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Nutrition17 min read

AG1 vs. Bloom vs. Live it Up: which greens powder is worth it?

An honest, unsponsored comparison of three of the most popular greens powders: what’s inside, how they’re tested, what they cost per year and who each one actually makes sense for.

Pink in Progress
Three glasses of green drinks on a cream marble counter, each beside a bowl of green powder with a wooden scoop, with spinach, kiwi, strawberries and pink peonies

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen all three of these. AG1, with its sleek pouch and podcast ads. Bloom, with its pastel tubs, fruity flavors and a lot of TikTok love. And Live it Up, which seems to show up at the top of a lot of “best greens powder” lists. They all promise better digestion, more energy and an easy way to “get your greens.” They don’t all cost the same, and they aren’t all built the same.

We compared them the way we’d want a friend to: by reading the labels, checking how each is tested, doing the cost math and looking at what the research does and doesn’t say. No sponsorships, no affiliate links, no free tubs. Just a clear look so you can decide whether one of these fits your life and budget, or whether you’d rather spend that money elsewhere.

Important: We don’t sell supplements and we don’t earn anything from any link in this post. Prices, formulas and certifications change often, so treat the numbers here as a snapshot from fall 2026 and check each brand’s site and label before you buy. This is general information, not medical advice.

The short answer

  • Strongest testingAG1

    The most comprehensive formula and the only one of the three with NSF Certified for Sport. Also by far the most expensive.

  • Taste and priceBloom

    Lots of flavors and a low price per scoop, but small doses, heavy use of proprietary blends and no independent certification seal.

  • Simple middle groundLive it Up

    A shorter, caffeine-free ingredient list at a mid-range price. Says it’s third-party tested, but doesn’t carry an NSF or USP seal.

  • The honest truthNone replace food

    No greens powder has been shown to replace the long-term benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.

Before you compare: does any greens powder work?

If you haven’t read it yet, our deep dive on whether greens powders actually work covers the science in detail. Here’s the quick version, because it shapes how we judge these three brands.

  • They can add some nutrients. Studies on concentrated fruit and vegetable powders show they can raise blood levels of certain vitamins and antioxidants.
  • The bigger claims are thin. Promises about energy, immunity and gut health rest mostly on small, short studies, many funded by the brands themselves.
  • They don’t replace produce. Most have little fiber, and long-term research on longevity and disease risk is about whole fruits and vegetables, not powders.
  • Supplements aren’t FDA approved before sale. That’s why independent testing and label transparency matter so much when you’re choosing one.

So when we compare AG1, Bloom and Live it Up, we’re not asking “which one will transform your health?” We’re asking more practical questions: which one is made and tested most carefully, which one tells you most clearly what you’re getting, and which one is the best fit for a particular person’s needs and budget.

How we compared them

We didn’t run lab tests or do a blind taste test. Instead, we looked at publicly available information: brand websites and labels, independent certification databases, published research and reviews from testing-focused outlets. We focused on six things:

  1. Independent testing. Does the product carry a recognized third-party certification like NSF or USP, or does it only say “third-party tested” without naming a lab?
  2. Label transparency. How much is hidden inside proprietary blends, where only the total weight is listed?
  3. What’s actually inside. Serving size, number of ingredients, added vitamins and minerals, probiotics and fiber.
  4. Extras to watch. Caffeine-containing ingredients, sweeteners, herbs and adaptogens that could matter for some people.
  5. Price. Cost per serving and per year, with and without a subscription.
  6. Research. Whether any studies exist on the actual product, and who paid for them.

At a glance

 AG1 Next GenBloom Greens & SuperfoodsLive it Up Super Greens
Serving sizeAbout 13 gAbout 5 to 7 g, varies by flavorAbout 8 g
Ingredients75+30+About 20
Added vitamins and mineralsYes, a full multivitamin-style panelVery fewSome vitamins listed
Proprietary blendsYes, for many botanicalsYes, most of the formulaYes, three blends
ProbioticsYesIncluded in blendsYes
Caffeine-containing ingredientsCheck current labelMatcha (amount not disclosed)None listed
FlavorsA fewManyA couple
Independent certificationNSF Certified for SportNone displayedNone displayed (brand says third-party tested)
Approx. price per serving$2.63 subscribed, $3.30 one-timeAbout $1.10 to $1.40$1.33 subscribed, about $2 one-time

Approximate figures from brand sites and independent reviews as of fall 2026. Prices vary by retailer, size, flavor and promotions. Always check the current label.

