If you’re looking for a simple method to consume loads of vital nutrients and minerals, the best greens powders can deliver. Such benefits can include better energy stores, improved gut health, convenience, and more. (1) As with other supplement categories, there are countless brands and options to choose from, including two of our favorites — Primal Greens from Primal Harvest and AG1 from Athletic Greens.
Visually, these nutrient-dense powders are practically identical — both turn into rich, green beverages when mixed with water. So, we need to dive into the details in order to see which formulation can benefit you most. In this comparison, we’ll examine the taste, nutrient breakdown, mixability, and more to determine which greens powder supplement grabs the top spot. For more information on how we test supplements for our library of round-ups and reviews, be sure to read the BarBend supplement testing methodology page.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
What Is Primal Harvest Primal Greens?
Primal Harvest Primal Greens
Primal Harvest Primal Greens
This unflavored greens powder can help support your energy, digestion, and immune system thanks to its rich formulation with properly-dosed vitamins and minerals. The 30-serving container rounds out to roughly $1.67 per serving, making it a more cost-effective option than other greens powder supplements currently on the market.
Primal Harvest Primal Greens comes in a 30-serving bag and is available for $49.95, which equates to roughly $1.67 per serving. The brand offers a “Subscribe and Save” service that can cut costs by 20% and save you on shipping. Additionally, the unflavored powder (Primal Greens’ lone flavor option) is dosed in 8-gram scoops, meaning you won’t need much water to mix this greens powder beyond the recommended 8 to 10 fluid ounces.
In terms of Primal Greens’ makeup, the brand uses four proprietary blends — Superfood, Antioxidant, and Mushroom Blend; Nutrient Dense Natural Herbs and Extracts; Digestive Complex; and Probiotic Blend — to create its nutrient-rich makeup. While we often try to steer clear of proprietary blends when looking for the best pre-workouts or protein powders, we understand their presence here. You’d practically need an entirely separate package to outline all the ingredients included in this formulation (more on that later).
The formulation also contains a number of key vitamins and minerals that are dosed beyond recommended servings. For example, Primal Greens can deliver 110 milligrams of vitamin C and 26 micrograms of vitamin B12 per scoop. These dosages are well beyond the recommend 75 to 95 milligrams of vitamin C and 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12. (2)(3)
This showcases the brand’s dedication to delivering worthwhile servings, but it should also serve as a notice to those already supplementing with a daily multivitamin. You may be overdosing if you combine one of the best multivitamins with this greens powder, so be sure to look at your pantry prior to purchase.
What Is Athletic Greens AG1?
Athletic Greens
This nutritious greens powder is NSF certified for sport and includes 75 absorbable ingredients and is free of gluten, sugar, dairy, eggs, and peanuts. It is compatible with vegan, keto, and paleo diets.
Athletes searching for a high-quality greens powder will likely recognize AG1 from Athletic Greens. The popular dietary supplement has been promoted by plenty of podcasts and influencers thanks to its subscription-based service and micronutrient-dense formulation consisting of whole-food sources, probiotics, and adaptogens designed to help improve cognitive function.
[Related: AG1 Promo Codes]
One serving of AG1 accounts for 12 grams of powder, and you get roughly 30 servings per container (Athletic Greens also offers travel packs). Based on these measurements, this equates to roughly $3.33 per serving, which does put AG1 at more of a premium cost than other greens powders out there. “On a budget, I’d be more inclined to add more nutrient-dense whole foods to my diet to obtain the same effects,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer.
Despite the higher price tag, this formulation is loaded with whole-food ingredients, including spirulina, wheatgrass, chlorella, and others, making it one of the best fruit and vegetable supplements on the market today. Plus, the probiotic blend of digestive enzymes can deliver 7.2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) to promote better gut health. AG1 is also vegan- and paleo-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party certified by NSF.
Be mindful, though, that these exact ingredient dosages are hidden behind proprietary blends, so if you’re looking for full transparency, it may be best to opt for a different greens powder.
Read our full Athletic Greens AG1 Review.
