AG1 vs IM8: Which Greens Powder Reigns Supreme?

Introduction

Whole foods will always be the gold standard for optimal nutrition. But life gets in the way. Even with the best intentions, few of us hit five portions of greens daily, let alone the rainbow of fruits, adaptogens, and micronutrients we’re told to eat. That’s where greens powders come in: not as replacements, but as additional nutritional insurance policies.

I’ve taken AG1 for over 7 years, Athletic Greens as it was called then. It is the OG. It was the only option. But now there are several. Not least of which was David Beckham wading in with IM8. Is IM8 a real contender? Or just clever marketing?

I decided to find out. The hard part is separating evidence from marketing. Influencers make big claims. Reviews, when interrogated, are usually sponsored by one of the contenders. Labels shout about “superfoods.” But how do these powders really perform?

AG1 by Athletic Greens, the long-time staple, and IM8 Daily Essentials + Hydration, the science-backed newcomer. What follows is my own case study, equal parts anecdote and analysis. Non-sponsored, products ordered and paid for as a customer, outcome merely to appease personal interest.

Why ‘Greens’ Powders?

Greens powders blend concentrated vegetables, fruits, herbs, and extras into one scoop. Most include probiotics, adaptogens, or digestive enzymes. Research shows potential benefits for:

– Energy support (via B-vitamins, adaptogens, CoQ10)
– Gut health (thanks to pre- and probiotics)
– Immunity (with high vitamin C, D, zinc, and antioxidants)
– Recovery (ingredients like MSM may reduce inflammation and support joints)

They aren’t magic, but for people with busy lives, they’re a safety net.

AG1: The OG

Athletic Greens, rebranded AG1, is one of the most recognised greens powders. With 75 ingredients spanning vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and probiotics, plus NSF Certification for Sport, it’s often promoted as the “gold standard.”

Pros:
– Convenient, all-in-one formula.
– Endorsed by figures like Andrew Huberman and professional athletes.
– Vegan, allergen-free, and travel-friendly.
– Subtle tropical taste with pineapple and vanilla notes.

Cons:
– Uses proprietary blends so you can’t see exact dosages.
– Relies on synthetic vitamins rather than bioavailable forms.
– Probiotic count unclear; some report bloating or digestive discomfort.
– Premium price: £80/month on subscription.
– Safety concerns: independent testing (ConsumerLab, 2025) flagged AG1 for heavy metal content, lead, arsenic, cadmium, at levels some experts say should be avoided.

IM8: The Challenger

Launched with celebrity co-founder David Beckham and the scientific muscle of Prenetics (NASDAQ-listed), IM8 positions itself less as a greens powder (and not just because it’s actually red!), more as a longevity supplement. Its advisory board includes scientists from the Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai, and NASA, which is rare in a supplement space crowded with marketing-first brands.

Key features:
– 92 clinically dosed ingredients in one scoop.
– CoQ10 (100mg) for energy, MSM (1,000mg) for joint health, Vitamin D3, B-complex, zinc, selenium.
– Gut health trio: prebiotics, probiotics (10 billion CFU), and postbiotics.
– Electrolyte hydration blend: sodium, potassium, magnesium.
– Transparent labeling, with third-party test results published.

Pros:
– Research-backed ingredients in clinical ranges.
– Pre-, pro-, and postbiotics for gut synergy.
– Refreshing açai–berry flavor, naturally sweetened without stevia.
– Noticeable impact on recovery and digestion in my testing.
– Lower heavy metal levels than AG1 (independent safety reports).

Cons:
– Similarly premium price: £80/month
– Fine powder can be messy.
– Only available online, sometimes sells out.
– Only shipped from the US so delivery can take 2 weeks to the UK.

My initial experience after 7 years of AG1 was that the taste alone was a game-changer, fruity, refreshing, and something I actually wanted to drink. Energy felt stable, digestion smoother, recovery sharper. Although my first tub of 30 servings ran out after 24 servings (turns out the IM8 scoop dishes out more than a serving, and the US shipping means I went back to AG1 for 2 weeks until the new tub arrived; useful for comparisons though!)

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	AG1	IM8
Serving size	12g	11.8g
Calories	50	20
Protein	2g	<1g
Carbs	6g	5g
Fiber	2g	3g
Transparency	Proprietary blends	Clear dosages
Notable nutrients	Lacks Vitamin D3, K2, iron	Includes CoQ10, MSM, Vitamin D3, zinc, selenium
Probiotics	Unclear counts	10b CFU + postbiotics
Taste	Earthy-tropical	Açai–berry, refreshing
Certifications	NSF Certified	3rd-party tested
Cost	£80/month	£80/month

What the Science Suggests

Both products cram dozens of ingredients into small scoops. That raises a legitimate question: are the dosages meaningful? Critics point out that with 75–90 ingredients per 12g serving, many compounds may be underdosed.

The exceptions matter. IM8’s MSM (1,000mg) and CoQ10 (100mg) both hit clinical ranges, doses shown in studies to support joints, recovery, and cardiovascular health. AG1 doesn’t disclose its dosages, which leaves more questions.

Safety is another issue. Trace heavy metals naturally occur in plant-based powders, but independent data suggests AG1’s levels exceed what many experts consider safe for daily use. IM8, by contrast, reports far lower levels. Transparency here feels like more than a marketing bullet point, it’s about trust.

My Verdict

Both AG1 and IM8 offer convenience and breadth. AG1 is the established player with NSF certification and years of use behind it. IM8, though newer, is built with clinical dosing, transparency, and stronger scientific credentials.

From my personal perspective, the difference was clear. AG1 was fine, tolerable, and gave a mild lift. But IM8 felt more like a genuine upgrade: better taste, smoother digestion, steadier energy, and recovery benefits I could feel.

At £80/month, neither product is cheap. But if you’re choosing between the two, my conclusion, both as a consumer and a health geek, is simple: IM8 outperforms AG1 on nearly every front and it’s where my monthly subscription has gone.