AG1 Next Gen: the premium all-in-one

AG1, formerly called Athletic Greens, is the brand that made greens powders mainstream. Its current formula, AG1 Next Gen, is built to be an all-in-one daily drink: part multivitamin, part greens powder, part probiotic.

What’s inside

Each roughly 13-gram scoop contains 75-plus ingredients, including a full panel of vitamins and minerals, plant powders and extracts, probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and adaptogens. BarBend’s review notes that while AG1 lists amounts for its vitamins and minerals, the amounts of ingredients in its proprietary blends aren’t disclosed. So you know how much vitamin C you’re getting, but not how much ashwagandha or wheatgrass.

Because AG1 includes a substantial vitamin and mineral panel, it really does function like a multivitamin. That’s a plus if you’d otherwise take one, and something to watch if you already take a multivitamin or prenatal, since you could double up on certain nutrients.

Testing and quality

This is where AG1 stands out. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, which means an independent organization tests it for contaminants and more than 280 substances banned in sport and confirms that what’s on the label matches what’s in the product. Of the three brands we compared, AG1 is the only one carrying this kind of recognized independent certification seal.

Research

AG1 has funded several clinical trials on its own formula. A 2024 randomized, placebo-controlled trial in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found it was safe over four weeks and may have improved digestive symptom quality of life, and that it increased two probiotic species likely coming from the probiotics in the product. That’s more product-specific research than most greens powders have. The catch: these studies are small, short and company-funded, and changes in gut bacteria aren’t the same as proof of better long-term health.

Price

AG1 is expensive. It’s about $99 for a 30-serving pouch as a one-time purchase, or about $79 a month on subscription. That works out to roughly $2.63 to $3.30 per day, depending on how you buy it.

  • ProsNSF Certified for Sport. Comprehensive vitamin and mineral panel. More product-specific research than most. Large serving size.
  • ConsThe highest price of the three by far. Proprietary blends hide herb and plant amounts. Possible overlap with multivitamins or prenatals. Brand-funded research.
  • Best forPeople who want a single product to replace a multivitamin, athletes in tested sports, and anyone who prioritizes the strongest testing and can comfortably afford it.

Bloom Greens & Superfoods: the fruity, budget-friendly favorite

Bloom Nutrition built a huge following on social media, and its Greens & Superfoods powder is the product that started it. It’s widely available at big-box stores and online, comes in many fruity flavors and costs a fraction of AG1.

What’s inside

Bloom contains 30-plus ingredients, including fiber, prebiotics, grasses, vegetables, berries, digestive enzymes, probiotics and adaptogens, spread across several proprietary blends. The serving size is much smaller than AG1, around 5 to 7 grams depending on the flavor.

That small serving, split across many blends, is the main concern reviewers raise. Garage Gym Reviews pointed out that Bloom’s fruit and vegetable blend contains seven ingredients totaling only about 500 milligrams, which is a small amount for that many foods. And because the amounts are hidden in blends, you can’t tell how much of any single ingredient you’re getting.

Bloom also has very few added vitamins and minerals compared with AG1, so it doesn’t work as a multivitamin replacement. Its formula includes matcha green tea, which naturally contains caffeine. Several reviews describe the amount as small, but because it’s inside a blend, the exact dose isn’t listed. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or drinking it later in the day, that’s worth knowing.

Don’t mix up the products: Bloom also sells energy drinks and energy powders that contain much more caffeine than its greens powder. Read the front of the tub or can carefully, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or caffeine sensitive.

Testing and quality

Here’s where the picture gets murky. Some reviewers list Bloom as not third-party tested, while others say the brand claims third-party testing without naming the lab or publishing a public certificate of analysis. What we can say clearly is that Bloom doesn’t display a recognized independent certification like NSF or USP on its greens powder. That doesn’t mean the product is unsafe. It means you’re relying more on the brand’s word.

Price

Bloom is the most affordable of the three, generally around $1.10 to $1.40 per serving depending on the size, flavor and retailer. You can often find it on sale at major stores.

  • ProsAffordable. Lots of flavors that many people enjoy. Easy to find in stores. Small scoop mixes easily.
  • ConsSmall serving with most ingredients in proprietary blends. Few added vitamins and minerals. Contains matcha with an undisclosed caffeine amount. No recognized independent certification seal displayed.
  • Best forPeople who mainly want a tasty drink they’ll enjoy and see it as a fun extra rather than a real nutrition source.

