Athletic Greens Review 2024: Is It Worth Buying?

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Reviewed by Kimberly Langdon, MD
athletic greens review

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athletic greens review

9.0

Ingredient Quality

8.0

Support Research

9.0

Brand’s Transparency

8.0

Value

Features

  • Easily digestible powder
  • Great for most diets
  • Does not contain common allergens
  • Contains 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens
  • Suitable for athletes and non-athletes
  • NSF sport certified

Brand Information

  • Founded in 2009
  • Endorsed by athletes and health experts
  • Made in New Zealand
  • Sustainable manufacturing practices

Medical Benefits

  • Healthy digestion
  • Promotes immunity
  • Encourages exercise recovery
  • Cardioprotective properties
  • Protects the liver
  • Boosts energy
  • Reduces stress

About The Brand

Do not let the name fool you, Athletic Greens, now known as AG1, is not just for athletes. They are made for just about anyone looking for an easy way to get extra nutrition. 

Athletic greens, launched in 2009 by Chris Ashenden, helps people take control of their health and nutrition. The Athletic Greens powder may be reasonably gentler on your digestive tract than taking multiple supplement pills and capsules daily. 

Their nutritional supplements are not the only noteworthy feature of Athletic Greens. The company is committed to environmental protection. Hence, they are working toward becoming Climate Neutral Certified.

What Is Athletic Greens? Is It Organic?

Athletic greens is a powder blend of up to 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens. It is not completely organic as the blend contains organic and non-organic products. 

Production takes place at NSF and TGA-registered facilities in New Zealand. So, Athletic Greens sets itself apart from other green powders with its dedication to product safety and quality. Our review of Athletic Greens will give you all the juicy details you need before you commit to the supplements.

Feature Product & Coupon

athletic greens review

Athletic Greens

  • NSF certified for sport 
  • No artificial ingredients
  • 60-day return policy 
  • More expensive than alternatives
  • Not clinically tested
  • The exact content of each ingredient is not listed 

Does Athletic Greens Really Work?

After reading through reviews of fitness enthusiasts like you who have used Athletic Greens, it is safe to say that many people are satisfied with their results. Some users report improved energy, alertness, and gut health. 

These results are not too surprising since Athletic Greens contain several beneficial ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, enzymes,  probiotics, and adaptogens. 

No clinical studies currently validate Athletic Greens’ claims.  However, other studies[1] on vegetable powders show that they can be valuable for improving cardiovascular health and fighting oxidative damage. Another study[2] on vegetable powders found they proved useful in reducing coronary heart disease. 

However, these studies do not make vegetable powders a better alternative to the real deal. Ensure that you are consuming a fair portion of fruits and vegetables daily to maintain your health. Vegetable powders are best for supporting the nutrition you get from your diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Athletic Greens Ingredients 

Just as we established earlier, Athletic Greens powders contain about 75 ingredients.  

The ingredients in Athletic Greens powders are put into the following classes:

  • Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex
  • Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants
  • Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex
  • Dairy-Free Probiotics, 7.2 billion CFUs
athletic greens review
Athletic Greens Ingredients List

Vitamins And Minerals 

Each Athletic Greens serving gives you several vitamins and minerals in varying amounts. It contains B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Athletic Greens’ mineral content includes selenium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. 

The health benefits of this vitamin and mineral blend depend on their individual and collective benefits in your body. For instance, the B Vitamins help your body release the energy of foods. They are able to do this because of their role as coenzymes in many metabolic reactions in your body. B vitamins also offer benefits for the health and function of the nervous system[3]. Other vitamins function as antioxidants too.

The numerous minerals in Athletic Greens powders help maintain your body’s electrolyte balance. Some are also crucial for bone health and blood pressure regulation such as calcium[4]

Whole Food Nutrients 

Whole food extracts from over 15 fruits and vegetables present in Athletic Greens powder provide many of the benefits of this green supplement. Their website states that each serving of Athletic Greens powder gives you the antioxidant benefits of up to 12 fruit servings. 

The fruit and vegetables also provide numerous phytochemicals behind their benefits. For instance, Athletic Greens contain silymarin[5] from milk thistle that promotes liver health and chlorogenic acid from artichoke[6] that helps in blood glucose regulation. The organic barley leaf powder provides nutrients[7] such as antioxidants, minerals, and chlorophyll. Other whole foods include spinach leaf powder, organic spirulina, organic apple powder, carrot root powder, and bilberry fruit extract.

