What is Athletic Greens (AG1)?

The greens powder market has been growing over the last couple of years. It’s expected to continue that trend, as the market size is projected to be 477.04 million by 2030. The things that could be attributed to the growing market are the increase in people following plant-based diets, the convenience, quick absorption, and many other things.

One of the most popular powders in the industry is Athletic Greens. Athletic Greens gets most of its popularity because of the fact that it’s promoted by many influencers, but is it the real deal? 

In this article we are going to go over the product, company behind Athletic Greens, ingredients, pros and cons, their marketing strategy, and the best alternative to Athletic Greens. By the end of this article you will know whether or not Athletic Greens is the real deal or just plain marketing hype.

All About Athletic Greens (AG1): Product, Target Audience, Company

Before we dive into all the info regarding the effectiveness of Athletic Greens, we’re going to walk you through a brief overview of the product, who the product is for, and last but not least the company history, philosophy, and values.

The Product: Athletic Greens (AG1)

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is a supplement designed by Chris Ashenden in 2010  and was made to fill nutritional gaps in your diet. Not only is the goal to fulfill nutritional gaps but the purpose is also to help support energy levels, immunity support, gut health, healthy aging, and more.

Who Was Athletic Greens (AG1) Made For?

Athletic Greens (AG1) is pushed heavily to a few different demographics. Let’s go over what they are.

Health and Wellness Enthusiasts

Mentioned frequently in podcasts such as Andrew Hubermans and others, Athletic Greens (AG1) is definitely aimed towards the health and wellness enthusiast. It’s supposed to be an all-in-one nutritional supplement that covers a wide range of nutrients (more on that later).

Busy Professionals

Due to the convenience of Athletic Greens (AG1), it’s good for people who are always on the go. It’s considered a fast way to get in essential nutrients without really wasting too much of your time.

Athletes

The last demographic that Athletic Greens (AG1) is aimed towards is the professional/everyday athlete. This is because it can possibly boost energy levels. On top of that it contains nutrients that can aid in muscle repair and recovering from workouts.

Benefits for Different Groups

Although Athletic Greens markets towards certain individuals, it could be beneficial for different groups as well. Those different groups include:

People Who Don’t Have The Best Every Day Diet

Americans eat way less than they should in the vegetable and fruit department. With that being said, Athletic Greens (AG1) could allegedly help pretty much anyone who doesn’t have their ducks in a row with their diet. 

People With Gut Issues

Athletic Greens (AG1) contains probiotics. So if you’re someone looking for a greens powder that could also help revive your gut it could possibly be a good option for you (more on that later).

People Who Want Mental Health Benefits

Another thing Athletic Greens (AG1) could help with is your mental health. It includes rhodiola rosea and ashwagandha, which are both proven to support your mental health and help relieve stress.

Athletic Greens: Company History

Most companies usually start with a story of why. Chris Ashenden had his own “why” when starting Athletic Greens.

Before starting Athletic Greens, Chris frequently fell ill. After going through testing, he discovered his body wasn’t absorbing nutrients properly. 

This is where the idea of Athletic Greens, now AG1 came up. Chris found a way to make getting proper nutrition easy and convenient. 

The company's philosophy is to empower individuals to take control of their health through a small range of products that are created with quality and sustainability.

Today, Athletic Greens stands as a testament to Chris’s original goal as the company has become very successful at providing a solution to the problem Chris originally had.

Athletic Greens (AG1) Ingredients

So how exactly do the Athletic Greens (AG1) ingredients stack up? Below we will go over the ingredients it contains and the pros and cons of those ingredients. 

Proprietary Blends Within Athletic Greens (AG1)

Athletic Greens (AG1) is made up of a group of proprietary blends, each with a specific goal in mind. We’re going to dive into them individually, and then go over the pros and cons of the nutrients as a whole.

Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex

From spirulina down to the kelp, this group of ingredients is meant to provide a nutritional boost, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that support overall health, energy, and vitality. So by consuming this blend, you’re not only filling nutritional gaps but you’re also getting extra stuff to fight oxidative stress.

Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidant

The Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex gives you lots of good stuff from natural superfoods. But the Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidant blend is a bit different. This blend has strong herbs and antioxidants that help with certain health needs.

When you use this blend, you're getting the best of what nature offers. It helps your body handle stress, keeps your liver healthy, and is good for your heart.

Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex

This blend is all about helping your stomach and boosting your immune system. It has special enzymes that make digesting food easier. Plus, it has powerful mushrooms that are great for your overall health. When you use this blend, you're giving your body tools to break down food better and stay strong against germs.

Dairy-Free Probiotics

Last but not least is the blend of Dairy-Free Probiotics. This blend is in there to ensure your gut gets the beneficial bacteria it needs. It contains 7.2 Billion CFU per serving, which are strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. The reason why these probiotics are dairy free is to ensure the product stays vegan. 

