Is AG1 worth it? We put the viral greens powder to the test to find out
If your healthy eating habits tend to slip over the festive period (us too), a greens powder could provide a much-needed dose of nutrients, amid all the mince pies, fizz and mulled wine. There are plenty to choose from these days, but one product that stands out from the crowd is AG1 by Athletic Greens.
Since launching back in 2010, AG1 has soared in popularity thanks to its convenience and complete nutrition profile (you get 75 vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics and adaptogens in one neat scoop). The brand has amassed over 250 million views on TikTok alone, and boasts a string of celebrity fans including wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and Cindy Crawford. But is it actually worth the hefty £97 price tag?
To find out, we put it the moss-coloured wellness drink through rigorous testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before you splurge on a bag of the green stuff, here’s everything you need to know about AG1.
What is AG1 and how does it work?
AG1 is a powdered greens supplement developed by a team of doctors, scientists and nutritional experts. The brand has undergone 53 iterations of the product since its initial launch to incorporate the latest research and include the highest quality ingredients.
“AG1 is a science-driven formulation of over 70 whole food source nutrients and probiotics to support your brain, digestion and immune system,” explains Tess Marshall, naturopathic doctor and senior director of product marketing and education at AG1. “We believe nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated, which is why one daily scoop of AG1 mixed in water is all that’s needed to boost the body and the mind.”
It comes with some pretty big claims, from healthier skin, hair and nails to reduced tiredness and fatigue, along with better gut health, a stronger immune system and more energy throughout the day. Keep reading to see how our testers got on.
It’s free from sugar, artificial sweeteners, gluten, peanuts and dairy. Best of all, unlike most greens powders on the market, it’s certified by an independent quality and safety certification program, the Cologne List. This ensures the ingredients list is accurate and it’s free from contaminants.
How we tested AG1
We recruited a panel of six testers (me included) to trial AG1 every day over a four-week period. We asked them to assess ease of use, taste and efficacy, highlighting any benefits they experienced after taking the product as instructed.
Back at the GHI, our expert food team taste tested the greens powder, scoring it based on flavour, texture and aroma. We also asked nutritionists Georgia Chiltern and Megan Foulsham, who are both extremely knowledgeable about greens powders, to analyse the ingredients found in AG1.
Once all testing was complete, feedback was reviewed, and an overall score was awarded.
Meet the experts: Megan Foulsham is senior nutritionist at Fresh Fitness Food and a registered nutritionist with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and a master’s in eating disorders and clinical nutrition. Georgia Chilton, senior nutrition manager at Fresh Fitness Food has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, a master’s degree in sports and exercise nutrition and holds over nine years of industry experience.
Our Athletic Greens AG1 review
Score: 87/100
Ease of use
The idea is to mix one scoop (12g) of AG1 with 250ml of cold water or blend it up into a juice or smoothie. You should take it on an empty stomach, at least 10 minutes before your breakfast, to optimise absorption.
Scooping and mixing may sound like a faff first thing in the morning, but the brand points out that it’s a one-stop solution that eliminates the need to buy and take multiple pills and potions.
If you subscribe, you’ll get a free starter kit with your first purchase, which includes a steel scoop, a glass bottle and a storage container (along with five AG1 travel packs and some Vitamin D and K2 liquid drops). Testers appreciated these “premium touches” and said it helped them measure out the right amount, keep the powder fresh and encourage them to stay consistent. “It really was so easy to use,” confirmed one happy tester.
Because AG1 contains whole-food ingredients and live probiotics, it must be refrigerated and consumed within 90 days of opening. If you want to keep up your daily dose of greens when you’re away from home, you’ll have to buy the single-serve travel sachets, which don’t need to be kept in the fridge.
Flavour and consistency
It’s no secret that greens juices can taste like grass, but thankfully, AG1 is more palatable than most.
As a wellness writer, I’ve tried a lot of greens in my time, and I can honestly say AG1 is up there with the nicest. Granted, it doesn’t taste like a delicious milkshake, but it doesn’t make me wince while I drink it. Our at-home testers agreed, with one panellist saying, “The taste itself was nicer than I expected and a lot nicer than greens powders I’ve tried before.”
