What is the difference between greens and AG1?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90% of adults in the United States fail to meet their daily fruit and vegetable intake, leading many to consider greens powders to fill nutritional gaps. So, what is the difference between greens and AG1, the popular Athletic Greens supplement? While both offer a boost of nutrients, AG1 is a more comprehensive, all-in-one nutritional product, whereas standard greens powders typically focus on a concentrated blend of powdered vegetables.

Quick Summary

AG1 is an all-in-one supplement containing numerous vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, probiotics, and greens, while traditional greens powders offer a more concentrated mix of dehydrated vegetables. AG1 generally has a higher price point and broader formulation, while other greens powders are simpler and more budget-friendly.

Key Points

Ingredient Composition: AG1 is a multi-blend supplement with 75+ ingredients, including adaptogens, probiotics, and enzymes, while typical greens powders focus on a concentrated mix of dehydrated vegetables and grasses.
Cost and Value: AG1 is significantly more expensive per serving due to its comprehensive formula, while most greens powders offer a more budget-friendly price point.
Nutrient Dosing: AG1 contains high doses of many vitamins and minerals, often exceeding 100% of the daily value, whereas other greens powders provide more modest amounts to supplement a healthy diet.
Third-Party Testing: AG1 holds the NSF Certified for Sport certification, a rigorous standard for athletes, while most standard greens powders may have less comprehensive third-party testing.
Intended User: AG1 is targeted at those seeking an all-in-one nutritional foundation, while simpler greens powders are ideal for individuals looking for a focused superfood boost.
Flavor Profile: AG1 is known for a distinct pineapple and vanilla flavor, often sweetened with stevia, whereas the taste of other greens powders varies widely and can be more earthy or grassy.
Potential All-in-One Replacement: The broad spectrum of ingredients in AG1 means it can potentially replace several other supplements, such as a multivitamin and a probiotic, for many users.

Greens Powders vs. AG1: A Comprehensive Breakdown

The Core Concept: Simple Greens vs. All-in-One Nutrition

At its heart, the primary distinction between a typical greens powder and AG1 (from Athletic Greens) lies in the product’s core purpose. Most greens powders are designed as a straightforward, plant-based way to supplement your intake of vegetables and superfoods. Their ingredient lists often feature a selection of green vegetables, grasses, and algae like spinach, kale, wheatgrass, spirulina, and chlorella.

In contrast, AG1 positions itself as a comprehensive 'Foundational Nutrition' supplement. It's a far more complex and robust formula that, in addition to a superfood complex, includes prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, adaptogenic herbs, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals. This expansion of ingredients means AG1 addresses a wider range of nutritional needs than a basic greens product. For many, AG1 is designed to replace a daily multivitamin, probiotic supplement, and greens powder, all in one scoop.

Ingredient and Nutritional Differences

The ingredient list of AG1 dwarfs that of most standard greens powders. A typical greens blend might have 20–30 ingredients, while AG1 packs in 75+ ingredients per serving. This sheer volume of components is a key differentiator. AG1’s formulation often results in significantly higher doses of certain vitamins and minerals, with some exceeding 100% of the recommended daily value. While this offers a nutrient-dense boost, it's also a point of consideration for those who already get sufficient nutrients from their diet, as excessive intake of some vitamins can occur.

Conversely, simpler greens powders often provide more modest and balanced nutrient doses. For individuals looking to specifically increase their intake of powdered vegetables without the additional compounds, these simpler formulas can be a more targeted and less expensive option. However, the use of proprietary blends in many products, including AG1, can make it difficult to know the exact dosage of each ingredient. Some alternative greens products, like Green Vibrance, offer more ingredient transparency by not using proprietary blends.

Quality, Testing, and Sourcing

Both AG1 and other greens powders often emphasize quality and safety, but their certification standards can differ. AG1 is manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified facility and is notably NSF Certified for Sport. This certification is recognized by major athletic organizations and tests for banned substances, contaminants, and label accuracy, making it a preferred choice for athletes.

