 and Live It Up at a Glance
AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, has gained a large following with its comprehensive formula of over 75 vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens. Marketed towards athletes and those seeking maximum nutritional coverage, it is a premium-priced product. AG1 is certified for sport by NSF International, ensuring it is free of banned substances. Its flavor profile is often described as slightly sweet with pineapple and vanilla notes.
Live It Up Super Greens (previously Enso Superfoods) takes a simpler, more organic approach, focusing on a transparent blend of 20+ whole-food superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. It is positioned as a high-quality yet more affordable daily greens routine for the average consumer. Live It Up emphasizes organic ingredients and natural sourcing, using monk fruit for a minty or wild berry flavor.
Key Differences in Formulation
Ingredients and Sourcing
AG1 contains a more extensive list of ingredients, including adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, functional mushrooms, and a variety of fruit and antioxidant extracts. However, a significant portion of its vitamins and minerals are added synthetically, and only a few of its ingredients are organic. The company uses proprietary blends, which means the exact amount of each specific ingredient is not disclosed.
Live It Up uses a curated list of over 20 whole-food, plant-based superfoods, with nearly all its vegetables sourced organically. All its vitamins and minerals are naturally derived from these ingredients, which may enhance bioavailability. Live It Up prides itself on being free from synthetic nutrients, fillers, and artificial additives.
Probiotics and Enzymes
AG1 provides a high dose of probiotics, featuring strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, among others, totaling 10 billion CFUs. It also includes some digestive enzymes and prebiotics to support gut health.
Live It Up offers 5 billion CFUs of dairy-free probiotics from four different strains. It also contains a robust digestive enzyme complex featuring papain, bromelain, and vegetarian pepsin, which can be beneficial for digestion.
Taste and Sweeteners
AG1 is sweetened with Stevia and flavored with pineapple and vanilla, which some users find too sweet or unnatural. Other users, however, enjoy the taste.
Live It Up is sweetened with natural monk fruit extract, offering a milder, more natural taste. Reviewers praise its pleasant minty or berry flavor and smooth texture, which makes it easy to drink with just water.
AG1 vs. Live It Up: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AG1 | Live It Up |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Subscription) | ~$79/month (~$2.63/serving) | ~$39.99/month (~$1.33/serving) |
| Number of Ingredients | 75+ (vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, adaptogens) | 20+ (organic superfoods, probiotics, enzymes) |
| Sourcing | Globally sourced, some organic, includes synthetic vitamins/minerals | Primarily organic whole-food sourced ingredients, no synthetic vitamins |
| Probiotics (CFU) | 10 billion CFU | 5 billion CFU |
| Key Additions | Adaptogens (e.g., Ashwagandha), mushrooms, fruit extracts | Digestive enzymes (Papain, Bromelain, Pepsin), organic ingredients |
| Sweetener | Stevia | Monk fruit extract |
| Taste Profile | Sweet with pineapple and vanilla notes, may have lingering aftertaste | Pleasantly mild, slightly sweet and minty (Original) or wild berry |
| Certification | NSF Certified for Sport | Third-party tested, GMP-certified |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between AG1 and Live It Up ultimately depends on your specific health goals, budget, and ingredient preferences. For those seeking the most comprehensive, potent formula with a wide array of ingredients, adaptogens, and a higher probiotic count, AG1 may be the more suitable, albeit much more expensive, choice. Its NSF certification also makes it a clear winner for competitive athletes needing to ensure no banned substances are present. However, some may experience digestive discomfort due to the high dosage or stevia.
For the average consumer prioritizing a clean, organic, and budget-friendly product, Live It Up is an excellent alternative. Its simpler, all-natural formula with naturally-derived nutrients and a specific focus on digestion (probiotics and digestive enzymes) makes it a reliable daily supplement. The more subtle flavor profile also makes it a better option for those who dislike the taste of greens powders.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, determining if AG1 or Live It Up is better comes down to a trade-off between potency, price, and ingredient simplicity. AG1 offers a premium, high-potency formula with a broad spectrum of ingredients, which is ideal for serious athletes or those with significant nutrient gaps to fill but comes at a steep price. Live It Up provides a balanced, organic, and affordable daily greens supplement that effectively supports digestion and overall wellness with a simpler, cleaner ingredient list. For most people, Live It Up provides a superior value proposition for everyday nutritional support without the cost or potential side effects of a heavily-fortified blend.
Note: It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs and circumstances.
