It seems as though everyone is talking about the importance of sleep lately. But, believe it or not, sleep is actually a new(ish) part of the collective conversation about health. I’ve been a registered dietitian for many years, but it wasn’t until the last five years or so that health professionals started talking about prioritizing sleep and why it’s so important.
Eating well, daily movement, and stress relief have long been recognized as pillars of health. And now, getting adequate restorative sleep is right up there with those other three factors as determinants of overall health and the ability to thrive.

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The increased focus on getting sleep is so important, not only because it supports research and content on the topic, but also because experts can share natural sleep strategies and ingredients that work. I’m here for it, and so are Stacie and Jessie, my registered dietitian colleagues. That’s why we were so intrigued to hear that the makers of AG1 recently released AGZ, a melatonin-free sleep supplement they’ve been working on for years.
The three of us each gave it a try for 30 days and I share our experiences, as well as pros and cons, who should (and shouldn’t) try it, and the cost.
This post is sponsored by our friends at AG1, the makers of AGZ.
What Is AGZ?
AGZ is a nighttime drink designed to support restful, restorative sleep. It’s actually the first ever product extension for AG1, beyond their well-loved daily nutritional greens powder (formerly known as Athletic Greens), which Stacie, Jessie, and I drink consistently and have reviewed before.
AGZ is made with clinically-studied key ingredients — including adaptogens, herbs, and minerals — that have been shown to support sleep.
The drink powder can be mixed into hot or cold liquids and should be consumed near the end of the day. I take it as I’m winding down in my last hour before sleep.
Here’s How I Reviewed It
Since our team here at The Real Food Dietitians was so impressed with the ingredient quality of AG1, the company reached out to ask us if we’d be interested in trying a preview of their newest product, AGZ, before it would be available to buy starting in September 2025.
They sent me, Stacie, and Jessie each a 30-day supply of the three flavors of AGZ so we could put it to the test. I’ve had an adverse reaction to taking melatonin supplements in the past, so I was especially interested because AGZ is a melatonin-free formulation with other ingredients that I like for sleep support, including Magtein® magnesium L-threonate, magnesium bisglycinate, valerian, ashwagandha, and L-theanine (an amino acid).
After trying it for a few weeks, I had the opportunity to speak with the nutrition team at AG1 to learn more about all of the time, ingredient research, and quality testing that has gone into bringing AGZ to life. This product has been in the works for several years now. Similar to AG1, the key ingredients in AGZ are clinically backed by science and the team is constantly researching ways to improve it, with real results in mind.
Pros And Cons
I compiled the collective experiences and opinions of myself, Stacie, and Jessie into a quick at-a-glance chart to help you decide if AGZ might be a good fit.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Science: Being a science nerd myself, I appreciate that the key ingredients in AGZ are backed by science. Many of the sleep support ingredients (Magtein® magnesium L-threonate, saffron, ashwagandha, L-theanine, and valerian) have been clinically studied to support healthy cortisol levels, provide calming effects, promote relaxation, and/or address oxidative stress so I wake up feeling refreshed. | Cost: The price of AGZ is on par with other high-quality supplements. The price of each sachet ranges from $2.30 to $2.97, with lower pricing for subscription members and those who already have an active AG1 subscription. |
Quality: As a registered dietitian, my professional opinion is that this is a solid product, designed specifically to support sleep with clinically studied key ingredients, third party testing, and a nutrition department that answers all of my questions. | On the sweeter side: I appreciate that AGZ doesn’t contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners. All flavors are sweetened with stevia leaf extract, and the two chocolate flavors are sweetened with a mix of stevia leaf extract and monk fruit extract, which gives it a pretty sweet flavor profile. I tame this down a bit to my preference, by adding a splash of half and half to my glass. |
Convenient: The individual sachets of AGZ make it easy to use and easy to travel with. I recently took them on a 4-day trip and conveniently packed them with my toiletries. They don’t require refrigeration or any special storage. | Individual packaging: While the individual sachets are super convenient, some people may prefer a canister option. Unlike AG1, which comes as either individual sachets or a canister option, AGZ only comes packaged as individual servings (for now). |