Primal Harvest Primal Greens Vs. Athletic Greens AG1: At a Glance
Trying to decide between one greens powder and the next can be difficult through a screen, especially when there are tons of ingredients and dosages to compare. To help save your eyes and fingers from flip-flopping between tabs, we’ve crafted this in-depth chart to give you a clearer comparison between Primal Greens and AG1.
| Primal Harvest Primal Greens | Athletic Greens AG1 | |
| Price Per Serving | $1.67 | $3.33 |
| Calories Per Serving | 34 | 50 |
| Included Vitamins | Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B12 | Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid |
| Included Minerals | Zinc, copper | Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, sodium, potassium |
| Available Flavors | Unflavored | Unflavored |
| Whole-Food Sources | Alfalfa leaf, carrot, wheat grass, spinach, spirulina, banana, coconut juice, broccoli, tomato, beet, cucumber, brussel sprout, cabbage, celery, kale, asparagus, green bell pepper, cauliflower, parsley, pomegranate, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, pineapple, concord grape, cherry, apricot, orange, strawberry, chlorella, camu camu fruit | Acerola, alfalfa, apple, artichoke, barley grass, bilberry, bioflavonoids, broccoli flower, carrots, cocoa bean polyphenol extract, hawthorn berry, lycium berry, natural pineapple flavor, natural vanilla flavor, papaya, pea protein, pineapple, spinach, spirulina, stevia, wheatgrass |
| Digestive Support | Apple fiber, inulin, fungal amylase, fungal protease, glucoamylase, lipase, cellulase, b. longum, l. acidophilus, l. rhamnosus | Beta glucan, bromelain, bifidobacterium bifidum, inulin, l. acidophilus |
| Adaptogens | Reishi mushroom, shitake mushroom, maitake mushroom, acacia gum, acerola cherry extract, turmeric root, green tea leaf, cinnamon bark, eleuthero root, ginger root, enzyme-treated stevia extract, mangosteen extract, ashwagandha root, korean ginseng root, chlorophyllin | Ashwagandha, astragalus, beet powder, burdock root, chlorella, citric acid, dandelion root, eleuthero root, ginger, grapeseed extract, green tea extract, kelp, lecithin, licorice, milk thistle, policosanol, reishi mushroom, rhodiola, rose hips, rosemary, shiitake mushroom, slippery elm |
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia extract | Stevia |
| Third-Party Testing | Made in a GMP-certified facility | NSF Certified for Sport |
Primal Harvest Primal Greens vs. Athletic Greens AG1: The Nitty Gritty
Alright, so we can throw entire ingredients lists at you, but to determine whether a greens powder is truly worth it or not, you need to get hands-on with the product itself. Like we’ve done with 39 other greens powders over the years, we tested Primal Greens and AG1 side-by-side in such categories as taste, solubility, price per serving, and more, rating each metric on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Here are some of our findings.
Taste
Both AG1 and Primal Greens are only available in Unflavored varieties, so comparing the two was rather easy. Despite the unflavored makeup, though, both plant-based supplements scored well in the category and had unique notes across our tester’s palates.
“You definitely get that earthy sensation with AG1,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer. “But I was pleased with the overall profile. I picked up hints of pineapple and vanilla, which created enjoyable sips when taking this greens superfood powder on its own.” In addition to its standalone flavor, we also mixed AG1 into a few smoothies and found no off-putting notes. Overall, we rated AG1’s taste and flavor profile at 4 out of 5.
[Related: Athletic Greens Alternatives]
I had a similar flavor experience in testing Primal Greens, as well. While I didn’t mix this into a thicker smoothie or beverage, I was pleased with the powder’s taste outright. The “greens” taste is present but not overwhelming, and rather than pineapple and vanilla, I detected a certain sweetness that I’d compare somewhat to a light honey drizzle. I scored Primal Greens at 4 out of 5 for the category.
If you’re looking for one of the best-tasting greens powder to add to your daily regimen, we feel these two supplements are prime for regular consumption and the race is too close to call between them. If you’re wanting a more flavorful powder, there are other options out there, but those formulations may require added sugars to create the desired results.
The Winner: Tie
Key Ingredients
In terms of the ingredients, both AG1 and Primal Greens feature formulations that include adaptogens, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and whole-food sources. That said, AG1 is the denser composition, with over 75 ingredients in total as opposed to Primal Greens’ 50.
The digestive support is also more robust with AG1 thanks to its 7.2 billion CFUs. The bacteria can be beneficial for athletes’ gut health, as they can potentially help bolster your microbiome and improve your immune system, aid in digestion, and even positively influence your mental sharpness, mood, and fatigue levels. (4) You can still reap the benefits of probiotics with Primal Greens, but the CFU count is lower at 3.5 billion CFUs.
Our 4.5 out of 5 rating for AG1 and 4 out of 5 rating for Primal Greens were also influenced by the presence of proprietary blends. Again, we understand the use of blends in greens powders, but having that extra sense of clarity can go a long way, especially if you’re trying to consume these supplements with other products or prescribed medications.
“There is such a thing as excessive vitamin intake, which can have negative health impacts and interfere with other medications,” says BarBend expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “I recommend sticking to recommended doses and speaking with a doctor before starting, especially if you take other medications or have standing health issues.”
