Is AG1 Really Healthy? An In-Depth Look at the Popular Greens Powder

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

With over 75 ingredients, AG1 is marketed as a comprehensive daily nutritional supplement to fill dietary gaps and support overall health. The greens powder, formerly known as Athletic Greens, has gained massive popularity, but the question remains: is AG1 really healthy, and is it worth the investment?

Quick Summary

AG1 is an all-in-one greens powder with over 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients. While some users report benefits, the product uses proprietary blends, lacks certain key nutrients, and comes with a significant price tag.

Key Points

Proprietary Blends: AG1 uses proprietary blends with undisclosed ingredient quantities, making it difficult to assess the efficacy of many components.
Cost vs. Convenience: The high cost of AG1 is a significant barrier for many, balancing against the convenience of combining multiple supplements into one daily drink.
Supplement, Not Substitute: AG1 is not a replacement for a balanced diet and lacks the fiber and full nutrient complexity of whole fruits and vegetables.
Mixed Evidence: While some users report subjective benefits like increased energy, many of the company's health claims lack robust, independent scientific validation.
Potential Side Effects: Some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating or upset stomach, especially when first starting AG1.
Third-Party Certified: AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, a key reassurance for athletes and others concerned about contaminants and banned substances.
Specific Nutrient Gaps: The supplement does not include sufficient amounts of essential nutrients like Vitamin D and iron, which may require separate supplementation.

What is AG1?

AG1, produced by the company Athletic Greens, is a daily powdered supplement that includes a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Each scoop is designed to be mixed with water and consumed daily, providing a convenient dose of antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and adaptogens. Initially targeted at athletes, it is now marketed to a broader audience as a foundational nutrition habit. The formula has been updated over the years to include an even wider range of ingredients.

The All-in-One Approach

AG1 positions itself as a comprehensive supplement that can replace a multivitamin, probiotic, and other supplements, simplifying a complex health routine into one daily drink. This convenience is a major selling point for many consumers who want a simple solution to cover their nutritional bases.

AG1 Ingredients and Formulation

The AG1 formula is a complex mix of several categories of ingredients. A single 12g scoop contains 40-50 calories, with less than 1g of sugar.

Proprietary Blends

AG1 uses proprietary blends, meaning the exact quantity of each ingredient within the blend is not disclosed. This makes it challenging to determine if ingredients are present in effective doses. Key blends include a superfood and prebiotic complex with ingredients like spirulina and inulin, a phytonutrient complex with various plant extracts, and dairy-free probiotics totaling 10 billion CFUs.

Added Vitamins and Minerals

AG1 contains numerous added vitamins and minerals, with many exceeding the daily recommended value. While generally safe, these are often synthetic, differing from naturally occurring nutrients in whole foods.

AG1 vs. Whole Foods and Competitors

Comparing AG1 to a diet rich in whole foods and other greens powders helps evaluate its health value.


Feature	AG1	Whole Fruits and Vegetables	Live It Up Super Greens
Nutrient Source	Synthetic vitamins + concentrated extracts	Naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients	Mostly whole-food sourced ingredients
Ingredient Transparency	Proprietary blends with undisclosed quantities	Naturally transparent, full nutrient profile available	Ingredient list is more transparent than AG1
Fiber Content	Minimal (2g per serving)	High, depending on variety	Slightly higher than AG1, sourced from plants
Key Nutrients Missed	Lacks Vitamin D and Iron	Complete profile through varied diet	Low in Vitamin C and other nutrients compared to AG1
Price	Very expensive ($2.63-$3.30/serving)	Cost depends on diet and location	More affordable than AG1 ($1.33-$2.00/serving)
Third-Party Testing	NSF Certified for Sport	N/A	Third-party tested, not certified for sport

The Whole Foods Advantage

Supplements like AG1 cannot fully replace a balanced diet. Whole foods provide essential fiber and water, along with complex nutrient profiles that work synergistically. AG1 should be seen as a complement to a healthy diet, not a substitute.

Potential Downsides and Health Concerns

While generally safe, AG1 has potential drawbacks:

Proprietary blends pose transparency issues.
Some users experience digestive problems like bloating.
Interactions with certain medications are possible.
It lacks significant Vitamin D and Iron.
Not recommended for children, pregnant/breastfeeding women, or individuals with certain medical conditions.
The cost is high compared to alternatives.

When Might AG1 Be Useful?

AG1 can be beneficial in specific situations:

Filling nutrient gaps for those with inconsistent diets.
Providing convenience for busy individuals or travelers.
Offering NSF Certified for Sport assurance for athletes.
Acting as a potential motivator for adopting other healthy habits.

The Verdict: Is AG1 a Healthy Choice?

AG1 is a high-quality, nutrient-dense supplement that is third-party tested. It can be a convenient way to boost nutrient intake for those with specific needs or dietary gaps. However, many claims lack independent evidence, and the high cost is a barrier. It is not a replacement for a balanced diet and lacks the full benefits of whole foods. Ultimately, AG1 can be part of a healthy routine but requires realistic expectations. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

For an in-depth review from a dietitian, see this comprehensive analysis: A Dietitian's AG1 Review 2025: Taste, Cost, and Benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

AG1 is one of the most expensive greens powders on the market, and its value is highly individual. For those with significant dietary gaps or specific needs, it may be a worthwhile investment for its comprehensive formula. However, for those with a balanced diet or a tight budget, less expensive alternatives or whole foods are often better options.

For some, AG1 may provide enough vitamins and minerals to replace a standard multivitamin. However, AG1 does not contain significant amounts of vitamin D or iron, so additional supplements may still be necessary to meet your nutritional needs.

Some users have reported side effects such as upset stomach, bloating, or diarrhea, which can occur as the body adjusts to the high dose of probiotics and prebiotic fiber. These symptoms often subside over time, but you should consult a doctor if they persist.

AG1 contains high doses of B-vitamins, which play a crucial role in energy production. While many users report feeling more energetic, this effect is most noticeable in individuals who were previously deficient in these vitamins. The overall effect depends on your personal nutritional status.

No, AG1 is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Due to the presence of adaptogens and other concentrated ingredients, it is best to avoid use during these life stages and consult a healthcare professional.

No, AG1 is a supplement and should not replace eating whole fruits and vegetables. It contains only 2 grams of fiber per serving, much less than a balanced diet. Whole foods provide fiber, water, and other nutrients not fully replicated in a powder.

AG1 is best for adults who have difficulty maintaining a balanced diet, athletes with higher nutrient needs, or those who travel frequently and need a convenient nutritional safety net. It is suitable for a variety of diets, including vegan, keto, and paleo.