Unimate vs AG1 (Athletic Greens): Which Morning Drink is Better?

By Fadi — Unicity Senior Director Distributor & Metabolic Coach · Published · Updated · 8 min read

Written by Fadi, an independent Unicity distributor who earns a commission on orders placed through this site. Educational content, not medical advice. Product research: unicityscience.org · unicity.com.

Quick answer: Comparing Unimate yerba mate concentrate vs AG1 (Athletic Greens) for morning energy, fasting compatibility, nutrition, and value. Which should you choose?

Quick Answer: Unimate is a concentrated yerba mate extract designed specifically for the fasting window — it suppresses appetite, boosts mental clarity, and keeps insulin low. AG1 is a comprehensive greens supplement with 75 ingredients that provides broad nutritional coverage but contains calories and probiotics that may affect fasting. If your goal is intermittent fasting and metabolic health, Unimate wins. If your goal is general micronutrient coverage with meals, AG1 has merit.

What Each Product Actually Is

Unimate

Unimate is produced by Unicity International through a proprietary 5-step purification process that concentrates three key compounds from yerba mate:

  • Chlorogenic acids — antioxidants that improve insulin sensitivity and support fat metabolism
  • Theobromine — a smooth, long-lasting stimulant without the cortisol spike of caffeine
  • Polyphenols — anti-inflammatory compounds that support metabolic and cognitive function

Unimate contains fewer than 5 calories per serving and does not break a fast. It is listed in the Prescribers' Digital Reference (PDR).

AG1 (Athletic Greens)

AG1 is a comprehensive "all-in-one" daily supplement containing 75 vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptogens, and plant extracts. It provides broad micronutrient coverage in a single drink. AG1 contains approximately 50 calories per serving and includes probiotics that may have a minor effect on the fasting state (though debate exists).

Does Each Break a Fast?

Factor Unimate AG1
Calories per serving <5 cal ~50 cal
Insulin response None (may improve insulin sensitivity) Minor (probiotics + small carbs)
Safe in fasting window? Yes — designed for it Debated — better taken with food
Primary purpose Appetite suppression, fasting support, energy Comprehensive micronutrient coverage
Monthly cost $169 (member price) ~$99 USD (subscription)
PDR listed Yes No
Clinical studies Yes (chlorogenic acids, yerba mate) Limited (individual ingredients vary)

Energy and Mental Clarity

Unimate delivers smooth, sustained energy through theobromine and polyphenols — without the cortisol spike and crash associated with caffeine. Users consistently report improved focus and reduced afternoon fatigue. It works within 20–30 minutes and lasts 4–6 hours.

AG1 provides mild, general energy through B vitamins and adaptogens. It is not designed as a primary energy source — it is more of a nutritional insurance policy. Many AG1 users still drink coffee or other stimulants for morning energy.

Can You Take Both?

Yes. They serve different purposes and can complement each other. The optimal approach when intermittent fasting is:

  • Unimate during the fasting window (morning) — for appetite suppression and energy
  • AG1 with your first meal (break of fast) — for micronutrient coverage without interfering with fasting

However, if you are already taking Unicity Balance before meals (which includes 9 essential vitamins), you may find the nutritional overlap with AG1 redundant.

Which is Better?

They are designed for different goals. For intermittent fasting support and metabolic health — Unimate is purpose-built for this and has no meaningful competition. For general micronutrient coverage — AG1 is a legitimate product.

If you are doing the Feel Great System, Unimate is already part of your protocol and covers the morning energy need. AG1 adds cost without much additional benefit given that Balance already provides essential vitamins.

More Comparisons

Order the Unicity Feel Great System

Ready to start? Order the Unicity Feel Great System at member pricing through this site, with personal coaching included. Questions about the business side? Learn more about becoming a Unicity distributor — Fadi, independent Unicity Senior Director Distributor, is here to guide you.

Not sure where to start? Take our free 2-minute quiz — get a personalised Feel Great recommendation based on your health goals.

Metabolic Flexibility and Long-Term Implementation Framework

Whether you are evaluating Unicity from a scientific, regulatory, or business perspective, long-term success with the Feel Great System comes down to daily consistency and metabolic flexibility. Modern dietary patterns characterized by frequent grazing and refined carbohydrates keep circulating insulin levels elevated throughout the day, preventing efficient fat oxidation and contributing to afternoon energy crashes.

By pairing Unimate (a purified yerba mate extract standardized for chlorogenic acids and theobromine) in the morning with Unicity Balance (a patented viscous soluble fiber matrix with plant phytosterols and micronutrients) before your largest meal, the 16:8 time-restricted eating protocol becomes practical and sustainable without extreme calorie deprivation.

Actionable 90-Day Protocol & Compliance Checklist

For customers and independent Unicity distributors alike, following evidence-based best practices ensures a reliable experience:

  • The 10-to-15 Minute Pre-Meal Window: Always mix one packet of Balance with 8 to 10 ounces of cold water, shake vigorously in a shaker bottle, and drink immediately 10 to 15 minutes before your main meal so the viscous fiber gel forms properly in the stomach.
  • Optimal Daily Hydration: Soluble fiber matrices bind with water in the digestive tract. Aim for at least 64 to 80 ounces of water throughout the day to support digestive comfort and nutrient transport.
  • Microbiome Adaptation Period: When increasing prebiotic soluble fiber intake, mild digestive adjustment during the first 5 to 7 days is normal. Pairing the protocol with whole proteins and non-starchy vegetables supports smooth adaptation.
  • Objective 90-Day Tracking: Track progress across multiple markers—morning mental clarity, afternoon satiety, waist circumference, and routine lab markers discussed with your physician—backed by the official 90-day money-back guarantee. You can tailor your schedule using our 2-minute metabolic assessment quiz.

Step by step

  1. Morning Fasting: Start your day with Unimate to support GLP-1, boost energy, and extend your fat-burning window.
  2. Pre-Meal Balance: Take Unicity Balance 5-10 minutes before your first meal to reduce glucose spikes.
  3. Healthy Eating Window: Enjoy your first meal and keep a consistent eating window (typically 8 hours).
  4. Second Meal: Take Unicity Balance again before your second meal to close out your eating window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Unicity Feel Great System?

The Unicity Feel Great System is a metabolic health protocol combining Unimate (yerba mate concentrate) and Unicity Balance (fiber matrix) with the 16:8 intermittent fasting schedule.

How does Unicity Balance support blood sugar?

Unicity Balance contains the Biosphere Fiber matrix which forms a viscous gel in your digestive tract, slowing carbohydrate absorption and reducing post-meal glucose spikes by 20–28%.

Does Unimate break your fast?

No. Unimate contains negligible calories and no net carbs or sugars, meaning it keeps you in a fasted state while boosting GLP-1 and satiety.

Is there a guarantee on Unicity products?

Yes, Unicity provides a 90-day money-back guarantee for all customers ordering the Feel Great System through an authorized distributor.

How fast does Unicity ship?

Orders are shipped directly from Unicity's regional warehouses and typically arrive within 2–5 business days depending on your location.

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