Pros of the Ingredients:

Let’s start with the pros of Athletic Greens’ (AG1’S) Ingredients.

Pretty Good Nutrition Profile

Athletic Greens (AG1) contains  75 vitamins, minerals, whole foods, superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens in a single serving.

Suitable For Many People

Athletic Greens is suitable for a wide range of individuals as it's free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts. Additionally, it doesn't contain GMOS,  herbicides, pesticides, sucrose, dextrose, preservatives, added flavors, or artificial colors.

NSF Certified For Sport

Athletes sometimes have a hard time finding supplements that are NSF Certified For Sport. Since Athletic Greens (AG1) is NSF Certified,  it’s considered a safe supplement for athletes to take without having to worry about prohibited ingredients.

Cons of the Ingredients:

Although there are a good amount of pros when it comes to the ingredients, there are quite a few cons as well. For some people they may be deal breakers, but let’s let you be the judge.

Proprietary Blends

When it comes to knowing the exact amounts of each ingredient within Athletic Greens (AG1), the proprietary blends don’t allow you to do so. You may like that a certain ingredient is within AG1, however you won’t really know if it's an effective dose or not. On top of all that proprietary blends makes it difficult to compare two different products since you can’t compare the amounts of your preferred ingredients. 

Contains Stevia

Although it says not artificial sweeteners (which is technically true) Athletic Greens (AG1) contains stevia, which many people aren’t too fond of. Stevia may give people headaches or stomach aches. Also, stevia, because it’s so sweet, may trick the brain into craving other types of sweets that aren’t so good for you. Lastly, there are some concerns about the processing of stevia, and people believe that it may not be as natural as they say it is. 

Does Not Include Iron Or Vitamin D

Athletic Greens (AG1) is supposed to be a very comprehensive source of nutrients. Some may argue that it’s not due to the fact that it doesn’t include Iron or Vitamin D. Vitamin D is beneficial for your bones and supports a healthy immune system. Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body amongst other things. For individuals that are looking to address deficiencies with either of these nutrients, the product wouldn’t cut it for them.

Some People With Specific Dietary Restrictions May Not Be Able To Take It

Due to what we mentioned above (proprietary blends), it’s hard for people that have to monitor certain dietary restrictions. 

Not Organic

For some people this may be a deal breaker. Organic ingredients tend to be more nutrient dense. On top of that, organic ingredients also don’t have any pesticides and chemicals. IF there’s a slight chance that your foods contain pesticides and chemicals, it could wipe out the health benefits of that food.

Pretty Expensive For A Product Without Ingredient Transparency

If you’re going to spend $100 per package, it should at least be transparent when it comes to its ingredients. The thing is, with proprietary blends you could purposefully include less of certain expensive ingredients to make a higher profit margin. We’re not saying that’s what Athletic Greens (AG1) is doing but there’s definitely a chance.

Not Good For pregnant women nursing mothers, children and those On Medication

There is a Prop 65 warning on the label which requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other. reproductive harm. Exposure to these chemicals may take place when products are acquired or used.

The Probiotic Isn’t That Significant

Although it does contain probiotics there isn’t a significant amount to actually have a big effect on your gut. 

What Do Customers Have To Say About Athletic Greens?

Being that Athletic Greens (AG1) is so popular, we have a large amount of reviews we could go over so we could see exactly what people liked and what they didn’t like. Below we will go over the positive and negative aspects of customers reviews. Since Amazon has a very high amount of ratings for Athletic Greens We’re going to see what customers had to say using those ratings.

Pros: Positive Customer Feedback:

• Many users felt an immediate boost in energy after consuming the product.
• Several reviewers mentioned improved mood, feeling more upbeat and optimistic.
• Some users noticed better digestion and reduced symptoms related to digestive issues.
• A few mentioned that they felt more motivated and were able to tackle projects they had been putting off.
• Many users loved the taste, describing it as pleasant, delicious, and refreshing.
• The product was described as easy to mix and consume, with some enjoying it with various juices.
• Some users felt that the product helped curb their appetite for unhealthy foods.
• A few mentioned that they felt healthier overall and experienced fewer illnesses.
• Some users appreciated the convenience of the product, especially for on-the-go nutrition.
• A few users mentioned that they felt more agile and experienced improved mental clarity.
• Some users felt that the product helped them replace other less healthy habits, such as coffee consumption.

