Bloom Greens and Athletic Greens (AG1) are two of the most popular superfood powders on the market, yet they are far from being the same product. While both aim to improve foundational health through a blend of greens, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and adaptogens, they differ drastically in formulation, ingredient transparency, third-party testing, and price. This detailed comparison will break down these key differences to help you decide which powder best fits your needs and budget.
AG1 vs. Bloom Greens: Key Differences
Ingredient Profile and Potency
One of the most significant distinctions lies in the ingredient quantity and potency. AG1, often marketed as a comprehensive all-in-one supplement, contains over 75 ingredients, including a robust complex of whole-food-sourced vitamins and minerals, adaptogens, and 7.2 billion CFUs of probiotics. This makes it a more nutrient-dense product intended to provide a broad range of nutritional support, potentially even replacing a standard multivitamin for some users.
In contrast, Bloom Greens features a smaller list of around 30+ ingredients. The formula contains multiple proprietary blends, including a generous dose of various digestive enzymes, but critics note that the overall potency and dosages of other ingredients may be low given the small serving size. Moreover, Bloom does not disclose the CFU count for its probiotic blend, leading to speculation that the amount may not be clinically significant.
Third-Party Testing and Quality Assurance
Product safety and label accuracy are critical considerations for any supplement. AG1 is certified by NSF for Sport, an independent third-party organization that tests for banned substances and verifies that the product contains what the label claims. This certification is a strong indicator of quality and makes AG1 a preferred choice for professional athletes or anyone seeking extra assurance.
Bloom Greens is made in a GMP-certified facility and is tested for heavy metals and other contaminants, but it lacks the more comprehensive and public third-party certifications like the NSF seal found on AG1. This difference in transparency is a major factor for consumers who prioritize stringent quality control.
Taste and Flavor Options
For many, taste is a deal-breaker. Bloom Greens has a clear advantage in this category, offering a wide array of flavors like mango, kiwi strawberry, and coconut, which are generally considered more palatable and sweeter by reviewers. This makes it an excellent gateway product for those new to greens powders who are put off by the typical grassy taste.
AG1, on the other hand, comes in a single, unflavored (though some detect notes of pineapple and vanilla) option that retains a more earthy, potent taste profile. While not unpleasant for all users, it is a less sweet and more direct-tasting greens experience, with the flavor complexity a result of its dense ingredient list.
Cost and Affordability
Budget is a major differentiator between these two supplements. Bloom Greens is significantly more affordable, with a cost-per-serving that is often less than half of AG1’s. This lower price point makes it an accessible entry into the world of greens powders for many.
AG1 is a premium-priced product, with the higher cost justified by its more comprehensive ingredient list, higher potency of key nutrients like vitamins and minerals, and robust third-party testing. For consumers on a tight budget, Bloom offers a reasonable alternative, though with a different nutritional focus.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bloom Greens | Athletic Greens (AG1) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Serving | ~$1.05 - $1.33 | ~$2.82 - $3.33 |
| Total Ingredients | 30+ ingredients | 75+ ingredients |
| Key Focus | Digestive enzymes, flavor variety | Comprehensive daily nutrition |
| Ingredient Transparency | Uses proprietary blends | More transparent about vitamin content |
| Third-Party Testing | GMP-certified facility, in-house testing | NSF Certified for Sport |
| Probiotic Info | CFU count not disclosed | 7.2 billion CFUs disclosed |
| Flavor Options | Multiple sweet flavors (e.g., mango) | One earthy, mild flavor |
Conclusion: Which Greens Powder is Right for You?
It's clear that Bloom Greens and AG1 are not the same, and the right choice depends on your specific health goals, budget, and priorities. Bloom Greens is a compelling option for those seeking a more affordable and palatable entry into the greens powder market, particularly if your primary concern is digestive health and flavor. The higher number of digestive enzymes and multiple flavor choices are major selling points.
However, if your priority is a more robust, comprehensive nutritional supplement with higher potency, greater transparency, and certified third-party testing, the higher price of AG1 is a worthwhile investment. AG1's broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens makes it a more complete daily nutritional insurance policy.
Ultimately, neither product is a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet. Both can serve as useful supplements to help fill potential nutritional gaps. Assess your individual needs and budget before making a decision. For more information on supplement safety, you can consult resources like the National Institutes of Health.(https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/)
Comparing Key Features
Ingredient Quality and Transparency
- AG1 uses a single, comprehensive formula with more transparent vitamin and mineral dosing, while Bloom relies on proprietary blends that don’t disclose exact amounts.
Efficacy for Bloating Relief
- Bloom Greens includes a wider range of digestive enzymes, which may be more beneficial for targeted bloating relief for some users.
Overall Nutritional Density
- AG1 packs a significantly more nutrient-dense punch per serving with a higher number of ingredients and higher-potency vitamins and minerals.
Value for Money
- Bloom Greens is the clear winner for budget-conscious consumers, offering a decent greens blend at a much lower price point per serving.
Safety and Assurance
- AG1's NSF Certified for Sport status provides a higher level of assurance regarding product safety and label accuracy, especially important for athletes.
Taste and Palatability
- Bloom's wide range of sweeter flavors makes it a more accessible and enjoyable option for those who dislike the typical earthy taste of greens powders.
FAQ Section
How does the price of Bloom Greens compare to AG1?
Bloom Greens is significantly more affordable per serving, costing well over half less than AG1, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Is AG1 more comprehensive than Bloom Greens?
Yes, AG1 is a more comprehensive and nutrient-dense supplement, featuring over 75 ingredients compared to Bloom's 30+ ingredients.
Why is AG1 more expensive than Bloom Greens?
AG1's higher cost is attributed to its more extensive list of ingredients, higher potency of nutrients, and rigorous third-party testing and certification.
Does Bloom Greens contain as many vitamins and minerals as AG1?
No, Bloom Greens has far fewer vitamins and minerals listed on its label compared to AG1, which contains well-dosed offerings.
Which powder is better for gut health?
While both contain prebiotics and probiotics, AG1 discloses a specific CFU count (7.2 billion) for its probiotics, whereas Bloom does not, making AG1's benefit more quantifiable. Bloom, however, does have a higher number of digestive enzymes.
Is Bloom Greens independently tested like AG1?
AG1 holds a third-party certification from NSF for Sport, a mark of quality assurance, while Bloom Greens does not have the same public-facing third-party certifications, though it is tested in-house.
Which product has better flavor options?
Bloom Greens offers several different, sweeter flavor options (like mango and berry), while AG1 only comes in a single, earthy flavor.
