AG1 and Bloom Greens are two of the most popular greens powders on the market today and with both of them using proprietary blends it can be hard for people to know which one is ultimately the best. Ultimately what most people want to know is whether or not Bloom is as good as Athletic Greens seeing as it's half the price.
Unfortunately we have issues with both Bloom and AG1 with both greens powders lacking transparency as we mentioned, containing mostly ineffective dosages of ingredients that they use to make their health claims and generally not being anywhere near the best options within their price brackets. By using properietary blends they're able to bulk up on cheaper ingredients and hide the fact that they don't have enough of the more expensive ones to do as much as they claim.
They do have some positive selling points however, as greens powders go they've clearly spent a decent amount of time making sure they taste pretty decent and there are a lot of positive customer reviews of bloom and AG1. But, generally we'd recommend enso superfoods as a budget option and Super Green Tonik as the premium option which you can read more about on our best greens powders list here.
In the case of bloom there is also the wide variety of flavors which does set them apart from a lot of their competition, so if you're really struggling to find a palatable greens powder then they could be a good option, at least if it weren't mostly using the cheapest greens options as their main greens. As it mostly loads up on grasses, rather than algaes (like spirulina) or leaves (like spinach) which have far more benefits. This is a common issue amongst cheaper greens powders and why we recommend a cheaper greens powder which sticks to just providing a solid greens blend, leading with more nourishing ingredients.
That said, if you have your heart set on Bloom Greens or Athletic Greens, or simply live in a country where the better options aren't available we'd say that you aren't much worse off with Bloom and that AG1 doesn't really justify being double the price, but it is better. The main difference is that AG1 has a better vitamin blend and uses more nutritious "main greens", but if you added a basic multivitamin to Bloom, you'd still get anti oxidants, the probiotics and some other benefits, just neither of these companies are the best option they just have big marketing budgets.
It's also worth noting that Bloom does contain some vitamins that they don't list, they just don't standardize how many of each are in them, which is common of a lot of budget greens powders as this adds significantly to production costs.
You may be asking if there's much point to taking a greens powder if you have to take a multivitamin too, but there are other benefits including the antioxidants, herbal compounds and digestive aids. But, once again, as we said there are better options than Athletic Greens or Bloom and we'd recommend checking out the best green powders of 2023 here.
Athletic Greens Overview
Athletic Greens is the most well known green powder supplement on the market. Packed with 75 minerals and nutrients, this supplement offers a comprehensive blend of ingredients to support overall health and well-being. The formulation includes vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, and B12, as well as essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Additionally, Athletic Greens contains a range of superfoods, adaptogens, and antioxidants to enhance energy levels, boost immunity, and aid in recovery.
The problem with AG1 is, as we mentioned most of it's adaptogens are underdosed, for example Rhodiola Rosea, Milk Thistle and Ashwagandha are interesting, but they sit 12th or lower in terms of ingredients size, in a blend of 12 ingredients (AG1's Nutrient-Dense Natural Extracts section). This entire section of ingredients contains 2700mg, and Ashwagandha requires at least 300mg to be within it's effective range and ideally 600mg, Rhodiola and Milk Thistle have the same issue. And when you have fully transparent options available at this price point, which have the correct doses, are 3rd party tested to confirm said dosages, available at the same price point we generally don't recommend AG1 and this is why we tend to sugest Super Green Tonik instead.
The product is backed by notable health experts and undergoes third-party testing to ensure quality and safety. It is suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly.
Key Benefits of Athletic Greens
- Gut Health: Athletic Greens contains prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes that can support a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and relieve common digestive issues.
- Immunity Boost: The inclusion of key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms in Athletic Greens can help strengthen the immune system and protect against illness.
- Energy and Recovery: With adaptogens, antioxidants, and a superfood complex, Athletic Greens may aid in boosting energy levels and supporting post-workout recovery.
Pros and Cons of Athletic Greens
Pros:
- Backed by notable health experts and third-party testing
- Contains 75 essential vitamins and minerals
- Suitable for various dietary preferences
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other green powder supplements
- Dosages hidden by a proprietary blend
- Some reviewers dislike the taste
Bloom Greens: A Budget-Friendly Option
Bloom Greens is another popular green powder supplement that has gained a dedicated following. This supplement boasts over 30 ingredients, including a mix of fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and probiotics. Bloom Greens aims to support gut health, boost energy levels, and enhance the immune system.
