Green powders can play a central role in our ability to better meet our nutrient needs daily, and as a registered dietitian, I often recommend them as part of a balanced diet.
However, each brand has a slightly different ingredient profile, meaning many are best used to meet specific goals and needs. AG1, previously Athletic Greens, is an exceptional choice when it comes to green supplements, yet from a dietitian’s perspective, its formula is fairly specific. Because of this, we feel that Live it Up Super Greens edges out AG1 as a better all-around greens supplement.
Read on as I break down Athletic Greens’ purported benefits, ingredients, taste, and price to find out if AG1 Next Gen is the right greens powder for your needs. I'll assess the following in below:
- AG1 Quick Facts
- What Is AG1?
- AG1 Purported Health Benefits
- AG1 Ingredients Breakdown
- AG1 Quality and Safety
- AG1 Cost Analysis
- AG1 Taste Review
- Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens
AG1 Quick Facts
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Key ingredients:
- 83 ingredients (but only 8% are organic)
- 10 billion CFU probiotics
- Just over 30 superfoods, including greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and mushrooms
- Prebiotic fiber and plant-based protein
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Purported health benefits:
- Foundational Nutrition to support whole body health
- Supporting energy, performance, and gut and immune health
- Taste: AG1’s original flavor has hints of pineapple and vanilla with an earthy undertone and a sweetness imparted by stevia. The Next Gen formula now comes in a Tropical flavor, described as having notes of passionfruit and papaya.
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Possible side effects:
- AG1 is not recommended for people under 18 or for nursing/pregnant women.
- AG1 provides high doses of several vitamins and minerals, so as a dietitian, I recommend reviewing all supplements you’re taking to ensure overall safety.
- AG1 can cause mild digestive discomfort, especially with their new Next Gen formula, which contains increased probiotic strains and CFUs per dose. AG1 recommends starting with half a serving to help ease into the formula.
- If you’re taking any medications, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before starting AG1 to avoid possible interactions.
- Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport and manufactured in a facility that is Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified.
- Recommended use: The company recommends taking 1 scoop of AG1 daily mixed with 8 ounces of cold water on an empty stomach before breakfast. Once the package is open, it must be refrigerated.
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AG1 Price Per Pouch: Currently, the price of shipping is $9, though you may be able to get free shipping during certain promotions.
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Subscription pricing:
- 30-day supply pouch - $79 with subscription
- 30-day supply travel packs - $89 with subscription
- 60-day supply (2x pouch) - $149 with subscription
- 90-day supply (3x pouch) - $223.50 with subscription
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Single purchase pricing:
- 30-day supply pouch - $99 single purchase
- 30-day supply travel packs - $109 single purchase
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Subscription pricing:
- AG1 Price Per Serving: The price per serving ranges from $2.49 to $3.63. This is entirely dependent upon whether it’s a single purchase or a subscription and if it's travel packs or a pouch.
What Is AG1?
AG1 is a well-known powdered greens supplement containing a blend of superfood ingredients and probiotics and is intended to help support overall health through nutrition. With just one product, Athletic Greens prides itself on continuing to reformulate its greens powder to help match the needs of its consumers.
One scoop of AG1 contains:
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 1 gram
- Total Carbohydrate: 6 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
The AG1 Next Gen formula also includes 25 vitamins and minerals, many of which are added and synthetically derived.
Pros of AG1
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO
- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Third-party tested, GMP-certified, and NSF-certified for Sport
- Contains a wide variety of superfood ingredients and adaptogens
- 10 billion CFU probiotics from 5 strains
- Comes in two flavors plus travel packs
Cons of AG1
- Contains stevia, silica, and soy, which may be unsuitable for some users
- Not made in the USA
- Contains added synthetic vitamins and minerals
- High doses of some vitamins and minerals
- Only one digestive enzyme
- Expensive at $2.64/serving for the subscription
- Only 8% organic
- May have trace caffeine
Is AG1 Worth It?
AG1 Next Gen sounds like a shiny upgrade, yet it’s still a nutrient-packed supplement with dozens of superfoods, plus probiotics and a digestive enzyme. While the high-quality greens powder comes with a generous 90-day money-back guarantee, it comes at a price—nearly $100 for a one-time purchase (a month’s supply) or $79 with a subscription.
