Why Look for an Alternative?
Balance of Nature has been a popular name in the whole-food supplement market, but several factors have driven consumers to seek alternatives. Issues such as the company's high price point, history of FDA warning letters for unsubstantiated health claims, and a lack of publicly available third-party testing results have eroded trust among many. The subscription service, while offering a discount, is often cited for its less-than-flexible policies. These concerns have highlighted the need for more transparent, affordable, and trustworthy options that still deliver the nutritional benefits of concentrated fruits and vegetables.
Leading Whole-Food Supplement Alternatives
For those who prefer the convenience of a supplement, several brands offer a comparable or superior product to Balance of Nature. These alternatives often feature more stringent quality control, transparent testing, and better overall value.
Juice Plus+ Fruit & Vegetable Blend
Juice Plus+ is a long-standing and well-regarded competitor known for its extensive clinical research and NSF certification, which ensures quality and safety.
- Key Features: Includes a wide variety of freeze-dried fruit and vegetable powders, as well as added vitamins and minerals.
- Pros: Supported by numerous clinical trials, generous 180-day return policy for unopened products, NSF certified for quality assurance.
- Cons: Requires a subscription for purchase, which some consumers may find inconvenient.
AG1 (Athletic Greens)
AG1 is a comprehensive greens powder known for its extensive list of 75 ingredients, which include whole-food-sourced nutrients, probiotics, adaptogens, and digestive enzymes.
- Key Features: A robust formula designed for overall health, digestion, and energy.
- Pros: NSF Certified for Sport, transparent about third-party testing, and includes additional functional ingredients.
- Cons: On the higher end of the price spectrum.
Simply Nature's Promise Simply Fruits & Veggies
Simply Nature's Promise offers a product very similar in formulation to Balance of Nature but with several key improvements.
- Key Features: Uses a mix of freeze-dried fruits and veggies, similar to Balance of Nature's blends.
- Pros: Significantly lower price point, better return policy, and GMP-certified with third-party testing for safety and purity.
- Cons: Not made with organic produce.
Garden of Life Raw Fiber Powder
While focused on fiber rather than fruits and veggies, Garden of Life offers a transparent, whole-food alternative for those interested in the Fiber & Spice element of Balance of Nature.
- Key Features: Contains organic sprouted grains, seeds, and legumes with added probiotics and Omega-3s.
- Pros: High transparency regarding ingredients and testing, includes probiotics, and has a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Cons: A fiber product, not a direct replacement for fruit and veggie capsules.
Comparison of Alternatives to Balance of Nature
To help you decide, here is a breakdown comparing Balance of Nature with some of its top competitors:
| Feature | Balance of Nature | Juice Plus+ | AG1 (Athletic Greens) | Simply Nature's Promise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Product | Fruits & Veggies Capsules | Fruit & Vegetable Blend | Greens Powder | Simply Fruits & Veggies |
| Cost (Monthly Approx.) | $89.95+ | $54.00+ | $79.00+ | $59.95+ |
| Ingredients | Freeze-dried whole fruits & veggies | Concentrated juice powder | 75+ whole foods, probiotics, adaptogens | Freeze-dried whole fruits & veggies |
| Third-Party Testing | Periodic; not public | NSF Certified | NSF Certified for Sport | Third-party tested & GMP certified |
| Transparency | Low; minimal testing results public | High; NSF certification visible | High; testing standards are clear | High; testing information available |
| Added Benefits | None advertised | Some vitamins, minerals | Probiotics, prebiotics, adaptogens | None advertised |
| Return Policy | 30-day for first order, subscription only | 180-day for unopened products | 90-day money-back guarantee | 30-day policy (more lenient) |
The Ultimate Alternative: A Whole-Food Diet
While supplements offer convenience, the best and most natural alternative to Balance of Nature is prioritizing a diet rich in fresh, whole foods. A balanced whole-food diet provides a complex synergy of nutrients, fiber, and water that supplements cannot fully replicate.
- Benefits of a Whole-Food Diet: Provides superior nutrient bioavailability, improved satiety due to fiber and water content, and a broader range of health benefits than isolated or powdered nutrients. Whole foods also help maintain a healthy gut microbiome through natural fiber and fermented options.
- Practical Steps: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins into your daily meals. Make small, sustainable changes, such as adding extra vegetables to dinner or snacking on a handful of nuts instead of processed foods.
Conclusion
For those looking for the best alternative to Balance of Nature, several excellent options exist, depending on your priorities. For a clinically studied, high-quality capsule at a better price point, Juice Plus+ is a strong contender. If a comprehensive, all-in-one greens powder with probiotics and adaptogens is your goal, AG1 is a top choice. For an affordable, straightforward fruit and veggie capsule with better transparency, Simply Nature's Promise stands out. However, no supplement can fully replace the benefits of a balanced diet centered on whole foods. The ideal approach combines a nutrient-rich diet with a high-quality, transparently tested whole-food supplement to fill any remaining nutritional gaps.