Green Vibrance vs. AG1: What’s Best for You?
Navigating the world of supplements can be tricky, especially when distinguishing between “trendy” greens and finding one that is truly beneficial for your well-being. With so many new supplements hitting the market, it can be challenging to decipher the best option for your needs and your wallet.
Among the most popular green superfood supplements are Green Vibrance and the viral AG1 (former Athletic Greens).
To help you understand their differences and which one is the ideal match for your unique health goals, we’ve tested both products and compared them based on different criteria: nutrients, taste, mixability and usability, cost and overall value.
Jump straight to:
What Is Vibrant Health
Vibrant Health is a company dedicated to continual improvement and innovation in nutritional science. The company upholds rigorous quality standards, with every product undergoing triple redundant testing under strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Guidelines. This includes validation of supplier specifications, tests for heavy metals and microbiological contaminants before blending, and a final batch test before bottling.
Vibrant Health ensures unbiased quality assurance by using external labs unaffiliated with the company or its suppliers, although test results may vary due to the natural variability of food ingredients, they always remain within FDA-safe limits.
- Vibrant Health prioritizes sourcing raw materials of high purity and strives for organic certification, though not all beneficial ingredients can be sourced organically.
- Sustainability efforts include using biodegradable air pillows for packaging, reusing shipping boxes, and offering products in eco-friendly pouches to reduce plastic use.
- The company supports under-served communities and social justice initiatives through partnerships with Vitamin Angel, Feeding America, and offering education scholarships.
Green Vibrance Nutritional Breakdown
Vibrant Health is committed to total transparency regarding their supplements, including Green Vibrance. They practice full-disclosure labeling, ensuring every ingredient is listed on the label, allowing you to know precisely what you are consuming and in what quantity.
If you’re looking for a nutrient-packed greens powder, Green Vibrance could be a great fit for you with ingredients specifically designed to support your immune system, healthy bones, gut health, and optimal wellness.
- Vitamins and minerals: Nearly 2730 mg of essential vitamins and minerals to promote optimal body performance, including vitamins A, D, E, iodine and chromioum. As well as other minerals like iron, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Additives and sweeteners: No added sweeteners or sugars across its three flavors
- Macros: Each serving is low in calories but nutritionally dense, providing: 40 calories, 8 grams of carbs, 2 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber
- Probiotic strains/CFU: Contains 25 billion CFU per 1 scoop, including Lactobacillus Acidophilus, a probiotic known for supporting internal intestinal flora and supporting the immune system.
- Certifications: Green Vibrance is non-GMO project verified and suitable for those following a gluten free, plant-based, soy free, vegan, and dairy-free diet.
The blend also includes cereal wheat grasses, wheatgrass, spirulina, and beetroot for additional nutrient support.
Green Vibrance Taste & Texture
Green Vibrance is available in three flavors: Original, Blueberry Lemon and Chocolate Coconut, catering to different taste preferences without compromising on the nutrient profile.
The Green Vibrance Original flavor carries an earthy and grassy taste, indicative of its rich mix of green superfoods like spirulina and wheatgrass. These ingredients imbue the blend with a distinctly natural, vegetal flavor profile. Also, a grassy aftertaste might be noticeable, that can be subdued by mixing it into a juice or smoothie.
Moving to the Green Vibrance Chocolate Coconut, the taste experience is notably unique, introducing a slightly sweet sensation that seamlessly marries chocolate and coconut notes with the foundational green superfood mix. This flavor offers an intriguing twist for those looking to combine their nutrient intake with a hint of indulgence.
The Blueberry Lemon variant of Green Vibrance offers a refreshing and tangy flavor, with just the right touch of sweetness thanks to the harmonious blend of blueberry and lemon. Among the available options, this one is perceived as the sweetest, catering well to those who prefer their health supplements to also delight the palate.
Green Vibrance Mixability
You can mix Green Vibrance fairly easily using a shaker cup or blender. However, some users prefer mixing it into milk, fruit juice, or a smoothie for a slightly richer taste.
When it comes to mixability, it will need to be thoroughly shaken or mixed to avoid clumping at the bottom.
Green Vibrance Usability
It is recommended to be taken once a day by mixing one rounded scoop into 4 to 8 ounces of water, fruit juice or your favorite beverage. Stir briskly or shake in a closed container. Due to the probiotic contents, it is recommended to be taken 45 minutes after a meal for optimal results.
Green Vibrance Cost
You can purchase Green Vibrance as either a one-time purchase or a subscription. Compared to AG1, it’s considerably cheaper and offers different packaging options to cater to your different needs.
Ultimately the cheapest option is the monthly subscription which gives you a 30% discount and free shipping on each order.
One-time purchase:
- $40 per 15-day supply at $2.66 per serving
- $82 per 30-day supply at $2.73 per serving
- $107 per 60-day supply at $1.78 per day
- $136 per 83-day supply at $1.63 per day.
