
Answer:
[Update (11/20/23): Balance of Nature has been ordered by a federal court to stop producing and selling its products. Get the details in our Fruits, Veggies, and Greens Supplements Review.]
Based on their labels, it is not at all clear to us that Balance of Nature's "Fruits" and "Veggies" capsules are particularly worthwhile supplements or that they provide the equivalent of the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, as a promotional video seems to suggest. Sign in as ConsumerLab member to find out why, and also learn about Balance of Nature’s "Fiber & Spice" powder.
Also see the results of our tests of Balance of Nature’s “Fruits” and “Veggies” capsules in our Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (published 1/2/23) in which we checked these and similar products for contamination with lead and other heavy metals, bacteria, and pesticides.
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Bridget17528
December 01, 2023As of Nov. 30, still advertising on cable. However, ads are much shorter, scaled back from the deluxe version.
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Elaine L17527
November 27, 2023Thank you Consumer Lab for being transparent regarding Balance of Nature. As of this writing, even the FDA is requiring BoN to stop selling their products. If this is coming from the FDA, can you tell me why BoN is still advertising on national FOX News? Not only advertising, but also giving their toll free number to purchase this product. Isn't this illegal?
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Kate17525
August 04, 2023Thank you, so much. It's just as I suspected. There's no way you can put enough fruits and vegetables in a capsule and expect to get enough. It just didn't make any sense!
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kayti17523
February 06, 2023As with most T.V. ads promoting health benefits, they fall short of their expectations.
Barbara17524
June 07, 2023BofN advertised heavily on Fox, which is where I first became aware of this product. Now they are on MSNBC constantly. The testimonials are unbelievable. All of these ads seem to be directed toward seniors, promising them an unrealistic change in energy and well-being and mental acuity.
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Carol17509
August 21, 2022Balance of Nature is very expensive, and your facts speak for themselves. We take Juicefestiv made by Natrol and believe it's addition is contributing to our well being (along with other supplements) at a reasonable price. (Costco regularly puts this on sale, too.)
Deborah17510
January 01, 2023Do you have a cost per month?
Billy17511
January 18, 2023My wife and I also take Juicefestiv made by Natrol. We believe it is adding to our well-being. Balance of Nature is way too expensive!
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Bud17505
August 19, 2022Always seeking to justify my dues for Consumer Labs data. This is a prime example of saving money in spades! Thank you for the impartial, subjective evaluations.
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Bryson17503
August 09, 2022These supplements that are advertised constantly on TV will almost universally be overpriced. If you're inclined to take a fruit and veggie supplement, you can buy Juicefestiv made by Natrol at Costco for less than $25 bucks. Don't let Balance of Nature rip you off! I've used Juicefestiv, and I didn't see any real benefit from it. At least I was only out $20 bucks (bought on sale).
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Martin17502
August 08, 2022Thank you for this article. I am always hesitant to purchase products that are advertised on tv especially those whose commercials seem to be on constantly. My hesitancy was correct. Thank you again and keep up the great service you provide.
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Cautious Consumer 🚀
July 25, 2022Hello,
Thank you for the quick reply to the question regarding Balance of Nature and other fruits & Veggie capsules. I believe I sent that question in several days ago. I'm an older adult always looking for an edge in improving my health so I thought before I'd buy is to check it out first. I appreciate it so much being a member of a consumer lab testing group that takes pride into finding out the facts of some these so called " Youth/Age Improvement Supplements " now I know the facts for sure and the fact I'm going to save many dollars $$$$.
Thank you for your time,
David (Member)
We're glad that ConsumerLab's information is helpful to you, David. Thanks for letting us know!
Helen17499
July 30, 2022I surely enjoyed the clarification on the Balance of Nature. So most promotion and costs to many folks who cannot really afford it. Thank you Consumer Lab.
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Helen17494
July 24, 2022I would like to see Amway Nutrilite Fruit & Veggies tested as they are unique in their production.
