AG1 Review: A Dietitian’s Take

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AG1 is a popular greens supplement that has taken over the internet and social media. From Instagram influencers to podcast and social media ads, it seems as though everyone is talking about this brightly hued powder.

But at almost $100 per package, is this greens powder really worth the high price tag?

We dove into the nutrition and science behind AG1 to help you decide.

What is AG1?

AG1 (previously known as Athletic Greens) was founded in 2010 by New Zealand native Chris Ashenden, the current CEO, as a way to make optimal performance and nutrition easy and convenient.

AG1 is a supplement company with one product, also called AG1. The supplement is a greens powder created to help fill nutritional gaps in your diet. The powder includes 75 vitamins, minerals, probiotics, whole food-sourced plant compounds, and adaptogens meant to promote optimal health for its users.

The company claims that daily use of this greens powder supports energy levels, immune health, gut health, healthy aging, and hormonal and neural health.

Pros and cons at a glance

How does AG1 work?

AG1 recommends mixing 1 scoop (12 grams [g]) of the powder into an 8-ounce (237-milliliter) glass of cold water daily.

For those who prefer a little more flavor, the company’s website includes various recipes and ideas for incorporating AG1 into other beverages, smoothies, and snacks.

According to the website, customers can expect to notice benefits within a few days or up to a few weeks after starting AG1, depending on their nutritional status.

What is in AG1?

One serving (1 scoop, or 12 g) of AG1 provides (1):

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: <1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Vitamin A: 62% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 467% DV
• Vitamin E: 553% DV
• Thiamine (vitamin B1): 250% DV
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 154% DV
• Niacin (vitamin B3): 125% DV
• Vitamin B6: 176% DV
• Folate: 170% DV
• Vitamin B12: 917% DV
• Biotin: 1,100% DV
• Pantothenic acid: 80% DV
• Calcium: 9% DV
• Phosphorus: 10% DV
• Magnesium: 6% DV
• Zinc: 136% DV
• Selenium: 36% DV
• Copper: 22% DV
• Manganese: 17% DV
• Chromium: 71% DV
• Sodium: 2% DV
• Potassium: 6% DV

Active ingredients

AG1 includes four proprietary blends, all of which contain a variety of herbs, powdered fruits and vegetables, plant extracts, and other nutrients that may have some health benefits.

Just keep in mind that the company does not disclose the exact amount of each ingredient in these blends, so it’s impossible to know whether a given ingredient is present in a large enough dose to have a meaningful effect.

Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex

This blend is composed of several nutrient-dense ingredients, including spirulina. According to the company, the ingredients were chosen based on their ability to support a healthy gut microbiome and various other aspects of health.

For example, several ingredients — including bilberry fruit extract, chlorella powder, pineapple fruit concentrate, beetroot powder, and cocoa bean polyphenol extract — have been linked to benefits for eye and heart health, though more research is needed (2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

For gut health, the blend includes inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that may help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut (7).

Ingredients: organic spirulina, lecithin, organic apple powder, inulin, organic wheat grass juice powder, organic alfalfa powder, organic chlorella powder, organic barley leaf, acerola fruit juice powder extract, broccoli flower powder, papaya fruit powder, pineapple fruit concentrate, bilberry fruit extract, beetroot powder, rosehip fruit powder, carrot root powder, spinach leaf powder, cocoa bean polyphenol extract, grape seed extract, green tea extract, licorice root powder, lycium berry fruit extract, ginger rhizome powder, slippery elm bark powder, kelp whole plant powder

Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidant

This blend features antioxidants, plant extracts, and herbs, including adaptogens.

Adaptogens are herbs that may help your body better adapt to stress. Ashwagandha, rhodiola, eleuthero root, and dandelion root are some of the adaptogens found in this proprietary blend (8).

Ingredients: alkaline pea protein isolate, citrus bioflavonoids extract, artichoke leaf extract, citric acid, rhodiola root, eleuthero root extract, rosemary leaf extract, milk thistle seed extract, R,S alpha-lipoic acid, ashwagandha root extract, dandelion whole plant dry concentrate, hawthorn berry extract, beta-glucans, policosanol, coenzyme Q-10, stevia leaf powder, vitamin K2

Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex

According to the company, this blend features ingredients with naturally occurring enzymes to support digestion and nutrient absorption.

Several of the ingredients, including reishi mushroom powder and shiitake mushroom powder, may also benefit immune health, though more research is needed (9).

