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Athletic Greens is seen as among the best greens powders in the sports nutrition world, whereas Primal Greens is the king in the realm of the keto and paleo diets. As a dietitian, I personally think the best choice is to eat some fruits and leafy greens.
However, I know meeting the recommended amount of fruits and veggies right away is not realistic for everyone, and some people need to turn to organic greens powders to help support overall health and energy levels while they work on their diet.
RELATED: Super Greens Powder Benefits
In that case, both Primal Greens from Primal Harvest and Athletic Greens (also known as AG1) are premium options. Both contain compounds to support gut and immune health, as well as adaptogens to help manage stress. These greens can be consumed on their own or mixed into other beverages, like in a protein shake with your protein powder. But which is the best greens powder for you? We tested both of these products ourselves and put together a side-by-side comparison of Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens to help you choose your new favorite greens superfood powder.
Primal Greens
Primal Harvest Primal Greens
Product Highlights
- Greens supplement in powder form
- 50+ ingredients
- Primal Greens claims this product improves digestion and gut health, supports immune health, and promotes energy
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Subscribe and save 20% + free shipping
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Made in the United States in a GMP-certified facility
- Gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free
Cons
- Only 1 flavor
- Only available in 30-count containers
- Mixed reviews on taste
- Manufactured in facility that also processes tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy
Bottom Line
Primal Harvest Primal Greens is a greens supplement in powder form with 51 superfood ingredients. This product also includes a 3.5 billion CFU probiotic blend. Primal Greens shares that this supplement supports digestion, gut health, and immune health. They also claim their product helps boost energy. The reviews for Primal Harvest are positive, although some customers did not like the taste.
Athletic Greens
Athletic Greens AG1
Product Highlights
- Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
- Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
- Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
- Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
- Magnesium is added to boost energy
- May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Backed by notable health experts
- Transparent and detailed ingredient list
- 75 vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Expensive
- Some reviewers dislike the taste
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Comparison Chart: Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens
| Primal Greens | Athletic Greens | |
| Price | $49.95 | $99.00 |
| Price per serving | $1.66 | $3.30 |
| Flavor options | Unflavored | Unflavored |
| 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 |
| Minerals | Zinc, copper | Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, sodium, potassium |
| 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 enzymes and probiotics | Apple fiber, inulin, fungal amylase, fungal protease, glucoamylase, lipase, cellulase, b. longum, l. acidophilus, l. rhamnosus | Beta glucan, bromelain, bifidobacterium bifidum, inulin, lactobacillus 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 |
| Third-party testing? | No, but made in GMP-certified facility | Yes, NSF Certified for Sport |
| Return policy | 90-day money-back guarantee | 90-day money-back guarantee |
Quick Look: Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens
When looking for the best greens powder, you want to check out the ingredient list to see how diverse the proprietary blends of superfoods are. The more super greens there are, the more antioxidants the dietary supplement tends to contain.
In this case, Primal Greens has about 50 ingredients, whereas Athletic Greens has over 75, with Athletic Greens focusing their formulation more on vitamins and minerals rather than whole-food sources. Both have a “greens powder” flavor, but neither implement the use of added sugars just to make it more palatable.
What I will say from a dietitian’s perspective is that both options are superior to more buzzy products like Bloom Greens, which only contains about 5 grams of powder total. The ingredient list of both Primal Greens and Athletic Greens is much more impressive in terms of superfood dosage and they contain 8 grams and 12 grams of powder per serving, respectively.
RELATED: Bloom Greens Review
When comparing these brands, we also took a look at the digestive complex, probiotic blend, amount of CFUs, compounds to help maintain a healthy immune system, and the presence of third-party testing. Though both of these products are high-quality and very similar, there are some key differences you should be aware of before you buy.
Who Should Buy Primal Greens
- Those looking for digestive enzymes to aid in nutrient absorption1
- People who want a budget-friendly greens powder supplement
- Individuals who prefer a milder greens flavor
Who Should Buy Athletic Greens
- Athletes who undergo drug testing
- People looking for a super greens powder with a high CFU count from probiotics
- Those who want a potent, nutrient-dense powder
Key Similarities Between Primal Greens and Athletic Greens
- Neither have different flavor options
- Neither use GMOs and both are plant-based, keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- Both contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, zinc and copper
- Both contain adaptogens, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes and whole-food sources
- Both offer discounts through a Subscribe & Save Program
- Both contain the sweeteners stevia and stevia extract
- Neither contain added sugars
- Both offer 90-day money-back guarantee
Important Differences Between Primal Greens and Athletic Greens
- Only Athletic Greens offers single-serve, travel packs
- Athletic Greens contains 7.2 billion CFU in probiotics, while Primal Greens only contains 3.5 billion CFU
- Only Athletic Greens is third-party certified for sport
- Athletic Greens contains more vitamins and minerals
- Primal Greens is half the cost of Athletic Greens
- Primal Greens contains more digestive enzymes
- Only Primal Greens offers the option to order every 2 or 3 months with subscribe-and-save
RELATED: Nested Super Greens Review
Taste
One of our testers, GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, found the flavor of Primal Greens to be quite good. “It tastes a little different than most greens powders I’ve tried, but I can’t quite describe it. It still definitely tastes ‘green’ and healthy, but it somehow has a richer, fuller flavor.” She also noted how the flavor offers a bit of versatility in the use of the greens powder, but you have to be quick to drink it if you don’t like dealing with some sediment.
