Is Primal Greens as good as AG1? A detailed comparison

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Innerbody Research, while both are high-quality supplements, Athletic Greens' AG1 is considered the better overall pick for most people due to its more robust nutritional profile. This detailed comparison answers the question, is Primal Greens as good as AG1, by breaking down key differences in nutrient density, third-party testing, and taste.

Quick Summary

A side-by-side comparison of Primal Greens and AG1 reveals key differences in nutritional content, third-party testing rigor, and price. AG1 boasts more ingredients and higher potency, while Primal Greens is a more affordable option with a milder taste.

Key Points

Nutrient Density: AG1 contains a more extensive and potent blend of over 75 ingredients, while Primal Greens has a more moderate formulation of approximately 50 ingredients.
Third-Party Testing: AG1 holds the NSF Certified for Sport certification, offering a higher standard of testing for banned substances and contaminants, whereas Primal Greens has a general GMP certification.
Cost: Primal Greens is significantly more affordable per serving compared to the premium-priced AG1, making it a budget-friendly alternative.
Taste: User reviews suggest that Primal Greens has a milder, more palatable taste and mixes better, while AG1's taste can be more polarizing due to its strong stevia aftertaste.
Probiotics: AG1 provides more than double the amount of probiotics (7.2B CFU) compared to Primal Greens (3.5B CFU), which may offer stronger digestive support.
Suitability: AG1 is likely a better fit for serious athletes and those prioritizing maximum nutritional value, while Primal Greens is ideal for budget-conscious individuals who still want a reliable supplement.

Greens powders have exploded in popularity as a convenient way to supplement a diet that may be lacking in fruits and vegetables. These products promise to boost energy, improve gut health, and support overall wellness with a single, easy-to-mix scoop. When comparing two of the market's leading contenders, Primal Greens and Athletic Greens' AG1, the differences are significant and can determine which powder is best for your specific needs and budget.

Ingredient Profile: Quality vs. Quantity

One of the most notable differences between Primal Greens and AG1 is the number of ingredients and the overall potency of the formula. AG1 features over 75 ingredients, providing a denser nutritional blend compared to Primal Greens' approximately 50 ingredients.

Primal Greens Ingredient Breakdown

Primal Greens organizes its formula into four proprietary blends: a Superfood, Antioxidant, and Mushroom Blend; a Nutrient Dense Natural Herbs and Extracts Blend; a Digestive Complex; and a Probiotic Blend.

Blends: Includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, adaptogens like ashwagandha and green tea leaf, and hydrating ingredients like coconut juice.
Digestive Support: Offers 3.5 billion CFU of probiotics, along with prebiotics like apple fiber and inulin.
Vitamin/Mineral Content: The transparent portion of the label lists only five vitamins and minerals, with only Vitamin B12 and C exceeding 100% of the Daily Value.

AG1 Ingredient Breakdown

AG1 also uses proprietary blends but is generally more potent. Its formula includes a Raw Superfood Complex, Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs, & Antioxidant blend, and a Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex.

Blends: Features ingredients like spirulina, lecithin (contains soy), and a wide array of extracts and superfoods.
Digestive Support: Contains a higher probiotic count of 7.2 billion CFU and digestive enzymes like bromelain.
Vitamin/Mineral Content: AG1 is packed with 21 vitamins and minerals, with ten providing 100% or more of the recommended Daily Value.

Third-Party Testing and Safety Standards

The level of quality assurance and third-party testing is a major differentiator between the two products. This is particularly important since the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements with the same rigor as medication.

AG1: Is NSF Certified for Sport, a rigorous third-party certification that tests for contaminants, banned substances, and ensures label accuracy. It is also manufactured in TGA-registered facilities in New Zealand, which have higher regulatory standards for complementary medicines.
Primal Greens: Is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility and undergoes third-party safety testing. While this is a good standard, it is less comprehensive than AG1's NSF certification for athletes and those seeking maximum assurance.

Taste and Mixability

Taste is subjective, but reviews provide a good basis for comparison.

AG1: Has an earthy flavor with notes of pineapple and vanilla, which some find pleasant while others note a strong stevia aftertaste. It can also settle at the bottom of the glass if not consumed quickly.
Primal Greens: Also has a green, earthy flavor but with a more subtle, honey-like sweetness that effectively masks the grassiness. It is known for its excellent mixability with less gritty texture.

