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What's inside
Today, we’re comparing two popular superfood green powder supplements, Primal Greens and Athletic Greens.
If you’ve been on any form of social media lately, you probably have been confronted with multiple ads for a green superfood powder. What are these for? Do you really need it? Which one should you choose?
Well, let me – a dietitian with a background in nutritional research and coaching – tell you. I’m doing a deep dive into these products to tell you which I think is best.
Keep reading to learn it all, from nutrient profile to usage and even taste!
Primal Greens is a powdered “super greens” blend from Primal Harvest that boasts benefits for energy, immune support, and digestion. It contains fruit, vegetables, superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. It also includes an adaptogenic mushroom blend that may promote hormonal balance.
At a Glance
When picking a greens and superfood supplement, there are a few factors to remember.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that only one in ten people are hitting the daily recommendation of five servings of fruits and vegetables.
That means there’s a 90% chance that you need some extra vitamins and minerals.
Now, I’m not telling you to take these supplements instead of eating fruit and vegetables. Still, they can be helpful for anyone who is short on time, space, or just needs help with topping up on their daily intake.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, diverse, and gut-friendly supplement, Primal Greens might be the best greens powder for you.
If you’re an athlete, paleo, or keto, you may be interested in Athletic Greens because of its marketed benefits and NSF-sports certification.
Keep scrolling to get even more facts and reviews for each product.
| Primal Greens | Athletic Greens | |
| Major Health Claims | Increased Energy Smoother Digestion Improvements in Daily Performance Immune Support Benefits Better Overall Well-Being | Promotes Gut Health Supports Immunity Boosts Energy Helps Recovery |
| Dietary Preferences | Vegetarian, Gluten-free, dairy-free, gelatin-free, and soy-free | Dairy-free, Wheat-free, Gluten-free, Corn-free, Lactose-free, Sucrose-free, Egg-free, Peanut-free, and Vegan |
| Ingredient Count | 50+ | 75 |
| Probiotic Count | 3.5 Billion CFU | 7.2 Billion CFU |
| Calories per Serving | 34 Calories per 8g scoop | 50 Calories per scoop |
| Macronutrient Count per serving | 5.8g Carbohydrate, 1.4g Protein, 0.6g Fat | 6g Carbohydrate, 2g Protein, No fat listed |
| Net Carbs Per Serving | 3.4g | 4g |
| Serving Recommendations | Add one scoop (8g) daily to a glass of water and mix thoroughly. Can be taken at any time. | Take one scoop (12g) per day with 8-10 ounces of water first thing in the morning. |
| Price Per Serving | $1.33 – $1.67 | $3.30 – $3.63 |
| Certifications | Third-Party Tested Manufactured in NSF (GMP) registered facilities | NSF Certified for Sport Third-party tested by NSF Manufactured in a TGA-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities |
Primal Greens vs. Athletic Greens: Introductions
What is Primal Greens?
Primal Greens is a powdered “super greens” blend from Primal Harvest that boasts benefits for energy, immune support, and digestion.
It contains fruit, vegetables, superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. It also includes an adaptogenic mushroom blend that may promote hormonal balance.
Primal Greens is a powdered “super greens” blend from Primal Harvest that boasts benefits for energy, immune support, and digestion. It contains fruit, vegetables, superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. It also includes an adaptogenic mushroom blend that may promote hormonal balance.
What is Athletic Greens?
Athletic Greens is one of the first and most popular green superfoods blends on the market. This product is designed to be taken once daily to help you cover all necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Its ingredient categories include an alkaline, nutrient-dense superfood complex, nutrient-dense extracts, herbs and antioxidants, a digestive enzyme and super mushroom complex, plus dairy-free probiotics.
Get free Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free travel packs when you buy a double subscription to Athletic Greens!
Primal Greens vs. Athletic Greens: Standout Features
Here’s a quick overview highlighting the best of each product.
Primal Greens
- 50+ nutrient-rich ingredients
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Instant-mixing formula
- Digestive enzymes and a 3.5 billion CFU probiotic blend
- Certain ingredients have been proven effective in research studies
Athletic Greens
- 75 different nutrients
- Marketed as paleo and keto-friendly
- Option to buy travel-sized packets
- NSF Certified for Sport
Primal Greens Overview
Primal Greens is a superfood greens powder made by Primal Harvest, a holistic wellness company founded in 2018.
Its founders, Max and Michael, have a goal of creating high-quality supplements backed by science to help users feel their best at any age.
Primal Harvest also offers other supplements in pill and gummy form, plus protein powders and hydration packs.
Main Benefits
- 50+ vitamin-containing ingredients allow users to get a daily serving of energy-supporting nutrients.This blend may ensure you reach all of your recommended daily values of vitamins and minerals, especially if you struggle to eat your daily recommendation of 4-5 fruits or vegetables.
