Greens powders have exploded in popularity as a convenient method to increase daily intake of superfoods, vitamins, and minerals. Among the top contenders are Live It Up Super Greens and AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens). While both aim to boost overall wellness, they approach it with different philosophies and formulations.
Live It Up Super Greens: A Closer Look
Live It Up positions itself as a simpler, more affordable, and organic-focused greens powder. Its formula emphasizes clean, natural ingredients without artificial fillers or sweeteners like stevia. The product is made with over 20 natural and organic superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, focusing on daily digestion, energy, and immunity.
Key Ingredients and Formulation
Live It Up's ingredient list is transparent and shorter than AG1's. It includes a variety of organic vegetables and grasses, such as spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, kale, and peppermint. The 5 billion CFU of dairy-free probiotics and a blend of digestive enzymes are aimed at supporting gut health and aiding nutrient absorption. A notable feature is that its vitamins and minerals are derived naturally from whole-food ingredients, not synthetically added.
Taste and Mixability
Customers generally praise Live It Up's taste and texture. The Original flavor has a mild, minty profile, while the Wild Berry offers a subtle fruit flavor, both sweetened with monk fruit instead of stevia. Reviews consistently note that it mixes well with water, leaving a smooth texture with minimal grittiness.
Price and Value
Live It Up is significantly more budget-friendly than AG1. With a subscription, the cost per serving is around $1.33, making it a compelling option for those seeking quality nutrition without the premium price tag.
AG1 by Athletic Greens: A Comprehensive Formula
AG1 is known for its extensive, all-in-one formula, containing over 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced ingredients. It is marketed as a comprehensive nutritional supplement for athletic performance and high-level health optimization.
Key Ingredients and Formulation
AG1's formula includes four proprietary blends: an 'Active Superfood Complex,' a 'Daily Phytonutrient Complex,' a 'Dairy-Free Probiotic Complex,' and a vitamin/mineral blend. It features adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, functional mushrooms, and a higher probiotic count of 10 billion CFU per serving. However, it also includes added synthetic vitamins and minerals, often in doses exceeding recommended daily values. The use of proprietary blends means the exact amount of each ingredient is not fully disclosed, which can be a concern for some consumers. AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, a robust third-party testing accreditation.
Taste and Mixability
AG1's taste is described as subtly sweet with notes of pineapple and vanilla, using stevia as a sweetener. User opinions on taste and texture vary more widely than with Live It Up, with some finding it pleasant and others noting a grassy, sometimes gritty mouthfeel.
Price and Value
AG1 comes with a premium price, costing approximately $2.63 per serving with a subscription. This higher cost reflects its more extensive ingredient list and brand recognition, but may not be accessible for all budgets.
Comparison: Live It Up vs. AG1
To help decide whether Live It Up is better than AG1 for your needs, here is a breakdown of their key differences.
| Feature | Live It Up Super Greens | AG1 (Athletic Greens) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Subscription) | ~$1.33 per serving | ~$2.63 per serving |
| Ingredient Count | ~20 organic superfoods | 75+ ingredients, including superfoods, vitamins, and minerals |
| Ingredients Source | Mostly organic, whole-food derived vitamins/minerals | Mixed sourcing, includes synthetic vitamins and minerals |
| Adaptogens/Mushrooms | No | Yes (e.g., ashwagandha, rhodiola) |
| Probiotics (CFU) | 5 billion | 10 billion (in the Next Gen formula) |
| Sweetener | Monk fruit | Stevia |
| Taste | Mild, minty (Original) or Wild Berry; smooth texture | Pineapple/vanilla notes; taste varies, may have earthy or gritty qualities |
| Certifications | Third-party tested, GMP certified | NSF Certified for Sport, TGA-registered facility |
| Best For | Everyday wellness, budget-conscious users, digestive support | Athletes, high-performance optimization, those with significant nutrient gaps |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Green Powder for You
Ultimately, the question of whether Live It Up is better than AG1 depends on individual health goals, dietary needs, and budget. For the average person seeking an affordable, all-natural supplement to support daily wellness and digestion, Live It Up Super Greens is often considered the superior choice. Its clean, organic formula and budget-friendly price point make it highly accessible.
AG1, on the other hand, is a premium, high-potency supplement packed with a vast array of ingredients, including adaptogens and a higher dose of probiotics. Its NSF certification makes it ideal for competitive athletes or those with a higher budget looking for maximum nutritional density. However, the use of synthetic vitamins and proprietary blends may be a drawback for some users.
No greens powder is a magic bullet, and neither product should replace a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Consult a healthcare professional to determine which supplement aligns best with your specific health requirements and lifestyle.
For more information on the efficacy of probiotics in supporting gut health, a cornerstone of many greens powders, refer to this source from the National Institutes of Health.
