Balance of Nature Review (2024): Is This Supplement Right for You?

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Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vital nutrients, but only one in ten Americans gets the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, according to the CDC. Supplements made with whole foods can be a good stand-in when you’re struggling to eat enough fruits and veggies.

Balance of Nature is a supplement company that sells a trio of products to fill in dietary gaps, including Balance of Nature Fruits, Balance of Nature Veggies and Balance of Nature Fiber & Spices. The brand claims that these supplements provide your body with essential nutrients from 31 fruits and vegetables in capsule form, as well as 12 natural herbs and spices in an easy-to-take powder.

In this honest Balance of Nature review, I’m putting my training as an RN to work taking a close look at these supplements. I share these products’ benefits; discuss ingredient quality, brand reputation and pros and cons; and ultimately answer the question: Is Balance of Nature worth it?

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Balance of Nature Products

• Balance of Nature Fruits
• Balance of Nature Veggies
• Balance of Nature Fiber & Spices

Balance of Nature Fruits In-Depth Review

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Key features

• Key ingredients:
• Maintain Blend (731 milligrams): Tomato, papaya, banana, apple, grape, wild blueberry, strawberry, aloe vera
• Protect Blend (719 milligrams): Orange, tart cherry, cranberry, wild blueberry, grape, apple, grapefruit, aloe vera
• Repair Blend (561 milligrams): Raspberry, pineapple, mango, sweet cherry, lemon, aloe vera
• Nutritional value: One serving has 10 calories and less than two grams of carbohydrates; no other nutritional values are provided
• Form: Powder-filled capsules
• Capsules per serving: Three
• Servings per container: 30
• Best for:
• Anyone who doesn’t get the daily recommended one to two cups of fruit
• People who are intolerant to FODMAPs (short-chain sugars that can cause stomach upset)
• Kids (when powder is mixed with yogurt or smoothies)

Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients (nutrients that come from plants) that heal and protect the body. For example, grapes, blueberries and apples are heart-healthy, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons keep the immune system strong. Yet some people live in regions where it’s hard to find a variety of fruits year-round or experience unwanted gastrointestinal issues after eating fruit. Balance of Nature Fruits supplement is intended for these situations.

Each Balance of Nature Fruits capsule contains 16 different whole fruits. The fruits are freeze-dried and ground into powder—including the skins, cores and seeds. The powder is then placed in a vegan cellulose capsule form. Capsules are convenient, and popping a few Fruits caps takes less time and fuss than consuming raw, whole fruits.

Take three capsules daily (90 capsules per container). This supplement can be taken at any time during the day, all at once or in divided doses. It is labeled safe for adults and children. It is worth noting that this product contains grapefruit, which may interact with some medicines, including birth control pills and blood pressure medicine.

What we like:

• Capsules can be poured into smoothies for kids.
• No added sugars, fillers or artificial ingredients
• Suitable for all ages
• Vegan-friendly

What to consider:

• Only available for order as part of the Fruits and Veggies set
• Uses proprietary blends, so you can’t see how much of each ingredient you’re getting
• Nutrition information is not provided

What customers have to say:

Balance of Nature products have thousands of reviews online. Amazon customers who have taken this supplement say they notice physical and mental benefits. A few users report sugar cravings disappearing after taking it. Others say the fruit blend gives them more energy, better focus and fewer aches and pains. A reported side effect for some has been weight loss. One customer reports that her husband started taking Balance of Nature, and “weight just started falling off.” So she tried it and said she lost three pounds in one week.

On the flip side, I see two consistent complaints when reading through online reviews. One is the price. A 30-day supply of Fruits & Veggies (they are sold together) costs around $70. A few similar products on the market cost a fraction of that.

The other frequent complaint is that the capsules are big and difficult to swallow. According to the manufacturer, the caps are about 25 millimeters (or one inch) long and eight millimeters wide. Customers have recommended taking them with yogurt or pudding to help them go down more easily. Alternatively, you could open the capsules and mix the powder in yogurt, juice or a smoothie.

