Is AG1 the Real Deal? An In-Depth Review

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 90% of U.S. adults do not meet their daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. This significant gap in nutrition has fueled the rise of supplements like AG1, a daily powdered drink mix promising to deliver foundational health support. But with extensive marketing and a high price tag, is AG1 truly worth the investment?

Quick Summary

An extensive review dissects AG1's ingredients, evaluating its health claims against scientific evidence. This analysis covers the product's cost, formula transparency, and comparison to alternatives, helping you decide its genuine value.

Key Points

Proprietary Blends Lack Transparency: AG1 uses proprietary blends, so the specific quantities of many key ingredients like adaptogens and superfoods are unknown, making it hard to verify effective dosages.
High Cost for Daily Use: As one of the most expensive greens powders, AG1's high price may not be justified for healthy individuals with a balanced diet, who could make more cost-effective choices.
Not a Replacement for Whole Foods: AG1 lacks the fiber, hydration, and complete nutrient matrix found in whole fruits and vegetables and should be seen as a supplement, not a substitute.
Third-Party Certified for Safety: AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, a rigorous certification that tests for banned substances and contaminants, ensuring a high-quality and safe product for athletes and the public.
Value Depends on Your Needs: For those with significant dietary gaps or high nutritional needs, AG1 may be a worthwhile investment, but the average person might find better value in a varied diet or cheaper alternatives.

What Exactly Is AG1?

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is an all-in-one nutritional supplement sold as a green powder mix. It is formulated with a proprietary blend of 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food-sourced superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens. The company claims a single daily scoop can support various aspects of health, including gut health, immune function, energy levels, and mood. The product is NSF Certified for Sport, a third-party testing certification that verifies it is free from banned substances and unsafe levels of contaminants.

The Ingredients: Under the Hood of the Proprietary Blends

AG1’s ingredient list is long and impressive, but most of its key components are housed within four proprietary blends, meaning the exact quantity of each specific ingredient is not disclosed. This lack of transparency is a significant point of contention among nutrition experts. Here's a breakdown of the key ingredient categories:

Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex: This blend includes organic spirulina, organic chlorella, and lecithin. While these are nutrient-rich, the undisclosed amounts make it impossible to know if they meet clinically effective dosages.
Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants: This complex features various antioxidant-rich plant extracts, adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola, and functional mushrooms. Adaptogens are said to help the body manage stress, but the scientific evidence for many of their effects is limited or based on doses higher than likely present in AG1.
Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex: Includes ingredients like astragalus root extract, bromelain (a digestive enzyme from pineapple), and mushroom powders. Some users report digestive improvements, though the efficacy of the dosages is unknown.
Dairy-Free Probiotics: AG1 contains a blend of probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, claiming 10 billion CFUs in the current formulation. This is intended to support a healthy gut microbiome.

The Vitamin and Mineral Paradox

While AG1 contains a wide array of vitamins and minerals, often exceeding 100% of the Daily Value for many B vitamins and Vitamin C, there are a few notable issues. The formulation is enhanced with synthetic vitamins, which may be less bioavailable than whole-food-sourced versions, though AG1 also contains many whole-food ingredients. Critically, it contains low levels of essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron and notably lacks Vitamin D. Excessive intake of certain vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones like K2 found in the supplement, can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.

AG1's Clinical Research: Self-Funded and Limited

AG1 points to clinical studies on its website as evidence of effectiveness. However, these studies are funded by Athletic Greens, and some have limitations in design, such as small sample sizes or reliance on subjective self-reported outcomes. One in-vitro (test tube) study, for instance, showed an impact on gut microbial composition, but cautioned that further human testing is needed. The company has also been criticized for its influencer marketing, where promoters may make unsubstantiated health claims. While the company's commitment to research is admirable, independent, large-scale studies are needed to confirm the benefits for the general population.

AG1 vs. Other Greens Powders: A Comparison

To understand AG1's value, it helps to compare it to competitors. Here is a table contrasting AG1 with a few other popular green powders.


Feature	AG1	Live it Up Super Greens	Amazing Grass Green Superfood
Subscription Price (per serving)	~$2.63	~$1.33	~$1.33
Certified Organic?	No, but many organic ingredients	Yes	Yes
Third-Party Tested?	Yes, NSF Certified for Sport	Yes	Yes
Proprietary Blends?	Yes	No, full transparency	Yes
Vitamin D?	No	No (check newer formulations)	No (check newer formulations)
Probiotics (CFUs)	10 Billion	5 Billion	Not listed

The High Cost and Value Proposition

At approximately $79 per month for a single subscription, AG1 is one of the most expensive green powders on the market. For most healthy individuals who already eat a balanced diet, the added benefits may not justify the significant cost. Registered dietitians often prioritize a 'food first, supplements second' philosophy, as whole foods provide fiber, hydration, and complex nutrients that a powder cannot fully replicate. However, for high-performance athletes with intense nutritional demands or those with significant dietary gaps, the cost might be deemed worthwhile. Ultimately, the value of AG1 depends heavily on an individual's current diet, health goals, and budget.

Conclusion

So, is AG1 the real deal? The answer is nuanced. On one hand, AG1 is a high-quality, comprehensive supplement that is NSF Certified for Sport and contains a broad spectrum of nutrients, probiotics, and adaptogens. For some individuals, particularly those with poor diets or high-intensity athletic needs, it can serve as an effective nutritional insurance policy to fill dietary gaps and support overall wellness. Many users report positive experiences with increased energy and improved digestion.

On the other hand, the high cost, use of proprietary blends with undisclosed ingredient quantities, and reliance on company-funded research are significant drawbacks. It is not a magical cure-all and does not replace the benefits of a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables. For the average person, more affordable and equally transparent alternatives may offer better value. Before starting any new supplement, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional, especially given potential interactions with medications and specific health conditions.

AG1 is not a scam, but whether it is the 'real deal' depends on your individual circumstances. It is a premium product with a premium price tag, and for many, the investment may not align with the potential benefits. The smart consumer will weigh the transparency, evidence, and cost before committing to this popular green drink. For more reading, see the in-vitro study on AG1's effect on gut microbiota..

Frequently Asked Questions

For many, AG1 can replace a general multivitamin as it contains a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. However, it notably lacks Vitamin D and sufficient iron, so you may need to supplement those separately.

Some users report experiencing gastrointestinal issues like bloating or an upset stomach, which could be related to the high dose of probiotics or ingredients like stevia. Individuals with sensitive stomachs may need to start with a smaller dose.

Many users report increased energy levels. This may be due to the high concentration of B-vitamins, which play a crucial role in energy production, especially for those with existing deficiencies. For some, it may also be a placebo effect, and individual results vary.

AG1 is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the presence of adaptogens and a lack of specific safety research for these populations. Always consult a doctor before use.

The original AG1 has a subtly sweet, earthy taste with hints of pineapple and vanilla. Some users find it pleasant, while others find the earthy notes overpowering. The company also offers other flavors.

While individual results vary, the company and some user reviews suggest that most benefits are experienced within one to three months of consistent daily use.

Yes, several greens powders are significantly cheaper. Brands like Live it Up Super Greens offer similar benefits with a fully transparent ingredient list, while others like Amazing Grass are also available at a lower price point.