Probiotics 

Athletic Greens powder ingredients include probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus that help increase the population of good bacteria for your gut health and may prevent colorectal cancer[8]. It also contains Inulin, a prebiotic providing nutrition[9] for the good bacteria to support their population.

Adaptogens 

Athletic Greens contain a final class of ingredients known as adaptogens. They help you manage stress and anxiety-related conditions.[10] The adaptogens present in Athletic Greens include ashwagandha, burdock root powder, organic chlorella powder, ginger rhizome powder, Rhodiola, reishi mushroom powder, licorice root powder, astragalus root extract, green tea leaf extract, thistle seed extract, and shiitake mushroom powder. 

Alternatives To Athletic Greens

beyond greens

Beyond Greens

See Beyond Greens Review

  • Third-party testing
  • Comprehensive ingredient list 
  • Excellent quality ingredients
  • Some customers find the taste unpleasant
orgain superfood

Orgain Superfood

See Orgain Superfood Review

  • Natural ingredients
  • Moderate prices
  • Improves digestion and immunity
  • 20 servings per pack

Athletic Greens Review: What Do Real Users Say?

Nothing quite helps you take the plunge like reading what previous users have to say about a product. Here are personal Athletic Greens reviews from customers:

“I take it in the mornings to ensure optimal performance. And I travel with it to avoid getting sick. It just covers all my bases, if I can’t get what I need through whole food meals throughout the rest of the day…”

TIM FERRISS

“Finally the greens I stuck with! I’ve tried all sort of different greens before: flavoured, different brands, found one decent one that later got discontinued and gave up. But I kept hearing about athletic greens and finally decided to try it. Despite the price point, so far I have been enjoying the experience: shaker bottle, knowing I am getting nutrients and probiotics and adaptogens all in one. It’s become a ritual and I love the taste. I need smaller breakfasts, my energy levels are steady, I feel good overall – excited to continue on this journey and would recommend athletic greens to anyone wondering if it’s worth the commitment.”

Katya R.

“It has it all. I have been taking AG1 Greens for 5 weeks now and can say I absolutely feel a huge difference. My overall sense of well being has moved from a 5 to an 8 and my workout performance has moved from a 6 to a 9. I love not having to take a ridiculous amount of supplements in pill form. I just have my green juice in the am and get on with my day. I can’t imagine life without it now.”

Heidi G.

“Feeling good! On my second month of AG and so far so good! I really feel like I am putting something great into my body first thing in the morning and I know it sets me up for success the rest of the day:)  I like that I get a subtle boost of energy right after I drink it and the taste is pretty good, I do wish it was a little less sweet and had a “greener” taste it is a bit fruity for me but I have gotten used to it. All in all I think it’s a great supplement and will continue to use it!”

Georgia H.

“The great green drink. This stuff is great, it gives me energy during the day. It provides all the stuff you need to maintain good health. I don’t know what else to say except this stuff rocks. Thank you,”

Kevin R

Health Benefits Of Athletic Greens AG1

Improved Digestion 

The good bacteria in your gut are crucial for digestive health. Multiple factors[11] such as antibiotics, age, and diet can affect your balance of good gut bacteria. Thankfully, Athletic Greens powders contain probiotics and prebiotics[12] restoring your body’s good bacteria balance. 

Athletic Greens powders contain digestive enzymes such as Bromelain too. Bromelain[13] helps reduce inflammation and may contribute to cardiovascular and digestive health. However, some users may experience bloating as a side-effect of Athletic Greens. 

Boosts Energy 

Digestion of food materials containing carbohydrates, alkaline pea protein isolate, or fats fuels your body. However, the biochemical processes for unlocking the energy in these foods involve multiple enzymes and enzyme cofactors. Many vitamins and minerals serve as cofactors for many enzymes in metabolic pathways.

So, if you are fighting fatigue all day long, getting your recommended intake of vitamins daily can help your body’s metabolism of food. Athletic Greens also contain some adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha that may help improve your focus even under stress[14] and manage anxiety. Together these ingredients in these nutrient-dense green powders may help you become more productive. 

Immunity 

Fighting off infections to keep you healthy is your immune system’s job. Nevertheless, your immune system may benefit from the support of some vitamins. Your Athletic Greens supplement contains immune system-supporting nutrients[15] including Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Unfortunately, Athletic Greens does not contain Vitamin D, a known immunity promoter. 

Promotes Exercise Recovery 

Athletic Greens powders contain anti-inflammatory antioxidant agents that can help with exercise recovery. Improved exercise recovery means that you can perform better and stay consistent with your exercise regimen. 

