Is AG1 Good for You? A Dietitian's Review of the Greens Powder

October 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2025 review by registered dietitians, while AG1 offers convenience and key nutrients, its high price and proprietary blends make it less worthwhile for most healthy individuals. This comprehensive analysis addresses the central question: is AG1 good for you, or is it another overpriced wellness trend?

Quick Summary

An examination of AG1 reveals its pros and cons, including its extensive nutrient profile and third-party safety testing alongside its significant cost and lack of ingredient transparency. The powder, while offering convenience, should not be seen as a substitute for whole foods. Expert opinion suggests it may benefit those with dietary gaps, but many people may find more affordable and transparent alternatives.

Key Points

High Cost vs. Value: AG1 is one of the most expensive greens powders, and for many healthy individuals, the high cost may not be justified compared to more affordable alternatives.
Ingredient Transparency: The use of proprietary blends means the exact dosage of many ingredients is unknown, making it difficult to assess their effectiveness.
Not a Meal Replacement: AG1 is a supplement designed to complement a healthy diet, not to replace the nutritional benefits and calories of whole foods.
Third-Party Safety: AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, a reputable third-party certification that confirms product purity and absence of banned substances.
Potential Side Effects: Some users may experience bloating, nausea, or digestive upset, especially when they first start taking the product.
Consider Your Needs: The supplement may be most beneficial for athletes or individuals with significant nutrient gaps, but is likely unnecessary for those already following a balanced diet.

What is AG1? Decoding the All-in-One Supplement

AG1, previously known as Athletic Greens, is a popular greens powder designed as a comprehensive nutritional drink. The company claims one scoop daily delivers 75 vitamins, minerals, superfoods, adaptogens, and probiotics to support various aspects of health, including energy, gut health, and immunity. AG1 is often presented as a convenient way to replace multiple supplements with a single product. Its popularity has grown through marketing and endorsements, highlighting claims of quality ingredients.

The Ingredients: Transparency and Dosage Concerns

AG1 contains four main proprietary blends: an Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex; {Link: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/athletic-greens-review}

Proprietary Blend Issues:

Lack of transparency: AG1 lists blend ingredients but not specific amounts, making it difficult to assess if individual components are present in effective doses.
Underdosing risk: With numerous ingredients in one scoop, many may be in amounts too small to provide significant benefits.

Ingredient Highlights:

High Vitamin Content: Provides high percentages of daily values for many vitamins, though excess water-soluble vitamins are not stored.
Key Probiotics: Includes strains known for potential gut health support.
Adaptogens: Contains herbs aimed at stress management, with efficacy depending on undisclosed dosages.

AG1 vs. Whole Foods and Multivitamins: A Comparison

Comparing AG1 to whole foods and multivitamins helps assess its place in a healthy diet.

{Link: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/athletic-greens-review}

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

Nutrient Gap Filling: May help individuals with diets lacking certain nutrients.
Energy and Gut Support: Some users report benefits, possibly from B vitamins and probiotics.
Third-Party Certified: NSF Certified for Sport status indicates testing for banned substances and purity.

Drawbacks:

Not a Replacement for Whole Foods: It doesn't offer the complete nutritional profile and fiber of whole fruits and vegetables.
High Cost: The price is a major factor, with many less expensive alternatives available.
Side Effects: Some may experience digestive issues initially.
Unsuitable for Certain Groups: Not recommended for pregnant/breastfeeding women, children, or those with specific health conditions or on certain medications.
Opaque Dosages: Proprietary blends make it hard to judge the effectiveness of many ingredients.

Who Should Take AG1?

AG1 might be suitable for specific individuals but isn't for everyone. {Link: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/athletic-greens-review}

For average healthy adults with balanced diets, the cost and lack of transparency are significant drawbacks. A focus on whole foods first is generally recommended. More affordable multivitamins and probiotics may offer better value and transparency for those seeking supplementation.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Is AG1 Good for You?

Determining whether is AG1 good for you depends on individual factors like needs, budget, and diet. While AG1 is a high-quality, tested product, its significant cost and proprietary blends limit its value for many. It may benefit those with dietary deficiencies and who value convenience, but for individuals with balanced diets, the expense is often unwarranted. It does not replace whole foods, and potential limitations and side effects should be considered. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to determine if AG1 or other alternatives are appropriate {Link: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/athletic-greens-review}.

McGill Office for Science and Society - You Probably Don't Need that Green AG1 Smoothie

Frequently Asked Questions

No, AG1 contains only 2 grams of fiber per serving, which is far less than the recommended daily intake for adults.

It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to certain ingredients that have not been proven safe for these groups.

AG1 includes more than just vitamins (probiotics, enzymes, superfoods), but it's much more expensive and lacks the specific dosage transparency typically found in multivitamins.

Results vary; some users report benefits like improved energy and digestion within a month, while others may not notice significant changes.

There is no evidence suggesting AG1 directly causes weight loss. It is a low-calorie supplement that doesn't replace meals or contribute significantly to a weight loss calorie deficit.

AG1's taste is often described as a pleasant, slightly earthy sweetness with notes of pineapple and vanilla, derived from natural flavorings.

No, AG1 does not contain Vitamin D, which is offered as a separate supplement by the company.