My Honest AG1 Journey: 12 Months In, Here’s What I Use Now

I took AG1 for a full year. Here’s what it helped with, why I eventually stopped, and the targeted stack I use now to support strength, recovery, and muscle growth.

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Alex Smith, CSCS

Posted on: September 15, 2024

Updated on: December 3, 2025

I started using AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens) to simplify and replace a supplement routine that may have gotten a little out of hand, to say the least.

Before AG1, I was taking separate products for probiotics, multivitamins, digestive enzymes, adaptogens and mushroom-based immune support. My thought process was that it would support general wellness, focusing on gut health, energy levels and immune function.

And then AG1 came around, promising a more efficient approach: a daily greens powder designed to deliver over 75 whole-food sourced ingredients, including micronutrients, prebiotics and functional compounds… all in one scoop.

At that point, I wasn’t focused on building muscle or maximizing performance. My goal was foundational wellness: better digestion, fewer gaps in my nutritional intake, and a supplement I could stick with long-term. For that, AG1 seemed like a smart solution. Plus, I’d be saving around $10/mo.

But over the course of 12 months, my goals shifted. I began training more seriously, prioritizing strength, muscle growth, and hormonal support - specifically aiming for hypertrophy and faster recovery between sessions.

Here’s what AG1 did well, why I eventually stopped taking it, and how I now approach supplementation with a more targeted, performance-driven mindset.

Finding Out About AG1

I first heard about AG1 on a podcast. The host made it sound like a wellness cheat code. They said it was a greens powder with probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, adaptogens, and a full panel of vitamins and minerals. Supposedly, over 75 ingredients in one scoop.

At first, I was skeptical. I’ve tried enough supplements to know that "all-in-one" usually means "not enough of anything." And the idea of drinking a greens mix? Not exactly appetizing. I pictured something that tasted like lawn clippings.

But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I was already buying probiotics, a multivitamin, digestive enzymes, and more, easily spending over $100 a month. If AG1 could actually replace most of that and simplify my routine, it seemed worth trying.

I wasn’t sold instantly. But I was curious enough to give it a shot. Worst case, I’d go back to my old routine. Best case, I’d save money, cut clutter, and feel better in the process.

That curiosity was enough to get me to place my first order.

Ordering AG1

Back when I first ordered AG1, it was only available on their website. Now it’s on Amazon, which definitely makes it easier to access, but at the time, I had to go straight to the source.

They offered two options: a one-time purchase for $99 or a monthly subscription for $79. I went with the one-time option. I wasn’t ready to commit to a subscription before knowing if it actually fit into my routine.

Shipping Speed: From AG1’s website it shipped within 3-5 days. I’m sure if you get it on amazon, it will come the next day.

When the package arrived at my doorstep, you could notice right away that this was a premium product. The box was branded AG1, and inside the box was a bottle, which you can use to mix and drink the supplement. It’s not the best bottle in the world in terms of mixing the powder smoothly, but the quality of it has a “luxury” feel.

Additionally, inside the box included some AG1 literature - how to take it, potential benefits you may notice, and some other marketing material. I’m not sure if all of this is necessary, but I felt it was a nice touch if you’re new to this kind of supplement.

Next, I’ll talk about how my experience went.

My Year with AG1: Questions I Get All the Time

When I look back on my AG1 journey, I see it as a turning point. It marked the shift from a wellness-focused mindset to one centered on strength and performance.

What started as a way to simplify my supplement routine ended up reshaping how I think about health, training, and long-term goals.

Here are the questions I get most often about that year. This is my honest experience: what worked, what didn’t, and what I do now instead.

What did AG1 taste like?

I can best describe the taste of AG1 as an “earthy tea.” From day one to day 365, I never liked it. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t look forward to it either. I just dealt with it, and I think most people do the same.

Did AG1 actually make you feel better?

There were times I noticed more energy, better digestion, and even some really solid nights of sleep. But it wasn’t out of this world, and the effects weren’t super consistent. Overall, it felt similar to what I was getting from my previous stack, which made it simpler and slightly cheaper.

How long did it take to notice a difference?

