What’s in AG1? Ingredients and Analysis

Learn from an expert whether AG1’s 83 ingredients make it the best greens powder available or if you should consider an alternative.

By Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

— On Jun 17, 2025

In this article:

AG1, formerly Athletic Greens, is a prominent greens dietary supplement with quite the ingredient line-up. Even as a dietitian, I’ve had to scrutinize the AG1 label several times before fully understanding its nutritional complexities.

For the general public, it can be difficult to decipher if AG1 is truly a great greens powder or if it misses the mark. This is especially true now that AG1 Next Gen was unveiled in spring 2025. With a revamp of ingredients and blends, there’s so much to unpack with this new iteration. And yet, ingredient analysis is incredibly important to know if a product is the right fit for you and your health goals.

We’ll dive into AG1 Next Gen’s 83 ingredients to understand if it stands up to its claims and why you should consider Live it Up Super Greens instead.

What Is in AG1? Formula at a Glance

One scoop (12 grams) includes:

Calories: 40
Total Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 6 grams
Total Sugar: <1 gram
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 2 grams

Ingredient list

Vitamins, minerals, and supplements: 34 total, 31 added.
Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex: 21 ingredients, including pea protein isolate, added fiber, antioxidant extracts, supplements, and herbals.
Daily Phytonutrient Complex: 21 ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, adaptogenic mushrooms, and nutritional grasses.
Dairy-free Probiotic Blend: 10 billion CFU of four Lactobacillus strains and one Bifidobacterium strain.
Other ingredients: Natural flavors, citric acid, stevia, silica

What Is AG1?

Dietitian Rachel Gargano Inspects the Nutrition Information on the Back of AG1's Package

Athletic Greens is one of the top green powders on the market, having held this spot for over a decade by continually working to improve their product.

With the inclusion of probiotics, adaptogens, superfoods, prebiotics, extracts, antioxidant supplements, and added vitamins and minerals, this green powder claims to be a supplement that supports your whole health with Foundational Nutrition.

Supplement claims: The company alleges that their one greens supplement can replace your need for a multivitamin, vitamin C tablets, green powder, probiotic, and vitamin B complex.

Purported health benefits: Helps alleviate bloating, boosts energy, supports immune health, improves digestion and gut health, and contains nutrients for a healthy brain and mood. AG1 Next Gen is said to empower whole-body health.

Recommended use: One scoop daily mixed into 8-10 ounces of cold water and taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning for optimal absorption. AG1 recommends storing their powder in the refrigerator after opening to maintain probiotic integrity.

AG1 Nutrition Label

While impressive, the AG1 Next Gen Supplement Facts panel can also be quite overwhelming. While they are striving to be more transparent on their label, it’s still difficult to find all 83 purported ingredients, even with my experience as a dietitian.

Athletic Greens (AG1) Ingredients Breakdown

Now that we’ve had a bird’s eye view of AG1 Next Gen’s Supplement Facts panel and ingredient list, it’s time to do a thorough investigation into this new AG1 formulation. In the following sections, we’ll dissect each ingredient blend, highlighting Athletic Greens’ best nutritional features as well as where there may be room for improvement.

Vitamins & Minerals

Athletic Greens has a comprehensive line-up of micronutrients to help fill nutrient gaps, which is why their green powder is touted as a replacement for your general multivitamin supplement.

Key vitamins included: A, C, E, K2, and the B-complex vitamins

Key minerals included: Phosphorus, zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, potassium, boron, iron, and copper

AG1 Promises Less Supplements and More Benefits With This Greens Powder for Whole Body Health

Micronutrients and phytonutrients are necessary for every process in the body, down to how our cells function on the most basic level, so consuming enough is critical for maintaining our overall health.

For example, research indicates that almost two dozen micronutrients and antioxidants help support our immune health. From vitamin D, B12, C, and E, to phytonutrients such as curcumin, coenzyme Q10, and beta-glucans, these vital substances—mostly found in plants—can also help with inflammation.

Additionally, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants play a role in helping maintain energy levels and stimulating better recovery as well. When our diet doesn’t include many nutrient-rich plant foods, we take in fewer micronutrients, which may lead to increased feelings of fatigue and even changes in our cognition.

Since the primary foods that provide these vital substances are plants, a quality greens powder can help you get more of these critical nutrition components. AG1 Next Gen certainly fits the bill if you’re looking for a greens powder that focuses on enhanced vitamin and mineral content.

The fine print: It’s worth noting that at least 27 of their 30 listed vitamins and minerals are synthetically produced and added to the formulation. Only a few of the nutrients are naturally derived.

In fact, many of the vitamin and mineral amounts in AG1 are considered mega-doses, meaning they are hundreds of times over our daily recommended intake. For example, Athletic Greens provides 1100% of vitamin B7 (biotin), 16,667% of vitamin B12, and 556% of vitamin C.

