Would you believe that “The greatest wealth is health.” said Virgil, an ancient Roman poet? This guides our journey into Balance of Nature, a famous system for adding more fruits and veggies to your day. Its popularity on social media raises questions like: is it really worth the price? As a nutritionist, I checked out these supplements for myself to share an honest review. I’ll cover everything from cost to their quality checks.1
Key Takeaways
- Only 1 in 10 adults gets enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, making supplements like Balance of Nature attractive.1
- Balance of Nature Fruits & Veggies supplement contains 31 different fruits and vegetables.1
- The brand has faced multiple FDA warning letters for making unsubstantiated claims about treating or curing diseases.1
- Balance of Nature has been ordered to cease manufacturing and sales until they demonstrate compliance with FDA regulations.1
- Alternatives like Athletic Greens are recommended due to their transparent quality control and extensive third-party testing.1
What is Balance of Nature?
Balance of Nature was created in the 1990s by retired chiropractic physician1 Douglas Howard. It offers a way to easily add whole fruits and vegetables to your diet. The brand’s goal is to make getting these important foods simple and consistent.
In 1997, Howard introduced the Balance of Nature Fruits & Veggies supplement. This supplement uses freeze-dried fruits and vegetables. It allows for a broad intake of produce each day. The company now offers a range of products, all built on Howard’s dedication to helping others through health and science.
Founded by Douglas Howard
Aims to provide convenient way to get whole fruits and vegetables
Freeze-dried produce supplements
How Balance of Nature Works
The balance of nature fruits supplement is famous. It has 16 fruits such as aloe vera, apple, and more. It enriches our diets.
The balance of nature veggies supplement has 15 different vegetables. These include broccoli, cabbage, and many more. It adds essential vitamins to our meals.2
Balance of Nature offers a balance of nature fiber and spice supplement too. This product has four fiber sources and 12 spices. It’s a great way to improve your fiber intake.
Balance of Nature Cost
The brand offers many products for you to buy once or subscribe and save.1 Here are some prices: Fruits & Veggies for $89.95 (22% off if you subscribe), Fiber & Spice for $69.90 (29% off if you subscribe), and Whole Health System for $159.95 (31% off if you subscribe).1 Subscribers get free priority shipping, shipments arrive every 28 days, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.1 Also, there’s a one-time $24.95 member fee.1 Choosing a one-time purchase means you miss out on these benefits and lose the 30-day guarantee.1
Fruits & Veggies: $89.95
Fiber & Spice: $69.90
Subscription discounts available
Ordering and Delivery Experience
I chose to get the balance of nature supplements from the brand’s site. They’re also on Amazon and a few other places. Ordering was easy. I picked the Whole Health System, but you can select what you want.3
After ordering, my package shipped two work days later. But, almost two weeks later, it hadn’t arrived. The tracking showed it was on the way but was delayed. I called the support team. They said a backlog was the problem and promised it would move soon. Waiting was tough. I only got my order over three weeks later.3
| Product | Price on Brand Website | Price on Amazon | Price on Walmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruits & Veggies | $89.95 | $89.95 (free shipping) | $114.64 (third-party seller) |
| Fiber & Spice | $69.95 | $69.90 (free shipping) | $69.95 |
I think Amazon is the best choice. It has free shipping and more reviews than Walmart. Walmart has a third-party seller and only 9 reviews.3
Product Size, Scent and Texture
The pills are big, needing three at once. Taking both kinds means six total per day, quite a lot.1 You can choose to chew or swallow them, which is good to know. They are made from real fruits and veggies, without any extra stuff, giving off a nice scent.4
The size, shape, and shine of fruits and veggies matter a lot to people.4 How they taste and smell is key in making them appealing.
The spice product, on the other hand, was like sawdust. I had trouble mixing it with different drinks.4 People care about how easy it is to eat fruits and vegetables. Things like being smooth, firm, or crisp change how we see their quality.4 The amount of water and solids in them makes a big difference in texture and feel.4 The parts of a plant cell layer also play a role. This includes things like cellulose and proteins. The smell of the spice was strong, making it hard to like.
Claims and Quality Control
I chatted with a customer service rep on the brand’s site about quality control. They said Balance of Nature checks their products for pesticides and heavy metals.1 They also run tests to make sure no harmful chemicals are included. Although, they do not have a separate certification for this.5
Periodic third-party testing claimed
The rep mentioned that the brand does have product testing reports, but they keep these internally. It’s important for trustworthy brands to share these reports with customers.1But when asked for those Certificates of Analysis (COAs), they did not show them. This was disappointing, as many trusted brands would willingly do so when asked.5
No Certificates of Analysis provided
Moreover, the FDA has warned the brand multiple times. The FDA flagged issues in videos and written materials that claimed the supplements could heal serious diseases. These include cancer and diabetes.15
FDA warning letters for violations
balance of nature reviews
Looking at feedback from places like Amazon and TrustPilot shows a range of opinions on Balance of Nature. Some people found the supplements really helpful. They mentioned things like feeling more energetic, improving their exercise recovery, and bettering their chronic health problems.6
But, there were also customers who weren’t happy. They faced issues like late deliveries, problems with the subscription service, and not seeing clear benefits from the products.1
Other concerns were raised about the brand’s marketing claims and product quality as flagged by the FDA.16 So, overall, opinions are divided. How satisfied people are seems to change a lot from one customer to another.