Live it Up Super Greens: the simple middle ground

Live it Up is a newer brand that positions itself as a simpler, more affordable alternative to AG1. Its Super Greens powder has a shorter ingredient list and comes in a couple of flavors.

What’s inside

Each scoop is about 8 grams and contains around 20 ingredients, including greens like spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, barley grass, kale and spinach, plus probiotics, fiber and digestive enzymes, grouped into three proprietary blends. The brand says it contains no caffeine, and the original flavor doesn’t use stevia. Garage Gym Reviews noted that, compared with AG1, it doesn’t include adaptogens, mushrooms or fruit and is relatively low in vitamin C.

The simpler formula can be a plus. Fewer herbs and adaptogens means fewer potential interactions to research, and no caffeine means it’s easier to drink any time of day. On the other hand, it has fewer added vitamins and minerals than AG1, so it isn’t a full multivitamin replacement either.

Testing and quality

Live it Up says its products are third-party tested and made in GMP-certified facilities in the United States, and its own materials describe testing for heavy metals, microbes and pesticides. Garage Gym Reviews noted that the certifying lab isn’t identified. Like Bloom, it doesn’t display an NSF or USP certification seal. That puts it in the middle: more detail about testing than some brands, but not the same level of independent verification as AG1.

Price

Live it Up costs about $59.99 for 30 servings as a one-time purchase, around $2 per serving, or about $1.33 per serving on subscription.

  • ProsSimpler, shorter ingredient list. No caffeine listed. Mid-range price, especially on subscription. Brand describes specific testing.
  • ConsProprietary blends. Fewer vitamins and minerals than AG1. No recognized independent certification seal displayed. Fewer flavor options.
  • Best forPeople who want a straightforward, caffeine-free greens powder at a moderate price and don’t need it to double as a multivitamin.

Testing and trust

AG1 is the clear winner here. A recognized certification like NSF Certified for Sport means an independent organization regularly tests the product, audits manufacturing and confirms label accuracy. Live it Up describes third-party testing in more detail but doesn’t carry a recognized seal. Bloom gives the least verifiable information. If testing matters most to you, and for supplements we think it should matter a lot, AG1 leads.

Label transparency

None of the three is fully transparent. All three use proprietary blends, which means you can’t see the exact amount of many ingredients. AG1 at least lists amounts for its vitamins and minerals. Bloom hides the most, relative to its formula. If full transparency is your top priority, you may want to look beyond these three to brands that list every ingredient with its exact dose.

Nutrition per scoop

AG1 delivers the most per scoop by weight and by vitamin and mineral content. Bloom’s scoop is the smallest. Live it Up sits between them. Keep in mind that “more” isn’t automatically “better,” especially if you already take other supplements.

Extras and sensitivities

If you avoid caffeine, Live it Up is the simplest choice among these three, since it lists no caffeine-containing ingredients. Bloom contains matcha. AG1’s formula has changed over time, so check the current label if caffeine is a concern. If you avoid adaptogens or herbs, for example during pregnancy, Live it Up’s shorter list may be easier to review with your doctor.

Taste

Taste is personal, and it’s the reason many people stick with a supplement or quit it. Reviewers consistently describe Bloom as the most dessert-like and flavor-forward. AG1 is often described as mildly sweet and slightly earthy. Live it Up gets mixed reviews on taste. If you know you won’t drink something you don’t enjoy, that’s a legitimate factor.

The yearly math

Daily supplements add up. Here’s roughly what each would cost if you took one scoop every day for a year, using approximate fall 2026 prices.

BrandPer servingPer year (365 servings)
AG1, subscriptionAbout $2.63About $960
AG1, one-time pouchesAbout $3.30About $1,200
Live it Up, subscriptionAbout $1.33About $485
Live it Up, one-timeAbout $2.00About $730
BloomAbout $1.10 to $1.40About $400 to $510

That’s real money. For some families, it’s a small, worthwhile convenience. For others, it could cover a lot of frozen berries, bagged salads, a gym membership or a few sessions with a registered dietitian. There’s no right answer, but it’s worth seeing the yearly number before you subscribe.

A quick tip: many supplement subscriptions renew automatically. If you sign up for a discount, set a reminder on your phone to decide whether to keep it before the next charge.

