Is AGZ Sleep Worth It? My Honest Review as a Dietitian

Given AG1 Next Gen's popularity, I wanted to try the company's new product, AGZ, to provide curious clients with a comprehensive AGZ review. AGZ is a nightly sleep support supplement targeted for relaxation, sleep quality, and feeling more refreshed. But does its ingredients list support its health benefit claims and does it merit the high price? 

I’ll answer these questions and more in this AGZ supplement review through the lens of a dietitian. And despite the hype, I’m not convinced that this sleep supplement is worth a buy  (I prefer gentler nighttime drinks like Live it Up Golden Hour). Below, I’ll cover:

• Is AGZ Worth It?
• What Is AGZ?
• AGZ Purported Health Benefits
• AGZ Ingredients Breakdown
• AGZ Quality and Safety
• AGZ Cost Analysis
• AGZ Taste Review
• Why I Recommend Live it Up Golden Hour

AGZ Quick Facts

• Key ingredients:
  • 5 vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, and two B vitamins
  • 9 "calming" herbs (2.4g total)
  • 300mg ashwagandha
  • 200mg L-theanine
  • 28mg saffron stigma extract
  • Stevia leaf extract (Stevia rebaudiana)
  • Coconut milk powder
• Flavors: Three options
  • Mixed Berry
  • Chocolate Mint
  • Chocolate
• Manufacturer health claims: Nightly support for relaxation, improved sleep quality, and waking up refreshed
• Possible side effects: AG1 doesn't list any potential side effects of AGZ, but some consumers report diarrhea, sleeplessness, or disrupted sleep. 
• Container size: 30 travel packs per bag (13 grams per pack)
• Price: $99 for a 30-pack pouch (or $79 with a subscription, $2.64 per serving)
• Shipping: Free

Bottom Line: Is AGZ Worth It?

My recommendation as a dietitian is that AGZ isn’t worth a try. Although this nighttime drink seems to pack a punch in terms of relaxation and sleep-quality support, some of its ingredients, ingredient amounts, and reported side effects may be cause for concern for some users. Plus, it comes at a prohibitive price point and has an unappealing flavor and aftertaste. 

Everyone’s sleep needs are different. Still, I’d choose the Live it Up Golden Hour golden milk latte as a nighttime drink instead of AGZ. Though they have very distinct formulas, both are designed with science-backed ingredients to help you relax and wind down for sleep. However, Golden Hour stands out with its affordable price, gentle approach, and absolutely delicious taste.

What Is AGZ?

AGZ, is a product from AG1, which sells its well-known greens supplement AG1: Next Gen (read my review of Next Gen here). AG1, originally called Athletic Greens, launched 2010 in New Zealand, with the mission to provide foundational nutrition without the pills. The company only sold one product for years, marketing through podcast ads, influencer partnerships, and social media ads to reach a $1.2 billion valuation in 2024. 

AGZ, AG1's new formula in its lineup, is a melatonin-free sleep supplement intended for "nightly sleep support." It contains stress adaptogens, herbs, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and fruit and plant extracts to "support restorative, restful sleep." Unlike AG1: Next Gen, which comes in a pouch, AGZ powder is sold in individual sachets. 

One travel pack = 13 grams per serving

• Calories: 35
• Carbohydrates: 6–7g
• Total sugars: <1–1g
• Total fat: 1g
• Dietary fiber: <1–1g
• Sodium: 10–40mg

AG1’s AGZ Pros 

• Convenient travel packs
• Transparent product quality and safety testing
• NSF-Certified for Sport and GMP-certified
• No melatonin, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners
• Full of herbs, fruits, plants, and amino acids
• Vegan and free of GMOs and gluten

AG1’s AGZ Cons

• Earthy taste that might not suit some people's tastebuds
• Doesn’t blend well without a frother
• Includes stevia
• Vitamin B6 and zinc exceed the recommended daily value
• Expensive, at $79 per month with a subscription
• Some of the "calming herbs" may negatively interact with certain medications

AGZ Purported Benefits

How does AGZ's supplement facts support its health benefits? Let’s find out.

#1: Relaxation

First up on AGZ's purported benefits list is relaxation, specifically "stress-reduction, relaxation, and ease of falling asleep." I have no doubts that AGZ hits this target, as some of its ingredients—such as ashwagandha and L-theanine—are key players in the relaxation arena. 

For instance, ashwagandha is a calming adaptogenic root that has been shown to help with stress and anxiety. Most experts recommend 250–500mg per day as an effective dose, and AGZ delivers at 300mg per serving.

Another potential relaxation support is L-theanine, an amino acid (found in green and black tea leaves and some mushrooms) that has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function and stress. However, a scientific review of L-theanine details the significant limitations of current research. For instance, it notes that studies showing the amino acid supporting stress reduction found this benefit mostly in people with "slightly higher than average basal levels of anxiety or during periods of stress."

Other botanical ingredients that may promote relaxation and help the body manage stress include chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, and skullcap.