- Digestive enzymes and 3.5 billion CFU probiotic blend. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your gut health, so taking them can help to improve your digestion and gut health.
- Comprehensive list of vitamins and minerals helps your body maintain a healthy immune function. Vitamin E, C, and zinc in Primal Greens specifically may improve your immunity by protecting us against toxins.
- If you’re struggling with low energy, the Adaptogenic mushroom blend may be beneficial for you. Primal Harvest mentions that the mushroom blend may improve energy, hormone, and performance for customers.
- Instant-Mixing Formula is a fine powder that allows the product to mix easily into drinks and recipes. This may improve the taste and texture of the drink.
- Delicious flavor with no added sugar makes it an easy and tasty addition to drinks and recipes. Instead, the mixture uses stevia as a low-calorie alternative.
Pros
- Third-party tested
- Made in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified facility
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Free of gluten, dairy, egg, gelatin, and soy
- Free of unnecessary fillers, synthetic additives, toxins, or allergens
- Less expensive compared to similar products
- Option to make a one-time buy or sign up for a subscription
Cons
- Manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy
- May contain caffeine that is not listed on the nutrition label
Primal Greens is a powdered “super greens” blend from Primal Harvest that boasts benefits for energy, immune support, and digestion. It contains fruit, vegetables, superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. It also includes an adaptogenic mushroom blend that may promote hormonal balance.
Athletic Greens Overview
Athletic Greens is a company founded by Chris Ashenden. His long history of gut issues motivated Chris to create an efficient way to consume essential nutrients.
Their primary product is the Athletic Greens superfood blend, also called AG1.
Since its creation in 2010, Athletic Greens has become one of the most popular superfood blends on the market. The company has even partnered with No Kid Hungry, Fundacion Da Algeria, and Urban Light, which help provide healthy meals to low-income families.
Main Benefits
- 75 Balanced Ingredients. The AG1 website states that one daily dose of nutrients supports overall health and wellness by delivering all essential vitamins and minerals.
- Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and plant-based enzymes to promote healthy gut function by improving nutrient absorption and digestion. Plant-based enzymes may be specifically helpful for digestive disorders because they help break down nutrients.
- Daily dose of Vitamin C, zinc, and functional mushrooms supports proper immune function. Vitamin C and zinc are antioxidants that protect healthy cells against toxins, while certain compounds in functional mushrooms can target bad cells in our bodies.
- Contains Rhodiola, magnesium, and B vitamins that may improve and sustain energy. A 2022 study shows this blend helped reduce stress and improve sleep in healthy individuals.
- NSF Certified for Sport as it has been proven to help with post-workout recovery, especially for endurance runners.
Pros
- Third-party tested by NSF
- Manufactured in a TGA-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities
- Vegan, wheat, gluten, corn, egg, peanut, sucrose, soy, and dairy-free
- No artificial ingredients
- Option to buy travel-sized packs
- Option to make a one-time buy or sign up for a subscription
- Marketed as paleo and keto-friendly
- Tested for heavy metals
Cons
- Flavor has been reported to differ slightly between each product
- Many customers report a very bad taste and texture
- Higher price than other products on the market
Get free Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free travel packs when you buy a double subscription to Athletic Greens!
Primal Greens vs. Athletic Greens: Ingredients Breakdown
Naturally, if you’re looking for the best greens powder, pay close attention to the ingredients. Here’s my analysis of what’s in each of these super greens supplements.
Primal Greens Ingredients
Primal Greens claims to have 50-plus ingredients, but I counted over 75, matching it with Athletic Greens.
Some key ingredients in Athletic Greens include vitamins C, E, and B12 and zinc and copper. There are also four blends included in the mix – the superfood, antioxidant, and mushroom blend, the herb and extract blend, the digestive complex, and the probiotic blend (with 3.5 billion CFU of probiotics!).
From the listed ingredients, you’ll notice many of the vitamins and minerals in Primal Greens are in higher amounts than in Athletic Greens. The ingredients do include green tea, which may contain caffeine, yet caffeine is not on the ingredients list.
List of Ingredients
- Vitamin C, 110mg, 122% DV
- Vitamin E, 7mg, 45% DV
- Vitamin B12, 25mcg, 1042% DV
- Zinc, 8mg, 68% DV
- Copper, 0.1mg, 7% DV
- Superfood, Antioxidant, and Mushroom Blend, 4.9g
- 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, Reishi Mushroom, Shitake Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom
- Herb and Extract Blend, 2.2 g
- 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
- Digestive Complex, 674 mg
- Apple Fiber, Inulin, Fungal Amylase, Fungal Protease, Glucoamylase, Lipase, Cellulase
- Probiotic Blend, 3.5 Billion CFU
- B. Longum, L. Acidophilus, L. Rhamnosus
Primal Greens is a powdered “super greens” blend from Primal Harvest that boasts benefits for energy, immune support, and digestion. It contains fruit, vegetables, superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. It also includes an adaptogenic mushroom blend that may promote hormonal balance.