A word about “best greens powder” lists

When you search for comparisons like this one, you’ll find dozens of rankings. It helps to know who wrote them. Many review sites earn a commission when you click and buy, which doesn’t automatically make them wrong, but it’s worth noticing. Some brands also publish their own comparison articles on their blogs, often written by dietitians they work with, and those articles tend to rank the brand’s own product first. Live it Up, for example, publishes many comparisons of itself against competitors.

None of that is unusual in the supplement world. It just means you should look for a few things: Who funded the review? Does the site disclose affiliate links? Are the claims backed by independent testing or just the brand’s description? When multiple independent sources agree, like several noting that AG1 is NSF certified or that Bloom relies heavily on proprietary blends, you can feel more confident.

Which one fits you?

  • “I want one product instead of a multivitamin.”AG1 is the most complete of the three, if the price works for you. Don’t stack it with another multivitamin without asking your doctor.
  • “I compete in a drug-tested sport.”Choose a product with NSF Certified for Sport or a similar sport certification. Of these three, that’s AG1.
  • “I just want something tasty.”Bloom is the most flavor-forward and affordable. Think of it as a fun extra, not a nutrition plan.
  • “I avoid caffeine.”Live it Up lists no caffeine-containing ingredients. Always double-check the current label.
  • “I’m on a tight budget.”Honestly, frozen vegetables, fruit and a basic multivitamin if your doctor recommends one may give you more for less.
  • “I want full transparency.”None of these three lists every ingredient amount. Look for brands with fully disclosed labels and a recognized certification.

These are general matches, not personal recommendations. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you decide what’s right for you.

Who should check with a professional first

Whichever brand you’re considering, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist or a registered dietitian first if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Many herbs and adaptogens haven’t been studied for safety in pregnancy, and the vitamins may overlap with your prenatal.
  • Take warfarin or another blood thinner. Greens powders can contain vitamin K and herbs that affect how these medications work.
  • Take daily medications for thyroid, blood pressure, blood sugar, mood or sleep.
  • Have kidney or liver disease, are undergoing cancer treatment or have a weakened immune system.
  • Have food allergies or celiac disease, or are sensitive to caffeine or stevia.
  • Want to give it to a child. These products are made for adults.
If supplements or “clean eating” feel stressful

If you notice rigid rules, guilt or anxiety around food or supplements, you deserve support. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline is 1-866-662-1235. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. New and expecting moms can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.

How to test-drive a greens powder

If you decide to try one, here’s a simple way to do it thoughtfully:

  1. Check with your care team. Bring a photo of the label to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take medications or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  2. Start with the smallest size. Skip the big subscription bundle until you know you like it.
  3. Compare with your other supplements. Look for overlapping vitamins and minerals.
  4. Note how you feel before you start. Jot down your energy, digestion and sleep for a few days.
  5. Give it four to eight weeks. Check in again. Do you notice a real difference, or not much?
  6. Watch for side effects. Some people get bloating or digestive changes at first. Stop if anything feels off.
  7. Decide on purpose. Keep it if it genuinely helps and fits your budget. Cancel it if it doesn’t. Either is fine.

Where to look

If you want to compare current prices and labels, here are the brand sites and search pages. We don’t earn anything from these links.

  1. AG1 Next Gen

    The premium, NSF certified option

    A comprehensive all-in-one formula with a full vitamin and mineral panel and the strongest testing of the three.

    Best for: People replacing a multivitamin or competing in tested sports, with room in the budget.

  2. Bloom Greens & Superfoods

    The flavorful, budget-friendly option

    Lots of fruity flavors at a low price per scoop, with most ingredients in proprietary blends.

    Best for: People who want a tasty extra and understand it’s not a nutrition replacement.

  3. Live it Up Super Greens

    The simple, caffeine-free option

    A shorter ingredient list with no caffeine listed, at a mid-range price on subscription.

    Best for: People who want a straightforward greens powder without stimulants or a long list of herbs.

Want to look beyond these three? NSF keeps a public, searchable list of Certified for Sport products, and you can check USP Verified products too. And if you’d rather go food first, our 10-minute dinner rotation and infused water ideas are easy places to start.

Comparing other popular products? Our guides to Liquid I.V. vs. LMNT vs. DripDrop, collagen vs. protein powder and whey vs. plant protein use the same no-hype approach.

Myths about greens powder brands

  1. Myth #1
    What you’ve heard

    “The most expensive greens powder is the healthiest.”