.Cons: Negative Customer Feedback:

• Some users found the taste medicine-like and hard to stomach.
• Several users reported reactions like worsening Candida symptoms and gluten allergy flare-ups.
• A few mentioned issues with the new blue bag's seal, receiving damaged packages.
• Many felt the product was overpriced for its value.
• Some users felt no health benefits and others experienced stomach cramps and nausea.
• Concerns were raised about the long-term use of licorice root powder and the presence of potential allergens.
• Complaints surfaced about third-party sellers and subscription model frustrations.
• Some received products that seemed heat-damaged or poorly handled.
• A number of users expressed concerns about the product's compliance with California's Proposition 65.
• Several reviews mentioned the product being too expensive, with some feeling they didn't get their money's worth.
• Packaging issues, including damaged bags and poor sealing, were a common complaint.
• Some users experienced severe adverse reactions, including vomiting and diarrhea.
• A few found the product's taste unbearable, comparing it to grass or protein powder.
• Concerns about specific ingredients, like soy derivatives causing bloating, were raised.
• Some users felt misled by product descriptions and ingredient lists.
• Many people frowned upon the fact that you need a blender to mix it and that it wouldn’t mix in a mixer bottle.

Keep in mind that customer complaints are just complaints and that there’s no backed evidence that what they are feeling is caused directly by Athletic Greens (AG1), but nonetheless these are a lot of the complaints present within the reviews.

Athletic Greens Marketing Strategy & Why It May Be Misleading People

Influencer Marketing has taken the world by storm. Through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and more, businesses are able to utilize people with large following for their marketing instead of traditional ads.

All types of brands utilize this, including health brands. They utilize fitness/health influencers and pay them to promote their products.

Athletic Greens (AG1) has implemented this exact marketing strategy by getting large influencers to promote their product. The company has an in-house partnerships team dedicated to leading its influencer marketing efforts, including podcast investments. Some podcasters include Tim Ferris, Dax Shepherd, Andrew Huberman, and Monica Padman. If you type in the hashtag athletic greens on multiple platforms, you’ll be able to see some of the influencers that are promoting them.

On top of all the influencer marketing, Athletic Greens also pays for ads across all platforms heavily. The combination of these two really is effective in getting in front of people.

Why This Method Could Be Misleading Some People

The influencer strategy comes with its own set of challenges.

Authenticity Concerns

When influencers are paid to promote a product, there could be a conflict of interest. People looking to genuinely get a sense of a product's effectiveness might be presented with a biased view. Followers often trust influencers for their genuine opinions and experiences. However, when money is involved, it can blur the lines between an honest review and a paid advertisement. 

Transparency Issues

Not all influencers mention that they have an affiliation with brands. This will lead their followers to believe that their reviews are completely unbiased which isn’t always true. 

Overhyped Claims

To make a product more appealing, Athletic Greens (AG1) for example, many influencers may say that it’s the best greens product out there and overlook all the potential downsides of the supplement all together. For example, after looking at multiple TikTok videos, many influencers mention great ingredients but don’t mention the fact that the ingredients are made out of proprietary blends and you don’t exactly know how much of each ingredient is in the supplement. Another example would be the gut health claim. Many influencers claim it helps with their gut tremendously, but when it comes to greens supplements there are products with many more strains (more effective for gut health).

What Should You Do To Ensure You Get a Good Greens Product? (Avoid Influencer Bias)

With influencer marketing concerns, and companies like Athletic Greens cornering the market with influencer ads and regular ads, let’s discuss how you could find the best of the best products.

Find Unbiased Blogs That Discuss Greens and Review Supplements

Well researched information is important when it comes to the world of health supplements, especially greens supplements. Take your time to find independent blogs that review them. These types of blogs will break down ingredients in a nonsensical way, comparing various products in the market. Unlike influencers who may be affiliated, these blogs will help you make more informed choices. Keep in mind that some blogs may have an affiliation with brands, but it is less common than influencers having a tie to them.

Read Reviews Of Each Product You May Be Interested In

Above we went over the Amazon reviews for Athletic Greens (AG1) and looked at all the different information we received by doing so. For each product you come across, take a look at the brand website or Amazon reviews in order to see what people have to say. Looking into the insights of people who actually have bought the products is a big way to see if you would benefit from it. Just be sure to look at the more comprehensive reviews due to the fact that some companies have customers write reviews just to write them and have a good amount of them. Usually the low reviews will tell you what you need to know.

Look For Companies That Are Third Party Tested

You want to make sure the product you buy meets safety and efficacy standards. Be sure to check if the product is third party tested. Third party testing is when an independent organization or laboratory evaluates a product to determine its quality and authenticity.

Pay Attention To The Products Nutritional Profile

This is the reason you’re taking it in the first place. You want to make sure the product has a good balance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other helpful aspects. You need to consider the fact of whether or not the product is organic, allergen concerns, and other things as well.

Pay Attention To The Serving Size and Cost Per Serving

The last thing you want to do is get ripped off. You want to make sure the product is both effective and reasonably priced. It’s definitely important to get a product that has a good price, but it’s also important that you get something that is quality over quantity.

