I’ll be the first person to say that finding a good supplement is a lot more difficult than it seems. Making sure the ingredients are clean, the price point is decent, and that it doesn’t taste bad are among some of the many factors that contribute to a purchase. Recently, I’ve been looking for a good greens powder recently, and I have been seeing people rave about the Athletic Greens (AG1) supplement. However, a few things about the viral supplement have me on the hunt for an Athletic Greens alternative.
AG1 is your everything-but-the-kitchen-sink supplement. According to their website, AG1 has “75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens in one convenient daily serving.” While all of this sounds great, and people love AG1, the price point is not too pretty for an average college student like me. If you’re planning on trying out AG1, a 30-day serving pouch costs $99… yikes!
However, not all hope is lost. There are plenty of alternatives to AG1, but finding the right one can be overwhelming. In an effort to find some alternatives to AG1, I got some expert advice. I spoke with Tami Smith, a nutritionist, macro coach, and founder of Fit Healthy Macros, about AG1 alternatives, what to look for (and what to avoid) in a greens powder, and what the benefits of green powders are.
Look For These Two Things Before Purchasing A Greens Powder.
Knowing what to look for in a greens powder before purchasing can be overwhelming. Before you go on TikTok and see what your favorite influencer uses, look for something that’s backed by nutritionists off of the app. “First and foremost, we should be looking for supplements that are 3rd party tested,” Smith tells Her Campus. “Third-party testing gives us peace of mind that the ingredients inside the supplement match what the label says.”
Second, Smith advises doing your research on greens powders that align with your routine, expected benefits, and other factors. “I tell clients and followers to look for greens powders that have ingredients that align with their needs,” Smith says. “For example, AG1 has a massive list of ingredients: It’s designed to be an all-in-one supplement. This might be great for some people, but for those people who maybe already have a daily multivitamin they like to take, or a probiotic that works for them, they would want to look for a greens powder that doesn’t contain those items as they already have them covered.”
After you do your research and assess your needs, it should become a lot easier to find various options for you.
If It Seems Too Good To Be True, Then It Probably Is.
As is the case with most products, a lot of greens powders are too good to be true. If you are purchasing a greens powder, do your best to avoid the ones that make crazy claims. “In general, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is,” Smith says. “If you see a greens powder company boasting ridiculous benefits like losing 10 lbs in a week, you should probably consider another brand.”
In addition to closely reading those labels, make sure to really do your research. “I always recommend doing your research, not just into the ingredients on the label but also to the brand and its reputation as well,” Smith adds. “Where you invest your money matters.”
Another thing to look for when purchasing a greens powder is transparency. “I also like brands that are transparent with their labeling,” Smith says. “If you see a lot of proprietary blends, you might want to find an open that’s more transparent with what exactly is in its product.”
With this advice in mind, finding a greens powder that suits your benefits and financial needs best is way easier.
Greens Powders Are Beneficial, But It’s Not 100% Necessary:
Similar to many other supplements out there, greens powders provide great benefit, but they are not necessary for everybody. If you are looking to get more micronutrients into your body, or looking to boost your energy, trying out a greens powder may work for you. “A good greens powder will help you get more micronutrients into your body that you might be missing from your diet, which can simply improve your overall health and wellbeing,” Smith says. “Many people find that greens powders help them to regulate their digestion and give them a boost of energy.”
However, not everybody needs them. “Greens powders are generally considered safe for most populations. Does anyone truly need one? Debatable, but so long as you’re choosing one with integrity, it really can’t hurt,” Smith tells Her Campus. “If you have the budget and the desire to add a greens powder to your routine, go for it! If you don’t, don’t sweat it!”
Additionally, if finding a greens powder is overall too pricey for you, but you are still looking to improve a healthy lifestyle, stick to the basics. “Try to eat as many fruits and veggies in your diet as possible and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle,” Smith advises.
Try Out These 3 Alternatives For AG1:
Because AG1 has quite a high price point, I asked Smith if she had any suggestions for an AG1 “dupe” or alternative. She provided me with 3 dupes for AG1, and y’all, they are so much cheaper.
Clean Simple Eats Greens ($40)
There are several flavors to choose from. Smith’s favorites are the Peachy Greens and Raspberry Lemonade.
Bloom Greens & Superfoods ($40)
Again, there are several flavors to choose from here. Smith recommends Mango and Strawberry Kiwi. However, I’m a huge fan of the Orage Passionfruit flavor, which is in collaboration with Mama Karls.
Kiala Greens ($38)
Smith claims that she has clients who rave about this product. So, IMHO, it’s definitely worth a shot.
Overall, if finding a greens power is in your destiny, go for it! Thanks to this advice from Smith, it is much easier to find a greens powder that is not going to break the bank. Or, if you still have not found one you are satisfied with, stick to fruits and veggies! In the meantime, you can find me sipping on my Clean Simple Eats greens.