- $44 per 15-day travel packets at $2.93
Monthly subscription:
- $28per 15-day supply at $1.86 per serving
- $43 per 30-day supply at $1.43 per serving
- $74.90 per 60-day supply at $1.24 per serving
- $95.20 per 83-day supply at $1.14 per serving
- $30.80 per 15-day travel packets at $2.05 per serving
Green Vibrance customer reviews
Many customers report feeling more energized and less fatigued after taking Green Vibrance regularly. Some users also experienced improvements in digestion, such as reduced bloating and more regular bowel movements, likely due to the probiotics and digestive enzymes in the formula.
While some people enjoy the taste of Green Vibrance when mixed with water or juice, a common criticism is that it can be somewhat of an acquired taste. Some may prefer blending it into smoothies or other beverages or opting for one of the other two slightly sweeter flavors available versus the original if taste is an issue.
Customers say that the quality of product you're getting makes it more than worth the investment into your health. When it comes to resolving issues and inquiries, customers share that Vibrant Health responds both quickly and professionally to resolve the issue.
Who Is Green Vibrance Best For?
- People looking to fill in nutritional gaps: Individuals with diets lacking in fruits, vegetables, and essential nutrients may find Green Vibrance helpful in filling nutritional gaps and promoting overall health.
- Those seeking digestive support: Green Vibrance contains 25 billion probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes that support digestive health and gut microbiome balance. It may be beneficial for individuals experiencing digestive issues or seeking to improve their overall gut health.
- Aging adults: Older adults may benefit from the nutrient-rich formula of Green Vibrance to support healthy aging, cognitive function, and immune system function.
- Vegetarians and vegans: Vegetarians and vegans may use Green Vibrance to ensure they are getting essential nutrients typically found in animal products such as B vitamins as well as iron.
Green Vibrance, Is It Worth It?
Green Vibrance delivers the maximum nutritional benefits possible, making it a solid choice for a daily greens powder.
The inclusion of probiotics and digestive enzymes promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while digestive enzymes help break down food for optimal nutrient absorption so it is a great option for anyone looking to improve their digestion.
Considering the comprehensive nutrient profile and potential health benefits, Green Vibrance offers good value for money compared to purchasing multiple individual supplements on their own.
Overall, the combination of high-quality ingredients, comprehensive nutrient profile, and positive customer feedback make it the logical choice for supporting overall health and vitality.
Pros- Uses full-disclosure labeling
- Boosts gut health with 25 billion probiotics
- Available in 3 unique flavors as well as capsule form
- Provides a wide range of viable nutrients
- Cheaper than AG1
- Has a slightly grassy taste on its own
- Can cause bloating if the consumer is not used to probiotic contents
Read more: 12 Incredible Benefits of Green Vibrance
What Is Athletic Greens?
Athletic Greens is a wellness brand seeking to empower individuals to lead healthier lives through quality supplements. Their flagship product, AG1, has 75 ingredients designed to bridge nutritional gaps in modern diets.
The company claims to source premium ingredients for its product. It assures its users that they can experience heightened energy levels, a strengthened immune system, enhanced gut health, and improved digestion with daily consumption of their greens.
- Manufactured in TGA-registered and NSF Good Manufacturing Practice registered facilities.
- NSF Certified for Sport®, meeting stringent standards suitable for professional athletes.
- Climate Neutral Certified, with efforts to offset emissions through forest conservation and preventing deforestation.
- Supports non-profit organizations such as World Central Kitchen, National Black Child Development Institute, Los Angeles LGBT Center, and Survivor Fitness.
AG1 Nutritional Breakdown
At first glance, the ingredients look good for AG1 but there's one problem. Their product contains proprietary blends, meaning you don't know the full nutritional breakdown you're getting from the ingredients present i.e. their amount.
So let’s take a better look at AG1’s nutritional profile.
As mentioned before, they do not participate in full-disclosure labeling and utilize four proprietary blends, all of which contain a variety of herbs, powdered fruits and vegetables, plant extracts, and other nutrients that may have some health benefits.
They keep the exact quantities and ratios of ingredients, so it is not possible to know whether a specific ingredient is present in a large enough dose to have a meaningful effect.
- Vitamins and minerals: One serving of AG1 provides more than 100% of the DV for several vitamins, including vitamins C and E and all eight B vitamins.
- Additives and sweeteners: No sucrose, dextrose, artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners.
- Macros: 50 calories, 6g of carbs, 2g of fiber
- Probiotic strains/CFU: Contains 7.2 billion CFU per 1 scoop
- Certifications: Non-GMO; some phytonutrients are organic, while minerals cannot be classified as organic.
AG1 Taste & Texture
AG1 is available only in one, earthy flavor that is slightly sweet. It is naturally flavored with vanilla and pineapple and picks up some of its taste from the fruits and vegetables in the blend including papaya. There’s also a mild earthy aftertaste which is a hard no for some users.