Consult With a Healthcare Professional

Consulting with a dietician off the bat may save you plenty of time with all these other steps. Not only can they lead you in the right direction when it comes to choosing a supplement but they could also give you a more personalized approach. 

What is the Best Alternative to Athletic Greens? - Green Vibrance

When it comes to products that have genuinely earned their audience based on performance rather than mere influence, our Green Vibrance stands out. Recognized as the most awarded greens supplement on the market, it's a testament to its unparalleled quality.

Launched in 1992, Green Vibrance began its mission to offer superior nutritional support. 

Over the years, we have consistently evolved our formula, staying abreast of the latest scientific research and meticulously selecting the finest ingredients to guarantee optimal health benefits for our users.

But let's get straight to the point: here's precisely why Green Vibrance is the superior alternative to Athletic Greens (AG1).

Ingredient Transparency

Full Disclosure Labeling: 

Unlike many supplements that hide behind proprietary blends, every ingredient used in Green Vibrance is clearly stated on the label. This means you'll know exactly what you're putting in your body and in what amounts.

No Hidden Ingredients: 

We pride ourselves on being upfront and honest about our formula. There are no hidden ingredients or fillers. What you see on the label is what you get.

Backed by Research: 

Our commitment to transparency extends to the research behind our ingredients. We stay updated with the latest scientific findings to ensure that our formula is both safe and effective.

Ethical Sourcing

Not only do we disclose every ingredient, but we also ensure they are sourced ethically. We believe in providing a product that's beneficial not just for our users, but also for the communities involved in its production.

Open Communication: 

We encourage our users to reach out with any questions or concerns about our products. Our team is always ready to provide detailed information about our sourcing, formulation, and the benefits of each ingredient.

Marketing Transparency

At Vibrant Health, we believe that honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to marketing our products. Our marketing practices are transparent, ensuring that our customers are well-informed and can make educated decisions.

No Heavy Influencer Marketing Needed: 

While many brands, including Athletic Greens, heavily rely on influencer marketing to promote their products, Green Vibrance stands on its own merits. Our product's efficacy and the trust we've built over the years have allowed us to grow organically without the need for influencer endorsements.

Marketing Approach: 

Our approach is simple: let the product speak for itself. The countless positive testimonials and reviews from our loyal customer base are a testament to Green Vibrance's quality. We believe that genuine word-of-mouth recommendations are more valuable than any paid promotion.

Comparison with Athletic Greens: 

Athletic Greens, on the other hand, has invested significantly in influencer marketing. While this isn't inherently negative, it does raise questions about authenticity and bias. With Green Vibrance, you're getting genuine feedback from real users.

Why Green Vibrance Is Better From An Ingredients Standpoint

Now let's dive into the nitty gritty and discuss exactly why our Green Vibrance is superior to Athletic Greens (AG1).

Probiotics

Green Vibrance contains a more comprehensive array of probiotics with 25 billion CFU’s which is one of the highest amounts out of any greens powders.

Organic Ingredients

Unlike Athletic Greens (AG1), most of the ingredients within Green Vibrance are organic. This means higher nutrient content and fewer contaminants.

Suitable For More People

Green Vibrance is created in a way that is safe and beneficial for both pregnant, lactating women, as well as children. This is not the case for Athletic Greens (AG1). 

More Categories For Your Health

Green Vibrance contains plant-based micro-nutrition, antioxidants, adaptogens, immune support, skeletal support, enzymes and tonics, liver support, probiotic, and fiber. This is far more comprehensive than Athletic Greens (AG1).

Ingredient Transparency

We’re not going to talk about this as we already have, but Green Vibrance holds no surprises when it comes to its ingredient amounts.

Includes Iron and Vitamin D

We mentioned above that Athletic Greens (AG1) doesn’t have vitamin D and iron. Green vibrance on the other hand has 3.74 MG of iron and vitamin D from lichen oil consisting of 25 mcg.

Buy Green Vibrance Now!

Stop strictly listening to influencer marketing and start paying attention to the facts. Green Vibrance is a more comprehensive formula, more transparent, and to top things off, it’s important to note that Green Vibrance is also cheaper than Athletic Greens (AG1). If you’re interested in buying Green Vibrance, go here now!

If you want to check out more informative articles like this one, check out our blog posts here!

Conclusion

Athletic Greens (AG1) has gained significant attention in the wellness community over the last couple of years, with numerous celebrities and influencers endorsing its benefits. But how does it truly measure up?

In our analysis, we dove into the essence of Athletic Greens, exploring its manufacturer's background, its ingredient composition, and its intended audience. We also sifted through a myriad of user reviews to gauge genuine feedback.

While Athletic Greens boasts a commendable ingredient list, there are some issues. The exact quantities of each component aren't explicitly stated, which can be a concern for some  consumers.

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