Can you drink AG1 if expired? The risks and potency decline

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While most expired nutritional supplements do not become toxic, an expired bag of AG1 should not be consumed, according to the manufacturer, because its potency diminishes over time. The probiotics and sensitive whole-food ingredients are particularly vulnerable to degradation, rendering the product ineffective and potentially compromising its safety.

Quick Summary

Taking expired AG1 is not advised, as it loses nutritional potency over time, especially its probiotics. Reduced efficacy is the main concern, but visible signs of spoilage indicate a greater risk. Proper refrigeration of an open package is crucial for maintaining ingredient integrity.

Key Points

Potency is Compromised: Expired AG1 loses its nutritional potency, especially its live probiotics and sensitive vitamins, making it less effective over time.
Safety Concerns Exist with Improper Storage: While not typically harmful if properly stored, visible changes like mold, discoloration, or bad odor indicate spoilage and potential health risks.
Probiotics are Key Susceptibles: The live probiotics in AG1 are particularly vulnerable to degradation from heat and time, especially if not refrigerated after opening.
Follow Storage Instructions: Always refrigerate opened AG1 pouches and use them within 90 days to preserve integrity and efficacy.
It's a Wasted Investment: Continuing to drink expired AG1 means you are likely not receiving the comprehensive nutritional benefits you paid for.
Discard if Spoiled: If you notice any unusual changes in color, smell, or texture, discard the product immediately to avoid risks.

Can you drink AG1 if expired? The definitive guide

Expiration dates on supplements like AG1 are more than just suggestions; they represent the manufacturer's guarantee of optimal potency and safety. AG1, containing a complex blend of vitamins, minerals, and live probiotics, is particularly susceptible to losing its effectiveness once it passes its expiration date or is improperly stored. While the supplement won't become instantly poisonous, its ability to provide the intended health benefits significantly decreases, and risks of contamination increase under poor storage conditions.

The degradation of key ingredients

AG1 is formulated with several ingredient complexes that degrade at different rates. The live probiotics are arguably the most sensitive components. These beneficial bacteria require specific storage conditions, namely refrigeration after opening, to remain viable. Once expired, or left unrefrigerated, the colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics will likely have died off, rendering the gut health benefits non-existent.

Vitamins and Minerals: Water-soluble vitamins like C and B-vitamins are known to be less stable and lose potency faster than their fat-soluble counterparts. While a military-funded study on prescription drugs showed extended potency, this isn't guaranteed for dietary supplements like AG1, where the degradation rate is influenced by numerous factors, including the supplement's form and storage.
Whole-food Ingredients: The superfood powders and phytonutrients sourced from whole foods can also lose their antioxidant and nutrient properties over time, especially when exposed to light, air, or heat. The complex combination of ingredients in a powder form can create a less stable environment compared to single-ingredient tablets.
Adaptogens and Extracts: The functional mushrooms and other adaptogenic extracts in AG1 are also subject to potency loss. While less volatile than probiotics, their active compounds can break down, reducing their intended effects on stress resilience and mental clarity.

Risks vs. Reduced Benefits: What's the trade-off?

The primary consequence of drinking expired AG1 is the loss of its promised benefits, not severe harm. You are essentially paying for an expensive powder that provides minimal to no nutritional value. However, there are scenarios where health risks can increase:

Visible Spoilage: If the powder has changed color, developed an unusual odor, or shows signs of mold, it must be discarded immediately. This is a clear sign of microbial contamination that could lead to adverse health effects like food poisoning.
Improper Storage: AG1 requires refrigeration after opening to maintain its integrity. If an opened pouch has been left out for a prolonged period, heat and moisture can accelerate the degradation of all ingredients and foster bacterial growth. The manufacturer specifically notes that an opened pouch should be used within 90 days.
Dependency on Nutrients: For individuals who rely on AG1 to fill specific nutrient gaps, such as those with certain dietary restrictions (e.g., vegans needing B12), taking an expired supplement is particularly risky. The false sense of security could lead to a nutrient deficiency.

Proper storage of AG1

To prevent AG1 from expiring prematurely or losing potency, proper storage is critical.

Always refrigerate the pouch or canister immediately after opening.
Keep the container tightly sealed to minimize air and moisture exposure.
Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Always consume an opened pouch within 90 days.

A practical comparison: Expired AG1 vs. Fresh AG1


Feature	Fresh AG1 (within expiration)	Expired AG1 (past expiration)
Nutritional Potency	Maximum potency guaranteed; active ingredients are fresh and bioavailable.	Potency is not guaranteed and likely reduced, especially for heat-sensitive vitamins and probiotics.
Probiotic Viability	Live probiotics are active and support gut health, as long as it's refrigerated after opening.	Probiotics are likely dead or significantly reduced, providing little to no gut health benefits.
Taste and Texture	Fresh taste and consistent texture; the powder dissolves well.	Flavor may be off, and the powder could become clumped or gritty due to moisture exposure.
Cost-Effectiveness	Provides the advertised benefits, justifying the investment in your health.	Offers minimal to no nutritional value, making the initial investment wasted.
Safety	Considered safe and effective for consumption.	Generally safe unless signs of spoilage appear, but efficacy is compromised.

The bottom line

While consuming expired AG1 might not cause immediate harm, it is a poor health and financial decision. The product's integrity is designed around its shelf life, and the delicate balance of probiotics and potent ingredients cannot be maintained indefinitely. For optimal results and to protect your investment in your health, it is best to discard any expired AG1 and purchase a fresh supply. When in doubt, always prioritize safety and effectiveness over a product that no longer delivers its promised nutritional benefits. For more information, check the official AG1 FAQ regarding product freshness.

Conclusion

In summary, the consensus is clear: do not drink expired AG1. The expiration date on AG1 is not just an arbitrary number; it signifies the point at which the product's nutritional potency, particularly its sensitive probiotic blend, can no longer be guaranteed. While the risk of it becoming toxic is low, the loss of effectiveness means you are not receiving the intended health benefits, making it a waste of money and a potentially compromised foundation for your daily nutrition. Proper refrigeration after opening and adherence to the stated shelf life are essential to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

You are unlikely to get seriously sick, but it is not recommended. The main risk is that the product will have lost its nutritional potency, making it ineffective. However, if the powder shows signs of spoilage like mold or a strange smell, it could be contaminated and should be discarded.

The manufacturer, Athletic Greens, does not recommend using AG1 past its expiration date, as they cannot guarantee the quality and potency of the ingredients after that point. The product should be used within 90 days of opening.

Yes, AG1 must be refrigerated after opening to preserve the live probiotics and other sensitive whole-food-sourced ingredients. This helps maintain the product's integrity and efficacy.

The live probiotic cultures in AG1 are one of the most time-sensitive ingredients. After the expiration date, or without proper refrigeration, these beneficial bacteria will likely die off, completely eliminating the product's gut health benefits.

Using it shortly past the date might not be harmful, but its effectiveness will already be diminished. The best and most recommended practice is to discard any expired product to ensure you are getting the full benefits.

According to the manufacturer, as long as the unopened pouch was not exposed to prolonged heat and shows no abnormalities, it should be fine. However, you should refrigerate it as soon as possible to maintain optimal benefits after opening.

Expired supplements can be disposed of in a sealed bag with used coffee grounds or cat litter before being thrown in the trash. You can also check for local hazardous waste drop-off programs.

No, expiration dates vary by product. AG1 is different from a simple multivitamin due to its live probiotics and whole-food ingredients, which are more susceptible to degradation than single-ingredient tablets.