Why AG1 might be the most deceiving supplement ever.

You're being ripped off. 

That’s the truth about AG1 (Athletic Greens 1), the popular green powder supplement that’s taken the health world by storm. It's marketed as an all-in-one solution for your nutritional needs, but what you're actually paying for is clever marketing—not real value.

Let’s break it down.

Cheap Ingredients, Huge Markups

AG1 makes a big deal about including nutrient-rich ingredients like Spirulina (seaweed), which is known for being high in iodine and other minerals. What they don’t tell you is that spirulina is dirt cheap. You can buy it in bulk for $5-$8 per kilogram, and it accounts for a MAJORITY of AG1's formula.

The real kicker? AG1 charges you $99 a month (for a non-subscription purchase) for something that costs them less than $5 per serving to produce. That’s a 1800% markup—and it’s outrageous.

This is probably what lead to their $1.2 billion valuation in 2022.

Marketing Tricks That Hook You In

So how do they convince you to pay top dollar? It’s all in the sneaky marketing:

1. Influencer Endorsements
   AG1 is everywhere, from fitness influencers to celebrity podcasts. These endorsements make you think that if top athletes and celebrities swear by it, it must be worth the price. But what you don't see is that many of these influencers are paid to promote AG1. It’s less about health and more about hype.

2. Subscription Pressure
   AG1 pushes its monthly subscription plan hard. They make it seem like you're saving money by subscribing, but both the subscription price ($79/month) and the one-time price ($99) are wildly inflated. You’re not getting a deal—you’re just being pressured into a long-term commitment.

3. Buzzwords Like “Superfoods”
   Words like "superfoods" and "probiotics" make AG1 sound essential. But they don’t tell you how much of these ingredients you’re actually getting. Since the quantities are hidden behind proprietary blends, there's no way to know if you're getting enough to make a difference.

4. Scarcity Tactics
   Have you ever seen those limited-time offers or countdown timers on their website? That’s just another way AG1 tries to create a sense of urgency. They want you to feel like if you don’t buy now, you’ll miss out on something great. But it’s not great—it’s just overpriced powder.

There Are Better (and Cheaper) Alternatives

Here’s the reality: You can get the same (or better) benefits from whole foods or even cheaper supplements. Buying real kelp or superfood powders like spirulina or chlorella will give you more nutrition for a fraction of the cost. Add in some basic vitamins and minerals, and you’re set.

AG1 is selling convenience at an extreme markup. But if you're willing to spend just a little extra time on your diet, you can save hundreds of dollars a year.

The Bottom Line

AG1 isn’t a miracle supplement—it’s a well-marketed scam that’s overcharging you for basic ingredients. You don’t need to spend $99 a month to be healthy. Instead of falling for the hype, focus on real, affordable nutrition. It’s better for your body—and your wallet.