New
March 08, 2025

AG1® (Athletic Greens)

A review of the science.

Despite AG1's popularity and seemingly endless promotion by health influencers and podcast hosts, it performed poorly in our testing. We ranked AG1 #13 out of the 23 products evaluated.
We don't recommend AG1
.

Verdict: Not recommended

AG1®

Athletic Greens

AG1 contains ultra-processed soy product, has a proprietary formula, and is nearly double the price of far superior options. We ranked AG1 #13 out of the 23 products evaluated.

We do not recommend AG1.

 Ranked #13 out of 23 products
❌  Not an organic product
 Soy lecithin added
 Most ingredient amounts in specified
❌   Double the price of better options
✓ Verified by Evident

What our Research showed

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Avoid. Better, less expensive alternatives available. We understand that many of our site visitors are here looking for alternatives to Athletic Greens. And for good reason! AG1 contains ultra-processed soy product, has a proprietary formula, and is nearly double the price of far superior options.

Pros and Cons

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Avoid. Better, less expensive alternatives available.

The bottom line on AG1®

Avoid. Better, less expensive alternatives available. We understand that many of our site visitors are here looking for alternatives to Athletic Greens. And for good reason! AG1 contains ultra-processed soy product, has a proprietary formula, and is nearly double the price of far superior options.

AG1 contains ultra-processed soy product, has a proprietary formula, and is nearly double the price of far superior options. We ranked AG1 #13 out of the 23 products evaluated.

Seeking a great alternative? Check out our full review of 23 top greens powder brands.

WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS

Do greens powders actually work?

Clinical trials focusing specifically on commercially-available greens powders like AG1 are limited.
However, there's a growing body of research exploring the benefits of individual ingredients commonly
found in these supplements and the broader impact of nutritional supplementation on overall health.In
short: Yes, a good greens powder is likely healthy.

Your guide to a better choice

Choosing a quality greens powder

With so many greens powders on the market, it can be challenging to choose a high-quality product that meets your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Third-Party Testing & Certifications
third party tested

Look for products that have been independently tested by third-party organizations to verify their purity, potency, and quality. These certifications ensure that the product meets certain standards and is free from contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes.

2. Organic Ingredients
Organic Ingredients

Choose greens powders made with organic ingredients whenever possible. Organic farming practices help reduce exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals, promoting both your health and the environment.

3. Additives &  Harmful Ingredients
Harmful ingredients

Avoid greens powders with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives. These additives can negate the health benefits of the greens and may even have negative health consequences.

4. Secret Mixes / "Proprietary Blends"
secret mixes

Be wary of products that list ingredients as part of a "proprietary blend." This means the manufacturer doesn't have to disclose the exact amount of each ingredient. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the product's true nutritional value and potential for interactions or side effects.

5. Formulation Quality
Formulation Quality

Consider the overall formulation quality, including the types and amounts of ingredients. Look for products with a diverse blend of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients in meaningful amounts. Consider your individual needs and preferences when evaluating the formulation. For example, if you're looking for a greens powder to support gut health, choose one with probiotics and prebiotics.


Research Database Summary

Top 3 Greens Powders

View Complete Research >

See the greens powders we ranked best below. This is a summary of our complete collaborative research document found here. We welcome any comments, corrections, or suggestions to write us directly.

Rank

Product name
and brand

Score

Tested / Certified

Organic

No harmful additives

Transparent label

Essential  nutrients (>4)

Price per serving (est)

Green Vibrance Thumb

Green Vibrance

Vibrant Health

98%

$1.65

Visit Site

# 2

Garden of Life Green Superfood thumb

Green Superfood

Garden of Life

86%

$1.31

Visit Site

# 3

79%

$0.25

Visit Site
Our research is open source.

Our research is 100% transparent. Please visit our open-source, collaborative analysis to review our data and share any suggestions for improvements. We welcome questions or comments directly.

Well-known brands

View Complete Research >

If you listen to the same podcasts and Instagram influencers that we do, you'd be forgiven for assuming that the likes of AG1, Huel and Thorne are the best and most reputable greens powder brands. Think again. By objective measures, these brands tripped up and thoroughly disappointed in our testing.

OUR TOP Pick  🏆

Green Vibrance

vibrant health
98%

Our top-rated greens powder, based on rigorous and 100% transparent research & testing. #1 of 23 products evaluated.

Tested by independent third-parties
Organic ingredients
No harmful added ingredients
Transparent labelling
Excellent formula quality
Winner of 7-day taste, energy & gut test
Affordable ($1.65 per serving)

What we love

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After thoroughly testing 23 greens powders, Green Vibrance emerged as our clear winner. What stood out most was the brand's commitment to making an incredibly pure product with total transparency—every ingredient is precisely measured and disclosed on the label. They also rigorously test their products using third party labs, and provided us with example certificates of analysis of the results, when we reached out to them for details. The formula balances nutrient-rich organic ingredients without any added fillers or harmful additives. During our week-long real-world taste test, we noticed sustained energy levels and improved digestion, and its taste was very manageable! At only $1.65 per day, it's a lot more affordable than many of the more expensive and often heavily advertised alternatives—like AG1, Huel or Sakara.

Pros

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• Comprehensive third-party testing for purity and label accuracy
• Fully transparent formula with no proprietary blends
• 100% organic ingredients
• Formula free from harmful additives and fillers
• Superior nutritional profile
• Excellent performance in real-world 7-day taste, energy and gut health test
• Non-GMO, Soy-free, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan-friendly

Cons

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• Earthy greens taste may take time to adjust to
• Pricing reflects high-quality ingredients
• Should be refrigerated after opening

What the world is saying

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High ratings on iHerb, Amazon and the Better Business Bureau®.

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for guidance on any medical concerns or before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle. The information here is based on research and personal opinions and should not replace professional medical advice.