I would say the real turning point was around month 3. I think from going to other supplements to AG1, there was a bit of a transition period where my body needed to adjust. But after 3 months is when I started noticing less energy crashes, more regular digestion, and fewer restless nights.

Did you experience any side effects?

I had some mild GI issues during the first month. A few days of bloating, some loose stools, and occasional stomach discomfort. My body was already used to probiotics and enzymes, but AG1’s formula was different. It probably came down to ingredient sources, new strains, or just the combination all hitting at once. It took a little time to adjust.

Did AG1 become part of your routine, or feel like a chore?

It started off feeling fresh and easy to stick with, especially since it replaced five separate supplements. But after a few months, the novelty faded and it became just another step in my morning routine. Eventually, I built it into my post-breakfast habit to reduce friction and stay consistent.

mixing ag1 with water

Mixing up AG1 with water and a frothier

What surprised you most about using AG1 for a full year?

Honestly, how long it took to feel anything. I expected some kind of noticeable benefit early on, but it took months before anything really clicked. And even then, the results weren’t super consistent. Some days I felt great, other days I didn’t notice much. It challenged my assumptions about how fast these types of supplements actually work.

Who should probably skip AG1?

If you're expecting quick results or a complete transformation, AG1 probably isn’t for you. It’s not a fat loss supplement, a muscle-building formula, or a performance optimizer. It works more like a foundational wellness tool that supports daily micronutrient intake and helps fill nutrition gaps. If your goals are focused on strength, recovery, or muscle growth, you'd likely get more benefit from a targeted supplement stack that aligns with your training demands.

Why I Eventually Stopped Taking AG1

I stopped taking AG1 because my goals changed. After using it consistently for a year, I felt like I had built a solid foundation for general wellness. It helped with digestion, consistency, and routine. But once I shifted my focus toward strength training and muscle development, I needed a different approach.

Instead of using a broad-spectrum supplement, I started focusing on nutrient-dense meals and adjusting my diet to fill gaps with real food. I also wanted more control over what I was putting into my body, especially around things like protein intake, recovery, and hormone support.

AG1 did its job for where I was at. It helped me simplify my routine when I needed that. But eventually, it made more sense to move on and use targeted supplements that support performance, muscle growth, and strength training more directly.

My Current Supplement Stack

Right now, I’m taking three core supplements that support my current goals:

  • Creatine HCl – For muscle strength, power output, and training recovery.
  • Grass-fed whey protein – To help meet daily protein intake and support muscle repair.
  • Natural testosterone booster – For hormonal support and recovery, especially with heavier training volume (plus I’m 40 years old now).
new supplement stack on ag1 post

My current supplement stack for muscle building.

On top of that, I’m eating a calorie-surplus diet focused on high-protein meals, balanced macros, and recovery-focused nutrition. My goal is to build lean mass and get stronger, so I’ve shaped my stack and diet around that objective.

If you're curious about what I take now, I’ve added links at the bottom of the post, including AG1 if you're considering it for yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • AG1 helped simplify my supplement routine: It replaced five separate products I was already using, including probiotics, multivitamins, and digestive enzymes, into one daily scoop.
  • Results were noticeable but not immediate or dramatic: It took about three months before I felt consistent benefits like better digestion and more stable energy. The results were steady, but not life-changing.
  • The taste wasn’t great, but it was manageable: I never looked forward to drinking it, but I didn’t dread it either. Eventually, it just became part of my morning routine.
  • I stopped taking AG1 when my fitness goals changed: Once I started focusing on strength, muscle growth, and performance, I wanted more control over individual nutrients and how I supported recovery.
  • My current routine supports training and recovery more directly: Right now I take creatine HCl, grass-fed whey protein, and a natural testosterone booster, alongside a calorie-surplus diet focused on building lean mass.

About the Author

Alex is an entrepreneur who co-founded A Couple Consumers with his wife, Tami. Together, they try popular products in real life and share what they noticed, what they didn’t, and what they’d buy again. Alex and Tami run a telehealth company in the GLP-1 and hormone space, so they’re familiar with how these programs work behind the scenes. He loves strength training, football, time with his family, and a good laugh.

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