Ingredients: astragalus root powder, bromelain, burdock root powder, reishi mushroom powder, shiitake mushroom powder

Dairy-free probiotics 7.2 billion CFU

The final blend includes two strains of probiotics:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus: This is a common, beneficial probiotic that is found in your body and added to foods and supplements. The strain is thought to help regulate the balance of your gut microbiome by reducing intestinal pH, which helps to keep “bad” bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), from colonizing in your gut (10).
• Bifidobacterium bifidum: This beneficial probiotic, which is found in the gut of infants and adults, may help fight inflammation, infection, and discomfort from lactose intolerance and constipation (11).

How much does AG1 cost?

Here’s a breakdown of how much AG1 costs, as well as key details about shipping and returns:

Shipping costs $9 for deliveries to the United States, Canada, and Australia. European shipping rates vary. The company also ships to China through the AG1 WeChat store.

If you’re unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can return your AG1 for a full refund within 90 days of delivery.

Potential benefits

While AG1 has not been studied to confirm its safety or effectiveness, it does have some potential benefits.

Provides several essential nutrients and antioxidants

One serving of AG1 provides more than 100% of the DV for several vitamins, including vitamins C and E and all 8 B vitamins. It’s also a good or excellent source of several other essential vitamins and minerals.

This means that, like a multivitamin, AG1 is a potentially convenient way for people to bridge nutrient gaps in their diet.

The supplement also contains several herbs, vegetable powders, fruit powders, and plant extracts that are rich in important plant compounds such as antioxidants and polyphenols.

May help boost energy levels

Many customers say they notice increased energy levels after taking their daily AG1 supplement.

AG1 contains high doses of all eight B vitamins. With the exception of folate, these vitamins play an important role in energy production. Because of this, a deficiency in B vitamins can cause you to feel fatigued (12, 13).

Drinking AG1 may therefore provide an energy boost for customers who are not currently meeting their vitamin B needs through diet alone.

The company’s website also mentions wheatgrass as a potential energy-boosting ingredient.

Test-tube studies have found that wheatgrass contains proteins involved in energy use and storage. However, there’s insufficient research to determine whether wheatgrass supplements have a meaningful effect on perceived energy levels (14).

May support gut health

AG1 includes sources of prebiotics and probiotics, which may benefit gut health.

For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic strain commonly found in yogurt, may help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut (10, 15).

Still, keep in mind that pre- and probiotics are not recommended for everyone.

While probiotics may be indicated for certain individuals, such as those with traveler’s diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, some experts warn that, in generally healthy people, probiotic supplements could do more harm than good (16, 17).

Additionally, prebiotics such as inulin may cause unwanted side effects, including gas and bloating, in some people (18).

Third-party tested and safe for sport

AG1 products are NSF Certified for Sport. This certification ensures that AG1 is free of substances that are banned by most competitive sports organizations.

This certification also indicates that the product has been tested for purity and potency. This means you can trust that AG1 contains the ingredients listed on the label and that it doesn’t contain unsafe levels of heavy metals or other contaminants.

Suitable for a variety of diets

AG1 is suitable for several dietary patterns, including:

• vegetarian
• vegan
• paleo
• keto
• low carb

The supplement is also free of gluten, dairy, corn, egg, peanuts, lactose, sucrose, dextrose, and artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners.

Potential downsides and considerations

Along with the numerous potential benefits of taking this greens powder, there are some significant downsides to consider.

Not a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables

The company markets AG1 as having the same antioxidant content as 12 servings of fruits and vegetables. This may lead some consumers to believe that the powder is a replacement for whole fruits and vegetables.

While AG1 does provide some important nutrients that are found in fruits and vegetables, there’s currently not enough evidence to show that consuming powdered forms of produce offers the same health benefits as eating the whole foods.

Additionally, AG1 doesn’t offer the same boost of fiber that you would get from eating whole fruits and vegetables.

It’s recommended that adults consume 22–34 g of fiber per day. One serving (1 scoop, or 12 g) of AG1 provides just 2 g of fiber (19).

Therefore, while it can help you get closer to meeting your fiber needs, you’ll still need to make sure you’re eating plenty of fiber-rich foods throughout the day, such as whole grains and whole fruits and vegetables.

Lacks vitamin D and iron

This all-in-one nutritional supplement doesn’t include iron or vitamin D, two nutrients that a large percentage of the population needs more of.

In fact, one survey suggests that 41.6% of adults in the United States have insufficient vitamin D levels. And the World Health Organization estimates that up to 30% of the world’s population is deficient in iron (20, 21).

If you’re low in either of these nutrients, you’ll need to take an additional supplement to meet your needs.

Does not list proprietary blend ingredient amounts

Because AG1 does not list the exact amount of each ingredient in its proprietary blends, it’s impossible to know whether you’re getting an effective dose of any of those ingredients.

