Comparing the Greens: AG1 vs. Vital All-In-One
Choosing a greens powder can be a challenging task, especially when comparing two market leaders like AG1 and Vital All-In-One. Both offer comprehensive blends designed to support overall health, but they differ significantly in formulation, pricing, and company philosophy. A detailed look at their ingredients, transparency, and target audience can help you decide which one is right for your wellness journey.
Brand Overview: Heritage and Philosophy
AG1 (Athletic Greens): Launched over a decade ago, AG1 has become a global phenomenon, partly due to strategic celebrity endorsements and a strong brand presence in the athletic community. The company's focus is on providing a comprehensive, all-in-one foundational nutrition supplement aimed at optimizing health across multiple areas, including energy, immunity, recovery, and gut health.
Vital All-In-One: Originating in Australia over 25 years ago, Vital All-In-One (formerly Vital Greens) has built a reputation on ingredient transparency and providing a broad-spectrum, cost-effective daily health supplement. The brand emphasizes a clean, evidence-based approach and is widely trusted for its legacy and detailed product information.
Ingredients and Formulation
Both supplements contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and superfoods, but their approach to formulation is a major differentiator.
AG1's Proprietary Blends: AG1 features over 75 ingredients grouped into distinct proprietary blends, such as the Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants blend and the Dairy-Free Probiotics blend. This proprietary method means the exact quantity of each individual ingredient within the blend is not disclosed. AG1 does, however, provide a list of all ingredients used. The current formulation includes 7.2 billion CFUs of probiotics.
Vital All-In-One's Transparent Formula: In contrast, Vital All-In-One proudly lists every ingredient and its specific quantity. This transparency allows consumers to know exactly what they are consuming. The formula features 78 wholefood ingredients, including a significant amount of probiotics (often listed with a higher CFU count), herbs for nervous system support, and liver support.
Key ingredient differences include:
- Adaptogens: AG1 includes rhodiola root extract, while Vital All-In-One contains adaptogens like Siberian Ginseng and Ashwagandha for stress resilience.
- Vitamins: Vital includes bioavailable B vitamins and chelated minerals for maximum absorption, a key selling point against AG1.
- Protein: Vital All-In-One contains 100% pea protein isolate, which contributes to appetite control and muscle mass preservation.
Cost, Value, and Accessibility
When comparing greens powders, price is a significant factor. AG1 is considered a premium product with a higher price point, typically costing around $79-$99 for a monthly supply depending on the subscription. This higher cost is often justified by its third-party certifications and rigorous testing for banned substances.
Vital All-In-One, while still a high-quality supplement, is generally more affordable per serving. The brand's focus on providing a comprehensive, yet more budget-friendly alternative is a key part of its appeal. Vital is also widely available in pharmacies and health food stores in certain regions, making it more accessible to local consumers.
Taste and User Experience
Taste is highly subjective, but user reviews reveal some general preferences. AG1 is often described as having a pleasant, fruity flavor with hints of vanilla and pineapple, and a relatively smooth texture. Vital All-In-One has an earthier taste, which some find less palatable, though it is also offered in a Lemon & Ginger flavor. Both are generally easy to mix with cold water or a smoothie.
Quality Control and Certifications
AG1 prides itself on rigorous quality control, including extensive testing for contaminants and third-party certification by NSF Certified for Sport®. This certification is particularly important for athletes as it ensures the product is free from banned substances. Vital All-In-One also maintains high quality standards, often using premium sourced ingredients and being manufactured in GMP-certified facilities. However, unlike AG1's specific NSF certification, some alternatives may lack the same level of athlete-focused testing.
AG1 vs. Vital All-In-One Comparison Table
| Feature | AG1 (Athletic Greens) | Vital All-In-One (Vital Greens) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Differentiator | Proprietary blends | Transparent ingredient quantities |
| Ingredient Count | 75+ | 78 |
| Probiotics | 7.2 billion CFUs (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum) | 14 billion CFUs (multiple strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) |
| Adaptogens | Includes Rhodiola root extract | Includes Siberian Ginseng and Ashwagandha |
| Key Target Market | Athletes, high-performers | General wellness, daily nutrition |
| Price | Premium (higher cost per serving) | More affordable (lower cost per serving) |
| Taste Profile | Mild, fruity (vanilla/pineapple) | Earthy, also available in Lemon & Ginger |
| Certifications | NSF Certified for Sport® | GMP Certified, no specific third-party sports certification mentioned |
| Origin | Formulated in the US, made in New Zealand | Australian-born brand |
Which Greens Powder Is Right for You?
Choosing between AG1 and Vital All-In-One ultimately depends on your individual priorities. If you are an athlete concerned with banned substances and prefer a more palatable, premium-priced product with a proven track record among professionals, AG1 is likely the better choice. Its comprehensive formula and stringent third-party testing offer peace of mind.
However, if transparency, cost-effectiveness, and a wide array of ingredients are your main concerns, Vital All-In-One stands out. Its fully disclosed formula lets you know exactly what you are taking, and its lower price makes it a more sustainable daily habit for many. While its flavor may be more polarizing, its legacy and broad-spectrum support make it a strong contender for those seeking foundational wellness support on a budget. For more details on AG1's extensive formulation, visit their official website.
Conclusion
Both AG1 and Vital All-In-One are high-quality greens powders that can help fill nutritional gaps and support overall health. AG1's proprietary, athlete-certified formula comes at a premium price, while Vital All-In-One offers transparent, cost-effective nutrition for general wellness. Your decision should be based on a careful consideration of your budget, taste preferences, and the importance you place on ingredient transparency versus third-party certification. Both products can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet, but neither should replace whole foods entirely.