“It’s still pretty mild, though, so I think it would blend well into other things. I don’t know that I would say it’s delicious, but I could easily drink it plain if needed.”
Another member of our team, GGR Senior Editor Nicole Davis, tried Athletic Greens and also didn’t mind the taste. “Although it doesn’t come with flavor options, the taste is actually pretty good for a greens powder. It’s mild and a bit grassy (to be expected), but I get a pineapple vanilla flavor predominantly. It’s very pleasant.”
She also noted in our Athletic Greens review that it does tend to settle, but didn’t notice any dramatic effects from taking it such as better energy levels or improvements in bloating. “People love this stuff. I didn’t notice any negative side effects, but also can’t say that I noticed any huge positive side effects either. I just like the peace of mind knowing that I’m intaking more micronutrients than are in my diet already, and it’s a healthy habit that I can feel good about daily.”
Third-Party Testing
Here at GGR, we always recommend choosing third-party tested supplements when you can, especially if you are an athlete. In this case, Primal Greens has not undergone third-party testing for sport, but is made in a GMP-certified facility. Athletic Greens, on the other hand, is third-party tested by NSF for Sport.
Company Policies
Incredibly, both of these products offer a 90-day money-back guarantee that comes with a full refund if you are unsatisfied with your product. However, it’s important to know that this guarantee does not apply to Primal Greens if you purchase it on Amazon. In fact, Primal Greens is only eligible for a return on Amazon if the product arrived damaged or defective.
If you’re interested in a subscribe-and-save program, Athletic Greens gives the option to save $20 by getting monthly shipments that you can pause or cancel any time. This option also comes with a free starter kit that includes a canister, shaker, and five travel packs.
With Primal Greens, you always have the option to save 5 to 10% with their subscribe-and-save program. If you’re ordering from the company site, you can save 20% and enjoy free shipping through that subscribe-and-save program. Like with Athletic Greens, you can cancel or pause any time and can choose from an every one-, two-, or three-month delivery frequency.
Final Thoughts on Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens
All things considered, Athletic Greens and Primal Greens are pretty comparable as far as the content of veggies and purported health benefits. Both contain a mushroom blend, sources of whole superfoods, and compounds touted to maintain optimal digestive health and an ideal microbiome.
Neither seem to be the best-tasting greens, but our testers found the flavor to be tolerable enough for long-term supplementation and both have decent mixability when consumed quickly. What many of you are likely wondering is if the price of Athletic Greens in particular is worth it.
Well, if third-party testing and a richer population of probiotics are the biggest factors for you, then it may be worth it to put up with a $3.30 per serving price tag. However, if you were to take Primal Greens along with a multivitamin and a source of probiotics from your diet, you could end up in a very similar situation when it comes to nutritional value.
At the end of the day, both brands are research-backed, nutrient-dense, and high-quality. The biggest factor when it comes to choosing between the two will likely just come down to your budget and how much weight you put on third-party testing.
FAQs: Primal Greens vs Athletic Greens
What’s the difference between Athletic Greens and Primal Greens?
The main differences between these two products are the price (Athletic Greens is more expensive), number of ingredients (Athletic Greens has more), and the status of third-party testing certification (Athletic Greens has it, Primal Greens does not).
Is anything as good as Athletic Greens?
Athletic Greens is a very high-quality and respected dietary supplement, especially in the sports nutrition world. However, there are plenty of other products that can be just as good. Consult with a nutritionist to find a formulation that is good for you.
Which is better, Primal Greens or Beyond Greens?
In terms of formulation, Primal Greens is probably better. However, in terms of frugality, Beyond Greens offers a similar ingredient list and health benefits for a fraction of the price.
What is equal to Athletic Greens?
Outside of the third-party testing certification, the formulation of Beyond Greens is probably the most comparable greens superfood powder supplement on the market.
References
- Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G. Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases. Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137
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