From a dietitian's perspective: No, AG1 is not worth it for the average person unless you are an athlete with increased nutrient demand or someone who has nutrient deficiencies. AG1 contains added vitamins and minerals in amounts that often exceed the daily recommended value. This means you will excrete the excess water-soluble vitamins in your urine, or you will store excess amounts of fat-soluble vitamins in your body. While it might be useful in specific cases based on individual needs, for most people, it can either be an overpriced way to make expensive urine.
What’s Better than AG1?
There are a number of excellent AG1 alternatives on the market that offer many of the same superfoods and potential benefits at a fraction of the cost. Live it Up Super Greens stands out for its nutrient-dense formula with all naturally derived vitamins and minerals and organic vegetables.
Read the full Live it Up vs. AG1 comparison.
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| 100% all natural |  |
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| Made with organic vegetables | |
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| Wide variety of superfoods | |
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| Probiotics and digestive enzymes | |
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| Manufactured in the US | |
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| NSF Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) registered facilities | |
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| Third party tested | |
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| Sugar-free | |
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| No stevia | |
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| Caffeine free | |
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| Non GMO | |
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| Nut-free | |
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| Free shipping without any limitations or spend limit | |
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| Money-back guarantee | |
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| Live chat with a real person and responsive customer service | |
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| Cost per serving (for the subscription) | $1.33 | $2.63 |
AG1 Purported Health Benefits
AG1 claims that their product can impact nearly every system in the body—from energy and immunity to gut health, stress and mood, brain health, and even healthy aging. As a health professional, I often find that such sweeping claims for a single product can be misleading.
There are four core purported health benefits of AG1:
- Nutrient Intake
- Immune Support
- Gut Health Support
- Energy and Focus
However, one thing is clear—the more vegetables and plants we have in our diet, the better our health outcomes. And AG1 does provide quite a few micronutrients, vegetables, and superfood ingredients though perhaps too many to be effective. Let’s break down some of these purported health claims.
Benefit #1 of AG1: Nutrient Intake
This is a claim I can get behind for AG1. With 25 vitamins and minerals, this greens supplement absolutely helps increase your nutrient intake.
Customers seem to agree that these powdered greens offer adequate micronutrients:
As a health professional, I must add a disclaimer here. AG1 boosts its micronutrient profile by adding synthetic vitamins and minerals. This may not be a problem for many customers, and in fact, may be seen as a bonus; however, this may be a potential issue for others. Synthetic vitamins can sometimes be less bioavailable than their natural counterparts and may lack the natural compounds found in whole foods that support absorption and effectiveness.
For example, many of the micronutrients are dosed quite high, some well above 400% of our daily recommended intake. At these high doses, there may be interactions with certain medications and other supplements. Be sure to check how all your supplements combine with AG1 to make sure you are not megadosing on fat-soluble vitamins.
Benefit #2 of AG1: Immune Support
Our immune system is a complex machine requiring specific vitamins and minerals to function properly. Among the many essential immunological nutrients are vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and probiotics. AG1 contains most of these key ingredients, meaning it could potentially support your immune function.
AG1 does not contain vitamin D, though the company does offer supplemental vitamin D3 plus K2 drops as part of a free gift for some initial subscription orders. As a health professional, I must point out that AG1 already adds vitamin K2 to its greens powder, so adding more K2 may not be advisable if you are on specific medications that are affected by vitamin K.
Some customers who have been taking AG1 for a while have noticed the benefit of immune support. “I've been taking AG1 for the past year or so, and ever since, I have not been anywhere near as ill as I have previously been. I feel I am able to shrug off colds/COVID symptoms, whereas before, they would really bog me down.” ~JW
On the other hand, other customers haven’t seen as much of a response. “Tastes good, don’t know that I have noticed the benefits. A little too expensive.” ~ Lucas M.
Benefit #3 of AG1: Gut Health
With 10 billion CFUs of probiotics, AG1 Next Gen strives to be a greens powder that benefits the gut. Probiotics are microorganisms that may have a variety of effects on the body, such as influencing the health of our immune system and helping with digestion. This is a big increase over the 7.2B CFU in AG1’s last formula, so some loyal subscribers may experience gastrointestinal distress with the change.
Other ingredients in AG1 that may impact gut health include bromelain, Athletic Green’s one digestive enzyme that works to aid in the breakdown and absorption of protein in the gut; prebiotic fiber inulin, which feeds our gut’s beneficial bacteria and helps to keep them thriving; and ginger, which may support gastric emptying and bloating relief.
