Druggenius.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our editorial process here.

Are you looking for a complete Athletic Greens review? 

Athletic Greens is a powerhouse superfood supplement. Yes, it’s a greens powder, but it’s unlike any other on the market.  Where Athletic Greens is concerned, it’s not only a green powder. This mix contains much more than the usual fruits and leafy greens. 

Top minds in research and health came together to create this blend.  Formulated for optimal mental and physical health, this is a truly masterful blend. But is it right for you?

In this Athletic Greens review, we provide an in-depth analysis of this supplement. We have also created a list of Athletic Greens alternatives for those on a budget.

We examine the key ingredients, as well as their benefits and possible side effects. 

Athletic Greens (Our Review) 

What is Athletic Greens?

Athletic Greens (AG1) is a plant-based nutritional supplement in powder form. It was launched in 2010 and contains 75 vitamin-rich ingredients. 

The ingredients have been carefully considered to ensure the supplement is suitable for keto, vegan, and paleo diets. This is great. Many dietary supplements use ingredients that exclude certain dietary requirements, so it’s good to see that Athletic Greens are more considerate as to who can use their supplement. 

It includes raw superfoods, probiotics, mushroom powders, and antioxidants. It also contains a huge variety of vitamins and minerals.

The manufacturers designed it to support body functionality and overall health. The supplement is formulated to be nutritionally complete and bioavailable. 

You could use this to replace a multivitamin. It contains many of the same ingredients, sometimes in higher doses.

Because this is designed to be an all-around booster to vital nutrients and minerals, it assists with a multitude of functions, from maintaining energy levels throughout the day to promoting better digestion and even mood.

Benefits of Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens is gentle on the stomach while still being highly effective. This is the result of careful formulation and ingredients. You don’t have to worry about getting the runs or suffering from acid reflux as all the ingredients in the powder are easily digestible.

The most notable benefits of this supplement include:

• Improving your energy levels
• Supporting immune health and response
• Boosting digestion and gut health
• Improving  neural and brain functioning
• It improves the body’s natural detoxing
• Balancing blood sugar levels to the normal range 

Recommended Dosage and Possible Side-Effects

The recommended dosage is one scoop (½ an ounce) a day. You can mix it with 5 to 10 ounces of water, or even add it to a smoothie to try and mask the taste. 

You should take it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. This will ensure optimal digestion. While this is the recommended way to do it, there’s nothing wrong with taking it later on in the day when it fits into your schedule.

If you have high-stress levels or you are an athlete, you can have two servings a day to boost the amounts of nutrients you’re getting. 

Each bag of Athletic Greens contains 30 servings (a month’s supply). If you are committed to two servings a day, you’ll go through this twice as fast, so you’ll need two bags to get through the month. 

Check Price

Side-Effects

While reported instances of side effects from Athletic Greens are relatively low, there are a few you should be aware of before starting them. You’re more likely to suffer from these negative effects if you have an underlying condition that could exacerbate some of the symptoms of a sensitive stomach.

The most common effects are:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Digestive issues
• Spirulina might cause blood-thinning
• Rhodiola could cause dry mouth and dizziness
• Astralahus could affect immune-suppressant medication

Be sure to check the label for potential allergens. You should take note of any adverse reactions as well, and stop using the product should any occur.

It’s important to consult your healthcare provider before adding any new dietary supplements to your daily regimen.

Third-Party Testing

Athletic Greens is NSF Certified for Sport. This means that a third party verified the supplement for athletes. 

They verified that it is “clean nutrition for professional athletes.” It means that the supplement does not contain any banned substances.

This is an extensive testing process. It involves individually testing and verifying each ingredient and every batch of AG1.

While this process is long, it provides consumers with extra assurance in the quality of the product.

