Can you put AG1 in hot tea? Exploring temperature impacts

A study in the International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research found that vitamin C begins to denature at temperatures as low as 86°F. This sensitivity is a major factor when considering if you can put AG1 in hot tea, as the supplement contains heat-sensitive vitamins and probiotics that can be compromised by hot liquids.

Quick Summary

Mixing AG1 with hot tea is not recommended by the manufacturer because the heat can destroy the supplement's live probiotics and diminish the potency of delicate vitamins and enzymes. This compromises the product's intended health benefits, making cold or room-temperature liquids the superior choice for preparation.

Key Points

• Avoid hot liquids: The AG1 manufacturer explicitly advises against mixing the supplement with hot or highly acidic beverages like tea.

• Heat kills probiotics: AG1 contains live probiotics, which are living microorganisms that are destroyed by temperatures above 115°F (46°C), significantly reducing their gut health benefits.

• Nutrient degradation: High temperatures degrade heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes present in AG1, including Vitamin C and various B vitamins.

• Optimal preparation: For maximum efficacy, mix one scoop of AG1 with cold water or add it to a cold smoothie.

• Refrigeration required: After opening, the AG1 pouch must be stored in the refrigerator to maintain the potency and integrity of the live ingredients.

• Efficacy is compromised: While not harmful, mixing AG1 with hot tea will make the supplement less effective and may result in an altered taste and texture.

• Use cold alternatives: Consider adding AG1 to cold fruit juice or nut milk if you prefer a different flavor profile than plain cold water.

Why AG1 and Hot Tea Don't Mix: The Science Behind the Recommendation

The short answer is no, you should not put AG1 in hot tea. The manufacturer, Athletic Greens, explicitly advises against mixing AG1 with hot or highly acidic liquids. This recommendation isn't arbitrary; it's rooted in the science of what happens to the supplement's key ingredients when exposed to high temperatures. The formulation is packed with live probiotics, enzymes, and heat-sensitive vitamins and nutrients that lose their efficacy when heated, essentially rendering them useless.

The Impact of Heat on AG1's Ingredients

To understand why hot tea is off-limits, it's crucial to look at the sensitive components within AG1's comprehensive formula. The temperature of hot tea, which is well above the threshold for many delicate nutrients, can cause a cascade of degradation.

• Live Probiotics: AG1 contains beneficial live bacteria intended to support gut health. As living microorganisms, probiotics are highly sensitive to heat. Temperatures as low as 115°F (46°C) can start to kill probiotic cultures, and rapid die-off occurs at temperatures above 120°F (49°C). Since tea is typically brewed much hotter than this, adding AG1 to hot tea will likely destroy the probiotics before you even consume them, nullifying their intended benefit. This is the same reason fermented foods like miso and kimchi are added to dishes after cooking has finished. The manufacturer also specifies that an opened pouch of AG1 must be refrigerated to preserve the live probiotics.

• Heat-Sensitive Vitamins: The greens powder is fortified with a wide array of vitamins, including significant amounts of Vitamin C and various B vitamins. These vitamins are notoriously sensitive to heat. For example, Vitamin C starts to break down when exposed to heat, and this process accelerates significantly at higher temperatures. Thiamine (B1) and Pantothenic Acid (B5) are also particularly vulnerable to thermal degradation. By adding AG1 to hot tea, you risk destroying these vital nutrients and substantially reducing the product's nutritional value.

• Enzymes: AG1 includes several digestive enzymes, such as bromelain, which help with nutrient absorption and digestion. Enzymes are proteins that have a specific shape essential for their function. High heat can cause enzymes to denature, or lose their structure, which permanently inactivates them and prevents them from doing their job.

How to Properly Prepare and Consume AG1

For optimal results, AG1 should be mixed with cold or room-temperature liquids. The company's standard recommendation is to mix one scoop with 8 to 10 ounces of cold water. This ensures that all the delicate ingredients, including the live probiotics and heat-sensitive vitamins, remain intact and potent. Mixing with cold water also helps the powder dissolve effectively, preventing clumps and ensuring a smooth, pleasant texture.

Alternatives to plain cold water include adding AG1 to cold juices, non-dairy milk, or blending it into a smoothie. These options not only preserve the nutritional integrity of the supplement but can also mask the green flavor if you prefer a different taste profile.