Balance of Nature Veggies In-Depth Review

Key features

• Key ingredients:
• Maintain Blend (720 milligrams): Broccoli, spinach, soybean, green cabbage, wheatgrass, kale, cauliflower, celery, white onion, zucchini
• Protect Blend (713 milligrams): Garlic, red cabbage, red onion, soybean, carrot, kale, cayenne pepper, shiitake mushroom, wheatgrass, sweet potato
• Repair Blend (576 milligrams): Carrot, kale, green onion, soybean, spinach, cauliflower, celery, zucchini
• Nutritional value: One serving has 10 calories and less than two grams of carbohydrates; no other nutritional values are provided
• Form: Powder-filled capsules
• Capsules per serving: Three
• Servings per container: 30
• Best for:
• People who suffer from sensitive bowels or food intolerances that cause bloating, constipation or stomach pain when eating certain vegetables
• Children who need more vegetables in their diets
• Those who don’t like to eat vegetables

Balance of Nature Veggies blend provides nutrition from 15 types of veggies in each capsule. Fresh vegetables are freeze-dried to preserve valuable phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Then, they are converted to powder and encapsulated to harness the valuable health benefits.

The veggie blends in the formula include broccoli, kale, carrots and spinach. You may know that broccoli and kale are considered so-called superfoods because they help fight disease. Meanwhile, carrots and spinach are considered “vision superfoods” for preventing vision problems such as night blindness. Recent studies show that certain cruciferous veggies also contain a compound called sulforaphane (SFA), known to protect a baby’s brain development during pregnancy.

The recommended Balance of Nature Veggies blend dose is three capsules daily. Swallow them with water, or break the capsule to sprinkle the veggie powder in soups, salads or smoothies. The Veggies blend is sold with the Fruits blend since they are made to work together. Products are fresh for one year from the date they are bottled.

What we like:

• 100 percent real and ripened whole vegetables
• 30 days money-back guarantee
• Save with a monthly subscription.

What to consider:

• Only available for order as part of the Fruits and Veggies set
• Uses proprietary blends, so you can’t see how much of each ingredient you’re getting
• Nutrition information is not provided
• Contains soy

What customers have to say:

About 75 percent of Amazon users gave the Fruit and Veggies bundle 4/5 stars. Users report that they feel younger and look better when taking this supplement. Several noticed increased energy levels.

A few customers said, however, that the vegetable powders upset their stomachs. Also, some reported a strong garlic aftertaste. In addition, at least 11 reviewers found empty or broken capsules in their bottles. Fortunately, Balance of Nature offers a money-back guarantee when you purchase from the manufacturer’s website.

Balance of Nature Fiber & Spices In-Depth Review

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Key features

• Key ingredients:
• Balanced Whole Fiber Blend (10 grams): Psyllium, flax, whole apple, whole monkfruit
• Protect & Repair Whole Spice Blend (3 grams): Allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, cumin, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginger, mustard, nutmeg, turmeric
• Nutritional value: One serving has 50 calories, 9 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fat, 8 grams dietary fiber, 40 milligrams calcium, 0.9 milligrams iron
• Form: Scoopable powder, Spiced Apple Cider flavor
• Scoops per serving: Two scoops (approximately 13 grams)
• Servings per container: 30
• Best for:
• People who suffer from bloating, cramping or constipation
• People looking for an all-natural way to support healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• People who don’t consume enough fiber in their diet

Eating spicy meals has been associated with a lower risk of death from cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases. That’s because spices—such as clove, rosemary, sage, oregano and cinnamon—are excellent sources of antioxidants. They also fight germs and lower inflammation in the body.

Balance of Nature Fiber & Spice is a powdered fiber supplement with 12 spices said to improve gut health and digestion, but it may offer many health benefits.