Athletic Greens Ingredients
Athletic Greens boasts 75 ingredients to provide a full balanced range of daily nutrients.
They say on their website they “source every ingredient for the highest possible quality and efficacy.” This means they audit and review each of their suppliers to ensure all ingredients come from reputable sources.
Some key elements in Athletic Greens include its four major categories – the superfood complex, the extracts, herbs, and antioxidants, the digestive enzyme and super mushroom complex, and the probiotics (this one with 7.2 billion CFU).
List of Ingredients
- Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex, 7,388 mg
- Spirulina, lecithin, apple powder, inulin, wheat grass juice powder, alfalfa, chlorella, barley leaf, broccoli flower, papaya, pineapple, bilberry fruit extract, grape seed extract, green tea leaf extract, licorice root, lycium berry extract, ginger rhizome, slippery elm, kelp
- Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants, 2,732 mg
- Alkaline pea protein isolate, citrus bioflavonoids extract, artichoke leaf extract, citric acid, rhodiola root, eleuthero root, milk thistle seed, R, S alpha-lipoic acid, ashwagandha, dandelion, hawthorn berry, beta-glucans, policosanol, coenzyme Q-10, stevia, vitamin K2
- Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex, 154 mg
- Astragalus root, bromelain, burdock root, reishi mushroom, shitake mushroom
- Probiotics 7.2 billion CFUs, 38 mg
- Lactobacillus acidophilus UALz-01, Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10
- 21 Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A: 555mcg, 62% DV
- Vitamin C: 420mg, 467% DV
- Vitamin E: 83mg, 553% DV
- Thiamin: 3mg, 250% DV
- Riboflavin: 2mg, 154% DV
- Niacin: 20mg NE, 125% DV
- Vitamin B6: 3mg, 176% DV
- Folate: 680mc DFE, 170% DV
- Vitamin B12: 22mcg, 917% DV
- Biotin: 22mcg, 1110% DV
- Pantothenic acid: 4mg, 80% DV
- Calcium: 118mg, 9% DV
- Phosphorus: 130mg, 10% DV
- Magnesium: 26mg, 6% DV
- Zinc: 15mg, 136% DV
- Selenium: 20mcg, 36% DV
- Copper: 195 mcg, 22% DV
- Manganese: 400mcg, 17% DV
- Chromium: 25 mcg, 71% DV
- Sodium: 45mg, 2% DV
- Potassium: 300mg, 6% DV
Get free Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free travel packs when you buy a double subscription to Athletic Greens!
Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens: Taste Test
To get the benefits, you want the best tasting greens powder. After all, you’re not likely to drink it regularly if you can’t stomach it. Here’s what real customers are saying about the way these super greens taste.
Primal Greens Taste
There are mixed reviews for Primal Greens’ taste. Some say the stevia included in the blend offers a nice amount of sweetness.
There are also both positive and negative reviews from many customers on Amazon and other review sites that mention it has a grassy or earthy taste.
As is true with so many other greens powders, it depends on the user’s preferences.
However, Primal Greens is said to be easier to mix into drinks and recipes than Athletic Greens, making the taste more manageable.
Athletic Greens Taste
The only negative reviews on the Athletic Greens website (and many reviews on Amazon) are about the flavor. There are a lot of complaints about a gritty texture and poor taste.
There are also many complaints about changes in flavor and texture between each bag. Athletic Greens responded to these reviews by stating:
“Because AG1 contains many whole food-sourced ingredients in addition to live probiotics, the flavor can be impacted by the time of the year, the weather conditions, or even where they’re sourced, much in the same way the taste of wine is influenced by the terroir of the vineyard.
We hold our suppliers to the highest quality standards and constantly test and refine our formula to ensure a great-tasting product.”
Ben Dillion, Personal Trainer and writer for Exercise With Style taste tested I tried Athletic Greens for 30 days.
While the explanation makes sense, the inconsistency is the primary reason customers end up looking for an Athletic Greens alternative.
Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens: Pricing Comparison
Primal Greens
- Price
- It costs $49.95 for a one-time buy of one bag of Primal Greens
- You can subscribe to Primal Harvest and get one bag monthly for $39.96
- Price Per Serving
- $1.67 per serving for a one-time buy
- $1.33 with a subscription
- Container Size
- 8.46 oz or 240g per bag
Primal Greens is a powdered “super greens” blend from Primal Harvest that boasts benefits for energy, immune support, and digestion. It contains fruit, vegetables, superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. It also includes an adaptogenic mushroom blend that may promote hormonal balance.