#2: Improved Sleep Quality

To support sleep quality, AGZ focuses on magnesium, valerian root and lemon balm, and ashwagandha.

The formula contains 250mg of magnesium in the forms of magnesium L-threonate and magnesium bisglycinate. Magtein's magnesium L-threonate has been shown to support self-reported sleep quality, especially REM sleep. Other studies provide links between magnesium and sleep quality, but many also concede that more research needs to be done on the subject to provide more definitive answers. 

Valerian root has long been considered a sleep aid, and recent studies report that it can help with sleep quality. However, many studies include very high doses of the root. One study in particular notes that supplementation with valerian extracts at 300–600mg per day resulted in inconsistent outcomes. It is possible that AGZ contains this amount or more of valerian root extract, but its proprietary formula doesn't indicate the exact dose, so it's unclear how effective the dosage may be. 

Some AGZ consumers have actually reported more disrupted sleep in their AGZ sleep reviews, which may be due to the inclusion of L-theanine. Although this amino acid can promote relaxation, it increases levels of another amino acid called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Increased GABA can produce deeper sleep, and with that, perhaps more vivid and disturbing dreams that lead to more instances of waking up in the night.

#3: Waking Up Refreshed

AGZ also purports to help consumers wake up refreshed, and it's definitely possible that this claim is true for some people. With ingredients to target sleep quality and stress relief, this nighttime drink may indirectly lead to a better mood upon waking up. But there is one component that I can attest to for a good wakeup: saffron. 

Saffron is known for its mood-enhancing qualities and cognitive health support. For instance, one study assessing three groups—placebo, a group taking 14mg saffron, and a group taking 28mg saffron—found that the saffron-consuming groups reported elevated moods upon waking up, with the 28mg group reporting the most significant increases according to their sleep score. AGZ includes 28mg of saffron stigma extract, leading me to believe that a refreshed wakeup is possible with the product. 

AGZ Ingredients Breakdown

Here's a closer look at AGZ's ingredients and blends.

• Magnesium: Magnesium may support better sleep, but I do have some concerns about the amount included, as 250mg is well over half the recommended daily intake for adults. This mineral can cause digestive issues, especially at higher doses, a side effect that some AGZ customers have reported.
• Other vitamins and minerals: AGZ's formula includes vitamin B6, zinc, and sodium. While these are beneficial for various bodily functions, be wary of vitamin toxicity, as AGZ’s vitamin B6 and zinc exceed recommended daily intakes.
• Amino acids: AGZ includes the amino acids L-theanine and glycine, both of which may have a positive effect on sleep quality. For instance, glycine has been shown in some study participants to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and support higher-quality sleep. The dosage in this study was 3g, while AGZ includes 2g of glycine.
• Adaptogens: Ashwagandha and saffron are featured in the AGZ sleep drink. Adaptogens are known to support various functions in the body, such as the nervous system, immunity, anti-inflammatory processes, and more.
• Calming Herbs & Antioxidant Blend: This is AGZ's proprietary blend of plant and fruit powders and extracts targeted to support restful sleep and relaxation. Many of the botanicals included are known to support these functions, but take caution with some of the ingredients. For example, Baikal skullcap root may have serious side effects for some people and can interact with medications, such as blood thinners. While AGZ is transparent about some ingredient quantities (like ashwagandha), this herbal blend rounds up to 2.4g of the total serving size without individual quantities, so it’s hard to tell if you’re getting too much or too little of some botanicals. Valerian root alone is often recommended at doses of 2-3g, far more than what could be effective here.
• Other ingredients: Remaining ingredients include coconut milk powder, natural flavors, and stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) leaf extract. The chocolate flavors also have alkalized cocoa powder, salt, and monk fruit extract.
  

AGZ Quality and Safety

AG1 is very transparent with AGZ's quality and safety, with a webpage dedicated specifically to "Quality & Testing." It lists all of the components that are rigorously tested by third parties, including heavy metals, allergens, pesticides and herbicides, microbes and toxins, banned substances, residual solvents, and potency. You can view each flavor's certificate of analysis from a third-party lab.

AGZ is also NSF Certified for Sport, a well-known certification program that focuses on testing for banned substances, such as hormone antagonists, narcotics/cannabinoids, and stimulants. This certification is especially beneficial for competitive athletes who may be tested for these types of substances before an athletic event.

The supplement is also vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and safe for people with allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts.

AGZ Cost Analysis

AGZ is an expensive choice for a nighttime supplement, ringing in at $2.64 per serving with a subscription. If you want to try AGZ before committing to a subscription, you're looking at a $100 investment, or $3.30 per serving. Every website purchase includes: 

• A free frother
• Free shipping
• The ability to edit and skip orders
• 90-day money-back guarantee

You can also buy a trial size of AGZ on Amazon, which includes one travel pack of each flavor. While this is a good option for those curious about the product who want to make sure they like the taste, the cost comes out to $6.33 per packet. 