FrankSacco
June 23, 2023I sold "Nutrilite" Fruits & Veggies, as an AMWAY Distributor. I am no longer With AMWAY, because of the VERY HARD SELLING that each Amway Distributor is expected to employ. I have A LOT of "Street Education" and A Masters in Health from U.C.L.A. To make a Long story short, EVERY attempt that I made to Establish The Efficacy Of The "Nutrilite" Supplements, AND EVERY attempt That I made just To Seek Verification of Nutrilite's Basic Message {that They "ARE THE BEST Supplements, "Worldwide"}, was met with Insane Hostility!! I Kid-You-Not! EVERY time I tried to obtain ANY information about "Nutrilite", I was LITERALLY Told That I 'must be on a Campaign To Discredit' "...the Nutrilite Brand of Products"! The Suspicion & Hostility NEVER ended--Which Had Its Desired Effect -- I Had To Quit AMWAY, because NO ONE would Speak with me anymore. I HAVE NO FINANCIAL/BUSINESS Connections To/With ANY Competitor of "Nutrilite, Inc." I am Only Telling Of My Experiences When I was "Amway" Distributor. I represent Myself, Only.
Bonnie17495
October 23, 2023Good for you Frank, you made the right decision.
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Robert17492
July 24, 2022I contacted them 3 times a day for 3 days and asked them what outside company was preforming tests to determine what levels of chemicals and pesticides were detected in their fruits and vegetables. I also asked for a product safety report from this company. Each of the 9 times they put me on hold for at least 5 minutes and then hung up on me. I have advised everyone I speak with to stay away from this company because they are using untested or contaminated fruits and vegetables.
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Alan17490
July 24, 2022Balance of nature is just a ripoff with lots of advertising. Just eat lots of real food veggies.
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Jeanette17489
July 24, 2022My father had some Balance of Nature products around when he passed away. I happen to like the taste of the Fiber and Spice mix. So I bought a replacement container when the original one ran out. Smaller container, less tasty and expensive. Its my last purchase with BoN. Thanks for the review.
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Alexandra17483
July 24, 2022Am I understanding this correctly: if one cup of fresh fruit or vegetables weighs roughly 100 grams, and fresh fruits/veggies are 90% water, would that mean @10 grams dehydrated would give you the equivalent of 1 cup of fresh? I take a red fruit/antioxident powder and the serving size is 10 grams, so it seems like it's not a bad way to get one serving of fruit (without the sugar) because, other than "an apple a day", I don't eat much fruit? Very much hope CL will review some super red fruit drinks in the near future... do wonder/worry about contaminants/etc that might be in them ;-)
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Alexandra17484
July 24, 2022Am I understanding this correctly: if one cup of fresh fruit or vegetables weighs roughly 100 grams, and fresh fruits/veggies are 90% water, would that mean @10 grams dehydrated would give you the equivalent of 1 cup of fresh? I take a red fruit/antioxident powder and the serving size is 10 grams, so it seems like it's not a bad way to get one serving of fruit (without the sugar) because, other than "an apple a day", I don't eat much fruit? Very much hope CL will review some super red fruit drinks in the near future... do wonder/worry about contaminants/etc that might be in them ;-)
Your understanding is correct, Alexandra. It is very possible that we will be purchasing, testing, and reviewing products in this category.
Alexandra17486
July 25, 2022Thanks very much for your prompt answer and the always valuable info CL provides... hope to see a red drink/antioxident review in the near future ;-)
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Alan17478
July 23, 2022The gelatin from 6 capsules per day will, as the commercial people quotes say, help grow your finger and toenails but Jello would be much cheaper.
The capsules are listed as made from cellulose, not gelatin.
Alan17479
July 23, 2022My bad! Do large amounts of cellulose have any negative effects? Are all of the capsules we see used made of cellulose?
