Greens powders are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a concentrated load of nutrients in a convenient drink. Brands such as AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens) and BIOGENA ONE are among the big players. But what is the difference between the two and which green drink wins the comparison? We compare the ingredients including dosages, the flavor, the companies behind the brands and the price - here we go:
1. Ingredients & dosages in comparison
The best greens powders provide a broad mix of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, plant-based active ingredients and beneficial gut bacteria. The right dosage is particularly important when buying. Many products sound promising but only contain small amounts of nutrients. A good greens powder should be sufficiently dosed to have a truly health-promoting effect. It is also crucial for buyers that the dosages and ingredients are clearly and completely stated.
Suppliers who do not disclose all ingredients run the risk of either receiving an inadequate dosage or being supplied with inferior raw materials.
Here you can find the direct comparison:
| Micro- nutrients contained |
BIOGENA ONE | AG1 |
| Quantity | ✓ 99 | ∼ 70+ |
| Vitamin A |
✓ 600 µg (µg RA) (75 % NRV*) |
∼ 250 µg RE (31% NRV*) |
| Vitamin D3 |
✓ 25 µg vitamin D3 (500 % NRV*) |
✖ not included |
| Vitamin C | ∼ 320 mg (400% NRV*) |
✓ 420 mg (525 % NRV*) |
| Vitamin E |
∼ 15 mg (125% NRV*) |
✓ 32 mg g α-TE (267% NRV*) |
|
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) |
✓ 3.3 mg (300% NRV*) |
∼ 3.0 mg (273 % NRV*) |
|
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) |
✓ 4.2 mg riboflavin (300 % NRV*) |
∼ only 2 mg (143% NRV*) |
|
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) |
✓ 48 mg (300% NRV*) |
∼ 16 mg (100% NRV*) |
|
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) |
✓ 18 mg (300% NRV*) |
∼ 5.0 mg (83% NRV*) |
| Vitamin B6 |
∼ 4.2 mg (300% NRV*) |
✓ Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) 5.0 mg (357% NRV*) |
| Vitamin B12 |
∼ 7.5 µg (300 NRV*) |
✓ Vitamin B12 (as methyl-cobalamin) 200 µg (8000% NRV*) |
| Magnesium |
✓ 56 mg magnesium (15 % NRV*) |
∼ Dosage not specified |
| Potassium |
✓ 300 mg (15 % NRV*) |
✖ not included |
| Calcium |
✓ 120 mg (15 % NRV*) |
✓ 120 mg (15 % NRV*) |
| Phosphorus | ✖ not included |
✓ 125 mg (18% NRV*) |
| Selenium |
✓ 27.5 µg (50% NRV*) |
∼ 22 µg (40% NRV*) |
| Copper |
∼ 0.25 mg (25% NRV*) |
✓ 0.4 mg (40% NRV*) |
| Manganese |
✓ 2 mg (200% NRV*) |
∼ 0.9 mg (45% NRV*) |
| Chromium |
∼20 µg (50% NRV*) |
✓25 µg (63% NRV*) |
| Molybdenum |
∼25 µg (50% NRV*) |
✓ 45 µg (90% NRV*) |
| Zinc |
∼5 mg (50% NRV*) |
✓14 mg (140% NRV*) |
| Silicon | ∼10 mg | ✓ 15,7 mg |
| Boron | ✓ 0.5 mg | ✖ not included |
| Polyphenols | ✓ 38 mg | ✖ not included |
| Wasabi | ✓ Premium wasabi from Austrian indoor farm | ✖ not included |
| Glucoraphanin | ✓ 2 mg | ✖ not included |
| Quercetin | ✓ 10 mg | ✖ not included |
| Trans-resveratrol | ✓ 5 mg | ✖ not included |
| Vital mushrooms |
✓ 50 mg Reishi ✓ 20mg Cordyceps powder ✖ Shiitake not included |
Reishi, dosage not specified ∼ Shiitake mushroom powder, dosage not specified |
| Carotenoids |
✓ Astaxanthin 0.5 mg ✓ Zeaxanthin 0.5 mg ✓ Lutein 0.5 mg ✓ Lycopene 0.5 mg |
∼ Dosage not specified |
| Polyphenols | ✓ 38 mg | ✓ 42 mg |
| Amino acids |
✓ L-glutamine 250 mg ✓ Glycine 250 mg ✓ L-lysine 50 mg ✓ Taurine 100 mg |
∼ Dosage not specified |
