Can I drink AG1 and coffee? Maximizing your morning nutrition diet

According to a 2017–2018 cross-sectional study, over 57% of US adults report using a dietary supplement in the past month. If you've recently joined this group by adding AG1 greens powder to your routine, you may be asking, "Can I drink AG1 and coffee?" The answer is yes, but the timing of your intake can be crucial for ensuring you get the most out of both your supplement and your favorite morning beverage.

Quick Summary

Taking AG1 and coffee together or too close can hinder nutrient absorption due to interactions with caffeine, tannins, and heat. Optimal absorption requires separation, with AG1 on an empty stomach and coffee consumed 30-60 minutes later. The strategy avoids digestive issues and maximizes benefits, with considerations for individual sensitivity and metabolism.

Key Points

• Timing is Crucial: Separate AG1 and coffee by 30-60 minutes to prevent nutrient interference.

• Start with AG1: Take AG1 with cold water on an empty stomach for optimal absorption of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

• Avoid Heat: Never mix AG1 powder with hot liquids like coffee, as heat can destroy the live probiotic cultures.

• Minimize Interference: Coffee's caffeine and tannins can reduce the absorption of certain nutrients, including iron and B vitamins, from your supplement.

• Experience Sustained Energy: Spacing your intake can provide a smoother energy curve, combining the foundational support from AG1 with the stimulating effect of coffee.

• Personalize Your Routine: Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust the timing as needed to suit your personal metabolism and sensitivity.

The Science Behind AG1 and Coffee Interactions

While combining AG1 and coffee in your morning routine might seem efficient, doing so without careful consideration can interfere with nutrient absorption. This is primarily due to several key compounds found in coffee.

• Caffeine: The stimulant effects of caffeine can increase stomach acid production and motility, potentially flushing nutrients through your system too quickly for optimal absorption. It can also interfere with the absorption of essential minerals, including calcium, zinc, and magnesium, which are present in AG1.
• Tannins: Coffee contains tannins, a type of polyphenol that can bind to certain minerals, particularly iron. This binding reduces the minerals' bioavailability, meaning your body is unable to fully utilize them. Since AG1 contains iron, consuming coffee at the same time could render some of that iron less effective.
• Probiotics and Heat: AG1 contains live probiotic cultures that support gut health. Mixing the powder with hot liquids, including hot coffee, can kill these beneficial bacteria, reducing or eliminating their intended effect. For this reason, AG1 should always be mixed with cold water or cold-temperature beverages.
• Competitive Absorption: The body's ability to absorb multiple nutrients simultaneously can be limited. Some nutrients compete for the same absorption pathways. When you flood your system with a dense mix of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds from both AG1 and coffee, it can lead to competitive absorption, where some nutrients are less efficiently assimilated.

Strategic Timing: Maximizing Absorption for Both

To get the full benefits of both your AG1 supplement and your coffee, strategic timing is key. By separating their consumption, you can minimize negative interactions and optimize absorption for both.

Best Practice: The 30-60 Minute Rule The most common recommendation is to separate your AG1 and coffee consumption by at least 30 to 60 minutes.

1. Start with AG1: The ideal routine involves drinking AG1 first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with cold water. This allows your body to quickly and efficiently absorb the blend of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics without competition or interference from other substances. Many users report feeling more energetic and having improved digestion by starting their day this way.
2. Wait 30-60 Minutes: Use this time to get ready for your day, do a quick workout, or prepare your breakfast. This allows the majority of AG1's nutrients to be absorbed effectively before you introduce the stimulating and potentially competitive effects of coffee.
3. Enjoy Your Coffee: After the recommended waiting period, you can enjoy your cup of coffee. By this point, the initial nutrient rush from the AG1 will have been absorbed, and the coffee's effects on cortisol and absorption will have a more minimal impact on your overall nutrient intake.

Comparison Table: AG1 and Coffee Timing

Aspect	Consuming Simultaneously	Consuming Separately (with time gap)
Nutrient Absorption	Can be significantly reduced for some vitamins (especially water-soluble ones like C and B) and minerals (iron, calcium) due to caffeine and tannins.	Maximized absorption for both AG1 and coffee's benefits. No competitive interference for key nutrients.
Probiotic Efficacy	Probiotics in AG1 can be damaged or killed by the heat of the coffee, rendering them ineffective.	Probiotics are consumed in a cold liquid, preserving their integrity and ensuring they can support gut health as intended.
Digestive Comfort	The combination of a concentrated supplement and strong coffee on an empty stomach might cause digestive upset, nausea, or bloating in sensitive individuals.	Better digestive tolerability, as the body processes the ingredients sequentially and on an empty stomach initially.
Energy Profile	A quick, intense caffeine spike that may lead to jitters and a later crash.	A smoother, more sustained energy boost. AG1 provides foundational nutrient-based energy, while coffee delivers a later caffeine-driven lift.
Mental Clarity	Can cause overstimulation or anxiety in some individuals.	Enhanced mental performance and focus over a longer period, leveraging both the adaptogens in AG1 and the caffeine from coffee.