For a more affordable option, I recommend Live it Up Golden Hour. It's nearly half the price of AGZ (at $1.33/serving), tastes delicious, and provides a comforting way to close out the day—that won't break the bank.

AGZ Taste Review

When considering a nighttime supplement, you want to make sure it has a flavor that won't deter you from taking it. After all, it may be the last taste before you hit the pillow, so good flavors are key. That's where I think the AGZ drink falls short. 

AGZ offers three flavors: Mixed Berry, Chocolate, and Chocolate Mint. Some customers genuinely enjoy these taste offerings.

Though reviews are still early days, many customers don’t seem to like AGZ’s taste. Across all three of AGZ's flavors, I thought that the overwhelming flavor was earthy with a bitter aftertaste that some describe as metallic. Depending on your individual tastebuds, you may find AGZ difficult to gulp down like some AGZ drink reviews:

As for the texture, when mixed by hand, the powder doesn't seem to dissolve very well with just a spoon. Customers are provided with a free frother when they order AGZ, which I think helps obtain the right consistency. However, the point of offering AGZ in travel packs is for on-the-go convenience; having to bring and use a frother to mix the powder can be cumbersome.

While trying AGZ, I couldn't help but compare it to Live it Up Golden Hour, whose taste is a total hit with customers—myself included. The formula contains a delicious blend of flavors—slightly sweet vanilla with comforting spices, a perfect pre-bedtime combination. 

Why I Recommend Live it Up Golden Hour

Individuals looking for a melatonin-free formula for winding down at the end of the day may be interested in AGZ. Instead of melatonin, the formula focuses on high amounts of magnesium, amino acids (some of which don't have enough research to support their health claims), and a proprietary blend of herbs, plant, and fruit extracts that are known to have calming qualities but some of which may produce negative side effects. 

For both a melatonin- and magnesium-free approach to sleep, I suggest Live it Up Golden Hour. The powder is chock-full of good-for-you ingredients, such as ashwagandha, saffron, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. Here are a few other reasons why I point clients toward Golden Hour as their new nighttime ritual instead: 

• Golden milk targets inflammation, which affects sleep quality
• Mixes easily with milk to create a delicious, creamy golden milk latte (not an unappealing concoction like AGZ)
• Naturally sweetened with monk fruit, not stevia
• Flavor is subtlety sweet, spiced, and warming
• Many of our customers report it supports their relaxation, stress, sleep quality, and healthy cortisol levels
  

Health goals, taste preferences, and nutritional needs are unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. That said, I stand by supplements that are delicious, affordable, and have the high-quality ingredient list to support its purported benefits—and Live it Up Golden Hour has all three. 

FAQs About AGZ

Learn more about this new nighttime supplement.

What is in AGZ and what is it used for?

AGZ contains adaptogens, like ashwagandha, calming herbs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and amino acids, sourced from both natural and synthetic ingredients. The AGZ formula also contains coconut milk powder, natural flavors, stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), and fruit and vegetable juice for color.

AGZ claims to support relaxation, sleep quality, and waking up more refreshed. 

Does AGZ work?

AGZ may work for some people, but it depends on several factors, such as current sleep quality, level of stress, and more. Every person is unique in their body's nutritional needs, physical makeup, and sensitivities, so AGZ might not be for everyone. It's also extremely important to consider what medications you're taking, as some ingredients, such as Baikal skullcap, may interact with certain drugs. Speak with your healthcare provider before adding AGZ to your evening routine. 

Does magnesium help you sleep?

Magnesium may help with sleep, but more research needs to be done to provide a definitive answer. Several studies show a link between magnesium supplementation and more restorative sleep and melatonin production, but many state that more longer-term studies should be conducted to provide the evidence needed to support the sleep claim.

Is L-threonate magnesium?

Yes, L-threonate is one supplement form of magnesium that may support better sleep, mood balance, and brain function. AGZ contains this form of magnesium, at about 250mg per serving.

References

• https://www.reddit.com/r/sleep/comments/1n0wgv3/do_not_buy_agz/
• https://www.amazon.com/AG1-Melatonin-Free-Nighttime-Magnesium-Ashwagandha/dp/B0FR9ZGMZ4
• https://drinkag1.com/quality-standards/agz
• https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5410
• https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/45/4/zsab276/6432454#368285922
• https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-021-03297-z
• https://www.patigroup.com/p/the-ag1-phenomenon-how-a-single-sku
• https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/08/dining/athletic-greens.html
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha-dosage
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6836118/ 
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/l-theanine
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531724001684
• https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/botanical-medicines-healthy-sleep-rest.asp
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11381753/#sec4
• https://magtein.com/
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-magnesium-should-i-take-8662648
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/zinc-and-magnesium-8751876
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21775910/
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/valerian-root
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7585905/#section17-2515690X20967323
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10357048/
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/skullcap#downsides
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/glycine#sleep-quality
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8067852/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol