An Honest Review of AG1: Athletic Greens

If you've ever wondered about that daily greens powder you've seen all across social media, here is an honest first-hand review of someone who eventually gave in to the advertising and tried AG1 Athletic Greens for themselves.

It's Good For You & All, But How Does It Taste?

First off, I found that Athletic Greens (AG1) tasted better than expected, and the flavor has grown on me since I started taking it daily. To me, the taste is comparable to a subtle green juice (specifically a more green green juice, no pineapple, apple, or orange to sweeten or mask the taste ~health~). In addition to the flavor, the greens have a slightly powdered texture, however, this lessens the more you dilute them with water. If you absolutely can't stand this texture, I discovered that blending them into my morning smoothie along with vanilla protein masked the flavor and texture of the greens almost completely. I also found that having the greens in water over ice made it seem more like a freshly blended juice rather than a powder diluted with water. I did take it a step further by drinking it over ice in a wine glass (which is an excellent route to take if you still feel like you need to disguise the fact it's a greens powder).

Does It Really Make A Difference?

This has been my most frequently asked question since sharing AG1 on my Instagram story. They're aesthetic, you see it all the time on Instagram, and tons of accredited health influencers promote it. But, does it really impact how you feel? Let's discuss.

Do I feel different since taking AG1? My short answer would be no. However, there's more to unpack here. A good friend of mine, Ally Szeman, CNP, brought up a very good point; Today's society has us acclimated to instant gratification in many aspects of life. A certain input should lead to a timely output. But when it comes to a greens powder that provides vitamins and minerals that replenish our stores in the body, this is a long-term solution to health as opposed to a short-term bandaid. As long as we're not detrimentally depleted in the certain nutrients that AG1 provides, it's likely we won't notice any immediate effects at all. This, however, doesn't mean the greens aren't doing anything. Two, three, or six, months down the line, you may find you're less susceptible to the common cold, you go about your day with heightened energy levels, you have less frequent cravings, your digestion has improved, and you recover faster from being under the weather. It's important to recognize that these changes won't occur before your eyes after one week of taking any supplement, AG1 included.

What Differentiates AG1 From Other Greens Powders?

AG1 Athletic greens, or any green powder, is a great way to cover all your bases when it comes to the nutritional profile of your diet. Especially coming from someone who eats the same things most days (a creature of routine), I like to feel assured that I'm not missing out on any essential nutritional components. So what sets apart AG1 from a multivitamin or any other greens powder? In addition to the essential vitamins and minerals it provides, AG1 contains four proprietary blends i.e. ingredients formulated together for a specific purpose. The first blend is an alkaline raw superfood complex, including organic spirulina, to support a healthy gut microbiome as well as various other positive health contributions. The second is an antioxidant blend containing herbs and plant extracts. Adaptogenic ingredients such as Ashwagandha and dandelion root are included here. The third blend is a digestive enzyme and super mushroom complex to support digestion and nutrient absorption. This blend is comprised of reishi mushroom powder, shitake mushroom powder, and astragalus root powder to additionally support immune health. Lastly, AG1 includes a proprietary blend of dairy-free probiotics (7.2 billion CFU) in two different strains, each with a separate benefit for the microbiome, intestinal pH, and reduction of inflammation in the gut. It is also important to note that AG1 is NSF Certified, meaning the product has been tested and approved by a trusted independent certification organization that verifies every batch of the dietary supplement does not contain unsafe levels of contaminants, prohibited substances, or masking agents. It also further assures that what is on the label matches what is in the product (What Does NSF Certified Mean and Why is it Important?).

Is It Worth The Cost?

We've established the benefits, but is it worth the monthly cost you pay? The cost comparison is difficult to isolate since there are many factors that determine the price point of a supplement or vitamin. If we consider the average cost of a multivitamin, it will be less than an AG1 monthly subscription and will give you more tablets per unit (likely will last beyond a 1-month time period). However, we must also consider the quality of the supplement, as well as the potential proprietary blends that it lacks compared to AG1. For example, a simple multivitamin often won't contain probiotics, immunity-specific support, and superfood complexes like AG1 offers.

I do want to note that these proprietary blends in AG1 offer extra benefits, they are not essential nutrients. If you eat a balanced diet abundant with whole foods, you are not likely to lack essential nutrients. With an abundance of supplement options, TikTok wellness hacks, and health fads promoted in our current social media climate, well-being can become overcomplicated and appear more intimidating than it is beneficial. With the exception of perhaps a daily vitamin D supplement and an iron supplement for those who need it, health comes down to simple main pillars that don't require expensive supplementation. This is not to say that AG1 is bad, it's just not entirely necessary.

The Verdict

Incorporating AG1 into my daily routine was incredibly satisfying and gave me a certain health queen energy. Just like setting aside time for your sacred iced coffee each morning, I find it satisfying to prepare my greens and take them on the go.

I especially love the mini to-go packs it came with for busier days (I keep one in my bag at all times, and even bring it out at the restaurant if I haven't had a chance to get them in). I even learned that I could pick the form of my monthly subscription to arrive as either one large bag, or as 30 to-go packets (I love that they gave me this option since the travel packs are my favorite).

This being said, it's an extra component of my diet, not an essential one. I still aim to keep a colorful, balanced, and protein-rich diet abundant with whole foods. I plan to continue taking AG1 (along with my Vitamin D and Iron) not because it's a crutch, but because it makes me happy and makes me feel good to know the additional long-term benefits that it offers.