When taken into consideration with your total diet, other dietary supplements, and consumption of foods that are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, these mega-doses may push an individual’s intake into an unsafe zone.

Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex

In Athletic Green’s newest iteration, ingredients have been altered both in terms of their dosages as well as which”‘blend” AG1 decided they belong to (though many of the ingredients are the same). The Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex focuses on protein, fiber, blue-green algae, and antioxidant / herbal supplements.

Top Four Ingredients in the Superfood Complex:

Supplement Facts Panels must list their ingredients in order from largest volume to smallest. Upon examining AG1 Next Gen’s ingredients, the two most prevalent are organic apple powder and pea protein isolate (previously alkaline pea protein isolate). And yet even with these two ingredients taking up the most space, there is still only 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving.

The next most abundant ingredient in AG1 Next Gen is organic spirulina. This blue-green algae, along with organic chlorella powder, are powerhouse plants rich in protein, including all essential amino acids, a plethora of antioxidants and bioactive compounds, and several micronutrients like B vitamins, pantothenic acid, iron, and magnesium.

Lecithin is the fourth most abundant, and while there are some potential health benefits that come along with this ingredient, more research is needed to truly understand how much is needed to make an impact on our health. Additionally, this ingredient may be associated with GI distress, such as nausea and diarrhea in some individuals.

The rest of this superfood complex contains mostly prebiotic fiber supplements like inulin and beta-glucan, as well as several antioxidant supplements, including citrus bioflavonoids extract, licorice root powder, and cocoa seed extract.

Prebiotic fiber is a type of fiber that cannot be broken down by the body and is instead digested by our gut bacteria, which produce short chain fatty acids. These important compounds have many potential benefits, including having anti-inflammatory properties, being the preferred fuel for our intestinal cells to keep them thriving, and helping to strengthen the intestinal barrier.

Mostly found in plants, antioxidants are substances that help protect our cells from harmful free radicals.

Did You Know? Opinion (and research) is divided on whether antioxidants extracted from plants into concentrated supplements work the same way as when they are consumed as part of the whole food. There seem to be synergistic effects between the antioxidants and other nutrients and phytocompounds within the food that help provide the observed benefits.

Other ingredients in this new Active Superfood and Prebiotic blend include:

Ginger root powder (previously ginger rhizome powder)
Slippery elm bark powder
Grape seed extract
Artichoke aerial parts extract (previously artichoke leaf extract)
Cocoa bean extract (previously cocoa bean polyphenol extract)

Daily Phytonutrient Complex

The second complex contains vegetables, fruits, and other phytonutrient-rich plants. While the Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex is 7.5 grams, this Daily Phytonutrient Complex is only 1.5 grams.

Broccoli powder, papaya fruit powder, and beetroot powder are the three most abundant whole-food ingredients in this complex. Vegetables and fruit make up an important part of the diet, which is why it is recommended to eat at least 5 cups of produce per day. Beetroot in particular helps the body produce nitric oxide, which plays a role in healthy circulation.

AG1 Next Gen then emphasizes highly nutritious grasses, such as organic wheatgrass leaf powder, organic alfalfa leaf powder, and organic barley leaf powder. These young grasses often contain more nutrients, and both wheatgrass and barley grass contain antioxidants, several nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, as well as an important fiber called resistant starch. Potential health benefits include supporting immune function, digestion, and inflammation.

The fine print: AG1 Next Gen has packed in over four dozen superfoods, which may provide a wide variety of phytonutrients. Yet with 83 ingredients packed into a 13-gram scoop, the scientist in me wonders if any of these superfood ingredients are effectively dosed.

Other ingredients in this new Phytonutrient Complex include:

Carrot root powder
Rosemary leaf extract
Burdock root extract (previously burdock root powder)
Hawthorn berry fruit (previously hawthorn berry extract)
Bilberry fruit extract
Milk thistle seed extract

Dairy Free Probiotic Blend

AG1 Next Gen includes 10 billion CFU probiotics from five strains, a big enhancement from the last iteration. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy microbiome community, which can in turn influence the health of our immune system.

The probiotic strains in AG1 Next Gen include:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
Latobacillus casei LC-11
Lactobacillus planatarum LP-115

One final ingredient in AG1 Next Gen that may be beneficial to support digestion is bromelain. As AG1’s solo digestive enzyme, found in the Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex, bromelain helps the body break down and absorb proteins.

The inclusion of prebiotic fibers results in a total of 2 grams of fiber per scoop. Interestingly, Live it Up Super Greens does not add supplemental fiber, but the formula naturally contains 3 grams of fiber per scoop, all derived from the included plants and superfoods.

Sweeteners

Athletic Greens does not use artificial sweeteners or added sugar, which is great news from my perspective. Instead, this greens powder includes the natural non-caloric sweetener stevia leaf powder. Note that for some people, stevia may have a slightly unpleasant aftertaste.

