I Tried AG1 & Here's What Happened (2026 Review)

If you consume any health and fitness content online, you have heard of AG1. It is the green giant in the room, endorsed by everyone from Andrew Huberman to Jocko Willink.

I have tested and reviewed countless supplements over the years, from pre-workouts to recovery tools, including the original version of AG1, and I've followed the AG1 review updates closely.

My stance has always been consistent: I prefer to chew my calories. As a strength and conditioning specialist, I believe whole foods should be the foundation of any performance diet.

That is the standard I hold myself to and the example I try to set for my kids.

However, the reality of balancing work, training, and fatherhood is demanding. Between researching scripts, recording podcasts, and managing family logistics, perfect nutritional adherence often takes a back seat.

Even with the best intentions, nutritional gaps open up when stress is high and time is short. This is where the utility of a greens powder becomes apparent.

AG1 has always been premium-priced and heavily marketed, which usually triggers my skepticism.

I was critical of previous iterations for being more expensive than the competition. However, in early 2025, the brand rolled out a significant formula update called the Next Gen version and released results from a full formula clinical study, which has become one of the most talked-about stories in the supplement industry.

They increased the serving size to 13 grams and tweaked the ingredient profile to address absorption and gut health more aggressively.

Given these changes, I decided it was time to revisit the product. I spent the last month taking the new AG1 daily to see if the updates justify the price tag or if it remains a triumph of marketing over substance. 

Quick Verdict

Pros

• Comprehensive Formula: 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food ingredients cover more ground than most competitors.
• NSF Certified for Sport: Critical for athletes and ensures the product is free of banned substances.
• Improved Serving Size: The 2025 update brings the serving size to 13g, significantly higher than the 8-10g industry standard.
• Gut Health Focus: Includes prebiotics and 7.2 billion CFU of probiotics to aid digestion.
• Palatable Taste: A naturally sweet vanilla-pineapple flavor that is easy to drink daily.

Cons

• Proprietary Blends: Impossible to verify if specific adaptogens are present in clinically effective doses.
• High Price Point: At nearly $3 per serving, it is a significant monthly expense.
• Stevia Taste: The sweetness can be polarizing if you are sensitive to the aftertaste.
• Aggressive Subscription Model: The best price requires a monthly commitment.

What Is AG1?

AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens) is what the company calls "Foundational Nutrition." The concept is simple: instead of taking a multivitamin, a probiotic, a greens powder, and stress support pills separately, you drink one scoop of AG1 to cover all those bases at once.

Founded in 2010 by Chris Ashenden, the product was designed to close the gap between the perfect diet we know we should eat and the reality of what we actually consume during a busy week.

It has been iterated upon over 50 times since its launch, but the early 2025 update, dubbed "Next Gen", is the most significant overhaul in a long time.

This isn't just a packaging refresh. The new formula reflects a push to back the marketing with hard data and higher potency:

• Increased Dosage: The serving size has been bumped from 12 grams to 13 grams. While one gram doesn't sound like much, in the supplement world, that’s a significant amount of space for active ingredients.
• Clinical Validation: Coinciding with the update, AG1 released results from four randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies claim the new formula significantly improves key nutrient status (specifically Folate and Vitamin C) and enriches the gut microbiome within three months.
• Expanded Profile: The ingredient count has risen to 83, adding nutrients like Boron, Choline, and Molybdenum, along with a completely overhauled probiotic blend (more on that in the ingredients section).
• Flavor Options: For over a decade, you could have any flavor you wanted, as long as it was "Original" (Vanilla-Pineapple). The 2025 lineup now includes Tropical, Citrus, and Berry. (I tested the Original flavor for this review to keep the comparison to previous years consistent).

Critically for athletes and first responders, AG1 maintains its NSF Certified for Sport badge. This is the gold standard for safety, guaranteeing every batch is tested for banned substances and contaminants, providing a peace of mind you don't get with cheaper generic greens.

AG1 Ingredients

This is the most critical part of the review, and honestly, it is where the "Next Gen" AG1 formula becomes a complicated topic.

The label tells a story of two different approaches: impressive transparency for the vitamins and minerals, contrasted with a frustrating opacity for the superfoods and herbal extracts.

While AG1 has finally pulled back the curtain on some active ingredients in this 2025 update, the bulk of the 13-gram scoop remains hidden behind proprietary blends.