Pros  

• The supplement contains 100% plant ingredients. 
• Contains no artificial ingredients
• The propriety compounds contain anti-inflammatory ingredients and antioxidants
• The supplement is NSF Certified for Sport

Cons 

•  It is expensive, especially for long-term use
• This is a supplement and it can’t replace a healthy diet
• It is uncertain the amount of each ingredient in the blends. This information is not provided on the label

Athletic Greens Ingredients – A Detailed Analysis

As we said above, Athletic Greens contains 75 ingredients. These ingredients are divided into five categories. 

These categories are: 

• Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex
• Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants
• Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex
• Dairy-Free Probiotics
• Vitamins and Minerals

Each scoop of AG1 contains 6 grams of carbohydrates, 50 calories, 2 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of protein.

We’ll have an in-depth look at a few key ingredients in these proprietary blends.

Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex

This is an alkaline blend of raw superfood plants. It provides consumers with a high-concentrated source of phytochemicals and micronutrients.

The main blend contains green vegetables like spirulina, spinach, alfalfa, chlorella, and broccoli. Fruits like papaya, apple, and bilberry are included as well.

There are also other superfoods like goji berries, cocoa powder, and ginger rhizome.

These are only a few examples of the more well-known ingredients in this blend. Let’s look at a few of these ingredients in more detail.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a green alkaline alga (singular of ‘algae’) that’s common in many multivitamins and supplements. 

It potentially helps to maintain the body’s normal pH levels. It has a long history of use with antioxidant phycocyanin and plant protein. 

It could assist in lowering blood glucose levels as well.

Chlorella Root Powder

This is another strain of algae. One study in 2008 showed that it has a protective effect on the liver. 

It contains zinc, provitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids. Chlorella can also help lower blood fats and reduce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a low-calorie legume that is rich in minerals and vitamins. It contains vitamin A when fresh, and gains vitamin D when sundried. 

It also contains B-group vitamins, and vitamins E and K2. It’s essentially a nutritional powerhouse.

Studies have shown that it can lower cholesterol and aid in managing blood sugar. Surprisingly, it has been effective in relieving the symptoms of menopause as well.

Goji Berries

Also known as Lycium berries, this superfood is ideal for maintaining your overall health.

It’s known to boost immunity and support the health of the eyes, brain, and heart. Goji berries contain vitamins A and C, and a host of antioxidants.

Other benefits of goji berries include healthier skin and possible protection against cancer. It can improve mood disorders like anxiety and depression too. 

Studies have shown that it can also improve blood sugar and prevent liver damage.

Papaya

Papaya contains an enzyme called “papain”. This enzyme helps to break down proteins in the food you eat. It makes these foods easier to digest. 

This is why papaya goes so well with steak – you can even use it as a tenderizer.

The fruit has a high water and fiber content as well. This promotes regularity, prevents constipation, and encourages a healthy gut.

Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants

This blend of herbs and extracts provides important micronutrients that may be lacking in your diet.

These micronutrients are:

• Antioxidants
• Vitamins
• Fats
• Protein
• Phytochemicals

These micronutrients can provide supportive benefits for energy, concentration, brain health, and blood glucose. 

Ingredients in this blend include pea protein, ashwagandha, omega-3 fats, stevia leaf, and citric acid.

Pea Protein Isolate

This is a newer type of protein powder. It’s a great alternative for those who want a soy-free option that is plant-based.

Research has suggested that it’s a worthy alternative to, and equally satiating as, whey protein. This is because it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. What this means is that it helps the body adapt and function under stress. 

A 2012 study found that this herb can increase resistance to chronic stress in adults. The most common Ashwagandha delivery system is in gummy form, like the Blue Goli Gummies.

Another study found that it can improve:

• Cognitive function 
• Energy
• Concentration

Citric Acid

Found naturally in limes, lemons, and other citrus fruits, citric acid has a host of potential benefits for the body.

It has antioxidant properties and can improve energy levels. It may also be able to regulate the body’s natural pH balance.

