Is AG1 Even Worth It? A Deep Dive into Athletic Greens

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 review by registered dietitians, while AG1 offers a comprehensive blend of micronutrients, its high cost and inclusion of proprietary blends make it an excessive choice for the average person. The question for many health-conscious consumers remains: is AG1 even worth it, especially when compared to a whole-food diet and cheaper alternatives?

Quick Summary

This article explores the value proposition of AG1 (Athletic Greens) by examining its ingredient profile, comparing it with alternatives, analyzing the high price point, and evaluating potential health benefits versus drawbacks.

Key Points

High Cost: AG1 is one of the most expensive green powders on the market, averaging over $2.60 per serving, which is often unjustifiable for the average person.
Proprietary Blends: The formula uses proprietary blends, meaning the exact amounts of many superfood and adaptogen ingredients are unknown, making it difficult to assess their effectiveness.
Nutrient Gaps: Despite its extensive ingredient list, AG1 lacks significant amounts of crucial nutrients like Vitamin D, iron, and fiber, requiring additional supplementation.
Not a Whole Food Substitute: Health experts and even AG1 itself stress that it is not a replacement for a balanced diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables.
Good for Athletes: The NSF Certified for Sport label and comprehensive formulation make it a potentially worthwhile option for competitive athletes or those with significant dietary gaps.
High in B-Vitamins and Probiotics: The product delivers megadoses of B-vitamins for potential energy support and a clinically relevant dose of probiotics for gut health.
Mixed Consumer Results: While some users report positive effects on energy and digestion, others notice minimal or no discernible difference, and some experience mild stomach upset.

What Exactly is AG1?

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is a popular all-in-one nutritional supplement designed to support foundational health. A single scoop of this powder is packed with over 75 ingredients, including a wide array of vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens. It is marketed as a convenient replacement for multiple supplements, combining the benefits of a multivitamin, a probiotic, and a green superfood powder into a single daily drink. AG1 is certified for sport, vegan-friendly, and free from GMOs, added sugars, and most common allergens.

The Allure and Marketing of AG1

AG1's prominent marketing features endorsements from numerous influencers and athletes, helping to build a perception of its superior quality and effectiveness. The company emphasizes high-quality ingredient sourcing and rigorous testing, which adds to its appeal. The convenience of consolidating many supplements into one daily routine is a major selling point for those with busy lifestyles. However, this strong marketing and large ingredient list also contribute to its premium price point.

AG1's Nutritional Profile: Pros and Cons

AG1 contains a dense mix of nutrients, which is both a strength and a weakness. While it provides significant doses of many vitamins, some experts argue that its proprietary blends make it impossible to determine the effectiveness of individual ingredients.

Advantages of AG1’s Ingredients

High in Vitamins: One serving provides over 100% of the Daily Value for several vitamins, including B-vitamins, vitamin C, and biotin.
Significant Probiotic Content: The formula includes 10 billion CFU of five different probiotic strains, which is considered an effective dose for supporting gut health.
Supports Energy: The high concentration of B-vitamins, crucial for energy production, may help combat fatigue, especially for those with a deficiency.
Adaptogens and Antioxidants: The blend includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms, and antioxidants from various plant extracts, which may support the body's stress response and protect cells.

Drawbacks and Concerns

Proprietary Blends: A significant portion of the formula is proprietary, meaning the specific amount of each superfood and adaptogen is not disclosed. This raises questions about whether some ingredients are included in effective doses.
Missing Key Nutrients: AG1 notably lacks sufficient quantities of critical nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and omega-3s, requiring users to supplement these separately.
Low Fiber Content: At just 2 grams of fiber per serving, AG1 does not effectively replace the fiber intake from whole fruits and vegetables, which typically provide much higher amounts.
Synthetic Vitamins: A large number of the vitamins and minerals are synthetically produced. While useful, synthetic versions may be less bioavailable than natural ones.

AG1 vs. Other Popular Green Powders

When considering if AG1 is worth the investment, comparing it to other greens powders is crucial. Several alternatives offer similar benefits at a lower cost, though often with different formulations.