Ingredient Analysis
The ingredient list in Balance of Nature Fiber & Spice highlights why these supplements are praised for their composition.7 They are made only from whole food ingredients with no questionable extras. This includes no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavoring agents. The Fruits & Veggies one is also entirely dried fruits and vegetables, keeping additives out of the equation.7 Looking at it purely from the ingredients, Balance of Nature’s content is above par. It beats out some other supplements that add extra ingredients.7
Whole food ingredients
No questionable additives
Where to Get the Best Price
Looking to buy1 Balance of Nature supplements? It’s smart to check prices at different stores. Right now, the Fruits & Veggies supplement costs $114.64 on Walmart, $89.95 on the Balance of Nature site (plus shipping), and $89.95 on Amazon with free delivery.1 For the Fiber & Spice blend, it’s $69.90 at Amazon, also with free shipping.1 We recommend Amazon because they give you free shipping and have more than 10,000 reviews. Plus, they offer better peace of mind than Walmart’s few reviews.1
| Supplement | Walmart | Balance of Nature Website | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruits & Veggies | $114.64 (third-party seller) | $89.95 (plus shipping) | $89.95 (free shipping) |
| Fiber & Spice | $69.95 (third-party seller) | $69.95 (plus shipping) | $69.90 (free shipping) |
We think Amazon is your top choice for buying1 Balance of Nature supplements. This is because of the free shipping and the many customer reviews.1
Third-Party Testing Claims Without Proof
The Balance of Nature website says their supplements undergo third-party testing.1 This kind of testing is less biased than if the makers did it themselves. It helps make sure what’s on the label is true and that the product is pure. But, we can’t find any test results for Balance of Nature products on their site.1 Because of this, we think it’s wrong for them to say their products are tested without showing any proof. We ask them to either show the test results or stop saying their supplements are tested.1
Real Customer Video Review
A YouTube creator named Antoinette Nora made a video. It has over 60,000 views and talks about her experience with Balance of Nature supplements. She discusses whether they helped her health. In the video, she talks about the good and bad sides of the Balance of Nature products. She bases this on her personal use over a long time.
Medical Research on Fruit/Veggie Supplements
In 2009, a clinical trial showed great news. A powder with fruits and veggies helped lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. This group took 24 grams of the powder each day. This amount is 12 times more than what you find in Balance of Nature Veggies.6 A more recent study, from the Journal of Clinical Medicine, said taking fruit and vegetable concentrates can help reduce heart disease risks.6 Some studies in this review used lower doses than Balance of Nature offers.
Another trial, this one in the Microorganisms journal, found that a fruit and vegetable supplement, along with fiber, made a big difference. It helped improve the health of the gut and how the body handles sugars in healthy adults.6 So, overall, we believe that Balance of Nature can boost your health. This is especially true for those not eating enough fruits and veggies daily.
Highly Questionable Research by Balance of Nature
The Balance of Nature website links to three “studies.” These documents are not from medical journals. They’re just PDFs on the Balance of Nature site. The first “study” by a Russian doctor says their products stop cancer in rats.1 The second, by two from a Russian medical academy, claims their supplements boost rat lactation.1 The third, presented as a clinical trial, is a four-page doc without an author or journal. It states Balance of Nature helps those with serious liver issues.1 We suggest not believing in health effects claimed by such “research.” It’s odd to study rat lactation and then link it to human health, yet Balance of Nature does.1
Balance of Nature’s site has three “studies” not from reputable journals. In 2023, the FDA warned their parent companies for making products wrong.8 Balance of Nature paid $1.1 million in July 2023 for lying in ads.8 Don’t trust their health claims from studies not backed by real medical journals.1
One “study” by a Russian doctor says their supplements fight rat cancer.1 Another, by two from a Russian medical school, states their products help rat mothers make more milk.1 The last, pretending to be a clinical trial, is a short paper without a name or journal. It suggests Balance of Nature helps people with bad liver conditions.1
We advise avoiding health claims from studies not in real scientific journals.1 This series of studies is very odd for a supplement review. It’s unclear why they would link rat milk studies to human health. Balance of Nature presenting this is confusing.1
Pros and Cons of Balance of Nature
When we talk about the balance of nature pros and cons, we see many points. The good thing is, these supplements are all-natural. They’re made from whole foods, and you won’t find any weird stuff in them. You can either swallow the capsules or chew them, which is nice. And, they are suitable for vegans.1
On the flip side, the balance of nature review shows we need to consider some downsides. First off, they are pretty pricey. A bottle of Fruits & Veggies goes for $89.95, and the Fiber & Spice is $69.90.1 You also have to take six capsules a day with the Fruits and Veggies.1 People have complained about slow delivery, too.1
The biggest worry is the lack of proof for Balance of Nature’s claims. They say they do third-party testing, but we can’t see any results.1 The brand even had trouble with the FDA, and a court told them to stop until they fix things.1 So, with these problems and the high prices, it’s hard to say these supplements are worth it. Balance of nature investment doesn’t seem like a good bet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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To sum up, Balance of Nature supplements look good on paper. But, their iffy marketing, quality troubles, and high prices are tough sells. It’s smarter to look for fruit and veggie powders from places you can trust.192
Conclusion
Although Balance of Nature supplements seem good, there are some key worries.10 These include iffy marketing, potential quality problems, and health warnings from the FDA. The supplements’ high price and mixed reviews also lower their appeal.10 Until Balance of Nature fixes these issues and shows clear third-party tests, buyers should be careful. They might want to check out other fruit and veggie powders that are more trustworthy.