Liver Function 

Your liver[16] is a vital organ that helps in food metabolism, an immune health system, nutrient storage, and detoxification of potential toxins such as alcohol. These vital liver functions make protecting it crucial. Athletic Greens powders contain natural ingredients such as milk thistle[17] and artichoke[18] shown to improve liver function. 

Cardiovascular Health

Cocoa bean polyphenol extract is a content of Athletic Greens powder that can help reduce blood levels of bad cholesterol and manage blood pressure.[19] Its anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent other inflammatory health claims. Cocoa bean polyphenol extract also offers anticancer[20] benefits. 

Dosage & Side Effects

Each pack of Athletic Greens contains 30 servings meant to last you 30 days. They recommend you take a scoop of Athletic Greens once daily preferably on an empty stomach.  You can mix your scoop of Athletic Greens with 5 to 10 ounces of water or your favorite smoothie and mix thoroughly. 

People with an active lifestyle may take up to two servings daily. However, taking more than recommended amounts is not a good idea. Some people experience unpleasant adverse effects from Athletic Greens, especially with excessive doses. Common unpleasant symptoms from Athletic Greens include:

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 

A study on vegetable powders by ConsumerLab found that many green powders contain significant amounts of heavy metals such as lead. However, Athletic Greens is at the top of its game in ensuring product safety and quality. Athletic Greens products are certified by the NSF.  That means this independent body tests the supplements to ensure they meet high-quality standards. 

Athletic Greens may not be 100% organic but it contains natural ingredients. There are no artificial sweeteners or fillers in the supplement. To ensure a more appealing taste, Athletic Greens contains Stevia, a natural sweetener. However, not everyone likes Stevia’s taste, so that is worth noting before making your purchase. Consider your health status and discuss it with your health provider before starting dietary supplements.

Where To Buy Athletic Greens?

The best place to buy your Athletic Greens powder is directly from the Athletic Greens website. Their website also gives access to the details about the product including their comprehensive ingredient list. 

They offer products as a monthly subscription or double monthly subscription. Buying subscription orders gives you discounts, especially if you intend to make Athletic Greens a part of your health routine. However, if it is your first time, it is probably best to start with a month’s supply. Their 60-day money-back offer means that you can try it out within that period and get your money back if you are unsatisfied. 

You can also buy your Athletic Greens from the brand’s storefront on Amazon. Be wary of third-party vendors unless they are affiliated with the brand to avoid buying fake products. 

Final Thought: Is it Worth Buying?

Vegetable powders irrespective of how much nutrition they promise should never replace green vegetables, fruits, and clean eating. However, if you find that your plate contains less than the dietary recommendation for vegetable intake, you may want to check out Athletic Greens for optimal health. Athletic Greens ingredients are classified under the following:

  • Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex
  • Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants
  • Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex
  • Dairy-Free Probiotics, 7.2 billion CFUs

Athletic Greens has the NSF certification for sports. So, each product batch is tested for quality.  Its proprietary blends of green vegetables, digestive enzymes, and probiotic bacteria help you reach your daily nutrient needs. However, some users report getting stomach upset and nausea after using Athletic Greens. You may have to try it out yourself to know if it is the right fit.

Is Athletic Greens worth it? A pack of Athletic Greens costs more than lots of other greens powders on the market, but they offer some discounts when you subscribe. So, you can save some bucks with recurring orders for better value. If it is your first time, consider buying one pack. Our Athletic Greens review contains quotes from real customers sharing their experiences. Compare our reviews of other available nutrient-dense green powders for instance Athletic Greens vs Beyond Greens to help you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athletic Greens Organic?

 Athletic Greens contain a blend of organic and non-organic ingredients. However, it does not contain fillers and additives. So, they are still committed to ensuring that their products meet strict standards of quality.

Can Athletic Greens Replace Vegetables?

Athletic Greens is not a suitable replacement for fresh vegetables in your diet. It does not provide all the nutrients and healthy polyphenols that vegetables provide. Supplementing the fruits and vegetables in your diet with vegetable powders like Athletic Greens will help you get the best out of them.

How long before you see results from Athletic Greens?

Results vary among users. You could start seeing changes as early as the first week,  while some may have to go through the first bottle before the results start kicking in..

What are the benefits of Athletic Greens?

Athletic Greens provides vitamins and minerals that support alertness, exercise recovery, immunity, liver health, and stress management.

What does Athletic Greens taste like?

Athletic Greens has a sweet earthy taste because it contains stevia herb as a natural sweetener. However, not everyone enjoys its taste.

+ 20 Sources

Tnhealth has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We work mostly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate information. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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