Athletic Greens
- Price
- It costs $99 USD for a one-time buy of one container, or 30 servings of Athletic Greens
- If you want to buy single-serving travel packets, it will cost $109 for a one-time purchase of 30 packets
- You can opt for a monthly subscription of Athletic Greens, which will cost $79 per container or $89 for 30-travel packs per month
- Price Per Serving
- $3.30 per serving
- $3.63 per travel pack
- Container Size
- 12.7 oz per container
- 12g per single-serving travel pack
Get free Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free travel packs when you buy a double subscription to Athletic Greens!
Comparison of Side Effects and Safety
The Primal Greens website states this product is intended for healthy adults over 18. If you have any pre-existing conditions, are taking any medications, or have any medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before taking Primal Greens.
You should also note that Primal Greens is manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and wheat.
A very small number of customers have noticed an elevation in their liver enzymes or illness after taking Primal Greens. No research or statement backs up these claims, though.
Similarly, the Athletic Greens website also mentions people with medical conditions or who are on medication should talk to their doctor before taking it.
They also don’t recommend taking this supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18.
Some customers have reported bloating, cramping, gas, or nausea after taking Athletic Greens. This could be attributed to the high level of probiotics in the formula, which may take some time to adapt.
Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens: Which Is The Best Option?
Based on all of the information listed, I’m leaning toward Primal Greens as the better option.
Both powders offer a similar blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients (with Primal Greens coming out on top regarding nutrient density per serving).
Both are third-party tested, made in GMP facilities, and offer subscription-based savings. However, Primal Greens cost half the price for the same benefits.
Another reason is that Primal Greens seem to have a finer texture and are reported to have a sweeter flavor. This makes them easier to incorporate into your diet.
The lower probiotic count per serving will also be kinder to more sensitive stomachs.
Lastly, while Athletic Greens are marketed as paleo and keto-friendly, Primal Greens is also paleo-friendly and only has 3.4 net carbs per serving. This is actually less than Athletic Green’s four net carbs per serving.
Why We Think Primal Greens Is the Better Option
After comparing both powdered greens supplements, it’s clear that Primal Greens is the standout.
If you are looking for a daily dose of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for the most affordable price, then Primal Greens will be your best choice.
I love that the vitamin and mineral density is higher in this product. Plus, they provide eco-friendly packaging, using 80% less plastic than its competitors.
If you want to give Primal Greens a try, then click here to buy your first order.
Final Thoughts On Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens:
If you’re looking for a superfood green powder for a reasonable price, Primal Greens will be your go-to.
Generally, it is best to use these supplements as just that – a supplement. No matter what powder you choose, it can’t replace all of the benefits like fiber, hydration, and satiety that you get from eating these foods whole.
Feel free to incorporate these supplements into your daily intake to help you reach your nutrient goals, but don’t use them in place of eating a diverse array of whole fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
In the end, no matter how many days in a row you drink super greens, you can’t out-supplement a poor diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Primal Greens and Athletic Greens?
Primal Greens and Athletic Greens are powdered supplements of super greens, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial ingredients.
These powders may be helpful for proper gut and immune function, energy, and overall health.
What are the differences between Primal Greens and Athletic Greens?
While these supplements are pretty similar regarding vitamins and minerals, there are a few differences between the two. However, when it comes to nutrient density, Primal Greens often has more vitamins or minerals per serving.
Do both supplements contain all-natural ingredients?
Yes, when comparing Athletic Greens vs Primal Greens, they both use all-natural ingredients and no synthetic additives.
Which supplement is better for digestion and gut health?
Primal Greens will be a better option for digestion and gut health due to its moderate probiotic count, digestive enzymes, and higher fiber content.
Can either supplement help boost energy and improve athletic performance?
Yes, both supplements may help boost energy. Athletic Greens has even been certified by the NSF for their benefits for endurance athletes.
Which supplement offers better value for money?
Primal Greens is definitely the best greens powder when it comes to cost, because it is just as nutrient-dense, if not more, than Athletic Greens, yet is half the price.
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with taking these supplements?
You should consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions, are taking any medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking either supplement.
Some customers have reported digestive problems after taking Athletic Greens.
Can these supplements be taken by people with dietary restrictions or allergies?
Both supplements are vegan and free of dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and soy.
Primal Harvest mentions that Primal Greens is manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy, so it is important to be aware of cross-contamination.
How do you determine which supplement is right for you?
You’ll need to consider your priorities when selecting a greens powder. Consider things such as your lifestyle, taste and dietary preferences, and budget when making a choice.
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