Does AG1 Break a Fast? A Comprehensive Guide for Your Nutrition Diet

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

With one scoop of AG1 containing around 40 calories and trace macronutrients, the question 'Does AG1 break a fast?' has a nuanced answer depending on the goals of your nutrition diet. The answer isn't a simple yes or no, as it depends entirely on your specific fasting protocol and desired metabolic outcome.

Quick Summary

While AG1 has low calories, it technically breaks a strict water fast. Its impact on intermittent fasting varies based on individual goals, but it is best consumed during an eating window to avoid interrupting the fasting state.

Key Points

Caloric Content: A scoop of AG1 contains approximately 40 calories, which technically breaks a strict, zero-calorie fast.
Fasting Protocol Matters: AG1 is not compatible with strict water fasts or fasts aimed at maximizing autophagy, but can be incorporated into time-restricted feeding for broader health goals.
Timing is Key: To avoid breaking your fast, it is best to consume AG1 at the start of your eating window.
Ingredient Impact: The carbs and probiotics in AG1 can trigger a digestive response, which is why purists avoid it during a fast.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before combining new supplements like AG1 with a fasting regimen, especially for specific health conditions.
Not a Meal Replacement: AG1 is a supplement designed to fill nutrient gaps, not to replace the balanced nutrition from whole foods.

For those practicing intermittent fasting or other forms of fasting, knowing what's safe to consume during a fasting window is crucial. AG1, a popular greens supplement, often comes into question. While marketing materials suggest it's compatible with intermittent fasting, a deeper look at its ingredients and your fasting goals provides a more complete picture. The ultimate verdict hinges on your personal metabolic objectives and definition of a 'fast.'

The Caloric Content and Ingredients of AG1

One scoop of AG1 contains approximately 40 calories, along with small amounts of carbohydrates and protein. For a strict fast, where the goal is zero caloric intake, any substance containing calories will technically end the fasting period. AG1 contains a complex blend of 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens, many of which can have beneficial effects on gut health and overall energy levels. However, the presence of carbohydrates and protein, even in small amounts, means it is not a zero-calorie beverage like water or black coffee.

The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics

AG1 contains probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and prebiotics, which are food for the good bacteria in your gut. While beneficial for gut health, the fiber and microbial content can trigger a digestive response that some fasting practitioners prefer to avoid during their fasting window. This is another aspect that differentiates it from a true, water-only fast.

Fasting Goals: The Difference is Key

The question of whether AG1 breaks a fast depends heavily on what you are trying to achieve through fasting. Not all fasting protocols are the same, and their metabolic goals differ significantly.

Strict Water Fasting vs. AG1

For those on a strict water fast, the goal is to consume nothing but water to maximize metabolic benefits such as ketosis and autophagy. The introduction of any calories from AG1, even a small amount, will disrupt this process. In this scenario, AG1 should be avoided entirely during the fasting period.

Intermittent Fasting vs. AG1

In intermittent fasting (IF), such as the 16:8 method, the focus is on a time-restricted eating window rather than strict zero calories. For individuals whose primary goal is weight management, some argue that the minimal caloric load of AG1 won't significantly impact their overall daily calorie deficit or metabolic goals. However, purists still argue that the introduction of any calories, no matter how few, technically breaks the fast. For many, taking AG1 during the eating window is the safest and most effective approach.

Autophagy and AG1

Autophagy is a process of cellular cleansing that occurs during a fasted state. The process is highly sensitive to caloric intake, and consuming even a small amount of calories can halt it. For those whose fasting goal is to stimulate autophagy, AG1 is not recommended during the fasting window. To promote autophagy, you must stick to water, black coffee, or tea.

Incorporating AG1 into a Fasting Routine

To reap the nutritional benefits of AG1 without compromising your fast, timing is everything. It is widely recommended to take AG1 at the beginning of your eating window.

Optimize nutrient absorption: Taking AG1 on an empty stomach at the start of your eating window is recommended for maximum nutrient absorption.
Pair with a meal: If you prefer, you can consume AG1 15-30 minutes before your first full meal of the day.
Avoid confusion: This strategy removes any uncertainty about whether you are breaking your fast and allows you to enjoy the supplement's benefits without worry.

AG1 vs. True Fasting

To illustrate the key differences, here is a comparison table:


Feature	Strict Water Fast	Intermittent Fasting (with AG1)	Intermittent Fasting (without AG1)
Caloric Intake	0 calories	40 calories (during fast)	0 calories (during fast)
Insulin Response	Minimal	Slight, due to calories	Minimal
Autophagy Status	Active	Interrupted	Active
Metabolic Goals	Ketosis, Autophagy	Weight Management, Nutrient Intake	Ketosis, Weight Management
Gut Health Support	Minimal	Enhanced (from probiotics)	Minimal
Nutrient Intake	Water, electrolytes	Vitamins, Minerals, Adaptogens	Water, electrolytes

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While AG1 offers a host of nutritional benefits for a balanced nutrition diet, its place within a fasting regimen requires careful consideration. A strict water fast or a fast targeting autophagy is incompatible with AG1 due to its caloric and macronutrient content. For those following a more flexible intermittent fasting schedule for general health or weight management, the low-calorie content may be acceptable, though it will technically break the fast. The most reliable strategy is to simply consume AG1 during your designated eating window to avoid any ambiguity. Before incorporating any new supplement into your diet, particularly alongside fasting, it is always wise to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs. Ultimately, your personal definition of 'fasting' and health goals will determine if AG1 is a suitable addition to your routine during the fasting period.

Fasting Flexibility: Embracing Personal Goals

AG1 is suitable for a range of dietary patterns, including paleo, keto, and vegan, making it a flexible option for many. The decision to include it during a fasting window comes down to your personal priorities: maximizing a strict fasted state or adding a nutrient boost during a lower-calorie period.

Note: AG1 is a nutritional supplement and should not replace a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods. The benefits are supplementary, not a replacement for good nutrition from food sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

While AG1 has low net carbs, any intake of carbohydrates and calories can technically disrupt a state of deep ketosis. If you are following a strict ketogenic diet, it is safest to consume AG1 during your eating window.

Yes, many people on a 16:8 schedule consume AG1. However, to avoid technically breaking your fast, it is recommended to take it at the beginning of your 8-hour eating window.

The primary reason AG1 breaks a fast is its caloric content. A standard scoop contains around 40 calories, which, according to the strictest definition of fasting, ends the fasted state.

Yes, because autophagy is a calorie-sensitive process, the 40 calories from AG1 are likely to interrupt or prevent it. If maximizing autophagy is your goal, avoid AG1 during your fasting period.

During a fast, calorie-free beverages like black coffee and unsweetened tea are generally accepted. Some individuals also allow bone broth, though this contains calories and is up for debate depending on the specific fasting rules.

Yes, AG1 is designed to be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. The key is to take it within your eating window if you are practicing intermittent fasting.

Some individuals report that the fiber and nutrients in greens powders like AG1 can help with satiety. However, taking it during your eating window is a better strategy to manage hunger without breaking your fast.