Is Athletic Greens Worth It? Benefits, Ingredients, Taste, Cost and More – SI Showcase

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American adults have a problem with plants. Specifically—we don’t eat enough of them. A 2019 CDC survey found that only 10% of American adults consume the recommended two to four cups of vegetables per day.

Founded in 2010 in New Zealand, Athletic Greens is a green powder company that aims to take up some of the slack caused by these nutritional gaps.

In this review, we’ll examine how Athletic Greens compares to a complete multivitamin and other dietary supplements, what vitamins and minerals are included, and more.

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to make sure it’s safe for you.

What Is Athletic Greens?

Athletic Greens is a green powder that aims to provide an all-in-one nutritional solution to an on-the-go lifestyle.

Chris Ashenden founded Athletic Greens as a way to bring comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to the masses. AG1 is its flagship—and currently only—product; most people use the brand name and product name interchangeably. Today, Athletic Greens’ mission is to empower people to take ownership of their health. According to the brand’s website, AG1 is for anyone seeking daily nutritional insurance, from the health journey beginner to elite athlete.

AG1 is a nutrient-dense supplement composed of 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, dairy-free probiotics and adaptogens. AG1 contains several superfood blends including a blend of Nutrient-Dense Extract, Herbs and Antioxidants; a Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex; and an Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex.

A TGA-registered, NSF GMP-registered facility in New Zealand manufactures and produces AG1. Although not regulated by the FDA, Athletic Greens is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that it has been proven to not contain unsafe levels of contaminants, prohibited substances or masking agents, and that what is on the label matches what is in the product. This is important for professional athletes who adhere to strict rules regarding supplements and nutritional products.

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What Does Athletic Greens Claim to Do?

Athletic Greens aims to bring comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to almost every person. One daily serving of AG1 is designed to eliminate the need for other supplements, including multivitamins, multiminerals, superfood blends, phytonutrients, greens blends, adaptogens, digestive enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics.

The 75-ingredient spectrum claims to provide nutritional support across five major areas of health, including energy, immunity and gut health.

Athletic Greens has yet to publish any studies correlating its claims and contents. However, AG1’s pool of ingredients supports the traditional building blocks necessary for foundational health.

Improve Energy

Athletic Greens claims to improve energy, which likely comes from the B-complex vitamins. B vitamins are necessary building blocks for energy; they help the body extract nutrition from food and convert it into usable energy. Furthermore, B6 and magnesium, both ingredients in AG1, have been found to help manage anxiety symptoms.

Although the ingredients list green tea extract and a concentrated cocoa extract, which contains a cousin of caffeine, the brand says that it standardizes for the antioxidant content in both of these extracts, leaving only trace amounts of caffeine.

Support Gut Health

AG1 is a synbiotic product that contains both probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics support gut health and a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics are nutrient fibers that feed probiotics. Together they support a healthy gut. The two probiotics in AG1 are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, and inulin is the prebiotic.

Build Immunity

The abundance of vitamins and minerals within an AG1 serving supports the claim of increased immunity. Vitamins C and A and magnesium provide anti-inflammatory properties and boost immunity. AG1 sources whole foods like spirulina which are rich in protein to help protect cells from damage.

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What Vitamins and Nutrients Does Athletic Greens Contain?

A balance of vitamins and minerals is crucial for a well-functioning nervous system and a strong immune system.

AG1’s vitamin and mineral blend contains 21 vitamins and minerals. Each serving provides 50 calories, and more than 100 percent of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin and zinc.

Despite the comprehensive list of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs, Athletic Greens does not include Iron or vitamin D. Below are a select few of the vitamins and minerals found in AG1.

Vitamins Included in Athletic Greens

B Complex Vitamins

Athletic Greens contains methylcobalamin (B12), thiamine (B1), vitamin B6, folate (B9) and biotin (B7). B vitamins are necessary building blocks for energy, red blood cell transport, and skin and nail growth. In addition, they help the body extract energy from food and convert it into usable energy.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that decreases as you age. Taking a CoQ10 supplement has been linked to improved cardiovascular health; furthermore, it can ward off migraines and may help increase energy to improve physical performance.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a nutrient your body needs but does not make. Athletic Greens provides 467% times the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Adequate vitamin C intake can ward off muscle weakness, which is important for recovery from exercise. Vitamin C is also responsible for boosting immunity and producing collagen.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body.