According to Candace O’Neill, RD, LDN, compounds in ginger can relieve pain like menstrual cramps and arthritis. They also promote weight loss and blood sugar control. Cinnamon is also beneficial for people with diabetes and may lower cholesterol. A 2019 study found that taking a spice supplement that includes ginger and cinnamon provides beneficial changes in gut bacteria. Furthermore, curcumin in turmeric also has helpful effects on gut bacteria and promotes brain health.

Fiber & Spice blend should be mixed with water or juice and consumed twice daily. The spiced cider flavor may pair well with apple juice or apple sauce. One serving is two heaping scoops.

What we like:

• Combination of fiber and spices that may help with health conditions
• Made with all-natural ingredients
• Source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber

What to consider:

• Expensive, around $69.95 for a one-time purchase

What customers have to say:

Many customers have left positive reviews online. Some claim it works as a natural laxative and has an enjoyable sweet taste. One man said Fiber & Spice regulated stomach troubles he had dealt with for years.

Still, many users disliked the texture. Customers compared it to sand, dirt and sawdust. One Amazon reviewer states that the Balance of Nature fiber is slightly grittier than Metamucil. It’s important to know that if you drink it slowly, the powder may settle at the bottom of the glass and form a thick gel layer. Mixing the product with something thick like kefir or a smoothie seems to help. On the other hand, most people found the apple flavor delightful.

Quality of Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients in these supplements is a key part of this Balance of Nature evaluation. That is because high-quality, natural ingredients in a fruit and vegetable supplement help assure you get the desired benefits with minimal risks.

Balance of Nature products are among the few supplements on the market that contain only real vegetables and fruits. According to the manufacturer’s website, the ingredients used in this line are tested for pesticides, bacteria and heavy metals to ensure they’re safe. The fruits, veggies and spices used to make the products are processed without adding fillers, extracts, synthetics or artificial sweeteners. The company also claims its products are scientifically developed and backed by third-party studies, though the third parties aren’t listed. Also, although Balance of Nature products are advertised as non-GMO, organic and vegan, there is no evidence that these labels are certified by third parties.

Benefits of Balance of Nature Supplements

Balance of Nature Fruits

Research shows that diets high in fruits, particularly red fruits and berries, have the following health benefits:

• Reduced cancer risk
• Optimal muscle movement
• Lower risk of heart disease and stroke
• Reduced risk of birth defects
• Lower risk of developing cataracts
• Improved mental health

Fruits are also rich in vitamins that support healthy skin and hair. The antioxidants in fruits neutralize free radicals to fight cell damage and slow signs of aging.

Balance of Nature Fruit capsules contain concentrated vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from whole fruits. However, we are concerned that Balance of Nature doesn’t provide a breakdown of the individual daily values (DVs) of the nutrients provided in the supplement. Balance of Nature justifies this omission with the following explanation:

“All of the vitamins and minerals that naturally occur in fruits and vegetables are also in Balance of Nature. We do not add anything to the fruits and vegetables, and nothing is removed.”

Balance of Nature Veggies

Diets that are high in whole veggies can:

• Lower cholesterol
• Improve immunity
• Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Reduce the risk of colon cancer and certain breast cancers

Vegetables are also high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and provides food for good bacteria in the gut.

Balance of Nature Veggies capsules contain phytonutrients from more than a dozen vegetables. However, similar to the Fruit blends, there is no available breakdown of the vitamins and minerals provided by these blends, so it’s difficult to say whether or not the supplement will provide any meaningful benefits. Also, they do not contain any fiber. 

Balance of Nature Fiber & Spice

Fiber improves digestion and helps alleviate certain stomach problems, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcer, diverticulitis, constipation and hemorrhoids. Fiber also improves bowel regularity and relieves diarrhea and constipation. Additionally, fiber supplementation may provide relief from constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Spices are made from dried roots, stems, seeds, fruits, flowers or barks of trees or plants. According to the National Institutes of Health, spices enhance the colors, smells and tastes of food and protect the body from illness and disease. Also, powerful active compounds in herbs can help lower blood pressure and improve glycemic control.