We know what is in these blends, but we still do not know exactly how much of each specific green or adaptogen we are drinking.

Vitamins, Minerals & Standalone Actives

This is arguably the strongest aspect of the AG1 formula. Unlike cheaper multivitamins that rely on oxide forms, which your body struggles to absorb, AG1 utilizes highly bioavailable sources.

You will find Magnesium Glycinate and Malate, which are far easier on the stomach than cheaper alternatives, alongside Zinc Citrate.

Crucially, the B-vitamins are provided in their methylated forms, specifically Methylfolate (5-MTHF) and Methylcobalamin (B12).

This is a massive benefit for men with MTHFR gene mutations or anyone who wants to ensure they are actually utilizing the nutrients they ingest.

In a move toward better transparency, the 2025 formula also pulls several key ingredients out of the blends and lists them with exact dosages.

We can now see that each scoop delivers 60mg of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for energy production and heart health, 100mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) for metabolic support, and 100mg of Myo-Inositol.

Seeing these specific numbers is a refreshing change and adds legitimate value to the "foundational nutrition" claim, as these are expensive ingredients often sold as separate supplements.

Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex (7.5g)

This is the heavyweight blend, consuming over half of the entire scoop. It combines nutrient-dense greens with fiber and stress-busting adaptogens.

The ingredient list is ordered by weight, and it starts with Organic Apple Powder and Pea Protein Isolate, followed by Organic Spirulina.

This hierarchy suggests that a significant portion of this 7.5g blend is dedicated to flavoring and texture (via the apple and pea protein) rather than pure greens.

However, the high placement of Spirulina is a positive, as it is a potent antioxidant powerhouse.

Further down the list, we find the "stress support" components, including Rhodiola Root (15:1 extract) and Ashwagandha Root (5:1 extract), with the amount of ashwagandha in ag1 remaining undisclosed within the proprietary blend.

The inclusion of these potent extract ratios is excellent. A 15:1 extract means you need less raw material to get a therapeutic effect. 

However, because they are buried in a proprietary blend dominated by apple powder, it is impossible to verify if you are getting the clinical standard of 300-600mg for Ashwagandha or 200-400mg for Rhodiola.

You are certainly getting some, but without a disclosed dose, it’s hard to say if it replaces a dedicated stress supplement.

Daily Phytonutrient Complex (1.5g)

This blend represents the classic "kitchen sink" approach often seen in greens powders. It packs roughly 20 different ingredients, including Broccoli, Beet Root, Reishi Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom, and Milk Thistle, into a single 1.5-gram mix.

While the variety is impressive on paper, the math is concerning. If you divide 1.5 grams by 20 ingredients, you are left with very small amounts of each.

For context, therapeutic doses of functional mushrooms like Reishi are typically measured in grams, not milligrams.

In this specific blend, the superfoods are likely present in amounts that act more as nutritional insurance or antioxidant boosters rather than potent therapeutic agents.

You are paying for the breadth of ingredients here, not necessarily high-potency depth for every single one.

Dairy-Free Probiotic Blend (37mg / 10 Billion CFU)

The update to the gut health section is substantial and worthy of praise. The formula now delivers 10 Billion CFU, which is a respectable maintenance dose for daily gut health.

Even more importantly, AG1 now discloses the specific strains used: Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, alongside L. rhamnosus GG, L. casei LC-11, and L. plantarum LP-115.

Listing the specific strain IDs (like NCFM and HN019) is a high-level detail that allows us to verify the science behind them.

These strains are well-researched for supporting gut barrier function and reducing bloating.

Combined with the Inulin (prebiotic fiber) found in the Superfood Complex, this creates a true synbiotic effect, meaning the product supplies both the good bacteria and the fuel they need to thrive.

AG1 Price

Quality rarely comes cheap, and AG1 is unapologetically premium. For many guys, the cost is the biggest barrier to entry.

There is no way around it: this is one of the most expensive greens powders on the market.

However, the value proposition relies on the idea of consolidation. If you were to buy high-quality versions of a multivitamin, a probiotic, a bottle of Ashwagandha, CoQ10, and a bag of greens separately, you would likely spend well over $100 a month.

AG1 frames its price as a savings on that bundle, but that only holds true if you were already planning to buy all those supplements individually.

