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AG1 has garnered significant attention in recent years, frequently appearing in influencer morning routines, podcast advertisements, and wellness TikToks that claim to boost energy and aid digestion. As a dietitian, I am often asked about this supplement.
AG1’s visibility has recently expanded further, as the brand launches in over 1,500 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide starting today.
As someone who evaluates supplements professionally, I was curious whether AG1 truly lives up to its reputation, particularly in light of its hefty price tag. I decided to personally review the greens powder and analyze its ingredient quality, taste, and nutritional effectiveness.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, our registered dietitians thoroughly review every supplement we recommend by adhering to our dietary supplement methodology. We also have a registered dietitian on our Medical Review Board evaluate each article for scientific accuracy. A supplement’s role should be to complement a balanced diet, not replace it, and it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement routine.
What is AG1?
AG1, previously known as Athletic Greens, is a daily greens powder aimed at delivering vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other nutrients in a single scoop. Launched in 2010 by a team of doctors, scientists, and researchers, it has gone through numerous iterations to incorporate the latest advancements and improve ingredient quality.
The formulation includes a total of 75 ingredients comprising essential vitamins and minerals, greens such as spirulina and chlorella, probiotics, digestive enzymes, adaptogens, herbal extracts, and antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetable powders.
The main idea behind AG1 is convenience: instead of taking multiple supplements individually, this powder combines crucial nutrients into one daily drink.
To prepare it, mix one scoop with cold water or blend it into a smoothie. Since it contains live probiotics and whole-food ingredients, the powder should be refrigerated after opening. For optimal absorption, it’s recommended to take AG1 about 10 minutes before a meal on an empty stomach.
Pricing
AG1 is on the pricier side of greens powders. Initially, it was only available via the brand’s website, priced at $99 for 30 servings, with a discounted monthly subscription option.
AG1 is now also sold at Ulta Beauty, giving customers a more flexible way to try it without committing to a full monthly supply. Ulta offers a starter kit for $34.99, which includes a shaker bottle and a one-week supply. Ulta also offers smaller trial sizes, including 7 travel packs for $29.99 and a 14 travel packs for $49.99.
Nutrition Highlights
One serving contains:
- High levels of B vitamins and vitamin C
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support
- Key nutrients from diverse sources
One notable point is that AG1 lacks vitamin D, a nutrient that many adults require more of. However, the brand offers a vitamin D3 and K2 drop as a complementary product. The powder also includes natural flavors and soy, as certain ingredients are derived from soy.
Who is AG1 Best For?
In my opinion, AG1 is most suitable for those who find it challenging to consume enough fruits and vegetables, travel often, or currently invest in multiple supplements. It’s especially appealing to those seeking a convenient “all-in-one” solution to streamline their daily routine.
This product could be incredibly helpful for busy individuals, such as medical students managing hectic schedules, who need nutritional support during demanding times. Moreover, it accommodates various dietary lifestyles, including vegan, vegetarian, and keto.
However, I don’t believe that most healthy adults with a well-rounded diet genuinely require a product like AG1, nor should it replace real, whole foods.
Is AG1 Worth It?
The short answer is: yes for certain individuals, but its value leans more towards convenience rather than any groundbreaking nutritional benefits.
After assessing AG1 myself, I was impressed with its quality standards, including thorough third-party testing and careful ingredient sourcing. It also had a relatively decent taste compared to other alternatives, along with a strong convenience factor that makes incorporating it into daily life simple.
People appreciate the ease of consolidating multiple supplements into one regimen. However, I don’t believe AG1 is a miraculous solution, nor do I think most individuals need to spend nearly $100 a month on a greens powder if they maintain a relatively nutrient-dense diet.
In comparison to many greens powders on the market, AG1 stands out as one of the better options I’ve encountered. Ultimately, whether it offers value depends on your personal preference for convenience.
How We Reviewed AG1
As the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab, I analyzed AG1’s ingredient quality, nutritional profile, certifications, taste, texture, and overall value.
I personally tried the supplement and gathered feedback from GH staff members who have used AG1 consistently for extended periods.
Taste and Texture
Having tried numerous greens powders over the years, I found AG1 to be one of the more palatable options.
The flavor is earthy yet slightly sweet, and I discovered it was much more enjoyable when mixed with around 12 ounces of liquid instead of the recommended 8. It also paired nicely with coconut water.
