Is AG-1 (Athletic Greens) Really Worth the Hype – or the Price Tag?
Let’s talk AG-1 (Athletic Greens). You’ve likely seen AG-1 all over social media, podcasts, or health influencer pages - touted as an all-in-one greens powder and multivitamin promising “better energy, digestion, immunity, and more.” But does it actually deliver on those claims? And is it something you truly need? In this post, I’m breaking down the science (and the marketing) behind AG-1, sharing what I like about it, what gives me pause, and why this “super supplement” might not be as super - or necessary - as it seems. Let’s cut through the wellness noise and talk about what really supports your health.
Consider this a PSA for your pocketbook! 💚
What Is AG-1?
AG-1 is the greens powder + mega-multivitamin mineral (MVM) combo created by Athletic Greens; you’re supposed to mix it in a cold, non-acidic liquid and drink it daily; heat and acidity could possibly impact nutrient quality (according to the company).
You’ve likely seen it in your social media feed (if you have social media) and/or being promoted by big names in the podcast, fitness, and sports world. I mostly know about it from clients and friends asking me if they should take it and also the commercials bombarding the air waves.
The marketing often portrays AG-1 as a "magic bullet" solution to nutritional deficiencies, promising wide-ranging benefits from boosting energy to improving digestion, immunity, hormonal health, cognitive health, and overall wellness. (Whew!) All for the low price of $99/month. 🤨
What I Like About AG-1
It’s Nutrient-Dense
AG-1 contains 75 ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, pre/probiotics, extracts, and other compounds, making it a convenient way to consume a wide range of nutrients in one serving. This could be beneficial for individuals struggling to meet daily requirements, particularly those struggling to get in their fruits and veggies.It has NSF Certification
This means the product is third-party tested for quality and safety, ensuring that it contains what the label claims and is free from harmful contaminants. (Big fan of this!)
What Gives Me Pause
It's Nutrient-Dense
Yes, you read that correctly! The same thing I consider “good”, also gives me pause. Remember, it has 75 ingredients. And like all things in life - it’s possible to have too much of a good thing - including nutrients. It doesn’t just have a sprinkling of nutrients either - many are well above 100% the recommended daily allowance. While excess water-soluble vitamins are mostly excreted, fat-soluble ones (like A, D, E, K) can accumulate in the body, which may pose risks.On that note…many people drawn to AG-1 are (generally) already health-conscious and likely taking other steps to support their well-being, such as using additional supplements. This can sometimes lead to doubling (or tripling) up on nutrients, which is sometimes completely benign, but other times can cause real harm, especially over time.
Plus, certain health conditions and medications require careful consideration of nutrient and herbal intake. With 75 ingredients, many of them high-dose, AG-1 isn’t universally suitable.
Lack of Data for “Proprietary Blends”
AG-1 doesn’t disclose the precise amounts of ingredients in its proprietary blends. 49 out of the 75 ingredients are within these proprietary blends, making it unclear if doses are even in large enough quantities to be effective or may pose potential issues for those with sensitivities.Lack of Overall Quality Research
There is a lack of quality research on the product, as a whole. The majority of the research listed on their site is conducted either “in vitro”/petri dish ( = not humans) or on individual nutrients, not the full product itself.Athletic Greens' only human clinical trial was a small, one-month study on 30 people - conducted by the company itself. And for context, high-quality multivitamin research (AG-1 is essentially a mega-MVM) spans years with thousands of blinded participants; for example, one study followed 15,000 men for 11 years. (And yes, I definitely take issue with the single-gender focus, but that’s a topic for another time. 🫤 )
Ultimately, AG-1’s clinical trial lacks scientific rigor and its health claims rely on studies of individual ingredients, not the product as a whole.
The One-Size-Fits-All Approach
There is no single supplement, medication, or product that works for everyone all the time. Period. Even if AG-1 contains “good stuff,” that doesn’t guarantee it’s what your body needs - or that it will deliver you the benefits marketed. Everyone’s health needs are unique, and AG-1’s broad approach misses that.My spidey-sense goes up when I see competing claims - which perhaps is bound to happen when your goal is appealing to the masses. AG-1 “promises” the daily drink will make you feel “sharp and focused” and “calm and relaxed” at the same time. Huh…🤔
Plus, taking things when you don’t need them can be counterproductive to your health goals since you’re not allowing your body to build resilience on its own.
The $99/Month Price Tag
AG1 is not cost-effective for the average person and as I mentioned above, most people end up paying to take a lot of things they simply don’t need…especially since most people are not deficient in all these nutrients and don’t need support in all the health areas being marketed.I also cringe at the thought of people who don’t have the budget for it feeling like they’re missing out if they don’t get it; there are plenty of other ways to achieve the same goals without spending $99/month.
Questionable “Gut Support”
As a nutritionist who focuses on gut health, I personally don’t love the inclusion of inulin (a prebiotic fiber) and probiotic strains. While these are most likely some of the main ingredients AG-1 considers “supportive” of gut health (one of their primary marketing claims)...I beg to differ.I like them on their own in certain situations, but inulin and probiotics can both contribute to digestive distress, particularly in folks who already have digestive issues. Will they cause digestive distress in everyone…no…but they can for some, which makes the “gut support” claim misleading.
Pre-and probiotics are best used selectively and with practitioner guidance to ensure they’re safe and effective for individual needs.
What Gives Me The “Ick”
Athletic Greens has a quiz on their website to “determine” if AG-1 is right for you.
Spoiler Alert: No matter how optimal your diet or lifestyle, the quiz always recommends AG-1…mind blown, I know. 🤨
This feeds into unnecessary “just in case” supplementation (at best) and being misleading and manipulative, at worst.
What To Consider Instead
You don’t need to spend a fortune to support your health - especially in ways your health doesn’t even require. Consider these simpler, more cost-effective options:
Eat Fruits + Veg! (Ground breaking, I know. 😉)
Incorporating nutrient-rich options like: leafy greens, purple carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, berries, and legumes (just picking some of my personal faves!)...provide you fiber, antioxidants, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. (Honestly, just pick any fruits and veg you like!)Make a Smoothie
Blend greens, frozen fruits, and a high-quality protein powder for an easy, portable nutrient boost. AG-1 is low on protein (2 g/scoop), so adding seeds, nut butters, or protein powders to some fruits and veg in a smoothie are quick ways to a more substantial mix of nutrients in.Take a Quality Multivitamin Mineral (MVM)
If you’re concerned about nutrient gaps, a third-party tested MVM can provide peace-of-mind for a fraction of the cost.
Do those seem rather predictable?! It’s because AG-1 is essentially an overpriced mega-MVM with a bunch of extra bells and whistles that most people don’t need. They’re just really good at marketing. 🥸
Final Thoughts
If you want to use AG-1 occasionally for convenience, such as when traveling or you’re short on time (or groceries) - and it doesn’t add any financial strain - I definitely get it! Like I said, the ingredients (on their own) aren’t inherently harmful and may be helpful in times of need - you just likely don’t need all of them, all the time.
At the end of the day, just because something is well-marketed doesn’t mean it’s necessary. AG-1 is not a replacement for whole fruits and veggies; supplements are meant to supplement the diet, not replace whole foods.
Leaning into your fruits and veg when you can, will bring you more synergistic health benefits than any powder ever could…plus your pocketbook might thank you. Just my two cents. 😉