| Chlorella |
✓ Chlorella 100mg |
∼ Dosage not specified |
| Spirulina | ✓ Spirulina platensis 300 mg | ∼ Spirulina powder, dosage not specified |
| Coenzyme Q10 | ✓ 30 mg of a more bioavailable coenzyme Q10: KANEKA Ubiquinol™ |
∼ 60 mg of ubiquinone |
| Probiotics |
✓ Probiotics from premium manufacturer Nordbiotics ✓ 10 different strains of bacteria from Nordbiotics, which have been proven to help with irritable bowel syndrome |
∼ not disclosed ∼ 2 different bacterial strains |
| Folic acid |
∼ Folic acid (as 5MTHF-glucosamine) 300 µg (150% NRV*) |
✓ Folic acid (as calcium-L-methylfolate) 400 µg (200% NRV*) |
| Biotin |
∼ 150 µg (300% NRV*) |
✓ 330 µg (660% NRV*) |
| Beta-glucans | ✓ 20 mg | ∼ beta-glucan (oat), no dosage specified |
| Fibre | ✖ not included | ✓ 2g |
| Choline | ✖ not included | ✓ 100 mg |
| Inositol | ✖ not included | ✓ 100 mg |
| Rutin | ✖ not included | ✓ 25 mg |
*% OF THE REFERENCE QUANTITY ACCORDING TO EU REGULATION 1169/2011.
✓ = Higher dosage or better ingredients
∼ = Lower dosage or no specified dosage
✖ = not included
2. Taste
Tastes are known to differ - but blind tastings can still reveal preferences - and that's exactly what we did with the following result: 91% of all participants preferred BIOGENA ONE to the other greens powders (including AG1).
What does BIOGENA ONE taste like?
A refreshing blend of apple and kiwi flavor emerges from the taste test. Cucumber and wasabi leaf powder also contribute to the flavor. All test subjects can imagine using BIOGENA ONE on a daily basis.
What does AG1 taste like?
The taste test result shows a pleasant sweetness, which is created by the combination of papaya, broccoli, cherry and carrot powder. However, the aftertaste takes some getting used to. Half of the test subjects would not drink AG1 every day due to the flavor.
BIOGENA ONE won the blind tasting but you can see for yourself, because BIOGENA ONE is also available to try. With the code "TESTONE" even free of charge.
3. Company comparison: BIOGENA ONE vs. AG1
| BIOGENA ONE | AG1 | |
| Quality & controls |
✓ Pure substance principle: free from additives and flavour enhancers
✓ Strict quality controls by the independent Lefo Institute - for harmful substances, additives, etc.
✓ Show production: anyone can visit the production site & watch through a glass pane |
✖ No precise details |
| Climate | ✓ 2x climate positive certified | ∼ climate neutral certified |
| Production |
✓ Own production with place of manufacture: Salzburg, in Austria
✓ Certified according to ISO 22.000:2018, GMP - Good Manufacturing Practice
✓ BIOGENA ONE is on the Cologne List® |
✓ Place of manufacture New Zealand (TGA registered ✓ AG1 is NSF certified for sports, the standard for professional athletes in the USA who must adhere to strict rules for dietary supplements and nutritional products.
✓ AG1 is on the Cologne List® |
| Science |
✓ Scientifically proven effect |
✓ Scientifically proven effect |
4. Greens powder price comparison
BIOGENA ONE subscription costs € 1.80 per day. AG1 in comparison costs € 2.78 per day.
Conclusion
With BIOGENA ONE and AG1, you are choosing products that combine high quality standards with sound scientific expertise.
BIOGENA ONE scores on top with maximum transparency and fair prices. No hidden additives, no half measures - just real enjoyment and a flavor that makes your daily greens routine a pleasure.
Sources:
https://biogena.com/en-gb/about-biogena