Here is the pricing breakdown for the pouch option:

One-Time Purchase	$99.00	$3.30
Monthly Subscription	$79.00	$2.63

 

Benefits of AG1

AG1 markets itself as a cure-all, but let's cut through the noise. Based on the ingredients and the recent clinical data released with the 2025 "Next Gen" update, here are the primary benefits you can actually expect.

Improved Gut Health & Digestion

This is the most tangible benefit for most users. If you are eating a high-protein diet or simply have a sensitive stomach, the synbiotic combination here is legitimate.

The 2025 update includes a SHIME model study (a simulation of the human gut) and clinical trials showing that the new formula significantly enriches the gut microbiome.

One study noted a substantial increase in beneficial bacteria levels, specifically Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, within weeks.

In the real world, the inclusion of 3.6g of dietary fiber alongside soothing ingredients like Slippery Elm and Aloe can help regulate bowel movements and reduce bloating. For many, this replaces the need for a separate morning probiotic pill.

Clean Energy (Without the Jitters)

AG1 is often touted as an energy booster, but it is important to clarify that it is not a stimulant.

It doesn’t contain caffeine, unless you count the trace amounts in the green tea extract.

The energy boost actually comes from correcting micronutrient deficiencies, particularly through high doses of Methylcobalamin (B12) and the B-Complex vitamins, which are essential for converting food into usable fuel. 

It’s not a "kick" like a double espresso; it’s more of a sustained lack of fatigue. You don't feel wired, but you might notice you aren't fighting to keep your eyes open during the 2:00 PM slump.

The addition of CoQ10 in the new formula further supports this cellular energy production.

Validated Nutrient Absorption

Most cheap multivitamins are essentially bedpan bullets; they pass right through you because the minerals are in oxide forms. AG1 has doubled down on bioavailability.

In their 2025 bioavailability study, they demonstrated that key nutrients like Folate, Vitamin C, and Zinc were significantly elevated in the bloodstream within 60 minutes of ingestion compared to a placebo.

This validates the nutritional insurance claim. If you are busy and your diet isn't perfect, this ensures your baseline nutrient needs are actually hitting your bloodstream, not just your toilet bowl.

Stress & Cognitive Support

This benefit stems from the adaptogens inside the mix. The formula includes Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea, two of the most well-researched herbs for managing cortisol levels.

Rhodiola is excellent for combating mental fatigue, while Ashwagandha is known to lower anxiety. 

While the proprietary blend makes it hard to confirm exact dosages, the synergy of these ingredients with Magnesium and B-Vitamins theoretically supports a calmer, more focused state of mind during a chaotic work day.

Who Is AG1 For?

AG1 is a premium tool, and like any tool, it’s not right for every job. Here is who should actually consider buying it.

The "High-Performance" Dad

You are juggling a career, kids, and training. You have more money than time. You don't want to open 6 different pill bottles every morning; you just want one scoop that covers your bases so you can get on with your day. The convenience and the "all-in-one" nature justify the price for you.

The Frequent Traveler

If you travel for work, you know how hard it is to eat vegetables on the road. Airport food is trash, and client dinners are usually heavy on steak and booze. The AG1 Travel Packs are a lifesaver here.

They ensure that even if your diet is 80% garbage for a few days, you are still getting your micronutrients and gut support.

The Drug-Tested Athlete

If you compete in a sport that follows WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) guidelines, whether it's MMA, weightlifting, or CrossFit, you cannot risk popping hot because of a tainted supplement.

The NSF Certified for Sport badge is non-negotiable. You pay a premium for the safety of knowing this product is batch-tested and clean.

Who It Is NOT For: The Budget-Conscious Optimizer

If you are on a tight budget, AG1 is a math error. You can buy a high-quality multivitamin (like Thorne or Pure Encapsulations), a bulk greens powder, and a separate tub of protein for half the cost of AG1.

If you are willing to swallow 4-5 different pills and mix your own stack, you can get better dosages for less money.

My Experience With AG1

I’ll be honest, I went into this test expecting to dislike it. I’ve reviewed AG1 in the past, and while I always respected the quality, I struggled to get past the price. But with the 2025 formula update, I wanted to give it a fair shake as a busy dad who isn't 25 anymore.