Melatonin free: Many sleep support products contain synthetic melatonin, which could create a psychological dependence on the hormone. AGZ is a melatonin-free formulation that contains ingredients to support natural melatonin production. | Kiwi and latex allergy: AGZ contains kiwi, which may be associated with cross-reactivity in individuals with latex allergies. If you have a known latex allergy, consult your healthcare practitioner before use. |
No pills: I appreciate that this drink powder can be consumed from a glass, which is more natural to me than taking a pill. | Magnesium: Don’t get me wrong, magnesium is a mineral that I love with many proven benefits, including those related to sleep. I only list it here because if you’re already taking a high-dose magnesium supplement, that amount – plus the magnesium in AGZ – could have side effects, such as nausea or a laxative effect. If you already take high doses of magnesium, consult a healthcare practitioner before use. |
Customizable: I like that I can dissolve the powder in hot or cold liquids, such as water or milk, giving me multiple ways to take it depending on my mood. There are also three different flavors, and each provides a unique taste experience. | |
Special diet friendly: AGZ is free from the top 8 allergens and works well for nearly all special diets, including gluten free, dairy free, Paleo, vegetarian, and vegan eating plans. |
What’s In It
AGZ contains a mix of stress adaptogens, calming herbs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and amino acids to support three stages of rest: winding down, sleeping, and waking.
Winding Down
- L-theanine (200 mg/serving) – this amino acid has been connected to relaxation and de-stressing in healthy adults and relaxing the mind for better sleep.
- Ashwagandha (300 mg/serving) – this herb has been shown to help to manage cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone), lowering the effects of stress and helping the body ease into sleep.
Sleeping
- Magtein® magnesium L-threonate (250 mg/serving) – this branded trademarked ingredient has been well studied to improve sleep quality and the body’s natural sleep cycles.
- Valerian root (250 mg/serving) – the root of this natural herb has been connected to promotion relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Waking
- Saffron (28 mg/serving) – this antioxidant-rich herb has been shown to support restful sleep so you wake up refreshed, without grogginess, and ready to conquer the day.
In addition to these ingredients, AGZ also contains 1 gram of total fat, 6-7 grams of carbohydrate (depending on the flavor), vitamin B6 (5 mg), zinc (12 mg), sodium (10 mg), glycine (2 g), the sugar alcohol myo-inositol (1 g), coconut milk powder, and a calming herb and antioxidant blend. The calming blend contains:
- Chamomile flower extract (1.2% apigenin)
- Phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid
- Valerian root extract (0.8% valerenic acid)
- Tart cherry juice powder (Prunus cerasus)
- Lemon balm aerial parts extract (5% rosmarinic acid)
- Green kiwi fruit powder (Actinidia deliciosa)
- Baikal skullcap root extract (30% baicalins)
- Passionflower aerial part extract (3.5% vitexins)
- Lavender flower (4:1) extract (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Holy basil leaf extract (2% ursolic acid)
The Mixed Berry flavor contains fruit and vegetable juice for color and is sweetened with stevia leaf extract. The Chocolate and Chocolate Mint flavors contain alkalized cocoa powder, stevia leaf extract, and monk fruit extract.
The Taste And Texture
Stacie, Jessie, and I each have our own favorite flavors, and all three of us were surprised to learn that we all prefer to drink AGZ cold over hot, though it’s a good experience either way.
I like the Chocolate Mint flavor the best, which I stir it into 4 ounces of cold water and add a splash of half and half (to tame the sweetness a bit). I use the provided frother to help dissolve the powder quickly (which it does) and then I gulp it down in a few big swigs, swirling the glass as I go.
Stacie also likes the Chocolate Mint flavor best and the Mixed Berry as a close second. She prefers it both warm and cold and dissolves the liquid in about 4 to 6 ounces of water before bedtime.
Jessie likes both the Chocolate and Chocolate Mint flavors best. She says the Chocolate flavor reminds her of a mix between hot chocolate and herbal tea, whereas the Mixed Berry flavor reminds her of Wild Berry Skittles. She dissolves the powder in 8 to 10 ounces of cold water.
I find that the powder dissolves well in liquid, though I do swish it around in the glass a lot as I’m drinking it to keep the powder in solution and prevent any grittiness left at the bottom of the glass.