Our food team rated the natural fruity flavour, with notes of pineapple and coconut. They said it wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet, but it does have an earthy aftertaste that takes a little getting used to use.
Texture-wise, it’s on the thin side, making it easy to get down – there's no need to chew your way through a thick, lumpy concoction. Some testers found it took a while to fully combine, but using an electric frother will get the job done quicker.
Performance
After consuming AG1 consistently for a month, our testers noted a range of benefits in line with the brand’s claims. “I definitely felt an improvement in my skin, it was clearer and softer,” said one tester, adding that they felt like they had more energy after taking the supplement. Another panel member also told us, “I absolutely felt a difference in my energy levels and bloating.”
Personally, I didn’t experience any mind-blowing changes to my mental focus or skin, but I did notice some major digestive improvements. I’ve always struggled with irritable bowel syndrome, but when taking AG1, my symptoms calmed down and my uncomfortable, painful bloating was less frequent.
It’s important to note, though, that everyone is unique and may experience different results despite taking the same supplement. There are also a variety of factors that play a role in your overall health, and it can be hard to determine if changes are down to taking AG1 or other diet and lifestyle habits.
Nutrition
Our nutritionist experts, Chiltern and Foulsham, liked that AG1 contains synbiotics (a mix of prebiotics and probiotics) to provide variety to the gut microbiome and support digestion – it means you don’t need take a separate prebiotic supplement.
Each serving contains a hefty dose of your daily vitamins and minerals (including folate, which is crucial for women of reproductive age); however, some of the nutrients exceed the daily recommended values. They are unlikely to be harmful (any excess will leave the body through urine) but the levels are unnecessary.
They note that AG1 isn’t suitable if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding due to the high vitamin A intake. It’s always advisable to check with your healthcare provider before introducing a supplement into your daily routine – especially if you have any underlying health conditions or you’re already taking medication.
They also offer an important reminder: it’s best to get your nutrition from whole foods where possible. “We wouldn’t usually recommend a greens powder as a first port of call; we always recommend a food-first approach,” says Foulsham.
The bottom line: Is AG1 worth it?
There’s no getting around it – £97 is a lot to spend on a 30-day supply of greens, but if you struggle to eat your fruits and veggies, or you have trouble meeting your micronutrient needs through diet alone, you may benefit from taking it. Our panel of testers certainly noticed changes to their skin, energy levels, mood and digestion.
It’s not a miracle product, but it is undoubtedly one of the best greens powders on the market in terms of taste and quality of ingredients. Plus it has been third-party tested to check for purity, potency and safety.
If you're after something more pocket-friendly, check out our full greens powder round-up, with products starting from £20.
AG1 is available to buy from the Athletic Greens website.
AG1 FAQs
How much does AG1 cost?
A single pouch of AG1, containing 30 servings, costs £97. Alternatively, you can opt for the monthly subscription, where you’ll get sent a pouch each month for £79, or a double monthly subscription, with two bags for £150.
If you’re a frequent traveller, you can also choose to get 30 travel pouches sent to you each month for £89.
What is the best time of the day to take AG1?
Athletic Greens advises taking the supplement first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. But, if that doesn’t work for you, you can also drink it in the afternoon as a replacement for your 3pm coffee.
How long does it take to see results from AG1?
“We recommend taking AG1 for 30 days to see the full results,” says Dr Marshall. “But some people report that they start feeling the effects sooner. Most people feel noticeable sustained energy and less bloating within the first 30 days, and clearer skin by 90 days.”
Why trust Good Housekeeping
Kim Hawley, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s lead tester on greens powders, has reviewed a vast range of wellness products, from protein bars to massage guns. She is a level 4 qualified personal trainer, has a nutrition qualification and has worked in leading health clubs across the UK, so she knows what to look for in a supplement.
For this test, we also enlisted the help of Fresh Fitness Food nutritionists Georgia Chilton, and Megan Foulsham to assess the product and help you make an informed decision.
At the GHI, we’ve been testing and reviewing products for 100 years to help you find the very best on the market. We put each product through rigorous testing to provide unbiased reviews you can rely on.
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