AG1 Mixability
Using the provided shaker cup, AG1 blends seamlessly with no hints of clumping at the bottom, making for a smooth drink. We strongly advise blending or shaking AG1 rather than stirring it before use to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
AG1 Usability
Starting your day with AG1 mixed in cold water on an empty stomach yields the best outcomes, so if you like your coffee first, this might not be the best superfood for you. We also experimented by combining AG1 with juice, milk, and even smoothies, discovering that these alternatives do indeed offer a sweeter flavor profile, covering up the earthy tones.
Athletic Greens advises against mixing AG1 with hot or highly acidic liquids, as this could affect the integrity and efficacy of some of the ingredients.
AG1 Cost
You can purchase AG1 as either a one-time purchase or a subscription. Compared to other green superfood powders on the market, AG1 is one of the most expensive. Of their pricing options, the least expensive option is the double subscription at $149 per month which comes out to about $2.48 per serving.
- One-time purchase cost: $99 per 30-day serving, $3.30 per serving
- Monthly subscription cost: $79 per 30-day serving, $2.63 per serving or for a double subscription it is $149 ($2.48 per serving)
AG1 Customer Reviews
Some AG1 users reported higher energy, fewer cravings, and more balanced gut health over the course of the first month while others reported seeing no difference. Some also expressed appreciation for the convenience of obtaining a diverse array of fruit and vegetable servings in just one scoop of AG1, making it particularly helpful for those with busy lifestyles
A common praise for AG1 is its convenience and how easy it is to incorporate into your daily routine while a common criticism of Athletic Greens is its relatively high price compared to other green superfood powders. Some feel it is too expensive for regular, long-term use.
There have been some complaints over the texture of Athletic Greens being gritty or chalky, which could make it less enjoyable to consume, particularly when mixed with water.
When it comes to customer service, Athletic Greens is known for responding promptly and addressing negative reviews, customer questions, or concerns via social media or their customer support team.
Who Is AG1 Best For?
- Created for athletes: The company claims AG1 was created for athletes to help them optimize their performance and the product is NSF Certified for Sport.
- Busy Professionals: For individuals with hectic schedules who may not have the time to prepare or consume nutrient-dense meals, AG1 greens offer a quick and convenient option to boost their nutritional intake.
- People who follow more restrictive diets: Individuals following restrictive diets such as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets could benefit from taking AG1.
AG1, Is It Worth It?
AG1 makes a lot of promises of comprehensive nutrition and vitality. However, beneath the glossy marketing lies a product that may not justify its hefty price tag.
One of the biggest issues with AG1 is its lack of transparency and lack of full-disclosure labeling. Without knowing the exact dosages of the ingredients, consumers are left in the dark about the efficacy of the product. This lack of transparency makes it nearly impossible to determine whether AG1 provides meaningful doses of key nutrients, rendering its benefits questionable.
The high price tag, lack of transparency, and questionable effectiveness make it a questionable investment for health-conscious consumers.
As consumers, it's essential to prioritize transparency, effectiveness, and value when making purchasing decisions, and unfortunately, AG1 may fall flat of its bold claims.
Pros:
- Contains both pre and probiotics
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Easy to mix in a shaker cup
Cons:
- High price point even with subscription options
- No Vitamin D or Iron included
- Utilizes proprietary blends
- Contains soy
- Limited to 1 flavor option
So, Is Green Vibrance or AG1 better?
When deciding between AG1 and Green Vibrance, there are several key factors to consider.
- Transparent labels: Green Vibrance stands out for its transparency regarding ingredient quantities, providing clear descriptions for each component while AG1 utilizes proprietary blends, leaving consumers in the dark about exactly what they are putting into their bodies. The ability to assess the nutrient profile fully with Green Vibrance stands out as a crucial advantage for health-conscious consumers.
- Taste and usability: While taste can be subjective, Green Vibrance offers more variety with three flavors, arguably catering to a broader array of preferences versus AG1’s single flavor option.
- Nutritional value: Both products aim to bridge nutritional gaps, but Green Vibrance’s comprehensive breakdown of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other essential nutrients, coupled with its positive effects on gut health and overall vitality, offers a more transparent and potentially effective approach to supplementation. Plus, Green Vibrance provides a broader range of probiotics
- Better price per serving: Green Vibrance presents a better value proposition with a lower price per serving compared to AG1. There are a variety of sizes, flavors, and subscription options provided by Green Vibrance to suit different preferences while saving you money.
In summary, while AG1 presents itself as a premium product with a focus on athletes and professionals, the lack of transparency, higher cost, and limited flavor options might not justify its investment for every consumer. Green Vibrance, with its comprehensive nutrient profile, full-disclosure labeling, array of flavors, cost-effectiveness, and strong customer and community focus, offers a more accessible, transparent, and supportive approach to daily nutritional supplementation.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent healthcare professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.