As mentioned previously, it’s essential to be aware of the amounts of vitamins and minerals in AG1 and how they align with your dietary preferences. Athletic Greens contains 83 milligrams of Vitamin E, which provides over 500% of the recommended daily value. Consumption of high-dose of Vitamin E supplements, which is consistent of >300mg a day, may lead to interactions with drugs such as aspirin or warfarin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vitamin that bolsters immune function, supports cell growth and is critical for vision. Athletic Greens has 62% of your recommended daily value.

Minerals Included in Athletic Greens

Calcium

Calcium in Athletic Greens is present as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and calcium phosphate. The body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones and support smooth muscle function.

Copper

Copper is an essential mineral in energy production; it supports immunity and brain function.

Selenium

Selenium can aid in supporting immunity and thyroid hormone metabolism.

Zinc Citrate

Zinc is a major player in building proteins, healing damaged tissue and supporting a healthy immune system.

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Nutrient Complex and Blends

Athletic Greens contains several nutrients, herbs and antioxidants broken down into three blends: Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants; Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex; and Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex.

Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants:

This blend contains adaptogenic herbs and nutrient-dense natural plant extracts claiming to support hormonal function and antioxidant activity. Ingredients include ashwagandha, which may improve an individual’s stress response, and citrus bioflavonoids extract, which has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex

This superfood complex contains ingredients that purportedly provide an antioxidant content equivalent to 12 servings of vegetables and fruit. Ingredients include organic spirulina, rosehip (Rosa canina) and organic chlorella.

Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex

This digestive and mushroom complex includes ingredients such as digestive enzyme bromelain, burdock root, reishi mushroom powder, shiitake mushroom powder and astragalus root powder. The blend reportedly aids digestive health, nutrient absorption and immune function. However, there is not currently sufficient evidence to determine if the ingredients, such as bromelain, are effective. 

How to Use Athletic Greens

To achieve maximum absorption, drink Athletic Greens on an empty stomach in the morning, at least 10—15 mins before your first meal. The recommended serving is one scoop (12 grams) in 8—10 ounces of water. Athletic Greens team members recommend adding the powder to the water to minimize clumping.

Certified Sports Nutrition Coach Peter Nastasi put the recommendation to the test. “I placed one scoop of the AG1 powder in the bottle provided by the company, added 16 ounces of cold water, and mixed vigorously,” he says. Instead of consuming the mixture right away, Nastasi waited to see if any settling of the product occurred. After about a half hour, Nastasi noticed a “significant amount of sediment at the bottom of the container” indicating this powder does not completely dissolve. If you do not anticipate consuming AG1 in one go, Nastasi recommends shaking the bottle between each sip, or adding more liquid to help dissolve the solution as much as possible.

Due to the ingredients of AG1, refrigeration after opening is recommended. Once the pouch is open, the contents are good for 90 days. If unopened, the AG1 product is shelf stable until the expiration date located on the package.

What Does Athletic Greens Taste Like?

Athletic Greens has a uniquely complex flavor with consumer reviews alluding to an earthy, semi-sweet taste, despite the absence of sweetners. The main flavors consumers experience include pineapple, vanilla and papaya.

Since AG1 contains many whole-food sourced ingredients and live probiotics, the company says the flavor can alter slightly with each batch. Compare AG1 ingredient sourcing to a vineyard experience; the taste of Athletic Greens can be influenced by the resources, time of year, weather conditions or the geographical source of the ingredients.

Before trying the powder, Nastasi was a little skeptical of how it might taste. “There’s always the lingering fear with green powders that it will taste the way a freshly cut lawn smells,” he says. But despite the reported sediment, the first sip was a pleasant surprise. “The powder had this subtle sweetness, and I could pick out notes of vanilla and pineapple,” Nastasi says. Due to the aforementioned settling, he reported a gritty texture as the liquid diminished.