Other Considerations for Your Morning Routine

Beyond the primary question of can I drink AG1 and coffee, there are a few other points to keep in mind when building your morning habit.

• Listen to Your Body: Some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine or have different metabolic rates. Pay attention to how your body responds to the timing and make adjustments as needed. For some, a longer waiting period might be beneficial.
• Hydration: Both AG1 and coffee require water. Starting your day with AG1 mixed into cold water is an excellent way to hydrate first thing in the morning. Remember that coffee is also a mild diuretic, so continue to drink water throughout the day.
• Consistency is Key: The benefits of AG1 are cumulative and depend on consistent daily use. The most important thing is to establish a routine that you can stick to, whether that's taking them separately in the morning or at different times of the day altogether.
• Food Interaction: While taking AG1 on an empty stomach is recommended for optimal absorption, some sources note that consuming a small breakfast after your AG1 will not significantly affect its efficacy. The important separation is between the supplement and the coffee itself.

Conclusion: A Strategic Approach is Best

So, can I drink AG1 and coffee? Yes, you can. However, a thoughtful and strategic approach is recommended. By incorporating a simple 30-60 minute waiting period between your AG1 and your morning brew, you can prevent potential nutrient absorption issues and maximize the unique benefits of each. This method allows your body to fully utilize the wide array of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics from the greens powder, followed by the stimulating effects of your coffee, ensuring a truly productive and nutritionally sound start to your day.

References

• IPB University. Is It Allowed to Drink Coffee With Multivitamins? This is the Explanation of a Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine IPB University. May 13, 2025.
• AG1 by Athletic Greens. FAQ.
• Amazon.com. Customer Questions & Answers.
• Trail & Kale. AG1 Review: Here's What Happened After 30 Days. December 24, 2024.
• Outside Magazine. Is AG1 Really the Miracle Nutrient?. November 19, 2024.
• ResearchGate. Effects of caffeine on health and nutrition: A Review.
• Today.com. The Best Time To Drink Coffee For the Most Health Benefits. May 06, 2025.
• AG1 by Athletic Greens. 10 Reasons Why AG1 Continues to Revolutionize Supplementation.
• AG1 by Athletic Greens. AG1® by Athletic Greens | One Scoop a Day High-quality Nutrients.
• Verywell Health. Is Athletic Greens Worth It? I Tried It for One Month to Find Out. May 03, 2023.
• Health.com. Best Time Day Drink Coffee Heart Health. January 08, 2025.
• Facebook.com. AG1 by Athletic Greens. October 20, 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I mix AG1 directly with my hot coffee?

Mixing AG1 with hot coffee is not recommended because the heat can damage or destroy the sensitive probiotics and other heat-sensitive nutrients in the greens powder, reducing its overall efficacy.

How long should I wait between taking AG1 and drinking coffee?

Most experts recommend waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes after drinking your AG1 before having coffee. This allows your body to absorb the supplements without interference from caffeine or other compounds.

What happens if I take AG1 and coffee at the same time?

Consuming AG1 and coffee simultaneously can hinder the absorption of key nutrients like iron, calcium, and B vitamins. The caffeine and tannins in coffee can bind to these minerals, and the acid can affect probiotics, making them less available to your body.

Can drinking coffee interfere with probiotic supplements?

Yes, the caffeine and heat from coffee can interfere with probiotics. High heat can kill the beneficial bacteria, while caffeine can increase gut motility, potentially flushing the probiotics through the digestive system before they can establish themselves.

Should I take AG1 on an empty stomach?

Yes, it is generally recommended to take AG1 first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with cold water. This approach is believed to optimize nutrient absorption and is a common practice among users.

What is the best way to time my morning routine with AG1 and coffee?

A good strategy is to drink your AG1 with cold water first upon waking. Wait 30-60 minutes, then have your breakfast and your coffee. This sequence helps maximize nutrient absorption from the supplement and avoids negative interactions.

Will taking AG1 and coffee too close together cause any major side effects?

While it is unlikely to cause severe side effects, taking them too close together can lead to minor digestive discomfort for some individuals, and it reduces the overall effectiveness and cost-benefit of the supplement.