Many other greens powders also undergo third-party testing and are produced in GMP facilities, but may not have the NSF Certified for Sport designation. For instance, Live it Up Super Greens is third-party tested and uses mostly organic ingredients, but lacks the specific NSF certification that AG1 holds. The country of manufacturing also varies, with AG1 produced in New Zealand under stricter regulatory standards than the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Comparing Greens Powders and AG1


Feature	Generic Greens Powder	AG1 (Athletic Greens)
Core Focus	Concentrated blend of powdered fruits and vegetables.	All-in-one 'Foundational Nutrition' supplement.
Ingredient Count	Typically 20–40 ingredients.	Over 75 ingredients, including blends for different functions.
Key Additional Blends	May contain probiotics or enzymes, but often limited.	Contains dedicated blends for adaptogens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and mushrooms.
Vitamin/Mineral Dosing	Often provides modest daily values.	Provides high doses, often exceeding 100% of daily values.
Third-Party Testing	Varies by brand; many are tested, but not all hold the same elite certifications.	NSF Certified for Sport, a stringent certification for athletes.
Price per Serving	Generally more affordable.	Significantly more expensive.
Taste Profile	Varies widely, some can be grassy; often flavored with monk fruit or natural flavorings.	Distinct pineapple and vanilla flavor, can taste sweet due to stevia.
Allergen Content	Varies; some are soy-free.	Contains a soy-derived ingredient (lecithin).

Which Supplement Is Right for You?

Choosing between a standard greens powder and AG1 depends on your specific needs, budget, and health goals. A simpler, more affordable greens powder is an excellent choice for individuals who already have a well-rounded diet and are primarily looking to boost their intake of specific superfood nutrients. These products are also a better fit for those on a budget or who prefer a less overwhelming, targeted supplement.

AG1 is ideal for those seeking an all-in-one solution to replace multiple supplements, including a multivitamin and probiotic. The higher price tag is justified by its extensive ingredient profile and rigorous third-party testing, which is particularly beneficial for high-performance athletes or those with very comprehensive nutritional gaps. Its comprehensive formula also offers benefits related to stress management (adaptogens) and digestive health (probiotics and enzymes) in addition to foundational nutrition.

Making the Final Decision

To make an informed choice, consider your priorities. Are you looking for a simple, budget-friendly boost, or a comprehensive, all-in-one nutritional powerhouse? Reading customer reviews can provide insights into taste and mixability, which are often subjective but important for daily consistency. Furthermore, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you take other medications or have specific health conditions. The best supplement is one that you will take consistently and that best aligns with your personal health objectives.

Conclusion

The fundamental difference between greens powders and AG1 is scope: greens powders typically provide a focused dose of plant-based nutrients, while AG1 offers a vast, all-in-one formula with added adaptogens, probiotics, and a higher vitamin and mineral content. AG1’s premium price and comprehensive nature contrast with the more targeted and affordable approach of many greens powders. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, dietary needs, and whether you prefer a specific green boost or a total nutritional foundation. Your decision should be guided by careful consideration of these factors to best support your wellness journey.

Visit the official Athletic Greens website to learn more about their specific product formulation and sourcing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The better choice depends on your needs and budget. AG1 is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement best for those who want a wide array of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and probiotics in a single product. If you are on a budget or only want a simple, concentrated mix of powdered greens to supplement an already balanced diet, a standard greens powder is a more targeted and affordable option.

AG1's higher price point is largely due to its extensive ingredient list of 75+ components, which includes various functional blends like adaptogens and probiotics, alongside its strict third-party testing and NSF certification for quality and safety. Standard greens powders typically contain fewer ingredients and may not have the same level of certification.

AG1 is formulated to be a 'Foundational Nutrition' supplement that provides a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, with many exceeding 100% of the daily value. For many people, it can replace a daily multivitamin, as it offers a comprehensive nutritional profile in addition to its other blends.

Yes, AG1 contains a probiotic blend with 7.2 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of two specific dairy-free strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. This is a key difference from many basic greens powders that may not include a robust probiotic component.

NSF Certified for Sport is a stringent third-party certification that tests supplements for harmful levels of contaminants and banned substances. This ensures that what is on the label is what is in the product, a feature particularly important for athletes who undergo drug testing.

While greens powders are not a replacement for a balanced diet rich in whole foods, they can help fill nutritional gaps for those who struggle to meet their daily intake of fruits and vegetables. The effectiveness depends on the quality and dosage of ingredients, with more comprehensive products like AG1 potentially offering broader benefits.

Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that may help the body manage stress. AG1 includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola root, but many basic greens powders do not contain this type of ingredient. The inclusion of adaptogens is a notable difference between AG1's comprehensive formula and simpler greens blends.