Cellulose should not be problem, and it is likely not much. Vegetarian capsules are typically cellulose. Non-vegetarian capsules are typically gelatin.
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Mjh
July 23, 2022And all those protein drinks with powdered fruits and veggies. There just is little way you can supplement real food.
Actually, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are okay (as are regular dried fruits & vegetables), but you can't reduce a serving to a capsule. We have evaluated other whole foods in our Greens & Whole Foods Review ( https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/greens-whole-foods-powders-supplements/greens/ ), and the serving sizes are typically scoops of powder, not capsules. Similarly, we have tested protein powders ( https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/protein-powders-shakes-drinks-sports/nutritiondrinks/ ) which are also taken as scoops of powder, not capsules.
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HARRISON17474
July 23, 2022How well are most people doing in getting their full recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetable without this or any supplement?
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PatO
July 22, 2022Ooops! I fell for it:( But did look into it and purchased a competing less expensive product, Earth Energy's Raw Fruit and Veggies Whole Food Capsules . sold from Earth Energy Nutrition in Akron, Ohio, manufactured in an FDA Registered Facility with a GMP stamp. Didn't notice any difference.
Trish
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Darlene17470
July 22, 2022I figure that if TSHTF, one of this type of supplements would be better than nothing. I purchased a brand -- ROOT2 42 Fruits and Vegetables (rooted in science, rooted in nature). Any chance you'll get around to rating it?
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Todd H
July 22, 2022I kind of did the same math based on the 90% water and the fiber content just did not make sense. I asked about the math on one of their social platforms and got a very generic response that did little to comfort me.
The concept sounds great but there seems to be something a miss here. All that advertisement cost a lot of money and it shows in the price. I would be happy to get a few extra servings in at a fair price.
If you were getting all the whole foods from 6 servings, that would be a lot of fiber, all you would need but heck no You need more fiber it seems in a 3rd product.
I have no financial interest in this company or any of their competitors unless it is common stock in my 401K I am just saying the math does not seem right
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Carol17466
July 22, 2022In 2016 I fell while leaving the shower. My right leg was twisted at the hip and doctors told me I needed a new hip. However, I can not tolerate anesthesia due to illius, so I had to heal myself. Over time I suffered through many phases and maladies I never had in my life. Each lasting a time until my body overcame them. But, my leg was continually swollen and inflamed. I sat on a whole body infrared heating pad daily to help me cope with arthritis and to help with the healing process. Especially in Winter, which was the hardest time of year.
Then I heard the Balance of Nature ad on radio. While I am someone who enjoys cooking and eating well, I decided to try the product. It was eye opening! You never know how weak you are, or how badly you have become run down, until you take something to bolster your health and well being. It immediately gave me more energy and I knew I was doing something good for my body. Soon, my leg swelling disappeared and the inflammation ceased. I knew I was on the right path. I am about 2 years into taking this product and my body is healing with every year. I've had cancer twice and while healing, read that it took the body 7 years to grow a new hip due to the denseness of the bone. Well, I celebrated year 6 this month, and while I still walk with a cane (and not to far) and mornings can be tough, I can say I am healing. I don't know if it would have been possible without Balance of Nature daily and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs help overcoming healing issues. I am seventy seven, live alone and hope to be more and more able to get back to doing "life as usual" due to this product.
Helen18602
February 03, 2024I'm sorry about your fall and glad you're healing. People begin to rely on the supplements because they're so easy to take instead of EATING the actual FOOD that provides much more than their fruit, veggie, and fiber pills. None of us gets all the vitamins/minerals we need every day, so supplementation can be necessary, but they don't supplement a whole day's diet!
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Rich17460
July 22, 2022Just what I suspected... it defies credulity to think that a couple of pills would give ALL the nutrients of the real thing. Thanks for confirming it. Is there no government oversight on this kind of fraudulent claim?