Did You Know? Interestingly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers highly purified stevia extracts to be GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe; however, some recent studies indicate a possible link between stevia and disruptions in our healthy gut microbiome.

Additives

A new addition to AG1 Next Gen I was disappointed to see added is the food additive silica. Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring compound found in the earth’s crust. In food, this additive is used as an anti-caking agent, meaning it helps prevent the powder from sticking together.

AG1 Ingredient Safety and Quality

Athletic Greens is notable for their commitment to safety and quality. Let’s take a look at how well AG1 Next Gen does in this space.

Allergens

AG1 sets a high standard for being free of many allergens. This vegan greens powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, and free of peanuts and eggs. Additionally, their greens are produced in a facility that adheres to strict guidelines to help reduce the risk of allergen cross-contamination.

Note that AG1 Next Gen contains soy lecithin, which is derived from soy. If you are avoiding soy, double check to make sure this is the right product for you.

Ingredient Sourcing

AG1 states they source their ingredients to ensure absorption, potency, and nutrient density. They are committed to sourcing only ingredients with the highest bioavailability. This means they choose ingredients while taking into consideration how well the body can use them.

Additionally, AG1 claims to use ingredients that work synergistically, enhancing each other’s benefits. This is certainly the case with their probiotic strains which have proven to work harmoniously.

While this may be true of certain combinations of ingredients, there are no known studies showing the synergy of these specific 83 ingredients together. We simply don’t know yet if all of these ingredients work well together or if any counteract each other.

Part of their ingredient sourcing includes incorporating organic vegetables. Of their 83 ingredients, only 7 are organic, with half of these falling into their smallest complex (1.5 grams). While the majority of their ingredients are grown conventionally, the company states they test for several hundred herbicides and pesticides.

Quality Assurance

AG1 takes the quality of their product seriously. It’s rigorously tested using NSF Certified for Sport, which ensures their superfood powder is free from banned substances. This is particularly important for high-caliber athletes who may be randomly tested for banned substances before their competitions.

Additionally, each batch is tested for purity, including metals, allergens, and microbial contaminants. After each test, the product receives a Certificate of Analysis indicating the results compared to specified safe limits.

Since AG1 is manufactured in New Zealand, its manufacturing facility is TGA-registered, which follows different guidelines for safety and quality. However, the company states that the facility is also GMP-compliant, the high standards set forward for manufacturing facilities in the United States.

Potential Benefits of AG1

A green powder’s health benefits are patently dependent on its array of ingredients and the ingredient’s dosing. AG1 contains a wide range of 80+ ingredients within a 13-gram scoop (about one heaping tablespoon). The good news is that a few of these ingredients are dosed to help support its health claims.

1. Digestive Health

While the recommended dose and strain of probiotics will change depending on why you’re taking it, a dose of at least 5 billion CFU is generally considered to be more effective.

With 10 billion CFU probiotics, AG1 Next Gen meets this criteria, and therefore, their product may support gut health. The addition of prebiotics, such as inulin, may also improve the green supplement’s ability to support digestive wellness.

2. Energy

Our body not only needs calories from food to produce energy, it also needs ample micronutrients. AG1 Next Gen does a considerable job of adding enough essential nutrients to help meet your energy-production needs.

3. Immune Defense

Ample micronutrients—such as vitamins D, C, and A, as well as the minerals zinc and selenium—are also necessary to help your body support its immune system. These, along with antioxidants and probiotics, can assist in maintaining immune resilience.

4. Nutrient Supplementation

With 30 listed vitamins and minerals, 27 of which are added, AG1 Next Gen could certainly replace specific vitamin or mineral supplements. For some, this product may also be adequate as a multivitamin.

Potential Drawbacks of AG1

While AG1 Next Gen has a considerable number of possible health claims, there are also a few potential drawbacks that give me pause as a dietitian.

1. Dosing

While several ingredients in AG1 seem to be dosed well, such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, others may not be as effective. For example, with 80+ ingredients packed into only 1 tablespoon, there may not be enough room for a decent amount of each superfood.

And while we don’t know the exact ingredient amounts since this product has proprietary blends, it’s likely that the adaptogenic mushrooms are not effectively dosed.

Astragalus root powder extract and ashwagandha root extract are both found at the end of the Active Superfood complex (and therefore are present in the smallest volume).
Reishi mushroom powder and shiitake mushroom powder are located toward the middle of the smaller (1.5g) Phytonutrient Complex.

These mushrooms are most effective when dosed at several hundred milligrams each, so it’s doubtful they are present in a meaningful amount.

2. Drug Interactions

With so many ingredients, it may be difficult to spot those that may interact with prescribed medications. While this is particularly true of vitamin K2, there are several herbs, adaptogens, and mushrooms that may be contraindicated with prescriptions. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you are on other supplements or medications.