Comparison Table: AG1 vs. Alternatives


Feature	AG1	Live It Up Super Greens	Bloom Greens & Superfoods
Price per serving	~$2.63–$3.30+ (subscription dependent)	~$1.33–$2.00+	~$1.16
Number of ingredients	75+ (proprietary blends)	~26 (transparent formula)	~40+ (less transparent)
Third-Party Testing	NSF Certified for Sport	Yes, but specific details vary	No
Key Differentiators	High concentration of synthetic vitamins and adaptogens.	Focus on organic ingredients and natural vitamins.	Budget-friendly price point and diverse flavor options.
Proprietary Blends?	Yes	No (more transparent)	Yes
Vitamin D	Not included (separate supplement available).	Included naturally	Not included

The Cost-Benefit Analysis: The Bottom Line for Consumers

For many, the high cost of AG1 is the primary barrier. A monthly subscription costs around $79, while a single pouch is nearly $100. This translates to a daily cost significantly higher than many competitors. The key to evaluating the cost is to assess individual nutritional needs.

For an average, healthy adult with a balanced diet, AG1's benefits may not justify the expense. A person who regularly consumes a variety of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can likely achieve similar nutritional outcomes through a more affordable multivitamin and probiotic combination. The perceived benefits of increased energy and improved digestion reported by some users could be a result of addressing a pre-existing deficiency rather than a unique property of AG1 itself.

However, for high-performance athletes or those with very restrictive diets that prevent them from consistently getting a wide range of micronutrients, the all-in-one nature and comprehensive formulation of AG1 might be more appealing. The convenience of a single drink, especially when traveling, can also be a deciding factor for some. The NSF Certified for Sport accreditation offers assurance regarding banned substances, which is vital for competitive athletes.

Ultimately, no supplement can replace a healthy, varied diet rich in whole foods. Supplements like AG1 should be viewed as a complement to, not a substitute for, sound nutritional habits. Consulting a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement is highly recommended.

The Verdict on AG1's Value

So, is AG1 even worth it? The answer is complex and depends on your personal circumstances. For the average person, the high price point and proprietary blends may make it a poor value, especially when compared to more affordable, transparent alternatives. For those with specific needs, such as professional athletes or individuals with significant nutrient gaps that cannot be met through diet, the comprehensive formulation and third-party testing may justify the premium cost. Most importantly, it should always be considered a supplement to, not a replacement for, a balanced whole-food diet.

Sources:

Top Nutrition Coaching: A Dietitian's AG1 Review: Nutrition, Taste, Cost, and More
The Real Food Dietitians: A Dietitian's AG1 Review 2025: Taste, Cost, and Benefits
Live it Up: What's in AG1? Ingredients and Analysis
AG1: Foundational Nutrition for Every Day
Healthline: AG1 Review: A Dietitian and Health Editor's Take
Top Nutrition Coaching: A Dietitian's AG1 Review: Nutrition, Taste, Cost, and More
Garage Gym Reviews: Athletic Greens Review (2025): What Our Experts Think
GRNS: Best AG1 Alternatives in 2025: Top Greens Powders Compared
Garage Gym Reviews: Expert RD Comparison: Live It Up Super Greens vs AG1 (2025)
Top Nutrition Coaching: Live it Up vs. AG1 Greens Powders: A Dietitian's Report

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people with a balanced diet, AG1's high price is not worth it, as similar nutritional benefits can be achieved more affordably through whole foods or other supplements. Its value is more apparent for professional athletes or individuals with significant nutrient deficiencies.

AG1 contains many of the same vitamins, minerals, and probiotics found in standalone supplements, potentially replacing them for some. However, it lacks adequate amounts of other vital nutrients like vitamin D and iron, and the exact dosage of its proprietary blends is unknown.

No, AG1 is not a substitute for eating whole fruits and vegetables. While it contains nutrients derived from produce, it lacks the fiber and other beneficial compounds that come from consuming whole foods.

Some users have reported side effects such as bloating, stomach upset, or diarrhea, which may be caused by the high doses of certain ingredients like probiotics or the sweetener stevia. It is recommended to start with a smaller dose to minimize these effects.

AG1 is significantly more expensive than many competitors like Live It Up or Bloom. While AG1 is NSF Certified and has a more comprehensive ingredient list, cheaper alternatives may offer similar benefits, often with more transparent ingredient profiles.

AG1 uses proprietary blends for many of its ingredients, which means the company does not disclose the exact amount of each component. This makes it impossible for consumers to know if they are receiving clinically effective doses of every ingredient.

AG1 is not safe for everyone. It should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, and people with certain health conditions like end-stage kidney disease or lupus. It can also interact with certain medications.