For 30 days, I replaced my usual morning coffee and a hodgepodge of vitamins with 12 ounces of cold water and one scoop of the "Next Gen" AG1.

Taste & Mixability This is where AG1 consistently beats the competition. Most greens powders taste like swamp water or artificial sweetener overload.

AG1 hits a weirdly pleasant middle ground. It tastes like a mix of vanilla, pineapple, and papaya. It’s sweet (thanks to the Stevia and pineapple), but not cloying.

It mixes instantly in a shaker bottle with zero clumps. I actually found myself looking forward to it, which is rare for a health supplement.

Week 1: The Gut Check The first few days were... active. This is common when you introduce probiotics and high fiber to your system.

I experienced some mild bloating on days 2 and 3, but by the end of the first week, my digestion had leveled out.

In fact, I felt lighter and more "regular" than I had in months. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with half a scoop.

Week 3: The Energy Shift I didn't feel a magical surge of power. I didn't suddenly deadlift 600lbs. But around the third week, I noticed what was missing: the mid-afternoon brain fog.

Usually, around 2:30 PM, after editing videos or coaching clients, I’m hunting for caffeine. That craving diminished significantly.

I felt a steady, flat line of energy throughout the day. Was it the B-vitamins? The Rhodiola?

Or just the fact that I was starting my day with 12oz of water instead of a Monster can? Probably a mix of all three.

Did AG1 change my life? No. But it did simplify it. On mornings when my kids were screaming and I had 10 minutes to get out the door, knowing I had "checked the box" on my nutrition took a mental load off. It’s an expensive habit, but for the month I took it, I felt covered.

Customer AG1 Reviews

I’ve combed through Reddit, Trustpilot, and independent forums to see how the broader community is reacting to the 2025 "Next Gen" update. The consensus is surprisingly split, often divided by budget and expectation.

The "Super Fan" Consensus: Positive reviews almost always center on gut health and convenience. Users on Trustpilot frequently mention improvements in regularity and reduced bloating within the first few weeks which is consistent with my own experience.

• “I’ve used AG1 for nearly 4 years now and it is simply part of my daily routine... I’ve noticed a difference in terms of digestion and skin looks clearer.”, Rahul, Trustpilot (Jan 2026)
• “The new formula with advanced pre-and probiotics has really hit the bull's-eye for me. It has been a big difference in my digestion.”, Louis C., Verified Buyer

Long-time users often cite the "set and forget" factor as the main reason they stay subscribed, despite the cost.

 

The "Skeptical Realist" Consensus On Reddit, the tone is far more critical, largely focusing on the proprietary blends and price. Many users feel that for $100 a month, they should know exactly how much Ashwagandha or Rhodiola they are getting.

• “It’s an exorbitantly overpriced multivitamin mixture... all of which are present in such minuscule quantities that even if they were legitimate 'super foods' the amounts present wouldn't be enough.”, Reddit User
• “Just replying to the top comment to say: AG1 is an absolute scam. The only ingredient that does anything is the first ingredient: pea protein... And it costs something like 10x what straight protein costs.”, Reddit User

Common Complaints

• Taste Fatigue: While many like the taste initially, some users find the Stevia aftertaste becomes cloying after months of daily use.
• Subscription Hassles: A recurring theme in negative reviews is the difficulty in pausing or canceling the subscription before the next charge hits.
• Price vs. Value: The most common sentiment among negative reviews is simply that you can replicate the benefits with a good multivitamin and a bag of spinach for a fraction of the cost.

AG1 Side Effects

While AG1 is generally safe for most healthy adults, it is a potent cocktail of 83 ingredients. Based on user reports and the ingredient profile, here are the potential side effects you should be aware of:

Digestive Upset

This is the #1 complaint for new users. The high dose of probiotics and inulin (fiber) can cause gas, bloating, and even diarrhea in the first 3-5 days as your gut microbiome adjusts. I suggest you start with half a scoop for the first week to let your gut acclimate.

Potential Allergic Reactions

The formula contains potentially allergenic ingredients like Soy (lecithin) and traces of Wheat (wheatgrass is gluten-free, but sensitivity varies).

Drug Interactions:

• Blood Thinners: AG1 contains Vitamin K2, which can interfere with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin. If you are on medication, consult your doctor before taking this.
• Immunosuppressants: Ingredients like Ashwagandha and Reishi can stimulate the immune system, which might be counterproductive for those with autoimmune conditions.

