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Greens powders have gone mainstream. The multi-ingredient powders, which help fill gaps in your diet, have gone from niche product for health nuts to one of the fastest-growing segments in the supplement industry — largely thanks to support from celebrities and wellness influencers everywhere.
This explosion in popularity has led to a wave of daily health drink brands emerging, but one remains on top: AG1. Formerly called Athletic Greens, the brand has attracted a roster of high-profile advocates and investors, including Lewis Hamilton, Hugh Jackman, and Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix. It's regularly ranked as the best greens powder on the market (especially for athletes), so we decided to do a deep dive on the popular powder by speaking to AG1's medical expert, unpacking its ingredients list and benefits, and testing it for ourselves. Here's what we discovered.
What Is AG1? Key Ingredients, Benefits, and Who Should Use It
AG1 is a clinically-backed Daily Health Drink that includes vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, adaptogens, and superfoods. “The driving belief behind AG1's formula is that high-quality ingredients combined with digestive support can improve the body's ability to utilize the essential nutrients delivered,” says Dr. Ralph Esposito, ND, LAc, IFMCP, Chief Science & Nutrition Officer at AG1. In other words, AG1 combines the nutrients your body can use to stay healthy with the gut boosters it needs to actually absorb and use them.
The benefits of AG1 are numerous because its primary purpose is to not just fill nutrient gaps but “support gut and immune health while also helping your body produce more energy,” according to Dr. Esposito.
Unlike some supplement products, AG1 also has serious research to back up its claims. “AG1 was studied across multiple gold-standard clinical trials, consistently showing its impact on closing common nutrient gaps. [It’s] backed by four double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials shown to fill nutrient gaps and support gut health,” says Dr. Esposito. AG1 is also NSF Certified for Sport, which is a highly respected third-party certification program that tests for unsafe levels of contaminants or substances banned by major athletic organizations.
Like all greens powders, AG1 is consumed by mixing about eight ounces in water. Most experts recommend drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach, and they say consistency is key: Take it every day for the best effects. Everyone should consult their doctor before taking AG1, and it's generally not recommended for people with medical conditions or those on prescription medication.
My Experience Taking AG1
To see if AG1 is really as good as its fans say, I tested the powder daily for a few weeks. The short story is that I was converted to the stuff; the long(er) story is below.
For starters, AG1 is very well-packaged and easy to use. Directions are printed on the back, and the powder dissolves very easily in water without the clumping or thickness that you sometimes get with greens powders. AG1 updated this Next Gen version's flavor over its past powder, and it tastes better than others. Instead of the typical earthy bitterness, you'll notice a light sweetness that goes down easy — even first thing in the morning.
After using the stuff daily for a few weeks, I started to notice results. The first thing you'll notice is energy, but it's not so much a “boost” as it is a lack of a dip. Afternoon grinding at my desk became more tolerable, and my motivation to hit the gym or go for a run after work was present more regularly than normal.
Towards the end of my testing, I also started to notice some improvement in my gut. Although I normally eat very healthily and exercise most days, I've always had a sensitive stomach. During the first four or five days I was taking AG1, it upset my stomach a bit, but towards the end of week two of testing, that turned into a stronger-feeling gut and more regular, healthy bowel movements. This means I also started to notice the subtle but far-reaching benefits of a healthier gut, from slightly clearer, healthier skin to another energy lift in the afternoons and at the gym.
Bottom Line: Leveling Out With AG1
Taking AG1 on a regular basis made me feel like I was correcting my diet, and therefore my overall health, instead of injecting something into it. This obviously felt great. I was also very reassured by AG1's science-based backing, like its NSF Certified for Sport certificate. The only downside I noticed was slight stomach discomfort during the first few days, but there was light at the end of the tunnel in a better gut than when I started. AG1 is also slightly pricey, as far as supplements go. A 30-serving bag costs $99, and subscribing to a one- or three-month delivery plan can reduce that to as little as $73 per bag. However, that's a price I'm more than willing to pay for such a comprehensive and effective addition to my health routine.
Our Tester and Reviewer: Oscar Hartzog, Managing Editor, Commerce, PMC
Oscar Hartzog is the Managing Editor of Commerce at Penske Media, overseeing lifestyle and product coverage at Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and WWD. Over the past nine years, he has covered fitness, health, streaming, and tech.
Our Expert: Dr. Ralph Esposito, ND, LAc, IFMCP, Chief Science & Nutrition Officer, AG1
Dr. Esposito is a licensed naturopathic physician focused on optimizing healthspan and lifespan through preventive and lifestyle practices. He completed his training as a medical intern in Urology at NYU Langone, holds a clinical Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and is a certified Functional Medicine doctor (IFMCP). Dr. Esposito employs evidence-based tactics to provide a personalized approach to preventative medicine. He is active in the health and education sectors and is an Adjunct Professor in the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at New York University, alongside his role as Chief Science & Nutrition Officer at AG1.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general wellness and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications, and individual results may vary. Before adding any new supplement to your routine, consult with a qualified health-care professional, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are taking prescription medications. The products featured in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