Cost and Overall Value

Cost is a significant factor, with AG1 positioned as a premium product.

AG1: Retails for approximately $3.33 per serving, with potential discounts for subscriptions. This higher price reflects the larger ingredient list and extensive testing.
Primal Greens: Is a more budget-friendly option at around $1.67 per serving, with subscription discounts also available.
Value: For those on a tighter budget, Primal Greens is a solid choice, and some consumers may achieve similar results by pairing it with a separate multivitamin and probiotic supplement. However, AG1 offers a single, comprehensive formula with higher overall potency and quality assurances.

Comparison Table: Primal Greens vs. AG1


Feature	Primal Greens	Athletic Greens (AG1)
Total Ingredients	~50	>75
Probiotic Potency	3.5 billion CFU	7.2 billion CFU
Vitamin/Mineral Count	5 listed	21 listed
Third-Party Testing	GMP certified, safety tested	NSF Certified for Sport
Manufacturing Location	U.S.	New Zealand (TGA regulated)
Taste	Earthy, sweeter, better taste	Earthy, hints of pineapple/vanilla, stronger stevia aftertaste
Mixability	Excellent, dissolves well	Good, but can settle over time
Cost per Serving	~$1.67	~$3.33
Key Strengths	Affordability, taste, mixability	Nutritional density, testing standards

Which Greens Powder Is Right for You?

Choosing between Primal Greens and AG1 ultimately depends on your priorities.

Choose Primal Greens If:

Budget is a primary concern. It offers a good blend of nutrients at a more affordable price point.
Taste is a major factor. Many users prefer the flavor profile of Primal Greens.
You plan to supplement with other products. Since its vitamin/mineral content is lower, there is less risk of over-supplementing when adding a multivitamin.

Choose AG1 If:

You are an athlete or require high-level quality assurance. The NSF Certified for Sport certification is the gold standard for testing against banned substances.
You want the most comprehensive nutrient blend. With over 75 ingredients, it offers a wider range of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds.
You are not concerned with a premium price tag. The higher cost is justified by the ingredient potency and testing rigor.

Conclusion

While Primal Greens presents a compelling and budget-friendly option with a better-regarded taste, AG1 provides a superior nutritional profile and a higher degree of third-party validation. For those prioritizing ingredient potency and rigorous testing over cost, AG1 remains the frontrunner. Conversely, Primal Greens is a strong contender for the value-conscious consumer who wants a daily nutrient boost without the premium price. Neither product is a substitute for a balanced diet, but they can both serve as effective nutritional supplements depending on your individual needs. To make an informed decision about integrating any new supplement into your regimen, it's wise to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your health goals and existing medications.

Visit the Cleveland Clinic for more insights into the effectiveness of greens powders.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those who prioritize a higher ingredient count, superior vitamin and mineral content, and rigorous third-party testing (like NSF Certified for Sport), the higher price of AG1 may be justified. However, if your budget is a concern and taste is a priority, Primal Greens is a strong, more affordable alternative.

Based on user feedback, taste is subjective, but Primal Greens is often considered to have a more palatable flavor profile that better masks the 'green' taste. AG1 has an earthy taste with stronger stevia notes, which some find less appealing.

For athletes, AG1 is the safer choice due to its NSF Certified for Sport certification, which tests for substances banned by major sports organizations. Primal Greens does not have this specific athletic certification.

No, greens powders are designed to supplement your diet, not replace whole foods. You should continue to eat a balanced diet with whole fruits and vegetables to maximize your nutrient intake.

AG1 contains more than double the probiotics with 7.2 billion CFU, while Primal Greens provides 3.5 billion CFU. This difference could impact gut health benefits, though individual results vary.

While both are generally safe, individual sensitivity can cause issues. The higher probiotic and ingredient load in AG1 could potentially be more jarring for sensitive stomachs, though its rigorous testing might minimize this. Some ingredients in Primal Greens, like alfalfa, can also cause issues for some. Consulting a doctor is best if you have digestive concerns.

Primal Greens is advertised as free from common allergens like soy, gluten, and dairy. However, it is manufactured in a facility that processes these allergens, creating a potential risk of cross-contamination. AG1 contains soy, making Primal Greens a better option for those avoiding it.