Balance of Nature Fiber & Spices provides some benefits of herbs, spices and fiber, but it’s impossible to say whether or not the supplement contains clinically effective doses of herbs and spices since the individual amounts aren’t given.

Do Balance of Nature Supplements Have Side Effects?

Based on the ingredients in Balance of Nature supplements, they are safe for most people to use. When taken as directed, this product is unlikely to cause side effects since it is made from foods you would normally eat.

The most notable side effect is possible medication interaction. If you take certain medicines that interact with grapefruit juice, check with your doctor before starting Balance of Nature Fruits because it contains freeze-dried grapefruit powder. Your doctor may have you wait two to three hours between taking your medication and supplements like Balance of Nature Fruits.

Also, some individuals with food sensitivities may notice effects. For example, some consumers with sensitive stomachs reported that the Veggies blend caused diarrhea. Additionally, taking more than the recommended six capsules (three fruits and three veggies) daily can cause gas or bloating.

People allergic to soy should steer clear of the Veggie supplements since they are made with soybeans. The Veggies capsules also have a strong odor since they’re made with garlic and onions.

Balance of Nature Cost

Balance of Nature offers three main products, two of which are sold together only: the Fruits and Veggies capsules are sold as a bundle, and the Fiber & Spice powder is sold individually or with the Fruits and Veggies bundle. The Balance of Nature line is sold online (the Balance of Nature website and Amazon) and may be available at specialty retail health stores such as GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe.

Website pricing

A one-time purchase price for Fruits and Veggies through the brand’s website is $89.95. Shipping is free, and each purchase comes with free online health coaching. This cost comes to $2.99 per serving without a subscription and $2.33 per serving with a subscription.

For Fiber & Spice, the brand’s price is $69.95. To buy the Whole Health System (Fruit and Veggies and Fiber & Spice), you’ll pay $159.95 for a one-month supply.

Balance of Nature offers a Preferred Customer Membership, which costs $24.95 as a one-time fee. Member benefits include regular product shipments every 28 days, free shipping, access to health coaches, special customer discounts and a 30-day money-back guarantee on the first order. Using the preferred customer membership, prices drop to $69.95 for Fruits and Veggies, $49.95 for Fiber & Spice and $109.95 for the bundle.

Balance of Nature sometimes offers deals for new customers, such as $25 off first orders and a free travel kit. The travel kit includes small bottles of Fruits and Veggies that are easy to take on the go. The brand also offers additional discounts and promos that aren’t listed on the website if you call in your order—(800) 246-8751. When we called Balance of Nature, hold times were minimal, and the customer service representatives were friendly, not pushy.

Other online retailers

Amazon shoppers can watch the Balance of Nature store page for sales. For instance, on Prime Day, the Fruits and Veggies price dropped 30% to $62.95 for a one-time order. Amazon Prime members will also get free shipping, but do not get access to free health coaches.

For the total system, users will pay around $3.00–$5.00 per day.

Overall cost analysis

Balance of Nature supplements are expensive, especially without the Preferred Customer Membership, which also incurs an extra fee—an unusual move. Given the high cost, we’d like to see transparent third-party testing, transparent labeling that includes the nutrient breakdown and no charge to become a subscriber.

Who Balance of Nature Is Best For

Balance of Nature might be better for some consumers than others. Here is a short list of who this product might be best for.

• Anyone who doesn’t eat two or more servings of fruit and three or more servings of vegetables daily. This is the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Individuals with Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Certain GI diseases may cause people to limit the amount of fruits and vegetables in their diet, and it’s important that these folks supplement or eat enough nutrient-dense foods to meet their daily nutrient needs.
• Children ages 2-15. Research suggests that a high intake of fruits and vegetables in children leads to a lower risk of diseases later in life. Introducing healthy eating habits early on is also essential for encouraging better choices later in life. Fruits and vegetables are also important for growth and development. According to one study, a diet moderate or high in fruits and vegetables resulted in a 1.3 centimeter difference in preschool children’s growth compared to those with a low intake.
• Anyone who doesn’t like the flavors of vegetables or fruits.

