Can you drink AG1 hot? Answering your questions about temperature and efficacy

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the manufacturer, AG1 is not recommended to be mixed with hot or highly acidic liquids, as this can compromise the product's effectiveness. This is due to the presence of temperature-sensitive components like live probiotics, which require cold temperatures to remain viable.

Quick Summary

Adding hot water to AG1 can damage its sensitive ingredients, such as probiotics and certain vitamins. The company and experts advise mixing the powder with cold or cool water to preserve its nutritional integrity and efficacy.

Key Points

Avoid hot liquids: Do not mix AG1 with hot water or other hot liquids, as high heat can destroy sensitive nutrients and beneficial bacteria.
Use cold water: The manufacturer's official recommendation is to mix AG1 with 250-350 ml of cold water for optimal absorption and efficacy.
Nutrients at risk: High temperatures can degrade temperature-sensitive ingredients such as probiotics, water-soluble vitamins (C and some B vitamins), and digestive enzymes.
Refrigerate after opening: The AG1 pouch must be stored in the refrigerator after opening to preserve the live probiotic cultures.
Consider taste and texture: Hot water can negatively alter AG1's intended taste profile and may not mix as effectively, leaving a grainy texture.
Consume shortly after mixing: For maximum benefit, drink your AG1 within 20 minutes of mixing.
Travel packs are shelf-stable: If you are on the go, individually sealed travel packs are designed to be shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration.

The Core Issue: Why Hot Water is Not Recommended

For many, a warm drink is a comforting morning ritual. However, when it comes to AG1, trading a hot cup for a cold glass is essential for maximizing its health benefits. The main reasons for this recommendation are related to ingredient stability, which is compromised when exposed to high heat. The formula contains a variety of probiotics, vitamins, and digestive enzymes that are sensitive to temperature changes and lose potency when heated. Adhering to the manufacturer's guidance ensures you receive the full spectrum of nutrients and beneficial cultures intended with every scoop.

How Heat Impacts Specific Ingredients

High temperatures can have a detrimental effect on several key components of the AG1 formula. Understanding the science behind this degradation helps clarify why sticking to cold water is the best preparation method.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that are crucial for gut health. As living organisms, they are highly sensitive to heat and can be killed by elevated temperatures. Research indicates that temperatures above 115°F (46°C) can cause significant die-off of probiotic cultures. AG1 is specifically formulated with live cultures and requires refrigeration after opening to maintain their viability, underscoring their delicate nature. Killing the probiotics with hot water would negate one of the primary benefits of the supplement, which is to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

AG1 is rich in water-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin C and a range of B vitamins (e.g., B1, B9). These particular vitamins are notoriously vulnerable to heat degradation. When exposed to high heat, these vitamins can break down or leach out, significantly reducing their concentration and effectiveness. While the body may still absorb some nutrients, a substantial portion could be lost, meaning you are not getting the full nutritional value you paid for. Boiling or using very hot water would be especially damaging to these sensitive compounds.

Digestive Enzymes

Many green powders include digestive enzymes to help the body break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently. These enzymes are proteins with specific structures that are essential for their function. High heat can cause these proteins to denature, or unfold, rendering them inactive and unable to perform their digestive role. This reduces the bioavailability of the supplement, meaning your body may not be able to effectively utilize all the nutrients it contains.

Safe and Delicious Alternatives to Hot AG1

If you are looking for alternatives to a plain cold drink, here are some options that will keep the ingredient integrity intact:

Classic Cold Water: The simplest and most recommended method is mixing one scoop with 8 to 12 ounces of cold water and shaking well. The AG1 shaker bottle is designed for effective mixing.
Smoothies: For a more substantial and flavorful option, blend AG1 into your favorite smoothie recipe. Use cold ingredients like frozen fruit, spinach, and a liquid base such as cold almond milk or juice.
Chilled Juices or Milks: Mix with cold, neutral pH beverages like chilled almond milk, oat milk, or a splash of non-acidic fruit juice to enhance the flavor.

AG1 Preparation Temperature Comparison


Preparation Method	Impact on Probiotics	Impact on Water-Soluble Vitamins	Impact on Digestive Enzymes	Taste Profile
Cold Water	Maintain viability	Retain potency	Remain active	Lightly sweet with pineapple/vanilla notes
Hot Water	Significantly reduces viability	Causes degradation and loss	Risk of denaturation	Flavor may be compromised
Smoothie (Cold)	Maintain viability	Retain potency	Remain active	Blends well with other ingredients

Best Practices for Maximizing AG1's Benefits

To ensure you are getting the most out of your AG1 investment, follow these simple best practices based on the manufacturer's guidelines and nutritional science:

Store Properly: Always refrigerate your AG1 pouch after opening to keep the live probiotics viable. Use the provided canister for storage in the fridge.
Mind the Temperature: Never mix the powder with hot liquids or excessively acidic drinks, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Consume Quickly: For optimal efficacy, it is best to drink AG1 within 20 minutes of mixing.
Use Travel Packs: If you are traveling or don't have access to refrigeration, use the individual, shelf-stable AG1 Travel Packs.
Use the Right Tools: Shaking the powder vigorously in the provided shaker bottle ensures it is well-mixed and less gritty.

Conclusion: Stick to the Cold Prep

While the thought of a warm, comforting wellness drink may be appealing, heating AG1 is not recommended. The science is clear: heat compromises the integrity of its key ingredients, including live probiotics, sensitive water-soluble vitamins, and digestive enzymes. To fully benefit from the comprehensive nutrient profile, follow the manufacturer's advice and mix AG1 with cold water or incorporate it into a cold smoothie. By doing so, you ensure that every scoop delivers the maximum nutritional punch intended to support your whole-body health. For those who prefer a hot beverage routine, consider enjoying AG1 first thing in the morning as a cold drink before your coffee or tea.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best temperature for mixing AG1 is cold. The manufacturer recommends using cold water to preserve the potency and integrity of sensitive ingredients like probiotics, vitamins, and enzymes.

Using lukewarm water is not ideal. While it may not kill all the beneficial bacteria instantly, prolonged or elevated heat can still degrade the potency of heat-sensitive ingredients. Sticking to cold liquids is the safest bet for maximum nutritional value.

If you accidentally mix AG1 with hot water, the live probiotic cultures and some heat-sensitive vitamins will likely be destroyed or degraded. While the minerals and other components are more stable, you will have lost a significant portion of the intended benefits. The drink is still safe to consume but is less nutritionally potent.

While mixing AG1 into a beverage that has cooled to room temperature or below should be fine, the manufacturer advises against mixing it with any hot liquids. Mixing it with a cooled drink would be a better alternative than hot tea or coffee.

The type and strain of probiotic, as well as the preparation method, determine heat stability. While some fermented foods undergo specific processing to retain viable cultures, AG1's formula is designed to be consumed raw and cold to deliver live, active cultures. High-quality supplements often use strains that require proper storage and temperature control for viability.

Yes, heating can alter the taste of AG1. The powder has a flavor profile with hints of pineapple and vanilla. High heat can potentially change the delicate balance of these flavors, making the taste less pleasant.

According to the company, if an opened AG1 pouch was briefly left out and not exposed to direct heat, it should still be safe to use, but you should refrigerate it as soon as possible. However, the viability of the probiotics decreases more quickly when stored at room temperature.