The Manufacturer's Stance on Timing
AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is marketed as a daily health drink to be taken consistently as part of a foundational nutrition routine. The company often recommends consuming it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, but they also clarify that the most important factor is consistency. This flexibility means that taking AG1 before bed is an option, but the user must consider the specific ingredients and how they might affect sleep and digestion.
AG1's Ingredients and Their Potential Nighttime Impact
AG1 contains a comprehensive blend of over 75 vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, probiotics, and whole-food sourced nutrients. While beneficial, some of these ingredients could potentially clash with an evening routine aimed at relaxation and sleep preparation.
- B Vitamins: AG1 contains high doses of all eight B vitamins, which are crucial for energy metabolism and converting food into usable energy. For individuals not getting enough B vitamins from their diet, this could provide a noticeable energy lift. While this is a great benefit during the day, a significant energy boost before bed might be counterproductive to a restful night.
- Adaptogens: The formula includes adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha, which are intended to help the body manage stress. While ashwagandha is sometimes associated with promoting relaxation, rhodiola is more commonly linked to boosting energy and combating fatigue. The combined effect on an individual before bed can be unpredictable.
- Matcha and Cocoa Extract: AG1 contains small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine from matcha leaf and cocoa bean extract. For individuals sensitive to caffeine, even a small amount consumed in the evening could disrupt sleep patterns.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: The formula includes probiotics and prebiotics, like inulin, to support gut health and digestion. For some, a new influx of probiotics can lead to mild digestive upset, bloating, or gas as the body adjusts, especially when first starting. These effects might be more noticeable at night and could interfere with comfort during sleep.
The Arguments for Taking AG1 Before Bed
While the potential for disrupted sleep is a valid concern, there are some reasons why a person might consider an evening dose of AG1, especially based on the components found in many greens powders.
- Digestive Support: The digestive enzymes and probiotics in AG1 might assist with the breakdown of food and support a healthy gut microbiome, potentially helping to alleviate digestive discomfort after an evening meal.
- Consistency is Key: If your morning routine is too hectic, taking AG1 before bed might be the only way to maintain the daily consistency that is so critical to seeing long-term benefits. The benefits of consistent nutrient intake compound over time, regardless of the exact timing.
- Personalized Timing: Some people may not experience any stimulatory effects from the ingredients and could find an evening routine fits their lifestyle better. Paying attention to your body's response is the most reliable way to determine the ideal timing.
Comparing AG1 and the Nighttime Alternative: AGZ
It's important to recognize that Athletic Greens offers a separate product specifically designed for evening consumption and sleep support, called AGZ. This product is formulated with different ingredients to promote rest and recovery, rather than energy.
| Feature | AG1 (Daily Health Drink) | AGZ (Nighttime Drink) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Foundational nutrition, energy, and daily wellness | Supports restful, restorative sleep |
| Key Ingredients | B vitamins, adaptogens (rhodiola, ashwagandha), probiotics, prebiotics, and superfoods | Calming herbs (valerian, saffron), magnesium L-threonate, and adaptogens (ashwagandha) |
| Energy Boost? | Possible, due to B vitamins and adaptogens like rhodiola | Not designed to boost energy; melatonin-free and promotes relaxation |
| Best Time to Take | Morning, on an empty stomach for optimal absorption | Nightly, before bedtime |
| Contains Caffeine? | Small amount from matcha and cocoa extract | No caffeine |
| Potential Night Issue | May disrupt sleep for some, and could cause digestive issues | Designed to help wind down and rest |
Deciding When to Take AG1
To figure out the best timing for you, consider these points:
- Assess your sleep sensitivity: If you are sensitive to caffeine or other stimulating compounds, an evening dose of AG1 could negatively impact your sleep quality. If you find your sleep is disturbed, switch to a morning routine.
- Monitor digestive effects: Start with a half dose to see how your digestive system reacts. If you experience bloating, gas, or stomach upset, taking it earlier in the day might be more comfortable.
- Prioritize consistency: If your mornings are too chaotic to remember your supplement, an evening routine may be your best bet. The long-term benefits of consistent intake likely outweigh the sub-optimal timing, as long as it doesn't disrupt your sleep.
- Consider AGZ for specific sleep needs: If your primary goal is to aid sleep or winding down, the AGZ product is the more targeted option and was specifically created for that purpose.
Best Practices for Your AG1 Routine
If you choose to incorporate AG1 into your routine, here are some tips:
- Start small: When introducing any new supplement, beginning with a half scoop can help your body adjust to the ingredients, particularly the probiotics.
- Mix with cold water: AG1 is designed to be mixed with cold water, and the brand advises against hot liquids, which could affect the integrity of some ingredients.
- Listen to your body: The effects of AG1 are highly individual. Some people report increased energy, while others notice improved digestion. Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust the timing accordingly.
- Wait to eat (if taking in the morning): If you take AG1 in the morning, taking it on an empty stomach is recommended for optimal absorption. Waiting at least 10 minutes before eating is ideal.
- Keep it refrigerated: After opening the pouch, AG1 should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness and potency of its ingredients, including the live probiotics.
- Complement, don't replace: Remember that AG1 is a supplement, not a meal replacement. It helps to fill nutritional gaps, but a balanced diet of whole foods is still paramount for overall health. You can read more about nutrient density and whole foods from trusted health resources like the Healthline review of AG1.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the answer to 'Can you take AG1 before bed?' is yes, you can, but whether you should depends on your personal health goals and how your body reacts to its ingredients. While the manufacturer and many users recommend a morning dose to leverage its energy-boosting nutrients throughout the day, an evening dose is possible if consistency is the main priority. However, for those with digestive sensitivities or who are particularly affected by energy-boosting ingredients, a morning routine might be a better choice. If better sleep is the primary goal, AGZ is specifically formulated to address that need. As with any supplement, listening to your body's feedback and consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to find the best routine for you.
References
- Healthline. (2024, October 31). AG1 Review: A Dietitian and Health Editor's Take. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/athletic-greens-review
- AG1. (n.d.). FAQ. https://drinkag1.com/about-ag1/faq
- AG1. (n.d.). Daily Habit. https://drinkag1.com/content/daily-habit
- Live it Up. (2025, September 5). What's the Best Time to Drink Greens Powder? https://letsliveitup.com/blogs/supergreens/best-time-to-drink-greens-powder
- The Real Food Dietitians. (2025, August 21). A Dietitian's AG1 Review 2025: Taste, Cost, and Benefits. https://therealfooddietitians.com/athletic-greens-review/
- Top Nutrition Coaching. (2025, August 30). A Dietitian's AG1 Review: Nutrition, Taste, Cost, and More. https://www.topnutritioncoaching.com/blog/ag1-review
- AG1. (n.d.). Sleep Support Supplement - Nighttime Drink | AGZ. https://drinkag1.com/product/sleep-supplement
- Glamour. (2025, March 24). I Tried Athletic Greens for a Month–Here’s My AG1 Review. https://www.glamour.com/story/ag1-review