Another benefit of citric acid is that it’s a natural preservative. It will keep the supplement from turning bad.

Stevia Leaf Extract

Stevia has become one of the most well-known natural sweeteners. 

It has zero calories, is flavor-neutral, and won’t affect your blood glucose levels. This is why it has become the number one natural alternative to sugar.

Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex

Throughout history, many cultures have used mushrooms for medicinal purposes. This is because mushrooms are filled with nutrients. 

Athletic Greens was formulated with powerful edible mushrooms and enzyme roots. Natural enzymes make it easier for the body to digest and absorb nutrients from food. 

These ingredients support gut health and improve normal immune responses.

Ingredients in this blend include:

• Reishi mushroom powder 
• Shiitake mushroom powder 
• Bromelain extract
• Astragalus root

Astragalus Root

Many consider astragalus to aid in longevity. It’s because of this that it has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. And why not?

Astragalus contains antioxidants that protect the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestines. 

It can reduce inflammation and improve the immune system too. It’s particularly good at protecting the digestive tract against inflammation-related diseases.

Bromelain Extract

As a compound extracted from pineapple, bromelain has numerous health benefits.

It has immune-boosting, circulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may even have anti-cancer properties, although that’s not certain.

Animal studies have suggested that it helps reduce inflammation in the gut. 

The main property of bromelain is to help the body better digest protein.

Reishi and Shiitake Mushroom Powders

Mushrooms are known to have a host of micronutrient properties. Reishi and shiitake are both adaptogenic and immune-boosting. 

Their immune-modulating properties have been of particular interest in research and lab studies. 

One study found that reishi, in particular, can improve anxiety and fatigue. It has even helped to improve the quality of life in patients with breast cancer.

Dairy-Free Probiotics and Prebiotic

Athletic Greens contains two probiotic strains and a prebiotic. 

The two probiotics are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. They are from non-dairy sources and encourage a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. 

Studies have shown that they have antimicrobial benefits and can improve digestive health.

The prebiotic inulin aids the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. 

This probiotic prebiotic blend has potential immune-strengthening benefits.

L. acidophilus

This is one of the most common bacteria used in probiotic supplements. 

It works to improve overall gut health. It regulates bowel function, has antimicrobial properties, and suppresses intestinal pathogens.

L. acidophilus helps good gut bacteria thrive.

B. bifidum

B. bifidum plays a huge role in the body’s overall health. Healthy, breast-fed babies have an abundance of this bacteria in their gut. 

This suggests that it’s one of the most important bacteria in our bodies. 

It plays an important role in enhancing intestinal microbial diversity. This is vital for gut health and will ensure that your digestion is in top shape.

Inulin

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that our gut bacteria use as a source of fuel. In other words, inulin aids good bacteria like the two mentioned above. 

It provides them with the energy they need to carry out their functions. 

Inulin promotes healthy blood sugar levels and improves metabolism and digestive health. It could be used to aid weight loss as well. This makes it an ideal prebiotic for athletes.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in our nervous system. They are needed for a strong immune system too.

A deficiency in certain nutrients can lead to a host of problems, including low energy levels and depression.

A list of micronutrients found in a single 12-gram scoop of Athletic Greens:

• Vitamin A 
• Vitamin C 
• Vitamin E 
• Thiamin 
• Riboflavin 
• Niacin 
• Vitamin B6 
• Folate 
• Vitamin B12 
• Biotin 
• Pantothenic acid 
• Calcium 
• Phosphorus 
• Magnesium 
• Zinc 
• Selenium 
• Copper 
• Manganese 
• Chromium 
• Sodium 
• Potassium 

As you can see, Athletic Greens contain numerous vitamins and minerals. It can be considered a viable substitute for a multivitamin supplement.

But, while this supplement is comparable to a multivitamin, it lacks certain micronutrients. It does not contain iron, potassium, iodine, or vitamin D. 

Many diets often lack these micronutrients.

