Is AG1 Worth It for the Price? A Comprehensive Review

January 7, 2026 •

5 min read

Approximately 90% of Americans do not consume the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. AG1, a greens powder, aims to fill this nutritional gap, but its cost raises questions about value.

Quick Summary

This article examines the cost, ingredients, and effectiveness of AG1. Compare AG1 to other greens powders to determine whether the high price is worth it.

Key Points

High Cost: AG1 is more expensive than many greens powders, even with a subscription.
Extensive Ingredients: A single scoop includes 75 ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and 10 billion CFUs of probiotics.
Ingredient Transparency: The use of proprietary blends means the specific amount of many ingredients is not disclosed, making it difficult to assess effectiveness.
Quality and Safety: AG1 holds certifications, including NSF Certified for Sport, which verifies third-party testing for banned substances and contaminants.
Not a Replacement for Whole Foods: AG1 should not be used as a substitute for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are crucial for fiber intake.
Value Varies: The high price may be justified for professional athletes or those with significant nutrient deficiencies, but cheaper alternatives may offer comparable benefits.
Potential Side Effects: Some users may experience gastrointestinal upset when first starting AG1, often due to the high probiotic and prebiotic content.

AG1, previously known as Athletic Greens, is a popular supplement known for its marketing and endorsement by celebrities. Marketed as a comprehensive nutritional product, AG1 combines a blend of vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients in a single daily scoop. However, the cost of AG1 is a significant factor. Determining if AG1 is worth the price demands a thorough evaluation of ingredients, claimed benefits, and drawbacks, considering the potential cost savings of a robust whole-foods diet or cheaper alternatives.

AG1's Cost: What You Get

AG1's price is a key consideration for potential customers. A one-time purchase of a 30-serving pouch costs $99, approximately $3.30 per serving. A monthly subscription reduces the cost to $79 ($2.63 per serving). AG1 is at the higher end of the greens powder market. This cost covers an extensive ingredient list, third-party testing certifications (such as NSF Certified for Sport), and the convenience of an all-in-one format.

The Advantages of AG1: Is the Cost Justified?

Advocates of AG1 point to various factors to justify the cost:

Comprehensive Nutrient Profile: AG1 has 75 ingredients, including 21 vitamins and minerals, whole-food sourced nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens, and mushrooms. This list may replace the need for several individual supplements like a multivitamin and a probiotic.
Quality and Safety: The product is made in a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registered, GMP-compliant facility and is NSF Certified for Sport. This independent third-party testing ensures the product is free from contaminants and banned athletic substances. This offers a strong level of quality assurance.
Convenience: The convenience of a single daily scoop is a significant benefit for individuals with busy schedules or those who dislike taking multiple pills. This simplifies a wellness routine.
Reported Benefits: Many users report benefits like improved energy levels, digestion, and overall wellness. Some studies, including company-sponsored ones, suggest positive impacts on the gut microbiome and nutrient absorption.

The Drawbacks of AG1: Arguments Against the Price

Despite the benefits, several downsides and criticisms question whether the price is worth it for most people:

Proprietary Blends: The use of proprietary blends hides the exact amounts of many ingredients. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to determine if the dosages of certain expensive ingredients, like adaptogens, are high enough to be effective. Paying a premium for undisclosed quantities may be unjustified.
Missing Key Nutrients: AG1 is not a complete nutritional solution. It notably lacks adequate amounts of Vitamin D and Iron, two nutrients for which deficiency is common. Additional supplements will need to be added to fill these gaps, increasing the total cost.
Low Fiber Content: AG1 contains only 2 grams of fiber per serving, far below the recommended daily fiber intake of 22-34 grams for adults. It cannot replace the fiber benefits of whole fruits and vegetables.
Taste and Side Effects: Some users find AG1's earthy, stevia-sweetened flavor unpleasant or gritty. Some people experience initial gastrointestinal upset, like bloating or gas, as their bodies adjust to the probiotics and prebiotics.
Limited Independent Research: There is a lack of large, independent, peer-reviewed human research to conclusively prove its effectiveness as a comprehensive product. The anecdotal evidence and company-led studies may be insufficient to support the broad health claims.

AG1 vs. Competitors: A Value Comparison

To put the cost of AG1 in perspective, a comparison with other popular greens powders is illuminating. As demonstrated in the table below, AG1 is consistently the most expensive option.