Unknown ingredient amounts can also be problematic for people who are sensitive to any of the ingredients in the blends.

May cause stomach upset

Some users report experiencing upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea after taking AG1, which could be related to the inclusion of probiotics or inulin.

Starting with a smaller amount of the powder and working your way up to a full serving may help minimize these effects.

Not appropriate for people taking certain medications

AG1 contains several ingredients that can interact with prescription medications such as:

• hormonal birth control
• some diabetes medications
• high blood pressure medications
• immunosuppressants
• sedatives
• thyroid hormones
• antidepressants
• blood thinners

Before taking AG1, make sure to talk with a healthcare professional to find out whether it’s safe for you.

Not safe for everyone

In addition to people who are taking certain prescription medications, AG1 may not be safe or appropriate for the following populations:

• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Many of AG1’s ingredients have either been shown to be unsafe or have little or no research on their safety in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Children: Only adults should consume AG1. The supplement contains ingredients that have not been proven safe for children and provides vitamin and mineral doses that are excessive for kids.
• People with certain autoimmune conditions: AG1 contains alfalfa, which is generally not recommended for people with some autoimmune conditions, such as lupus (22).
• People with end stage kidney disease: Because the supplement contains potassium and phosphorus, it may not be appropriate for people with end stage kidney disease.

If you have any concerns about whether AG1 is safe for you to take, be sure to talk with a trusted healthcare professional.

Company reputation and customer reviews

AG1 is manufactured in a facility that complies with the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product is also NSF Certified for Sport.

During Healthline’s internal vetting process, we noted that AG1 doesn’t make any disease claims or unacceptable health claims about its product. However, the research and clinical evidence supporting several of its ingredients is limited.

The company has also invested heavily in an influencer marketing strategy. Many influencers who advertise AG1 products make health claims about the product even though they are not qualified nutrition or healthcare professionals.

The company has been involved in two lawsuits. In 2015, the state of California alleged that AG1 products may be exposing consumers to levels of lead that exceed the threshold established under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

More recently, in 2020, a former employee filed an alleged employment discrimination complaint. The lawsuit was dropped in 2022.

Customer reviews

AG1 has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of A+ but is not BBB accredited.

On Trustpilot, AG1 has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on 17 customer reviews.

Happy customers say they’ve noticed improvements in various aspects of their health, such as increased energy levels, clearer skin, and improved digestion. Several also say the powder tastes better than they expected.

Negative reviews mention a lack of noticeable benefits given the high cost. Some people say they dislike the flavor, and others complain that they had issues with billing and difficulties canceling their subscriptions.

AG1 alternatives

AG1 isn’t the only greens supplement on the market.

In fact, Healthline’s registered dietitians looked at more than 15 of the most popular greens powders, and only three products, including AG1, passed our expert review and internal vetting process.

Most products failed because they make unsubstantiated health claims, especially around detoxing. Others didn’t make the cut because they are noncompliant with dietary supplement labeling guidelines established by the FDA.

Here’s a closer look at how AG1 compares with the other two products that passed our vetting process and dietitian review:

Is AG1 worth it?

Whether AG1 is worth the cost greatly depends on your diet, nutritional needs, and budget.

Because the supplement includes multiple vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and plant compounds, it may be worth trying if you:

• have increased nutrient needs that you cannot meet through diet alone
• follow a restrictive dietary pattern and are looking for a multinutrient supplement
• have difficulty eating a balanced diet
• are a competitive athlete looking for help meeting your nutritional needs

Still, keep in mind that while AG1 contains some research-backed ingredients, there’s currently no research to support its effectiveness.

Therefore, it may not be worth the cost for people who already take a multivitamin or maintain an overall balanced diet.

Furthermore, AG1 may not be safe or appropriate for certain populations, including:

• children
• people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• people who are taking certain prescription medications
• people with end stage kidney disease
• people with certain autoimmune conditions

Before trying any dietary supplement, talk with a trusted healthcare professional to ensure that the product is safe and appropriate for you to take.

Frequently asked questions

What are the side effects of AG1 (previously Athletic Greens)?

Some people report stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea after starting AG1. To help minimize the risk of unwanted side effects, it’s recommended to start with a smaller dose of AG1 and slowly increase the amount over a few days until you reach a full scoop.

Is AG1 (previously Athletic Greens) as good as eating vegetables?

There’s currently no research to show that consuming vegetables in powdered form has the same health benefits as eating whole fruits and vegetables.

Therefore, although AG1 contains several important nutrients found in produce, it should not be used as a replacement for eating whole food sources of those nutrients, such as leafy greens and other vegetables.