Who Balance of Nature Is Not Best For

This product might not be a good fit for these groups:

• People with certain allergies or food sensitivities. One caveat to the Balance of Nature line is that it combines a variety of fruits, vegetables and spices in each product without any way to exclude a single ingredient. For that reason, buyers should check the labels closely and know the ingredients before taking the products. Anyone allergic to the 16 fruits, 15 vegetables or 12 spices in the supplements should avoid this product.

• People taking prescription medicines. Consumers should also be aware of any food-drug interactions. Your pharmacist or doctor can evaluate your prescriptions to see if they are affected by taking whole food supplements like this.

• Those looking for a budget-friendly product. People looking for the most cost-effective vitamin product may also find these supplements unsuitable. Other multivitamins can be found at significantly lower price points to improve nutritional intake.

There are plenty of other multivitamins for adults and multivitamins for kids on the market that can provide supplemental nutrition if Balance of Nature is not right for you.

What Is Balance of Nature?

Balance of Nature is a dietary supplement company founded in 1997 by Douglas Howard, DC. He is a chiropractor with an interest in health and nutrition.

Howard observed nutritional deficiencies in the people of Russia and many other countries during the Cold War. His observations led him to research phytochemicals (plant chemicals) and phytonutrients (nutrients from plants). As a result, he formulated a plant-based supplement to fill nutritional gaps in the typical diet.

Howard’s company sells three products: Fruits, Veggies, and Fiber & Spice. These supplements contain whole food powders and extracts from various fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. They are vacuum freeze-dried to preserve nutrition after harvesting.

Balance of Nature also offers customers access to free health coaching. Health coaches offer education and support. They help customers accept accountability, set overall health goals, and monitor progress.

The company has been in business for over 25 years and holds a B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A glance at online testimonials indicates that the products work as intended. Still, some have remained skeptical about the company and even accused the company of misleading customers. In 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Balance of Nature in 2019. The public notice accused the company of violating Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and deceiving consumers with exaggerated marketing.

Balance of Nature vs. Vibrant Health

Vibrant Health makes a plant-based greens powder called Green Vibrance. This supplement is packed with nutrients, and is recommended as a so-called “superfood” supplement. Here’s a quick comparison of the two:

• Form: Green Vibrance only comes in powder form, while Balance of Nature is available in capsule (Fruits and Veggies) and powder form (Fiber & Spice), depending on the specific product.
• Ingredients: Green Vibrance contains 70 ingredients, while the Balance of Nature bundle (all three products) contains 43 ingredients. Green Vibrance contains probiotics, while Balance of Nature does not contain added probiotics.
• Dosages: Green Vibrance shows a detailed ingredient list with dosages, while the Balance of Nature label does not show exactly how much each fruit or veggie powder is used.
• Price: The one-time purchase price of a 30-day supply of Green Vibrance is $49.60 or $43.40 for monthly subscribers. A month's supply of Balance of Nature Fruits + Veggies costs $89.95 or $69.95 for subscribers. The Balance of Nature Whole Health System costs $159.95 or $109.95 for subscribers.

Conclusion: Considering the price, label transparency and ingredient quantity, Green Vibrance seems to be a better choice for your money.

Balance of Nature vs. Texas Superfood

Texas Superfood is a nutritional supplement made from raw fruits and vegetables. Here’s how it stacks up against the Balance of Nature bundle.

