AG1 and Alkemist Labs: Raising the Transparency Bar

Behind every scoop of AG1 is a rigorous scientific process built on quality assurance and transparency. Our partnership with Alkemist Labs—a leader in botanical and nutraceutical testing—ensures that every ingredient meets the highest standards for identity (confirming each ingredient is authentic). Through advanced analytical methods and third-party verification, we validate each batch of AG1 so you can be confident that your daily ritual is backed by science, not shortcuts.

Meet Alkemist Labs: The Gold Standard for Botanical Testing

Based in Southern California, Alkemist Labs is one of the world’s leading ISO-accredited laboratories for botanical ingredient testing. Family-owned and operated, Alkemist Labs started 30 years ago and has since grown into a world-class laboratory employing over 50 experienced scientists and technicians.

Alkemist Labs maintains an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, which is the international gold standard for laboratory testing competence. What this means is that their methods, equipment, and results meet the highest possible level of scientific rigor and reliability. Their testing capabilities cover a wide range of materials that we ingest or interact with in various consumer goods, including:

• Dietary supplements
• Raw plant matter
• Plant extracts and oils
• Fungal and algal species
• Finished supplement products

What Alkemist Labs Does for AG1

AG1 and AGZ are complex formulas and include several botanicals, mushrooms, and plant-based compounds. For these kinds of ingredients, testing precision matters. The active compounds in plants can vary dramatically depending on their species, how they’re harvested, or even which part of the plant is used. AG1 uses Alkemist Labs to qualify raw materials. Through advanced analytical methods, Alkemist Labs confirms the ingredient supply we receive is the correct plant, fungus, or compound, and not a substitute or adulterated version. In fact, botanicals have one of the highest rates of adulteration in the industry, and thus, precision around testing is key to ensure ingredient validation and efficacy.

Alkemist Labs and AG1 work together on botanical assessments and method development as our formulas evolve and scientific technology advances.

How the Testing Works: Science That Builds Trust

The testing processes at Alkemist Labs are both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in the science of plant identification. By combining modern instrumentation with expert human analysis, Alkemist Labs provides a comprehensive profile of every ingredient’s identity and quality. Here’s how they do it:

1. Microscopy: Looking at its roots

Microscopy is one of the oldest and still most effective methods for identifying botanicals. Under the microscope, trained analysts can see the microscopic structures of plant materials. It allows experts to verify the plant’s species and part (leaf, root, bark, etc.), detect adulterants such as fillers or incorrect plant parts, and assess the overall quality and integrity of the material.

2. High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC): Chemical identification

While microscopy confirms what a plant looks like, HPTLC reveals what it’s made of. This advanced testing method separates the chemical compounds in a sample to create a visual “barcode” that represents its unique chemical identity.

Alkemist Labs uses HPTLC to confirm the presence of key active compounds in AG1 products, detect any unwanted substances or adulteration long before the ingredient is ever used in our formula, and compare samples against verified reference standards.

3. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Assuring conformity

HPLC is a powerful tool for verifying the identity and quality of complex herbal blends. Think of it as a chemical map of an ingredient. Each plant contains a unique pattern of natural compounds, and HPLC helps visualize that pattern with remarkable precision.

By analyzing these “fingerprints,” scientists can confirm that each ingredient contains the right marker compounds in the right proportions. This method also helps ensure consistency from batch to batch, supporting AG1’s commitment to quality, precision, and purity in every scoop.

For AG1, this means every botanical ingredient we use in AG1 and AGZ is authenticated down to its deepest level. For example, some of the many plant-based ingredients that undergo Alkemist Labs testing include:

• Ashwagandha: A powerful adaptogen traditionally used to support stress management and vitality.* Testing ensures the ingredient is genuine and standardized to contain the right active compounds (like withanolides).
• Saffron (Crocus sativus): Known for supporting mood and cognitive health.* Alkemist Lab’s testing confirms the presence of key bioactive molecules, such as crocin and safranal. This is a key ingredient in AGZ that helps support the natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Ginger Root: Ginger provides digestive and antioxidant support.* Testing verifies both identity and purity, ensuring there are no contaminants or substitutions with related species.

Why This Matters: From Plant to Product, Verified Every Step of the Way

Not all supplements are created equal. Ingredient quality can vary widely across the industry, and without independent verification, it can be difficult for consumers to know what they’re really getting. Partnering with Alkemist Labs ensures that AG1 isn’t just tested—it’s third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures that:

• Every plant-based ingredient we use in our products is authentic and pure.
• Our formula meets our exacting quality and identity standards; otherwise, it's rejected.
• Our products remain consistent and effective from scoop to scoop and month to month.

Our rigorous approach to maintaining quality with industry-leading partners assures AG1 members confidence they’re getting a quality, science-backed product. That’s why AG1 is also NSF Certified for Sport® – the gold standard in independent dietary supplement testing. NSF Certified for Sport® tests dietary supplements for over 280 banned substances, covering a wide range of stimulants, steroids, diuretics, masking agents, and other substances prohibited in sports.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future, Built on Trust

The future of the supplement industry depends on transparency. The more consumers understand what goes into their supplements and how those ingredients are verified, the more trust we can build as an industry. AG1’s partnership with Alkemist Labs is one step towards that mission: to show third-party tested nutrition can help raise the industry standard.