While some staff members preferred the flavor more than others, we generally found it mixed fairly well with other similar products. AG1 also offers several flavors on the brand’s website, including citrus and berry, though only the original is available at Ulta.
Quality and Testing Standards
I was particularly impressed with AG1’s product standards, which encompass research, sourcing, and manufacturing processes. The brand prioritizes bioavailable ingredients, using high-quality sources and manufacturing products at FDA- & TGA-registered facilities, alongside third-party testing for verification.
AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, indicating it has undergone third-party testing for purity and contaminants. This certification distinguishes AG1 from many lower-quality greens powders available. You can view the most recent testing results on the AG1 website.
Results
Our staff reported varied experiences after using AG1 consistently. One individual noticed improvements in digestion and regularity, while another felt slightly increased energy and focus. However, a few others did not observe significant changes.
This variability did not come as a surprise to me; nutritional supplements can have different effects on individuals, making it challenging to isolate the impact of a greens powder from one’s overall diet and lifestyle. I personally felt a boost in energy while taking it, which could be attributed to the mix of B vitamins provided.
As a registered dietitian, I appreciated that the powder serves as a substitute for a multivitamin, probiotic, and other supplements you might typically use. This allows for a single daily drink instead of multiple pills.
It also contains a substantial amount of folate, an essential nutrient especially for women of reproductive age, aiding in the prevention of neural tube defects. Additionally, the travel packets are convenient and do not require refrigeration, which is a definite plus.
Things to Consider
It’s Expensive
One of AG1’s most significant drawbacks is its cost. Priced roughly between $80 and $100 per month, it is significantly more expensive than many conventional multivitamins and greens powders.
The Ingredient Blends Aren’t Fully Transparent
The use of proprietary blends in AG1 means that while the brand lists ingredients, it does not disclose the precise amounts of each. As a dietitian, I prefer more transparency in this area, though I understand the company’s desire to protect its formula from competitors.
It’s Not a Replacement for Whole Foods
Throughout my experience with AG1, I continually emphasized that no greens powder can replace actual fruits and vegetables. Whole foods provide fiber, hydration, and beneficial plant compounds in ways that supplements simply cannot replicate fully. The synergy of nutrients in whole foods is what contributes to their health benefits; nutrients cannot be isolated and expected to perform equivalently when extracted from their natural sources.
More Isn’t Always Better
It’s essential to consider how AG1 fits into your existing supplement routine.
Some nutrients in AG1 are present in amounts higher than the daily values (DVs), which are the general intake recommendations. Generally, this is less concerning for water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C and B vitamins, since excess is usually excreted through urine.
However, caution is necessary with fat-soluble vitamins (such as Vitamins A and E), which can accumulate in the body with consistent excessive intake. Although AG1 contains a relatively high level of vitamin E, it remains below the established upper limit for most healthy adults.
Because of this, I recommend being mindful of your overall supplement intake, especially if you’re already taking a multivitamin or other fortified products, to avoid unintentional nutrient duplication.
Some Nutrients Are Missing
Despite the comprehensive ingredient list, AG1 does not include vitamin D. Depending on individual nutritional needs, additional supplementation might still be required.
Certain People Should Avoid It
AG1 is not recommended for children or individuals who are pregnant or nursing. Due to the presence of adaptogens and herbal ingredients, it may also interact with specific medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen.
Final Verdict
If you seek a convenient, high-quality greens powder and are okay with the price, AG1 is one of the top options I’ve tried.
I found the sourcing of ingredients, third-party certifications, and overall taste to be impressive when compared to many competitors. I also recognize the appeal of consolidating several supplements into one daily product.
Nevertheless, I do not believe that most individuals require AG1, particularly if they already consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods.
Ultimately, I regard AG1 as more of a convenience product than an essential nutritional supplement. For some, the ease it offers may indeed justify the cost; for others, the premium price may not be worth the benefits.
Why Trust Good Housekeeping?
As director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, Registered Dietitian Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, oversees all nutrition content, product testing, and evaluations. She stays informed on the latest research to provide evidence-based insights into diet and nutrition. Stefani leads supplement analysis for Good Housekeeping and has assessed categories including multivitamins, joint health supplements, and vitamin D.
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