• Form: Texas Superfood comes in powder or capsule form—a choice that’s ideal if you plan to use this supplement in shakes or smoothies. Balance of Nature’s Fruits and Veggies supplements come in capsule form only and Fiber & Spice comes in powder form only.
• Ingredients: There are 55 whole food ingredients in Texas Superfood. Balance of Nature contains 43 fruits, veggies and spices. Texas Superfood contains digestive enzymes and probiotics, whereas Balance of Nature does not. We also like that Texas Superfood contains elderberry extract for improved immune function.
• Dosages: The suggested daily dose of Balance of Nature is six capsules (three Fruits and three Veggies). If you purchase Texas Superfood in capsules, the dose is the same—six capsules. One serving of Texas Superfoods powder is one level scoop equaling six grams.
• Price: The one-time purchase price of Texas Superfood is $79.95 for either the capsule or powdered formulas, which provides more superfoods for less money than the Balance of Nature bundle. Texas Superfood also offers free shipping on all orders and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Both products are sold as 30-day supplies. Both companies offer discounts when purchasing through their websites. Discounted prices for Texas Superfood are $73.55/each for two bottles/bags or $70.36/each for three. That is the more expensive option if you only consider the Balance of Nature Fruits and Veggies on a subscription plan (only $69.95).

Conclusion: Texas Superfoods could be the better option here. The prices are nearly the same, yet Texas Superfood contains more foods and digestive enzymes to help the body process these nutrients. We also like that Texas Superfood does not contain grapefruit, so there is a decreased risk of drug interaction.

Balance of Nature vs. Juice Plus+

Juice Plus+ is a line of supplements made by juicing whole fruits and vegetables. Here’s a look at how it compares to Balance of Nature:

• Form: Juice Plus+ comes in powder, capsule and chewable form. It offers a Fruit Blend, Vegetable Blend, Berry Blend and Omega Blend. Balance of Nature Fruits and Veggies are capsules only, and the Fiber & Spice is a powder only.
• Ingredients: Balance of Nature contains 15 vegetables and 16 fruits, while Juice Plus+ contains 12 vegetables and 11 fruit varieties.
• Dosages: Balance of Nature offers 90 capsules per bottle (180 total for both Fruits and Veggies) with a recommended dose of six capsules daily (three Fruit and three Veggie). Juice Plus+ provides 120 capsules per bottle, and recommends four capsules daily (two Fruit Blend and two Vegetable Blend).
• Price: Juice Plus+ costs $216 for a four-month supply. This includes two bottles of Fruit Blend and two bottles of Vegetable Blend. A four-month supply of Balance of Nature costs around $250. Balance of Nature offers a discount on your first order, while Juice Plus+ does not provide any discounts.

Conclusion: In this match-up, Balance of Nature is the better choice. It provides a greater variety of whole fruits and vegetables that could be less expensive with promotional pricing. We also like that Balance of Nature offers complementary health coaching, while Juice Plus+ does not.

Balance of Nature FAQs

Does Balance of Nature help with inflammation?

Balance of Nature may help with certain types of inflammation. That’s because it contains plant compounds (phytonutrients) from fruits and vegetables. These are known to ease inflammation in the body’s tissues.

Should I take Balance of Nature in the morning or at night?

You can take Balance of Nature supplements at any time of the day. It’s a whole-food supplement, so taking it is similar to eating fruits and vegetables.

Chrono-nutrition is a new field of nutrition that explores how the time of day you eat affects your wellbeing. A recent chrono-nutrition study found that sources of folate were most beneficial when taken in the evening. Since green leafy vegetables are high in folate, consider taking Veggies later in the day.

Do I take all of the Fruits & Veggies capsules at the same time?

Fruits and Veggies can be taken together or separately. Some users prefer to split their doses, taking the Fruit capsule in the morning and the Veggie capsule in the afternoon.

However, taking them all at once is also an option if it's more convenient. Consistency is key, so establish a daily habit that suits you and stick to it for optimal results.

How many Balance of Nature pills should you take a day?

For best results, the company recommends taking six capsules daily: three Fruits and three Veggies.

Takeaway: Is Balance of Nature Worth It?

Balance of Nature supplements generally garner good reviews from customers on Amazon—where the Fruits and Veggies have a 4.1/5-star average and the Fiber & Spices has a 3.7/5-star average—but the brand’s lack of transparency and 2019 FDA warning lead us to caution consumers about buying and using this product. You can find higher quality products with transparent labeling, third-party testing and a lower price at your local grocery or health foods store.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.