Douglas17462
July 22, 2022Balance of Nature uses a very clever strategy to make outrageous claims to circumvent current laws. They simply have people give their testimony about what their experience has been and allow viewers to believe that they would have a similar experience. Some of the claims are so outlandish that the product has screamed “fraud” to me since the first time I saw a commercial.
LabFan
October 02, 2022They have Kathy Lee Gifford promoting it now.
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JF
July 22, 2022I’ll be the first on here to say I fell for the hype. Yes, I tried it but didn’t notice any difference other than a possible placebo effect. The fiber drink was bizarre and really tasted awful with all the mixed spices. Very expensive and I canceled after the second month. Like the old adage, if it’s too good to be true…
Joyce17459
July 23, 2022So glad you offered your experience to CL because I suspected just as you explained. I talk to those ads almost daily with "Buddy, I really hope they pay you well for your testimony; you ain't getting my money." Thanks, JF, and thanks CL for your review for our benefit.
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Eileen17457
July 22, 2022Thanks. I questioned that every time I saw the commercial. And I read it's near impossible to cancel your subscription of delivery.
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Monica17455
July 22, 2022Very deceptive advertising.Buyer beware.
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Cary17454
July 22, 2022These capsules could not come close to the hype. Testimonials indirectly touted curing everything from heart disease to arthritis as well as providing increased strength, flexibility, libido, and stamina. I tried it for a solid year, and detected no benefit whatever. I thought when I stop taking it, the benefits would become more obvious. They didn't. Save your money!
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jon17453
July 22, 2022This confirms my suspicions that you can't a serving of Fruits or Veges in a Capsule.
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Deborah17452
July 22, 2022Exactly what my husband and I thought! Thank you for confirming!
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Mark17451
July 22, 2022Can't wait to see your reviews of these products. I've long been suspicious of this chiropractor/owner pushing this expensive stuff on the unsuspecting out there who will believe and grasp at anything they are told is a benefit. Will be very interesting to see what amounts of nutrients/vitamins you find in these capsules with your great analysis.
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Sue17450
July 22, 2022Good information. I listen to those videos on TV and I think "really?" Glad to know the real truth.
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Ron17447
July 22, 2022It sounds like Balance of Nature is in the same category as Juice Plus. Is it?
Somewhat similar, except that Juice Plus "juices the whole fruit" and then dehydrates that juice to make its powder, while Balance of Nature dehydrates the whole fruit, so you are likely getting more fiber with Balance of Nature -- although they don't list the amounts of fiber in their fruit and vegetable products. By the way, we tested Juice Plus Berry Blend + in 2019, as part of our Greens and Whole Food Powders Review at https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/greens-whole-foods-powders-supplements/greens/ .
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Rick17445
July 22, 2022Thanks to you for the update. The TV ads, of late, have been voluminous. Getting the needed nutrition from the original sources is cheaper, more tasty and gives one a drink of water besides.
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Chris17441
July 22, 2022THANK YOU. I have been wonder about that. Asked on Facebook and those that tried it, said it was a waste of money. Their commercials are so believable though. Good actors.
Stephen17442
July 22, 2022What happened to Truth in Advertising?
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David17440
July 22, 2022Great info - I've wondered about those pills and would love to see them tested in the future. I'm currently taking Natrol JuiceFestiv Daily Fruit and Veggie Capsules and would love to someday see them and similar fruit/veggie supplements tested. Thanks for all your great work!
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Janet17438
July 22, 2022Great! Looking forward to the product test results.
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Clark17437
July 22, 2022Thank you for the abbreviated review of this product. I was hoping CL would look into this as well as Juice Plus. I am hopeful your indepth research comes soon as I am a big believer in CL and refer to articles often. Thank you again.
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william17436
July 22, 2022I am most interested in knowing the amount of lectins per serving... I think that the lectins will far outweigh the benefits provided per serving... not to mention the incredible high cost...
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Mary17435
July 22, 2022Thanks. You saved me money and kept me from trying to swallow those pills. Ugh!
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