3. Side Effects

While adjusting to a new supplement, especially one containing a higher dose of probiotics, you may notice some bloating or digestive unrest while your body adjusts. For some people who are sensitive to FODMAP ingredients (fermentable carbohydrates), AG1 may cause additional gastrointestinal distress due to its inulin and apple powder content.

Interestingly, some people have found that AG1 Next Gen’s new formula does not sit well with their digestive tract, causing some additional bloating and nausea. Others comment that the new version has also resulted in headaches. Of note, there are potential links between high dose dietary supplement intake and headaches or migraines.

4. Price

AG1 is one of the most costly greens powders on the market. At $99 for a single 30-serving pouch, or $79 ($2.63 per serving) for a monthly subscription, this price can be quite prohibitive for many people.

5. Taste

Though AG1’s taste has often had mixed reception in the past, many customers enjoyed the pineapple/vanilla notes of the Original flavor. Now however, AG1 Next Gen has a new flavor: Tropical. Interestingly, some of AG1’s loyal customers are mentioning that Next Gen’s new taste and texture is not as good as the old version. Customer feedback mentions extra chalkiness, sour and/or bitter aftertaste, and less flavor— factors, they say, that make including the product in their daily routine much more difficult.

Why I Prefer Live it Up Super Greens’ Ingredients

Live it Up Super Greens Package With Featured on Forbes 2025 Badge

Overall, Athletic Greens is a good greens powder with many positive attributes. It’s high in micronutrients and probiotics, follows strict quality and safety standards, and has many superfoods that you normally wouldn’t be getting on a regular basis.

With that said, as a dietitian, I am more likely to recommend Live it Up Super Greens to my clients for a few key reasons:

While this greens powder has a smaller scoop size than AG1 (8g vs. 13g), it also has one-third of the ingredients (26 vs. 83), which means it’s more likely to have superfoods with effective doses.
Like AG1 Next Gen, Super Greens contains an effective dose of probiotics at 5 billion CFU but has more digestive enzymes and fiber.
What I appreciate most is that Super Greens is made with organic vegetables and gets all 22+ of its vitamins and minerals naturally from the superfood ingredients.

It’s important to remember that everyone has individual needs and health goals, and the greens powder you choose should elevate these. For example, AG1 Next Gen may work best for high-performance athletes, while Live it Up Super Greens can be included in most diets to help impact overall health and wellness.

Ultimately, a healthy diet should be rich in whole fruits and vegetables; greens powders cannot replace these important foods. However, choosing the best greens powder can help improve your micronutrient and antioxidant intake and help you take a sure step toward your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About AG1 Ingredients

Did they change the AG1 formula?

As of 2025, AG1 Next Gen is the newest iteration of the Athletic Greens nutritional supplement. The biggest changes include:

More ingredients (83 vs 75+)
More probiotics (10 billion CFU)
New flavor (Tropical)
New additive (silica)
Now with only two superfood complexes (Super Mushroom Complex is no longer present)
AG1 Next Gen no longer contains lycium berry fruit extract, green tea extract, spinach leaf powder, among other ingredients.

What are some AG1 alternatives?

There are many other green powders that are great AG1 alternatives, including Live it Up Super Greens, Nested Naturals Super Greens, Amazing Grass Greens Blend, and Vibrant Health Green Vibrance. Each greens powder offers slightly different ingredients and health benefits to fit individual needs.

What does AG1 Next Gen actually do?

AG1 is a green powder that includes synthetic vitamins and minerals, plant extracts, antioxidant supplements, and many plant superfood ingredients. AG1 is a good greens powder if you are looking to fill nutrition gaps and potentially support gut health, energy, healthy aging, and overall health.

How much does AG1 cost per month?

One pouch of Athletic Greens costs $99, or $3.30 per serving. If you purchase a monthly subscription, this price drops to $79, or $2.64 per serving. There are more affordable green powders that are just as high quality. Live it Up Super Greens costs just $39.99 ($1.33 per serving) with a monthly subscription.

Does AG1 replace a multivitamin?

For some people, AG1 may have enough vitamins and minerals to replace their multivitamin, including large amounts of vitamin K, biotin, vitamin C, and more. Some people may need vitamin D or iodine as part of their dietary supplement, which AG1 does not contain. In these instances, AG1 Next Gen may not be sufficient to meet your individual needs and other nutritional supplements may be necessary.

Remember that eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet replete with fruits and vegetables is the best way to help meet your overall macro- and micronutrient needs.

References

About the author:

Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

Rachel is a registered dietitian based in Contra Costa County, California, with over 15 years experience. She specializes in whole-body wellness and plant-based nutrition, helping people understand the dynamic interplay between food and health so they can live life to the fullest. When not helping others, she enjoys spending time with her kids, being physically active, and tending to her abundant household plants.

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