In total, we feel the longer ingredients list providing more high-value vitamins, minerals, and CFUs is enough to give the nod to AG1 here. As always, though, it can be wise to speak to your personal healthcare professional before adding either of these powders to your daily routine.
The Winner: Athletic Greens AG1
Solubility
Having a tasty greens powder is one thing, but a supplement that’s difficult to blend up can be a true nightmare when trying to start your day. Thankfully, both AG1 and Primal Greens fared well in our favorite shaker bottles, mixing seamlessly with the instructed 8 to 10 fluid ounces for a smooth beverage that was easy to consume without any grit or unwanted texture.
I rated the solubility of Primal Greens at 4.5 out of 5, though, since the powder seemed less likely to settle if I sat my cup down for a bit between sips. Plus, there was no present residue along the sides of my shaker, which would have otherwise called for a wash out and extra gulps.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored AG1 at 4 out of 5 for mixability, stating, “I had no issues getting the powder to blend with my allotted water, but I did try to get the concoction down quicker. Otherwise, the powder seemed to settle at the bottom, creating a green sludge at the bottom of my drink.”
Of course, the above solubility notes can be proven mute if you’re adding these supplements to smoothies with fruits, veggies, and other leafy greens (you’ll pick up some texture, regardless), but from a standalone, powder-only perspective, we’ll give the nod to the Primal Harvest offering.
The Winner: Primal Harvest Primal Greens
Third-Party Testing
Whether looking for the best protein powders, pre-workouts, or other supplements, it can be wise to seek out products that are third-party tested. These seals of approval can help ensure the ingredients listed across the formulation (and their respective dosages) are accurate and actually present in your mixture. This can be especially important for strength athletes that need to abide by certain governing agencies.
AG1 easily wins this category thanks to its “NSF Certified for Sport” credentials. “Since the research behind greens powders is lacking, I like that this product is third-party tested for safety,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer.
Unfortunately, Primal Greens does not carry similar third-party testing credentials, but the product is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.
The Winner: Athletic Greens AG1
Price
As with any fitness-related purchase, price can definitely influence which greens powder you feel is superior. At roughly $3.33 per serving, AG1 is by no means a budget-friendly powder. This cost is nearly double the average $1.86 per dosage we’ve found in other greens powders, resulting in a 2 out of 5 rating for the category.
If you’re looking for the more wallet-friendly option between these two powders, we recommend Primal Greens. I scored the price at 3.5 out of 5, as the $1.67 per single-scoop serving is more approachable than AG1, and you’re still getting 30 servings per container. Both powders are only available in 30-scoop bags.
If price is a real hangup, though, there are some ways to save. Both Primal Harvest and Athletic Greens offer “Subscribe and Save” services that can help you cut your order costs by a set percentage. These services can also be helpful in ensuring that you’re always well-stocked, since you set your repeat delivery schedule to your preferences. We’ve also found AG1 and Primal Greens available on Amazon, which can lend itself to even more deals and savings.
The Winner: Primal Harvest Primal Greens
FAQs: Primal Harvest Primal Greens vs. Athletic Greens AG1
Is AG1 better than Primal Greens?
Determining which of these greens powders is best can be subjective, but we’ve found that AG1 is a denser formulation with higher counts of key vitamins and minerals. Plus, AG1 is third-party tested while Primal Greens does not carry comparable credentials. Primal Greens is more affordable, though, at roughly $1.67 per serving, and the Unflavored tastes are very similar. Be sure to take your own preferences and values into consideration and opt for the powder that aligns with your needs best.
Which greens powder is best?
We’ve tested 39 different greens powders, including both AG1 and Primal Greens. While the “best” of any supplement category can be subjective, we feel AG1 sits at the top of the charts thanks to its nutrient-dense formulation, enjoyable taste, and available “Subscribe and Save” service that can help cut the costs per serving for each repeat delivery.
How much do greens powders cost?
On average, you can expect to pay roughly $1.86 per serving for high-quality greens powder supplements. Naturally, though, you can find products both below and above this median cost, so be sure to opt for a powder that fits your personal budget best.
What is the best thing to mix Primal Greens with?
Per Primal Harvest, you can mix Primal Greens with basic water or blend it into your favorite smoothie. Our tester noted a slightly earthy yet sweet flavor to the powder on its own, though, so it may be best to try it as a standalone powder before adding it to different recipes.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024b, September 9). Powdered Greens: Do they really work? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-powdered-greens-work
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-b). Office of dietary supplements – vitamin C. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). Office of dietary supplements – vitamin B12. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024a, June 19). What are probiotics & what do they do? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics
