Morning, Noon, or Night: What's the best time to drink AG1?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50,000 verified five-star reviewers praise AG1 for its convenience and benefits. The best time to drink AG1 is a common question, and while consistency is key, a morning, empty-stomach routine is generally recommended for optimal nutrient absorption.

Quick Summary

For optimal absorption, AG1 is best consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, but consistency is more crucial than timing. It supports gut health, energy, and immunity. The drink is compatible with intermittent fasting, though it technically breaks a fast due to its calorie content.

Key Points

Optimal Absorption: Drinking AG1 on an empty stomach in the morning is recommended for peak nutrient absorption.
Consistency is Key: The long-term benefits of AG1 depend more on consistent daily consumption than on the exact time of day.
Intermittent Fasting: AG1 contains calories and will break a fast, so time your consumption within your eating window.
For Sensitive Stomachs: If you experience bloating or stomach upset, consider taking AG1 with a light meal.
Energy Boost: An afternoon dose of AG1 can help combat the midday energy slump without resorting to caffeine.
Post-Workout Nutrition: Consuming AG1 after a workout can support recovery and help replenish nutrients.
Complements, Not Replaces: AG1 should be used to fill nutritional gaps, not as a replacement for whole fruits and vegetables.

Understanding AG1: A Brief Overview

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is an all-in-one nutritional supplement containing a complex blend of vitamins, minerals, whole-food-sourced nutrients, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens. It is designed to support foundational health pillars, including gut health, immune defense, and energy production. Given its comprehensive ingredient list, users often seek guidance on how to best integrate it into their daily routine for maximum efficacy. The timing of consumption is a frequent concern, especially concerning optimal absorption and maximizing its benefits throughout the day.

The Primary Recommendation: Morning on an Empty Stomach

For most users, drinking AG1 first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is the recommended practice for optimal nutrient absorption. Taking the supplement before other foods can help ensure that the body can readily absorb the vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds without interference from other food components. The proprietary blend, which includes probiotics, is also thought to work best in this low-competition gut environment. Many users report that this routine helps to kickstart their day with a sense of sustained energy and better digestion.

How to Create a Morning Habit

Right after waking up: Mix one scoop of AG1 with 8-10 ounces of cold water in the provided shaker bottle.
Stay consistent: Make it the first thing you drink every morning. This builds a strong, healthy habit and ensures you get your daily nutritional boost without fail.
Wait to eat: While taking it with food doesn't negate the benefits, waiting 10-15 minutes before your first meal can maximize absorption.
Store correctly: The pouch must be refrigerated after opening to preserve the integrity of the live probiotics and whole-food ingredients.

Alternative Timing Options

While the morning is the ideal time for many, life and personal preferences sometimes dictate a different schedule. The good news is that consistency is more important than perfect timing. The following alternatives can be just as effective if they fit your lifestyle better:

As a midday pick-me-up: If you experience an energy slump in the afternoon, having AG1 at midday can be a great way to revitalize yourself. It provides a crash-free energy boost thanks to its B vitamins and adaptogens.
After a morning workout: For those who exercise early, consuming AG1 after a workout is an excellent way to replenish nutrients and support recovery.
With breakfast: If you have a sensitive stomach, taking AG1 with a light meal can help prevent any initial discomfort like bloating. The efficacy is not significantly diminished when taken with food.

Timing Considerations for Specific Diets

Certain dietary practices require careful consideration when scheduling your AG1 intake.

Intermittent Fasting

For those following an intermittent fasting protocol, AG1 presents a slight hurdle. A single scoop contains approximately 50 calories, which is enough to break a fast. If you practice time-restricted eating and your eating window is later in the day, you should save your AG1 for that window. If your focus is on a comprehensive nutrient boost rather than strict fasting, this is a minor tradeoff.

General Dietary Gaps

It is essential to remember that AG1 is a supplement, not a replacement for a balanced diet. It is designed to fill nutritional gaps, especially on days when your whole food intake might be lacking, such as when traveling or during particularly busy periods. It is not a substitute for eating whole fruits and vegetables, which provide crucial fiber that AG1 offers only in limited quantities.

Comparison of AG1 Timing Strategies


Timing Strategy	Ideal for	Benefits	Potential Drawbacks	Key Takeaway
Morning, Empty Stomach	Most individuals seeking maximum absorption	Optimal nutrient absorption; Jumpstarts digestion and energy for the day.	May cause initial bloating for sensitive stomachs; Breaks an intermittent fast.	The gold standard for maximizing nutrient uptake.
With or After Breakfast	Those with sensitive stomachs	Mitigates potential bloating or discomfort; Easy to remember alongside a meal.	May slightly reduce absorption speed due to other food components.	A good option for stomach sensitivity, with consistent results over time.
After a Morning Workout	Athletes and active individuals	Aids post-workout recovery by replenishing nutrients; Helps with sustained energy.	None, other than the absorption difference compared to an empty stomach.	Convenient way to combine nutrition and recovery efforts.
Midday	Individuals with afternoon energy slumps	Provides a pick-me-up, combating fatigue without relying on caffeine.	Less ideal for kickstarting the morning gut microbiome.	An effective alternative if morning timing is not feasible.

Conclusion: Find What Works for Your Body

Ultimately, the best time to drink AG1 is a personal decision that depends on your health goals and lifestyle. While the official recommendation points to a morning, empty-stomach routine for superior nutrient absorption, the most important factor is consistency. Finding a daily habit that you can stick with will yield the greatest long-term benefits, whether that's first thing in the morning, with your breakfast, or as a midday boost. Listen to your body and adjust your schedule to match what feels best for you. For more insights on greens powders and nutrition, consider reading reviews from reputable sources like The Real Food Dietitians.

The AG1 Daily Habit

Start your day with a nutrient-dense foundation to support overall health.
Consistently drinking AG1 daily is what drives the compounding benefits over time.
Store your AG1 in the refrigerator after opening to keep the ingredients fresh and potent.
Experiment with water temperature and mixing methods to find what you prefer. Cold water is recommended.
Remember that AG1 complements a healthy diet; it does not replace the need for whole foods.

Key Takeaways for AG1 Timing

Empty Stomach Morning: Recommended for optimal nutrient absorption.
Consistency over Timing: Daily intake is the most critical factor for long-term benefits.
Calorie Awareness: AG1 has calories and will technically break an intermittent fast.
Stomach Sensitivity: Consider taking it with food if you experience discomfort on an empty stomach.
Not a Replacement: Do not use AG1 as a substitute for a balanced diet rich in whole foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you can take AG1 at any time, the manufacturer and many users recommend taking it in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal nutrient absorption and to provide an energy boost for the day. Taking it at night is not typical, and AG1 is not formulated as a sleep aid.

For most people, drinking AG1 on an empty stomach is fine and even recommended. However, individuals with sensitive stomachs may experience mild bloating or discomfort. In such cases, it can be taken with a light meal or snack to minimize potential side effects.

Yes, AG1 does contain calories (approximately 50 per scoop), so it will technically break an intermittent fast. If you are strictly fasting, you should consume AG1 only during your designated eating window.

You can mix AG1 with liquids other than cold water, such as in a smoothie with fruit or with almond milk. However, avoid mixing it with hot or very acidic liquids, as this can affect the potency of some ingredients, particularly the live probiotics.

The most important aspect of taking AG1 is consistency. If you miss a dose, just resume your routine the next day. The benefits of the supplement compound over time with daily use.

You can have coffee before, alongside, or immediately after taking AG1. There is no required waiting period, so you can easily incorporate it into your morning routine.

No, AG1 is not a meal replacement. It is a nutritional supplement designed to fill gaps in your diet and complement a healthy eating plan, not substitute for it.

Yes, taking AG1 at midday is a great strategy to combat the afternoon energy slump. It contains B vitamins and adaptogens that can provide sustained energy without the crash associated with sugary drinks.