Ask an Expert: Are AG1 Alternatives Worth It?
Greens powders and comprehensive daily supplements like AG1 provide a wide variety of important nutrients in a single serving. But do they deliver on their promises?
Nutrition scientist Dr Georg Abel examines and compares AG1 to two alternatives: Huel Daily Greens and IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials.
What to Look Out for in a Supplement
Dr Georg Abel: Not all supplements are created equal. To make a smart and safe choice when buying a daily supplement, I focus on this list of non-negotiables:
- Clinical research backing the supplement effectiveness
- Third-party testing for purity and potency (e.g., Informed Choice, Cologne List)
- Transparent labelling with a full ingredient list, clear micronutrient amounts, batch numbers, and quality seals
- Continuous improvement, with formulas regularly updated as new science emerges
Supplements should always support – not replace – a balanced diet and active lifestyle. The right product works as a reliable partner to replenish essential nutrients and support overall wellbeing.1,2,7 Choosing a formula that meets these standards means you can feel confident in both its safety and its lasting benefits.
Is AG1 Actually Worth It?
Dr Georg Abel: As a nutritional scientist, I’ve seen firsthand how most supplements are built to meet only the bare minimum: safe ingredients, proper labels, and nothing more. Very few are ever clinically tested, and even fewer invest in meaningful innovation.
AG1 stands apart. With four independent clinical trials, it has demonstrated measurable benefits well beyond what the industry requires. Its inclusion of five clinically researched bacterial strains provides a breadth of support for the gut microbiota that other formulas with less strains simply cannot match. And unlike many products that remain static for years, AG1 is continuously improved, informed by emerging science.
Let's have a look at some alternatives:
AG1 Alternatives: Why AG1 Is the Best Choice
 | IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials | Huel Daily Greens | |
|---|---|---|---|
Clinical trials | 4 | 1 |  |
Bacterial strains | 5 | 3 | 2 |
Active form of vitamin B6 (P5P) |  | | |
Cologne List® certified | | | |
Informed Choice certified | | | |
Price per serving (subscription) | £2.96 | €3.50 | £1.50 |
Value for money | 9/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Why Does AG1 Score Better Than Alternatives?
Dr. Georg Abel: For me, there are three clear indicators:
Clinical Research
AG1 is investing millions of dollars in scientific research to test the product's efficacy in gold standard human studies. This means that customers do not have to believe marketing promises, but can rely on measurable effects.
Learn more about AG1's research here.
Quality & Certifications
AG1 is not only tested for heavy metals and contaminants, but also certified by internationally recognised supplement safety organisations like Informed Choice and Cologne List®.
Learn more about AG1's quality standards here.
Bacterial Diversity
Each scoop of AG1 contains 5 clinically studied bacterial strains for greater diversity in the gut microbiome. This effect has also been demonstrated in multiple clinical studies – an over 10x increase of bacteria in the gut.a-d
Learn more about AG1's ingredients here.
A common misconception: a longer ingredient list doesn’t mean better results. What really matters is how well your body can absorb the nutrients. That’s why AG1 focuses on bioavailability, using forms and combinations your body can actually use. For example: vitamin D is provided separately, in an oil-based form, for optimal absorption.
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How AG1 Sets the Standard in Quality & Safety
Dr Georg Abel: In the UK, supplements are legally regulated as food products. That means, to be sold, they must meet only the basic requirements: safe ingredients from approved lists, adherence to contaminant limits, proper labelling, and traceability.
Companies are not required to prove clinical effectiveness, conduct independent purity testing, or regularly update formulas as science evolves. In fact, certifications, third-party testing, and quality seals are entirely optional.
While these rules help ensure a product is legally compliant, they don’t guarantee it is the most effective, pure, or trustworthy option for your health. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the legal minimum.
Choosing a daily supplement like AG1 that undergoes rigorous third-party testing, is backed by clinical research, and carries recognised quality certifications (e.g. Informed Choice and Cologne List) provides peace of mind and a higher level of confidence that what you’re taking truly delivers on its promise.
Setting a New Standard
4 clinical studies on efficacy
Clinically tested bioavailability
Clinically studied bacterial strains
Certified by Informed Choice & the Cologne List®
Transparent testing with certificate of analysis
Over 15 years of research and development
Rare, as they’re complex & costly
Bioavailability rarely tested
Bacterial strains rarely tested
Rarely tested & certified to sports standards
Certificates of analysis rarely accessible
Copycat products without continuous development
What Makes AG1 Better Than Its Alternatives
- AG1 is backed by four clinical trials – a rarity in the supplement industry.
- AG1 features five clinically researched bacterial strains, clinically shown to enrich the gut microbiota.a-d
- AG1 goes far past industry standards of basic safety and labelling, with third-party testing, quality seals, and continuous refinement.
- Since 2010, AG1 has pioneered a whole new category, upgrading its formula regularly to stay aligned with the latest science.
Questions? We've got answers.
What is AG1?
AG1 is a daily nutrient boost of over 70 high-quality ingredients – including vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and bacterial cultures. It’s formulated by experts, backed by science, and trusted by high performers worldwide. AG1 makes it easy to support your body and mind, no matter where life takes you. Read more about AG1 here.