Live it Up vs. AG1: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Greens powders offer a convenient way to supplement daily nutrition. This comparison examines Live it Up Super Greens and AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens) to aid your decision.
Ingredient Quality and Sourcing
Live it Up emphasizes an all-natural, whole-food approach, featuring over 20 organic superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. It uses monk fruit extract for sweetening, avoiding synthetic vitamins and artificial sweeteners like stevia. AG1 provides a more extensive formula with over 75 ingredients, including numerous vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and mushrooms. It includes both whole-food sourced nutrients and synthetic vitamins. Both products use proprietary blends, meaning the exact amounts of many ingredients are not fully transparent.
Nutritional Potency and Supplementation
AG1 offers higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals, with some exceeding 100% of the daily value, making it suitable for those with significant dietary gaps. Live it Up offers a more moderate nutrient profile derived naturally from its whole-food ingredients, providing a gentler supplement that complements a balanced diet.
Price and Value
Live it Up Super Greens is more affordable, costing around $1.33 to $2.00 per serving. AG1 is a premium-priced product, typically costing between $2.63 and $3.30 per serving, attributed to its extensive ingredients and certifications.
Taste, Texture, and Mixability
Live it Up is often praised for a pleasant, mild flavor (minty or wild berry) and smooth mixability. AG1 has a vanilla-pineapple flavor that some find appealing, though others report it as too sweet, grassy, or slightly gritty.
Third-Party Testing and Safety
Both brands claim third-party testing. AG1 holds the NSF Certified for Sport accreditation, a higher standard with more transparent testing for banned substances. Live it Up states it is third-party tested but does not name the lab.
Intended User Profile
- Live it Up: Suited for those seeking an affordable, natural, and gentle greens powder to enhance a healthy diet, particularly beginners or individuals with sensitive stomachs.
- AG1: Geared towards serious athletes, biohackers, or individuals requiring a high-potency supplement with a comprehensive blend, and who are willing to pay a premium.
Comparison Table: Live it Up vs. AG1
| Feature | Live it Up Super Greens | AG1 (Athletic Greens) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Price | $1.33 - $2.00 per serving | $2.63 - $3.30 per serving |
| Ingredient Focus | Organic, whole-food sourced (20+ ingredients) | Comprehensive, whole-food and synthetic (75+ ingredients) |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Naturally derived; modest amounts | Naturally derived + synthetic; high doses |
| Adaptogens/Mushrooms | No | Yes |
| Probiotics | 5 Billion CFUs (Dairy-Free) | 10 Billion CFUs (5 strains, Dairy-Free) |
| Sweetener | Monk Fruit | Stevia |
| Taste | Mild, minty/berry flavor | Vanilla-pineapple, can be grassy |
| Texture | Smooth, mixes well | Can be gritty for some |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (Lab not named) | Yes (NSF Certified for Sport) |
| Best For | Budget-conscious beginners, general wellness | Serious athletes, high-potency needs |
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Health
Choosing between Live It Up Super Green and AG1 depends on your health goals, budget, and preferences. Live It Up is a great option for those prioritizing an affordable, natural, and organic product with a gentle formula. AG1's comprehensive blend and certifications make it suitable for athletes or those needing a high-potency supplement, albeit at a higher cost. Neither powder replaces a healthy diet, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before starting new supplements. For more information, explore reputable nutrition guides like those on Top Nutrition Coaching.
How to Choose Your Greens Powder
- Consider your budget: Live it Up is more budget-friendly.
- Identify your goals: Live it Up is for general wellness; AG1 is for athletic performance or maximum nutrient density.
- Review ingredients: Live it Up is organic and all-natural without stevia. AG1 has a vast blend, including adaptogens and synthetic nutrients.
- Check certifications: AG1 has NSF Certified for Sport. Live it Up's testing is less transparent.
- Evaluate taste: Live it Up is often preferred for its mild, smooth flavor. AG1's taste can be divisive.
Final Verdict
The best greens powder is one you take consistently. Live it Up Super Greens offers a simple, affordable, and effective daily boost, making it a great value. AG1 provides a premium, comprehensive blend for niche users needing maximum potency and having a larger budget.
Lists of Ingredients and Benefits
Live it Up Super Greens
- Ingredients: Over 20 organic superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Sweetened with monk fruit.
- Benefits: Supports daily nutrition, digestion, energy, and immunity with natural nutrients. Gentle on the stomach.
AG1
- Ingredients: Over 75 ingredients, including superfoods, probiotics, adaptogens, and a multivitamin blend. Sweetened with stevia.
- Benefits: Supports gut health, immunity, energy, and recovery, especially for active individuals. Provides high doses of vitamins and minerals.
Final Thoughts on Purity and Impact
Some prefer Live it Up's all-natural, organic focus over AG1's extensive ingredient list and synthetic additions. While AG1 has a more potent micronutrient profile on paper, Live it Up aligns with a simpler, food-first approach. Proprietary blends in both products limit transparency on exact dosages. Your choice should consider personal needs, budget, and philosophy regarding supplements. Neither product should replace a balanced diet, but both can be effective supplements.