If you’re not a fan of the earthy flavor, you can mix it with juice, put in a smoothie, or combine with your favorite nut milk.

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The Pros of Athletic Greens

Aside from packing a nutrient-dense punch, AG1 is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and nut-free. It’s also free from GMOs, herbicides, pesticides, sucrose, dextrose, preservatives, sweeteners, added flavors and artificial colors.

The travel packs are a convenient way to add a dose of micronutrients.

The Cons of Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (Dietary supplements, like Athletic Greens, do not require approval by the FDA before coming to market.) Therefore all statements made regarding AG1 have not been evaluated by FDA, and the brand acknowledges that the product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Athletic Greens does not contain iron. Despite the extensive ingredient list, iron is missing from the queue. Iron is an essential mineral used to make hemoglobin and some hormones.

Also not included in the vitamin and mineral lineup is vitamin D. An adequate dose of vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption, among other body regulations. However, Athletic Greens does offer separate vitamin D3 + K2 supplements for certain subscription holders.

Some Athletic Greens users also report gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, bloating and other digestive issues.

To mitigate the initial digestive upset, the team at AG1 recommends beginning with one teaspoon of AG1 in cold water for four days. After the initial four days, increase to two teaspoons of AG1 for an additional four days. If you are tolerating well by day eight, increase to a full scoop of AG1 in cold water.

What Customers Say About Athletic Greens

With over 20k 4.5-star reviews between the Athletic Greens website and Amazon reviews, AG1 seems to hit the sweet spot among busy parents, athletes and professionals looking for a healthy lifestyle.

Top comments in favor of Athletic Greens stem from overall feeling, taste and how easily it fits in the daily routine. Here are a few Verified Customer Reviews from the last six months.

“I’ve been using AG for a few months now… It’s easy (not having to use ten different supplements), it’s convenient (just pack what you need when you travel), it’s quick (just mix and drink). It took a little time to notice the change but… I’m more clear-minded, more energetic, and seem to have a better sense of overall well being.” – Helene N.

“Was skeptical, but surprised how great it works. My 2 p.m. crashes are gone. You can definitely feel it working. I can say I have sustained energy throughout the day. ” – Eduardo S

The most significant deterrent from most five-star reviews stemmed from taste preference and opinion on subscription cost.

“A very expensive multivitamin—but after several months of taking it, I’ve been less sick, and bowel movements have been more regular. It’s a nice immune enhancement and probiotic if you have extra cash. Otherwise, you could be just as well off making sure that your daily diet includes lots of vitamins and fiber.” – Bradley J.

“Good product, great ingredients, just too expensive. If you have a healthy, rounded diet, you’re already getting most of what you need… and nearly $100/mo is simply too much for the benefits received.” – Joseph H.

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Who Athletic Greens Is Best For

AG1 is designed to offer nutrition for people who may not have time or the ability to maintain a healthy, whole-food diet, or those who want to make sure that they’re filling in any nutritional gaps.

It supports a variety of diets, including those that are dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and egg free. Athletic Greens is also suitable for those following a keto, vegan, vegetarian, Paleo or low-carb diet.

The brand claims that Athletic Greens is for everybody, not just athletes. From energy metabolism and production to supporting bone health, proper vitamin consumption is critical for maintaining a healthy body.

Who Athletic Greens Is Not Best For

Remember, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Talk to your health care professional before taking any supplement.

Athletic Greens packs an impressive punch with its 75 ingredients, but this green powder’s sheer number of vitamins, minerals and more might not be suitable for everyone. Check with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian before jumping into this all-in-one supplement, as some ingredients may interfere with medications.

It is not recommended that children under the age of 18 take Athletic Greens without the approval of a medical professional. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a medical professional before taking Athletic Greens.