    The truth

    Price often reflects formula size, testing and marketing. It doesn’t guarantee better results for you.

  2. Myth #2
    What you’ve heard

    “‘Third-party tested’ on a label means it’s certified.”

    The truth

    Look for a named, recognized certification like NSF or USP, or a lab and public certificate of analysis.

  3. Myth #3
    What you’ve heard

    “More ingredients means more benefits.”

    The truth

    Dose matters. Many ingredients in a small scoop can mean tiny amounts of each.

  4. Myth #4
    What you’ve heard

    “If a dietitian ranked it number one, it’s the best.”

    The truth

    Check who published the ranking. Some are on brand blogs or include affiliate links.

  5. Myth #5
    What you’ve heard

    “A greens powder means I don’t need vegetables.”

    The truth

    No powder has been shown to replace the long-term benefits of eating real produce.

The bottom line

If you want the most thoroughly tested, comprehensive option and the price doesn’t stretch your budget, AG1 is the strongest of the three. If you want something tasty and affordable and see it as a fun extra, Bloom may be enough, with the understanding that you can’t verify much about its doses or testing. If you want a simpler, caffeine-free option in the middle, Live it Up is a reasonable pick, though it lacks a recognized certification seal.

And if none of these feel worth it? That’s a completely valid choice too. A bag of frozen spinach, a carton of berries and a few easy habits can do a lot of quiet good, no subscription required. Whatever you choose, choose it on purpose, check it with your care team and give yourself credit for asking good questions.

Sources

  1. BarBend: AG1 Next Gen review
  2. Garage Gym Reviews: Athletic Greens review and pricing
  3. AG1: Comprehensive nutrition and NSF Certified for Sport
  4. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2024): AG1 gut microbiome trial
  5. The Whole Health Practice: Independent look at AG1’s research
  6. Garage Gym Reviews: Bloom Greens review
  7. BarBend: Bloom Greens vs. AG1
  8. Sports Illustrated Showcase: Bloom Greens review
  9. The Quality Edit: Dietitian review of greens supplements
  10. Ringly: AG1 vs. Bloom
  11. Garage Gym Reviews: Live it Up Super Greens review
  12. Garage Gym Reviews: Live it Up vs. AG1
  13. Live it Up: Brand description of third-party testing
  14. Ringly: Brands like AG1 and Live it Up pricing
  15. FDA: Facts about dietary supplements
  16. Operation Supplement Safety: Third-party certification
  17. Operation Supplement Safety: Proprietary blends

Product details and prices were gathered from brand sites and independent reviews in fall 2026 and may change. This article is for general information and isn’t medical or nutrition advice. Pink in Progress isn’t affiliated with or paid by any brand mentioned.

  • Greens powders
  • AG1
  • Bloom
  • Live it Up
  • Supplement testing

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Questions

Good questions.

Is AG1 better than Bloom?

AG1 has a more comprehensive formula, a full vitamin and mineral panel and NSF Certified for Sport testing. Bloom is much cheaper and comes in more flavors, but has a smaller serving, relies heavily on proprietary blends and doesn’t display a recognized certification. Which is “better” depends on your priorities and budget.

Is Live it Up a good alternative to AG1?

It’s simpler and costs about half as much on subscription, with no caffeine listed. It has fewer vitamins and minerals and no recognized certification seal, though the brand says it’s third-party tested. It can be a reasonable middle-ground choice.

Does Bloom Greens have caffeine?

Bloom Greens & Superfoods contains matcha green tea, which naturally contains caffeine. Reviews describe the amount as small, but the exact dose isn’t listed. Bloom’s energy products contain much more caffeine, so read labels carefully.

Which greens powder is third-party tested?

Of these three, AG1 carries NSF Certified for Sport. Live it Up says it’s third-party tested without naming the lab. Bloom doesn’t display a recognized certification. Look for NSF or USP seals, or a named lab and public certificate of analysis.

Is AG1 worth the money?

It can be for people who want a single, well-tested product instead of a multivitamin and can comfortably afford roughly $960 or more a year. For many people, food and a basic multivitamin, if recommended by a doctor, may offer more value.

Can I take a greens powder while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Talk to your doctor or midwife first. Many greens powders contain herbs, adaptogens, caffeine-containing ingredients or vitamins that may not be appropriate or may overlap with your prenatal vitamin.