Some customers agree that the green powder may be helpful for their gastrointestinal woes. “...it’s been only 5 days since I started drinking AG1, and I can already feel and see the results. Bloating has reduced, I feel lighter and more energetic.” ~Olha P.
However, not all customers are seeing results. “I was excited to try it, but it upset my stomach. I gifted it to a friend. I contacted support and they said everyone is different, if it does that to me, I should quit taking it. No refund.” ~Pam E.
As a dietitian who has worked with clients who suffer from gastrointestinal distress, it’s important to understand that AG1 also contains ingredients that could cause bloating in some people. Inulin, FOS, and beetroot are just some of the high-FODMAP ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Benefit #4 of AG1: Energy and Focus
While vitamins and minerals definitely play a role in our energy production, focus is much more subjective and difficult to track.
Micronutrients play a critical role in the process of converting the foods we eat into energy our body can use. Specifically, the B vitamins, iron, and magnesium have been studied in relation to energy production. While AG1’s iron amount is minimal, Next Gen contains more than 100% of your recommended daily intake for each of the B vitamins. The inclusion of these nutrients may impact energy levels, especially if you are already not taking in enough.
Athletic Greens reviews indicate that a number of customers feel more energy. “I love the flavor and the ease and simplicity with which I ingest it every morning. I have energy, focus and feel generally great. I believe I complete tasks and navigate each day like people 20+ years younger than I. (I’ll be 85 in January). I’m content to give AG1 all the credit, but I don’t know specifically why.” ~Stuart W.
On the flip side, some AG1 reviews note no changes. “It doesn't do much. I didn't exactly notice a difference after a month of using this consistently. There are most definitely cheaper alternatives.” ~Drew J.
While focus is another benefit that AG1 claims to improve, there is not yet high-quality research indicating that supplements may help boost our ability to concentrate. Though some of the adaptogens, super mushrooms, and botanicals in the powder show some promise for cognitive function, it’s hard to know if they’re dosed effectively.
AG1 Ingredients Breakdown
Other than price, ingredients are the primary factor setting all greens powders apart. AG1 Next Gen contains 83 ingredients (instead of 75) packed into a 13-gram scoop.
With just under 40 plant ingredients, from mushrooms and herbs to blue-green algae and vegetables, the other ingredients include:
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Antioxidant supplements like CoQ10 and citrus bioflavonoids
- One digestive enzyme
- Probiotics
- Added protein and prebiotic fibers
Proprietary AG1 Blends
Let’s take a deep dive into the three proprietary blends in AG1’s Next Gen formula. While AG1’s Next Gen formula is very similar to the original, it includes some ingredient changes. For example:
- Alkaline pea protein isolate has been replaced with pea protein isolate
- Spinach leaf powder is no longer included
- Broccoli flower powder has been simplified to broccoli powder
- Ginger rhizome powder is now listed as ginger root powder
- Plus other changes
The proprietary blends have also been restructured. The original formula included four blends—(1) Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex, (2) Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidant, (3) Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex, and (4) Dairy Free Probiotics. The updated version features three newly named blends that regroup many of the same ingredients under different categories.
Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex
The Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex contains the bulk of ingredients in the AG1 formulation, making up over 7.5 grams of the volume. It combines nutrient-dense superfoods, herbs, and prebiotic fibers designed to support overall health, digestive balance, and stress resilience. Here are some of the biggest ingredients:
- Pea protein isolate is the second ingredient in this complex. The addition of protein powder can be seen as a positive, especially in the greens powder category, as protein helps support satiety. Still, AG1 includes only 2 g of protein per scoop, so it’s unlikely to have a significant impact on fullness. Interestingly, many other greens supplements—such as Live it Up Super Greens—contain at least 1 g of protein without using up superfood space on a dedicated protein source.
- Another star player in this blend is the organic spirulina. This blue-green algae is rich in chlorophyll, carotenoids, phycocyanin, and essential minerals, and it's been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
- Lecithin, a source of phospholipids that support cell membrane structure, appears prominently in the blend.
- This complex also contains a large amount of inulin, a prebiotic fiber derived from chicory root that helps promote healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria in our gut.
Other ingredients in this complex include organic chlorella powder, organic apple powder, organic wheatgrass juice powder, organic alfalfa powder, organic barley leaf powder, organic chlorella, ashwagandha root extract, rhodiola root extract, astragalus root powder extract, cocoa bean polyphenol extract, dandelion whole plant concentrate, artichoke leaf extract, slippery elm bark powder, bromelain, eleuthero root extract, ginger root powder, licorice root powder, and matcha green tea leaf powder.
Daily Phytonutrient Complex
AG1’s Daily Phytonutrient Complex. focuses on concentrated phytonutrient sources from fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. Unfortunately, packing 21 ingredients in just 1.5 grams means many ingredients in this blend are unlikely to have much effect.
It includes broccoli powder, papaya fruit powder, beet root powder, acerola cherry, rose hip fruit powder, carrot root powder, pineapple, shiitake mushroom powder, reishi mushroom powder, and grape seed extract—all rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that help mitigate oxidative stress and support cellular health.
Nutritional grasses, such as organic wheatgrass juice powder, alfalfa powder, and barley leaf powder, also make up a large portion of this blend. These plants are powerhouses in terms of their antioxidant capacity and excellent array of micronutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium.
The blend also features antioxidant compounds such as citrus bioflavonoids extract and R-alpha lipoic acid. While antioxidant extracts are widely used in supplements, some research suggests they may be most effective when consumed alongside a range of other phytonutrients in whole foods.
Additional ingredients in this complex include burdock root powder, bilberry fruit extract, hawthorn berry extract, bladderwrack seaweed, wolfberry (Lycium berry) fruit extract, rutin, milk thistle seed extract, and rosemary leaf extract.
Dairy-Free Probiotic Blend
AG1’s probiotic blend now contains five well-studied strains while the previous formula only had two:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
- Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
- Lactobacillus casei LC-11
- Lactobacillus plantarum LP-115
Additionally, the total probiotic count has increased from 7.2 billion CFUs per dose to 10 billion CFUs per dose. Together, these probiotics promote digestive health and support immune function by helping maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Strains like Lactobacillus casei help balance gut bacteria, while Lactobacillus plantarum supports immune responses.
All strains are backed by research for safety, efficacy, and strong survivability through the digestive tract, ensuring more beneficial bacteria reach the large intestine, where they can exert their effects.
AG1 Quality and Safety
When it comes to purchasing a greens powder, quality and safety should be a priority.
AG1 does well when it comes to third-party testing. AG1’s greens powder is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it not only tests for heavy metals and other contaminants, but also for sport-specific banned substances. This makes AG1 a particularly great option for professional athletes who may be randomly tested for eligibility to compete in their high-level sport.
AG1, which is made in New Zealand, is manufactured in a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-registered facility, meaning the goods produced meet specific standards and regulations in Australia and New Zealand. This facility is also GMP certified.
While these are all beneficial certifications that help ensure the quality of AG1’s greens supplement, one area where they fall short is with the inclusion of organic ingredients. Only seven of their 83 ingredients are organic, so if avoiding pesticides and herbicides is something that is important for you, this would be a factor to consider.
AG1 Cost Analysis
One of the biggest drawbacks of AG1 is the cost. With a price significantly higher than most other greens powders on the market, this may deter many new customers.
- One-time purchase: $99
- Monthly subscription: $79
- Shipping: $9 flat rate on all purchases, though the website often has free shipping promotions.
First-time subscription orders include a free welcome kit with a canister, shaker, and 5 travel packs, as well as a 90-day money-back guarantee.
While AG1 is a high-quality greens powder, there are many others that provide similar benefits, have just as high-quality ingredients, and are much less expensive, such as Live it Up Super Greens.
Super Greens costs only $59.99 for a one-time purchase, while a subscription is just $39.99. Additionally, Live it Up offers free shipping on all orders and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
AG1 Taste Review
The taste of greens powders varies widely by brand, often reflecting the unique blend of ingredients and any added flavoring. However, they all share a common earthy, vegetal undertone due to their base of nutrient-rich greens like broccoli powder and wheatgrass. AG1 continues to iterate on their core recipe, and one place they’ve remained firm is their original flavor.
What does AG1 taste like? Simply put: AG1 has a slightly sweet but earthy taste with notes of pineapple and vanilla. The vanilla flavor is imparted from natural flavors, while pineapple comes from pineapple fruit concentrate and the natural essence of pineapple core.
Are there other flavors of AG1? Yes. Since the release of the AG1 Next Gen formula in spring 2025, AG1 also comes in a tropical flavor described as having notes of passionfruit and papaya.
AG1 Reviews from Customers
This greens powder enjoys a positive taste review from many of its customers.
“Product is fantastic... love the taste and already included it in my morning routine” ~Christian T.
However, other customers can’t seem to get behind the flavor, saying that it has an artificial flavor to it, a metallic taste, or simply doesn’t taste good.
“It tastes awful; make a better favor.” ~Melvin
From a personal perspective: AG1 is bearable but not my favorite. While you can detect some vanilla and a bit of citrus, the earthy flavor is fairly overpowering, and the stevia leaf powder leaves a strange aftertaste. Additionally, I found that the greens powder didn’t mix in very well, with a bit of a sandy mouthfeel.
While many users appreciate AG1’s flavor and mixability, it’s important to note that the company recently updated their formula, which may have affected the taste experience for some. The new formula, Next Gen, was designed to maintain the same taste customers have come to expect, though some users have noticed a change.
One user wrote, “AG1 just changed the formula and there is a strange bitter after taste,” while another shared, “The taste of the new formula is not nearly as good IMO. The taste is one of the biggest reasons my wife and I buy ag1. Now switching to a competitor will be easier as the taste gap is no longer as large.”
Why I Choose Live it Up Super Greens Instead
AG1 is a nutritional supplement packed with vegetables, herbs, extracts, antioxidants, added vitamins and minerals, and 10 billion CFU probiotics. With over 83 ingredients, the product has many purported health claims.
This greens powder could be considered a mega-multivitamin with high doses of specific micronutrients. From my perspective as a registered dietitian, this feature makes AG1 a better supplement for high-performance athletes whose essential nutrient needs may be quite high.
Compared to AG1, Live it Up offers a nutrient-dense product that is better suited to meet the average consumer’s health goals. With whole-food sourced superfoods, organic vegetables, naturally derived vitamins and minerals (not added), three digestive enzymes, and 5 billion CFU dairy-free probiotics, Super Greens covers all the bases as an excellent greens powder. As a bonus, it comes in two well-liked flavors with great mixability that are easy to add to your daily routine. All this for a fraction of the cost of AG1.
Everyone has individual health and nutrient goals, and while I may suggest AG1 to my professional athletes, Live it Up Super Greens is what I would recommend to the majority of my clientele as a balanced addition to their diet (after whole fruits and vegetables, of course).
FAQs About AG1
What are the negative side effects of AG1?
While AG1 (Athletic Greens) is popular for its nutrient profile, some users may experience negative side effects. AG1 side effects can include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or an upset stomach, often linked to its inclusion of stevia and high doses of probiotics and certain vitamins. AG1 reviews show that it also exceeds the daily recommended intake of some nutrients, which may actually be counterproductive to your body’s overall health.
If you’re considering AG1, it’s important to review how its ingredients align with your dietary needs. For a clean and natural alternative, consider Live it Up Super Greens.
Is AG1 worth the price?
AG1 is a premium greens powder that combines 83 ingredients, including superfoods, probiotics, herbs, and adaptogens, designed to support digestion, energy, and overall health. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, making it a trusted choice for athletes and health enthusiasts. While AG1 is packed with high-quality nutrients, the majority of which exceed Recommended Daily Values, it requires a significant investment that may not be worth it for most consumers.
For those seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement, Live it Up Super Greens offers convenience and quality at a worthwhile cost that’s over $1 less per serving than AG1. Super Greens offers the same potential benefits as AG1, including support for gut health, immunity, and energy levels, but with a 100% all-natural formula made from organic vegetables.
Is Athletic Greens actually good for you?
Athletic Greens is a greens dietary supplement with over 80 ingredients, many vitamins and minerals, along with dairy-free probiotics, antioxidants, and powdered plants. While everyone’s needs are different, AG1 can help fill nutritional gaps as a convenient daily nutrition supplement.
Does AG1 replace a multivitamin?
AG1 is nutrient-dense. Per the nutrition facts, it contains about 25 micronutrients, with several that are more than 100% of our recommended daily intake. For many people, adding this to their daily routine may help replace a general multivitamin.
What are the negative side effects of AG1?
While many people may not have any negative side effects from taking AG1, some people may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea. These symptoms may resolve as the body gets used to the greens supplements. If the symptoms do not resolve, or if they become more severe, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.
Does AG1 help you lose weight?
AG1 is low in calories, high in nutrients, and has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. While the greens powder itself won’t help you lose weight, it can be part of a healthy lifestyle that, combined with a balanced diet and exercise, may help your weight management efforts.
How much does AG1 cost per day?
AG1 costs $79 for a subscription of 30 servings per month. This breaks down to $2.64 per day.
References
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