Balance of Nature is an idea from studying nature and managing our resources. Scientists now tend to disagree with it.10 But, many people, groups, and those who work to protect nature still believe in it. The gap between what science says and what’s commonly thought shows we need better ways to teach and talk about our natural world.10
Although Balance of Nature could help boost daily fruit and veggie portions, their secretive practices and marketing claims are a concern.10 It’s a better idea for people to check out more open and reputable options for getting extra fruit and veggies.10
FAQ
What is Balance of Nature?
Balance of Nature makes fruit and veggie-based products. It was started in the 1990s by Douglas Howard, a retired chiropractic physician. The goal was to help people easily consume a variety of fruits and vegetables.
What are the key ingredients in Balance of Nature supplements?
The Fruits & Veggies supplement includes 16 fruits and 15 veggies, all in powder form. The Fiber & Spice supplement has four fibers and 12 spices in it.
How much do Balance of Nature supplements cost?
A month’s supply of Fruits & Veggies is .95, and Fiber & Spice is .95. Subscribers get up to 31% off.
What was your experience with ordering and receiving Balance of Nature?
Ordering was easy but my shipment was very late, over three weeks late. The customer service team noted they were behind schedule.
What did you think of the size, scent, and texture of the Balance of Nature products?
You need to take three capsules at a time, which are somewhat large. The Fruits & Veggies smelled like real fruit and veggies.
The Fiber & Spice scent was strong and the texture was like sawdust. It didn’t mix well with liquids.
What are the concerns around Balance of Nature’s claims and quality control?
They say they do independent testing but don’t share any results. The FDA warned them about health claims. Their product quality and manufacturing transparency are in question.
What do customer reviews say about Balance of Nature?
Reviews are mixed. Some people note increased energy and better health. Others mention problems with delivery and subscriptions, and doubted the product’s effects.
How do Balance of Nature’s ingredients and formulation compare to other fruit and vegetable supplements?
Balance of Nature stands out for using only plant-based, whole ingredients. This is better than other supplements that may contain bad additives.
Where is the best place to purchase Balance of Nature supplements?
Amazon is recommended. It has free shipping and more reviews than other places like Walmart.
Does Balance of Nature provide transparent third-party testing results?
They say they test their products but haven’t shown any results. They need to share these results or stop saying their products are third-party tested.
What do real customer video reviews say about Balance of Nature?
A YouTuber named Antoinette Nora made a video with over 60,000 views about her experience with Balance of Nature. She discusses the supplements’ pros and cons.
What does the medical research say about fruit and vegetable supplements like Balance of Nature?
Studies show that these supplements can help with health, like improving heart health. But, the amounts used in studies are often more than what Balance of Nature offers.
What are the concerns about the research published by Balance of Nature?
Their studies seem low-quality and not from known medical journals. These studies’ claims are not backed by strong, reviewed research.
What are the pros and cons of using Balance of Nature supplements?
Pros: They’re easy to use, have no bad additives, and are vegan-friendly. Cons: They’re pricey and require six capsules a day. Plus, third-party testing isn’t clear, and some people face delivery problems.
Source Links
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health-products/a46366635/balance-of-nature-review/
- https://illuminatelabs.org/blogs/health/balance-of-nature-review
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/balanceofnature.com
- https://fruitandvegetable.ucdavis.edu/files/217117.pdf
- https://www.innerbody.com/balance-of-nature-reviews
- https://www.forbes.com/health/supplements/balance-of-nature-review/
- https://consumerlab.com
- https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/balance-nature-ordered-stop-selling-supplements
- https://terilynadams.com/balance-of-nature-review/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_of_nature
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