Athletic Greens is also not best for people who have specific vitamin or mineral sensitivities. It’s essential to be aware of the vitamins’ doses and how they align with your daily dietary intake because overconsumption may lead to adverse reactions or toxicity. For example, in the recommended one scoop serving of AG1 there is 20mg of niacin, which is 125% of the recommended DV. Adverse symptoms of niacin consumption, such as skin flushing, have been reported when a user takes 30mg. Although hepatotoxicity, or liver toxicity, from niacin consumption does not occur until three hundred milligrams are ingested, it is important to understand when adverse symptoms can potentially begin. Be aware of any vitamins or minerals that you may be sensitive to.

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Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Athletic Greens

Before trying Athletic Greens, there are a few things to consider.

What are your nutrition goals? Athletic Greens, although comprehensively nutrient-dense, is not meant to be a meal replacement beverage or complete all required nutritional needs.

How do you plan to integrate AG1 into your routine? The simple mix-and-drink process seems straightforward, but depending on your morning routine or workout schedule, will the highly encouraged morning consumption be feasible?

Will joining the subscription program fit into your monthly budget? Athletic Greens does allow you to cancel your subscription at any time, and subscriptions come with a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Athletic Greens Ingredients

Athletic Greens has dozens of ingredients.

Check out the image below, or click here to view the complete list of ingredients. 

Price

Prices range per serving from $2.48—$3.30 for the pouch and $2.82—$3.63 for the travel packs, depending if you purchase a one-time purchase or a subscription.

One-Time Purchase

A one-time purchase of the Pouch is $99 ( $3.30 per serving).

For travel packs, a one-time purchase is $109 ($3.63 per serving) for 30 individual servings of AG1 and per shipment.

Subscription

Each AG1 subscription option comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. You can cancel subscriptions anytime by logging into your online account or contacting the Athletic Greens customer care team.

Pouch

A single pouch subscription is $79 a month ($2.63 per serving). The subscription includes 30 servings of AG1, a premium jar and shaker bottle and five Free AG1 travel packs.

A double pouch subscription is $149 a month ($2.48 per serving). This selection is best for two daily drinkers or if you are increasing your usage. The subscription includes 60 servings, delivered monthly, a free starter kit with the premium jar and two shakers. Free Vitamin D3+K2 and five travel packs are also included.

Travel Packs

The travel pack single subscription is $89 a month ($2.97 per serving). The subscription includes 30 individual servings of AG1, a free starter kit, a shaker and five Free AG1 travel packs.

The travel pack double subscription is $149 ($2.48 per serving). This selection is best for two daily drinkers. The subscription includes 60 individual servings, delivered monthly, and two shakers. A free Vitamin D3 + K2 supplement and five travel packs are also included.

Athletic Greens offers discounts to first-time buyers. Sponsored podcast hosts provide most promotional codes.

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Is Athletic Greens Worth It?

With high-quality sourcing of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, herbs and more in one shakeable scoop, AG1 is a convenient way to kickstart your morning nutrients. While it is lacking in a few key nutrients, this semi-sweet earthy powdered beverage could be a great addition to your morning lineup.

FAQs

How long does Athletic Greens last in the fridge?

Athletic Greens should be used within 90 days of opening. If unopened, AG1 expires two years after the manufacturing date. The expiration date is listed on the package.

Are greens powders healthy

Green powders contain a powdered version of nutrients derived from fruits and vegetables, which are essential to humans. Green powder aims to supplement a lifestyle regimen.

Does Athletic Greens make you bloated?

Some consumers have reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and bloating when taking Athletic Greens. The team at AG1 recommends beginning with one teaspoon of AG1 in cold water for four days. After the initial four days, increase to two teaspoons of AG1 for an additional four days. If you are tolerating well by day eight, increase to a full scoop of AG1 in cold water.

Does Athletic Greens spike insulin?

With its low carb composition (less than one gram of total sugars) and taken as recommended, Athletic Greens does not spike insulin. It is keto friendly.

Is Athletic Greens a monthly subscription?

Athletic Greens offers a one-time purchase option or two different monthly subscription options.

Why is there a lead warning in Athletic Greens?

The label on AG1 is in alignment with a California law called “Proposition 65”, or the “right to know” law. All companies that sell products into California are required to tell consumers their products contain or cause an exposure to one or more chemicals on the State’s list which includes lead.

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Prices are accurate, and items are in stock as of publishing time.