Heavy Metal Concerns

Like all greens powders grown in soil, there is a risk of heavy metal contamination. However, AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, which means every batch is tested for safety, significantly lowering this risk compared to non-tested brands.

AG1 Alternatives

If the $79+ monthly price tag creates a hole in your budget or the lack of ingredient transparency makes you hesitate, you are not alone.

While AG1 is the undisputed market leader, several competitors offer valid alternatives depending on whether you are optimizing for budget, taste, or pure clinical data.

Force Factor Smarter Greens

You have likely seen this tub on the shelf at Walmart or your local grocery store, and the price tag is undeniably attractive.

Force Factor Smarter Greens is the entry-level option, often costing under $30 and commonly found at walmart evaluation on ag1 alternatives. For that price, you get a basic "better than nothing" insurance policy that covers standard greens, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

It is accessible and requires zero shipping time, you can just grab it with your groceries.

However, in the world of supplements, you generally get what you pay for, and when considering force factor greens vs ag1, the quality gap becomes immediately apparent. Compared to AG1, this is a low-potency formula.

It utilizes cheaper forms of vitamins and minerals, has significantly lower dosages of superfoods, and lacks the rigorous third-party testing (like NSF Certified for Sport) that high-level athletes require.

It is a fine starting point if you are strictly budget-conscious, but it won't deliver the same performance or recovery benefits as the premium tier.

You can read my Force Factor Smarter Greens review for my experience taking this greens supplement.

Primal Harvest Primal Greens

Primal Greens positions itself as the "smarter" alternative, offering a similar broad-spectrum approach for roughly half the price of AG1.

At around $39, $49 per month, it is significantly easier to justify as a long-term habit. 

It tastes decent, mixes well, and provides a respectable list of superfoods and probiotics that cover the essentials of daily health.

Think of this as the "Honda Civic" of greens powders. It isn't flashy, but it is reliable, affordable, and gets you where you need to go.

The downside is that Primal Harvest mimics AG1's biggest flaw: the use of proprietary blends.

While the price is better, you still face the same issue of not knowing exactly how much of each specific mushroom or adaptogen you are ingesting.

It is a solid middle-of-the-road product that sits comfortably between the cheap grocery store brands and the luxury "foundational nutrition" giants.

You can read my Primal Greens review for my experience taking this greens supplement.

Ghost Greens

If your main barrier to drinking greens is the "swamp water" taste, Ghost is the solution.

Known for their "lifestyle" branding and incredible flavor systems, Ghost Greens offers options like Lime and Guava Berry that genuinely taste like a refreshing juice rather than a vegetable blend.

They also offer slightly more transparency than AG1, disclosing the dosages of some key ingredients, which is a welcome step up.

The trade-off here is that Ghost leans heavily into flavorings and sweeteners to achieve that taste.

While it contains a "Spectra" antioxidant blend and gut health ingredients, the product often feels like it prioritizes the drinking experience over pure nutritional density.

It is perfect for the person who wants to be healthy but refuses to choke down anything that tastes like grass.

You can read my Ghost Greens review for my experience taking this greens supplement.

Summary

AG1 (Next Gen) remains the heavyweight champion of the greens powder world.

The 2025 formula update proves that the company isn't just resting on its marketing laurels; the increased serving size, improved probiotic strains, and new clinical data make it a legitimately powerful supplement. 

For high-performers, frequent travelers, and athletes who need NSF certification, it is the most convenient "all-in-one" insurance policy money can buy.

However, that policy comes with a steep premium. At nearly $100 for a one-time purchase, you are paying for the brand, the packaging, and the convenience.

The continued use of proprietary blends is a frustration that’s hard to ignore at this price point.

Ultimately, your choice comes down to what you value most. If you have the budget and want the absolute best taste, convenience, and the safety of NSF certification, AG1 is the luxury choice that delivers, and it remains the answer for premium supplement seekers. The new formula represents a genuine investment in your health.

However, if you are looking for the best price-to-value ratio and demand full label transparency, Supergreen Tonik is my top recommendation. It offers clinically verified dosages without the guessing game. 

If you want the most transparently dosed greens supplement on the market, Supergreen Tonik is my top recommendation. 38 science-backed ingredients for energy, immunity, and cognitive performance.