My Results
The three dietitians on our team each have pretty different sleep patterns, so we are a pretty good study group to test out a product like AGZ.
Stacie is definitely the best deep sleeper in our group and has always been that way. In fact, when her young kids come into her room at night, they often have to shake her just to wake her up. If she ever doesn’t sleep well, it’s typically affected by hormone fluctuations during her monthly cycle. Since using AGZ every night, Stacie has continued to sleep well and has gotten even strong sleep scores on her Garmin watch.
Jessie, on the other hand, is the lightest sleeper in our group. She doesn’t fall asleep quickly, wakes up easily, and has consistently interrupted sleep, jolting awake at small noises and her young kids, who often wake her up in the night and early morning. Since taking AGZ every night, Jessie reports deeper muscle relaxation and easing to sleep after wake ups.
And my sleep patterns are somewhere in between. I generally don’t have any trouble falling asleep, but I am prone to light sleep. Since taking AGZ consistently, I’ve noticed better sleep and my Garmin watch shows a sleep score of 86 or higher, whereas it’s typically mid 70s or less for me.
Pricing
Here I break down the cost of AGZ to help you decide if it fits your budget.
Order | Servings | Price | Extras |
---|---|---|---|
One-time order | 30 | $89 ($2.97 per serving) | Free frother |
Monthly subscription | 30 | $79 ($2.64 per serving) | Free frother; Flexibility to edit, skip, or cancel any month; 90-day money back guarantee |
Monthly subscription with an active AG1 subscription | 30 | $69 ($2.30 per serving) | Free frother; Flexibility to edit, skip, or cancel any month; 90-day money back guarantee |
My Nighttime Routine
While I wouldn’t say that I have a routine that I do every single night, there are several actions and tasks I check off my list on most evenings. I know from experience that building consistent healthy habits like this tends to trickle into other areas of my life.
And over the last month, I’ve been able to seamlessly work AGZ into my evening routine in an effort to make my sleep as positive of an experience as possible for me. Here is my typical evening pattern:
- Set up my coffee maker for the next morning, including setting a glass of water near it to drink while my coffee brews
- Prep or set out items to plan for breakfast the next morning
- Drink a glass of AGZ
- Set out my clothes for the next day
- Brush teeth
- Shower
- Put my dog in his crate
- Apply lotion to my feet
- Read my Kindle for 10 to 20 minutes
- Lights out
Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Try It
AGZ is safe for adult men and women over age 18 who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s designed to fit in a variety of different diets and lifestyles, including gluten free, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian.
Also, someone with a coconut or latex allergy may not want to take AGZ. Coconut is not considered a major foot allergen and it is no longer classified as a tree nut. However, someone with a true coconut allergy would want to avoid AGZ, as it contains coconut milk powder. Also, someone with a latex allergy should consult their healthcare practitioner prior to using AGZ since it contains kiwi, which may be associated with cross-reactivity in individuals with latex allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
AGZ is only available directly from AG1 at drinkAG1.com
Yes, AGZ is NSF Certified for Sport®, considered to be the gold standard in independent safety and quality testing.
Everyone on our team liked AGZ when we drank it both cold and warm, though we all had a slight preference for the cold drink. Drinking cold brings out the chocolate or mixed berry notes, while drinking warm brings out the herbal notes of the blend. None of the ingredients are compromised or amplified by the temperature of the liquid, so it’s really a matter of preference.
AGZ is intended to be consumed prior to sleep and I find that I’m ready for bed shortly after drinking it. I don’t recommend that it be consumed during waking hours as it promotes relaxation and prepares the mind and body for a restful sleep.
Yes, products like AGZ are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
Since using AGZ consistently for one month, I’ve experienced better sleep and my Garmin watch shows a better sleep score. My dietitian colleagues (Stacie and Jessie) both had similar experiences, and we are all impressed by the quality of AGZ and use of clinically-backed key ingredients shown to help manage cortisol levels and promote restorative sleep.
If prioritizing sleep is a health goal for you and it fits in your budget, I recommend giving AGZ a try. If you’re interested in trying it and still have questions after reading my review, let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.
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