One of the distinguishing features of Bloom Greens is its variety of flavors. Unlike many other green powder supplements that come in a single unflavored option, Bloom Greens offers a range of flavors, including Berry, Coconut, Citrus, Mango, and Original. The availability of these flavors allows users to enjoy their greens supplement without the unpleasant taste often associated with such products.
Bloom also claims to contain an adaptogenic blend, but at 100mg when even one of the ingredients would require 2 to 3 times this it is once again just a marketing gimick.
Key Benefits of Bloom Greens
- Gut Health: Bloom Greens contains a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes that promote a healthy gut microbiome and support overall digestion.
- Energy Boost: With its combination of natural ingredients, Bloom Greens may help increase energy levels and combat fatigue.
- Affordability: Bloom Greens is a budget-friendly option compared to other green powder supplements on the market.
Pros and Cons of Bloom Greens
Pros:
- Affordable compared to other green powder supplements
- Available in four different flavors
- Suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, soy-free
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics for gut health
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on flavors
- Uses Stevia leaf extract as a sweetener, which some users may dislike
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness
Comparing Athletic Greens and Bloom Greens
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and differences between Athletic Greens and Bloom Greens, let's examine key factors such as price, formulation, taste, and customer reviews.
Price and Value
When it comes to price, Bloom Greens is the more affordable option. With a price per serving of $1.33, it offers a more budget-friendly choice for individuals looking to incorporate a greens supplement into their daily routine. On the other hand, Athletic Greens comes with a higher price tag, at $3.30 per serving. While the cost may be a deterrent for some, it is important to consider the extensive range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that Athletic Greens offers, which may justify the higher price point for those seeking optimal nutrition. Although, as we said earlier a multivitamin is about 80c per serving, so you can always make up the difference that way.
Formulation and Ingredients
Both Athletic Greens and Bloom Greens provide a comprehensive blend of ingredients to support overall health. Athletic Greens boasts an impressive formulation of 75 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while Bloom Greens includes over 30 ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, and probiotics.
Both of these blends aren't great, Athletic Greens is of course better for vitamins and whilst a lot of people say it stands out for its inclusion of adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and rhodiola, ir simply doesn't contain enough of them to do much. If they did, then Ashwagandha for example has been shown to reduce cortisol, help you sleep better and even improve hormone regulation, whereas rhodolia has been shown to improve cognative function and reduce stress. But, they cannot mathematically be dosed properly. So, really we just have the vitamin blend.
Additionally, Athletic Greens undergoes third-party testing and is NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards.
On the other hand, Bloom Greens focuses on supporting gut health with its inclusion of probiotics and digestive enzymes. The variety of flavors offered by Bloom Greens also provides a pleasant taste experience for users.
AG1 does have much better main greens, which is why it ultimately costs more, but as we stated in the intro there's much better options than either Bloom or AG1.
They're both pretty similar on the digestive enzymes front and there isn't really all that much to split them apart.
Taste and Palatability
Taste is often a crucial factor when considering a greens powder supplement. While personal preferences can vary, Bloom Greens offers a range of flavors to suit different tastes, including Berry, Coconut, Citrus, Mango, and Original. This variety allows users to find a flavor that is enjoyable and palatable.
Athletic Greens, on the other hand, offers an unflavored option. While it may lack the variety of flavors found in Bloom Greens, some users prefer the versatility of an unflavored option, as it can be easily mixed into smoothies, juices, or other beverages without altering the taste.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customer reviews and feedback play a vital role in understanding the effectiveness and overall satisfaction of a product. Both Athletic Greens and Bloom Greens have received positive reviews from users, with many reporting improved energy levels, enhanced digestion, and a general sense of well-being.
However, it is worth noting that some users have reported mixed reviews for both supplements. Some individuals may not enjoy the taste or experience the desired effects from the products. As with any dietary supplement, individual results may vary, and it is important to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns or medical conditions.
Conclusion AG1 vs Bloom
In reality, we find it quite hard to recommend either bloom or athletic greens. There are better options available in both price ranges. Bloom really do cheap out on the core ingredients, and really the only selling point is that they have a lot of flavors. Whereas AG1 pretend to offer a comprehensive greens powder with a list of what are good adaptogens, but don't put nearly enough of them in. The fact is that these two greens powders rely on having a big marketing spend, and catching people who are newer to greens powders and don't know some of the smaller brands on the market who offer transparent products.