How Much Is Athletic Greens A Month?

Athletic Greens has 3 pricing tiers. They offer discounts for signing up for a subscription and a bulk subscription, they range in price from $99 to $149 per month.

Let’s take a look at the price tiers.

One Time Purchase

As of 11/15/2021 the current cost for a one-off purchase of a 30 serving bag of Athletic Greens is $99

• Monthly Cost – $99
• Cost per Serving – $3.30

Single Person Subscription

If you sign up for the single subscription tier you will save $20 and get some free gifts as an additional perk.

• Monthly Cost – $79
• Cost per Serving – $2.63
• Free Starter Kit: Premium Jar & Shaker
• Delivered Monthly – You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.

Double Subscription

If you intend for your Athletic Greens to be used by more than one person, they suggest ordering the ‘Double Subscription’. This is priced at $149 per month so saves you $50 vs the one time purchase price.

• Monthly Cost – $149
• Cost per Serving – $2.48
• Free Starter Kit: Premium Jar & Shaker
• Delivered Monthly – You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.

Athletic Greens Rebranding

The company has recently undergone a rebranding from simply ‘Athletic Greens’ to ‘AG1’. The product itself stayed the same but the packaging was changed drastically. We think this might be because it would allow them to introduce new supplement lines under the same brand.

New Branding – AG1

Old Branding

The Verdict

Athletic Greens is the ideal supplement for anyone lacking crucial micronutrients and antioxidants.

It can be used in place of a multivitamin. In fact, it has everything a multivitamin does – plus extra. 

The only point of contention might be the price. It is a little expensive, especially if you plan on long-term use.

While this supplement was formulated with athletes in mind, anyone can use it. 

Those who are always on the road tend to miss meals or eat poorly. Many have said that using this supplement has had notable health benefits.

Athletic Greens Reviews 

Athletic Greens has an average star rating score of 4.7, with a total of 7,436 reviews. 

A detailed view of the star ratings:

• 5 ★★★★★ – (5,800 5 star reviews)
• 4 ★★★★ – (1,094 4 star reviews)
• 3 ★★★ – (301 3 star reviews)
• 2 ★★ – (115 2 star reviews)
• 1 ★ – (126 1 star reviews) 

Positive Reviews

Customers who gave Athletic Greens 4 or 5-star reviews say they saw an increase in energy and motivation. After taking the powder they felt good both mentally and physically.

Many found that it was easy to implement the supplement into their daily routines. A few consumers even mentioned that they enjoyed the taste.

One particularly enthused customer said that they now have energy all day. There are no more ‘afternoon slumps’ and their mental focus improved. They said that they also noticed an improvement in digestion and bowel regularity.

A few customers who travel often found that the travel package was convenient. They found that the supplement was perfect for them since they don’t eat well while traveling. 

Another consumer said that it’s the perfect before-workout supplement. 

Negative Reviews

Most who submitted negative reviews either didn’t like the taste or felt no noticeable result. 

Many felt that it was too expensive for too few notable benefits. It’s uncertain how long these consumers tried it before leaving their reviews. 

Those who complained about the taste had many differing opinions. Some thought it was too sweet, while others said they couldn’t stomach the flavor at all. A few more said that the texture was too ‘grainy’. 

Personal taste is obviously up to everyone’s individual preference, so we suggest trying it for yourself before coming to any conclusions.

Final Note

Athletic Greens certainly seems like the ideal, all-around, nutritional supplement. 

You cannot ignore the health benefits. It’s a powerful blend of superfoods, antioxidants, extracts, and vitamins and minerals.

But it is only a supplement. It should not be used in place of a healthy diet. It’s meant to complement a healthy diet, and bolster the body and mind.

Is it ideal for you? It’s up to you to decide whether the many benefits are worth the cost. 

Hopefully, this Athletic Greens review has helped make your decision easier.

Check Price

Athletic Greens Review FAQs