Pros and Cons of Balance of Nature
Pros
1. Vegetarian Product
All produce used in the Balance of Nature range are vegan and Fruits and Veggies are made with vegetarian capsules.
2. Careful Processing for Maximum Nutrition
Labelling states that all the ingredients are “powdered by an advanced vacuum-cold process to stabilize the maximum nutrient content”. The company’s website also highlights that they use a special freeze-drying process called flash drying that Dr. Howard helped to develop.
Using flash drying processing for Fruits and Veggies would ensure that the vast majority of the original vitamin and antioxidant content is retained.
3. High Quality Ingredients
The Balance of Nature site says that all their produce is grown without pesticides, is GMO-free, vine-ripened and picked at the peak of ripeness.
They also state that the dried produce powder is sent to an independent laboratory where it is tested for bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals and nutritional content.
Their products are made in America, with no added sugar, gluten-free, and with no synthetic vitamins or chemicals added.Nature Balance Vitamins by Dr Howard
Cons
1. Expensive Retail Price
Even if Balance of Nature’s offerings are of the highest quality, they are still very expensive at $89.95 retail for Fruits and Veggies, especially considering you only get 30 servings.
Compare that to the similar but significantly cheaper JuiceFestiv reviewed here. You’d have to check, but I see them at the best price here on iHerb at more than 4 times cheaper for the same 30 day supply, plus they’re organic.
Even more over the top is the Fiber and Spice tub at $69.95. It’s predominantly cheap psyllium husks and it’s difficult to see how this high cost can be justified.
You can get $20 off either of these products by becoming a ‘Preferred Customer’ for a one-time fee of $24.95. As a warning though, this signs you up to automatic monthly deliveries, which some customers complain are difficult to cancel.
Even if you did want regular monthly deliveries, this is still a high price point for the specific fruits and vegetables listed in Balance of Nature vitamins.
Based on my 10 years of researching superfood supplements, I don’t see them as good value versus competitors like Texas Superfood, JuiceFestiv, or especially Organifi Green Juice.
2. Cost Per Serving
At Balance of Nature’s retail price on their website of $89.95 for Fruits and Veggies, you get 30 servings of 6 capsules. That’s $2.99 per daily dose.
Compare that price with Texas Superfood and these far superior 180 capsule tubs, with further deductions for family packs and free monthly deliveries.
That’s with a similar philosophy on ingredient quality, and a much broader and better range of fruits, berries, vegetables, herbs and greens. There’s also probiotic cultures and an enzyme blend, both not found in Balance of Nature.
3. Not USDA Organic
The company said on their site that their product goes “beyond the USDA organic” seal and that they choose not to use it on their labels because it “does not approach their philosophies and standards”.
This statement does not help the consumer make an informed decision though. Could the extra cost of USDA organic certification have been just as much of a factor as any company ‘philosophy’?
4. Added Soybean in Veggies
I’ve stated my concern with the soybean in the Veggies supplement earlier in this Balance of Nature review.
Digging deeper into the company’s website, they defend this inclusion by stating that “cultures that have whole soy in their food… especially fermented, have some of the lowest… lifestyle diseases”.
It’s mentioned in passing in this statement, but fermentation of soy is key to its benefits. Doctor Howard’s labeling does not state the soy is fermented and the FAQs mentions whole soybean.
superfoodprofiles.com/balance-of-nature-review?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Balance%20of%20Nature%20Review&utm_term=balance%20of%20nature&utm_content=Balance%20of%20Nature%20Review#2_Better_Choices_if_Youre_Short_on_Time