Comparison of Preparation Methods

Feature	Mixing AG1 with Hot Tea	Mixing AG1 with Cold Water/Smoothie
Effect on Probiotics	Rapidly kills live probiotic cultures.	Preserves live probiotic cultures for maximum gut health benefit.
Effect on Vitamins	Destroys heat-sensitive vitamins like Vitamin C and B vitamins.	Maintains the potency of all heat-sensitive vitamins.
Effect on Enzymes	Denatures and inactivates digestive enzymes.	Keeps digestive enzymes active and functional for absorption.
Overall Efficacy	Significantly compromises the supplement's overall effectiveness and intended benefits.	Ensures you receive the full spectrum of nutritional benefits the product offers.
Taste and Texture	Can result in an altered taste and a less desirable, potentially grainy texture.	Provides the intended taste and a smooth, consistent texture.

Conclusion: Prioritize Potency with Cold Liquids

While the thought of combining a health supplement like AG1 with a soothing hot tea might be appealing, the scientific evidence and manufacturer guidelines are clear: heat destroys the product's most valuable components. The live probiotics, sensitive vitamins, and digestive enzymes are all vulnerable to thermal degradation. To ensure you receive the maximum benefit from your investment in AG1, always mix it with cold or room-temperature water or blend it into a cool smoothie. By doing so, you protect the delicate nutrients and maintain the product's intended potency, making your daily dose a truly effective part of your health routine.

Check out AG1's official website for their preparation recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't you mix AG1 with hot liquids?

Mixing AG1 with hot liquids is not recommended because the high temperature can destroy the live probiotics and other heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes in the formula, compromising its efficacy.

Does adding AG1 to hot water make it toxic?

No, adding AG1 to hot water will not make it toxic. However, it will reduce its nutritional value by killing off the beneficial live probiotics and degrading other key vitamins and nutrients.

What happens if I accidentally put AG1 in hot tea?

If you accidentally add AG1 to hot tea, the probiotics will likely die and some of the vitamins will be damaged. While it won't be harmful, you won't be getting the full health benefits you paid for.

What is the best way to consume AG1?

For best results, AG1 should be mixed with 8 to 10 ounces of cold water. You can also blend it into a smoothie or mix it with cold juice.

Is it safe to add AG1 to my morning coffee?

No, you should not add AG1 to hot coffee for the same reason you should avoid hot tea. The heat will destroy the probiotics and damage other heat-sensitive ingredients.

How should I store AG1 to protect its ingredients?

After opening, the AG1 pouch must be refrigerated to preserve the live probiotics and other whole-food ingredients. Unopened travel packs are shelf-stable.

Are there any AG1 products designed for hot beverages?

As of now, Athletic Greens does not offer a greens powder product designed for hot beverages. Their AGZ product, a nighttime supplement, is an exception and can be mixed warm, but AG1 is specifically for cold liquids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix AG1 with lukewarm tea instead of hot tea?

Mixing AG1 with lukewarm tea is also not recommended. The temperature threshold for harming probiotics and degrading vitamins is relatively low, so any warm liquid can compromise the supplement's effectiveness.

How long should I wait for my tea to cool down before adding AG1?

To be safe, you should wait for your tea to cool completely to at least room temperature before mixing in AG1. For best results, use a separate cup with cold liquid as directed.

What are some good alternatives for mixing AG1 if I don't like plain cold water?

AG1 can be mixed into cold juices like apple or orange juice, blended into a smoothie, or shaken with cold nut milk. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime can also enhance the flavor.

Does mixing AG1 with cold tea affect its benefits?

Mixing AG1 with cold, unsweetened tea should not negatively affect its benefits, as the lack of heat will preserve the sensitive ingredients. However, avoid highly acidic liquids.

Why is refrigeration necessary for AG1?

Refrigeration is required for an opened pouch of AG1 because it contains live probiotics and whole-food sourced ingredients that need to be kept cold to preserve their integrity and efficacy.

What happens to the flavor if I mix AG1 in hot tea?

The high temperature can alter the natural flavor profile of AG1, which is derived from pineapple and vanilla. It may also lead to a clumpier, less pleasant texture.

Can AG1 be added to foods like yogurt or oatmeal?

While it can be mixed into yogurt, adding AG1 to hot oatmeal is not advised for the same reasons as hot tea. If mixing with a warm food, you must let it cool down first to preserve the nutrients.