Feature	AG1	Live it Up Super Greens	Amazing Grass Greens Blend
Subscription Price per Serving	~$2.63	~$1.33	~$1.06 (with 20% discount)
Servings per container	30	30	30
Key Ingredients	75+ (Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics, Adaptogens, Mushrooms)	20+ (Organic Greens, Probiotics, Enzymes)	30+ (Greens, Fiber, Antioxidants, Probiotics)
Ingredient Transparency	Proprietary blends hide dosages	Transparent with whole-food sourcing	Primarily proprietary blends
Third-Party Testing	NSF Certified for Sport	Yes (30-day guarantee)	Organic Certified

Note: Subscription prices and offerings may vary. Pricing is based on recent search data.

Who is AG1 For? The Target User

Whether AG1 is worth its price depends on the individual. It is not a one-size-fits-all product. For some, the cost may be justified, while for others, it is unnecessary.

AG1 may be a suitable investment for:

High-performance athletes: Their higher nutrient demands and need for tested, banned-substance-free products (NSF Certified for Sport) make AG1's features valuable.
Individuals with significant nutritional gaps: Those who struggle to consume a varied diet may find the comprehensive blend a convenient 'nutritional insurance' policy, despite the high cost.
People with a high supplement budget: Those who already take and budget for multiple individual supplements (multivitamin, probiotics, adaptogens) may find AG1's consolidation of these products a worthwhile value proposition.

On the other hand, AG1 is likely not worth the price for:

The average, healthy consumer: If you eat a balanced diet, the expensive and excessive doses of many vitamins and minerals will simply be excreted, leading to 'expensive urine'. More affordable, simpler greens powders or even a targeted multivitamin may offer better value.
Budget-conscious individuals: The steep monthly cost is simply not feasible for many people, especially when cheaper, effective alternatives or a focus on whole foods can achieve similar health goals.
Those on specific medications or with conditions: Individuals with health conditions or who take specific medications should consult a doctor, as there is a lack of transparency and high concentrations of certain ingredients.

The Conclusion: Evaluating Value

Assessing if AG1 is worth the price means looking beyond the cost. The value proposition is complex, balancing premium ingredients, third-party testing, and extreme convenience against a high price, proprietary formulas, and the availability of cheaper alternatives. It can be a comprehensive supplement for elite athletes or those with specific nutritional needs, but it's often an unnecessary luxury for the average person. A balanced, whole-food diet remains the most cost-effective path to good health. The decision hinges on your nutritional needs, budget, and personal value placed on convenience and brand loyalty. Consulting resources like the National Institutes of Health can provide a deeper understanding of supplement efficacy and potential risks.(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/athletic-greens-review)

Conclusion

AG1's high price is a barrier for many. While its convenience and ingredient list are selling points, the lack of dosage transparency and the existence of more affordable, comparable products temper its value. For those who prioritize convenience and have the budget, it can be a comprehensive supplement. However, for the average consumer, investing in a balanced diet or exploring more budget-friendly greens powders is a more pragmatic and effective approach to wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the average, healthy person with a balanced diet, AG1 is generally not considered worth the high price. You can achieve similar health benefits through a focused diet or more affordable, targeted supplements.

AG1 is significantly more expensive than many popular alternatives. For example, Live it Up Super Greens and Amazing Grass Greens Blend offer similar benefits at a much lower price point, often under half the cost per serving.

While AG1 has conducted its own small trials showing potential benefits, there is a lack of large-scale, independent, and peer-reviewed human research to prove its broad efficacy claims.

AG1 provides a wide array of vitamins and minerals, which may replace a standard multivitamin for some. However, it lacks iron and vitamin D, two common deficiencies that would require separate supplementation.

AG1 uses proprietary blends for many ingredients, meaning the specific amounts are not listed on the label. This prevents consumers from knowing if they are receiving clinically effective doses of all ingredients, which is a drawback for a premium-priced product.

Some users report experiencing gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea, particularly when first starting AG1. These effects are often attributed to the high concentration of probiotics and prebiotics.

No, AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, a third-party certification that tests for over 280 substances banned by major athletic organizations, making it a trusted option for competitive athletes.

Yes, AG1 offers a flexible subscription model that allows customers to pause, cancel, or modify their deliveries at any time, often managed through their online customer dashboard.

No, AG1 is a supplement, not a replacement for whole foods. It lacks the fiber and complex nutrient profile of real fruits and vegetables, and should be used to complement, not substitute, a healthy diet.

The high cost is attributed to its extensive ingredient list (75 ingredients), the quality of materials, and the third-party testing required for its certifications, like NSF Certified for Sport.