Different Bloom Products, Different Sweeteners
Understanding the sweetener profile of Bloom Nutrition requires a look at their different product categories. The company uses different sweetening agents for its various offerings to achieve the desired flavor and nutritional profile. For a discerning consumer, reading the ingredient label is key to knowing exactly what you are consuming.
Bloom Greens & Superfoods: Sweetened with Stevia
For its flagship Greens & Superfoods powder, Bloom Nutrition relies on a natural, plant-derived sweetener called Stevia leaf extract. Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener, meaning it provides sweetness without adding sugar or calories to the product. The brand promotes its Greens powder as being free from artificial sweeteners. Stevia is generally regarded as safe for consumption, but it's not without potential drawbacks for some individuals. Some users have reported mixed experiences with the taste and side effects. For example, some customer reviews mention an overwhelming sweetness from the Stevia, which they find off-putting or describe as having an "artificial sweet" aftertaste. Other users have noted that the Stevia can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or gas, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Bloom Sparkling Energy Drinks: The Sucralose Sweetener
In a clear departure from the Greens powder formula, Bloom's Sparkling Energy drinks use the artificial sweetener sucralose. Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener, commonly known by the brand name Splenda. It is zero-calorie and significantly sweeter than sugar. The inclusion of sucralose in their energy drinks allows Bloom to market them as containing zero sugar, which is a key selling point for many consumers. However, just like the Stevia in the greens, the sucralose in the energy drinks receives mixed feedback. Some reviewers have noted that the zero-sugar drinks have a distinct, strong artificial taste that they find less enjoyable than beverages sweetened with real sugar. It's crucial for consumers watching their intake of artificial sweeteners to check the label for this specific product line.
Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda: A Blend of Sugar and Stevia
Another distinct product, Bloom Pop, is a prebiotic soda that takes yet another approach to sweetening. Unlike the energy drinks, these sodas are not entirely zero-sugar. They contain a small amount of real sugar, which is then supplemented with Stevia leaf extract to achieve the desired level of sweetness. This combination allows Bloom to keep the overall sugar and calorie content low while providing a taste profile that differs from both the naturally-sweetened greens powder and the artificially-sweetened energy drink.
Natural vs. Artificial Sweeteners
For those trying to navigate the difference in sweeteners, a simple comparison can be helpful. The distinction between natural and artificial sweeteners often comes down to their origin and chemical composition.
Comparison of Bloom's Sweeteners
| Sweetener | Product Line | Type | Caloric? | Common Customer Feedback | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevia Leaf Extract | Greens & Superfoods, Bloom Pop | Natural, plant-based | No | Can be overly sweet; potential for gastrointestinal discomfort | 
| Sucralose | Sparkling Energy Drinks | Artificial, synthetic | No | Strong, often noticeable artificial aftertaste | 
| Sugar | Bloom Pop | Natural (refined) | Yes | Part of a sugar/stevia blend to balance flavor | 
The Bottom Line for Consumers
With the different products containing different types of sweeteners, the onus is on the consumer to understand what's in their specific purchase. For those who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, the Greens & Superfoods powder is a suitable option. However, if your goal is to avoid all sweeteners, neither the Greens nor the flavored Pop and Energy drinks will meet your needs. While Stevia is natural, it is still a sweetener and may affect some individuals differently than sugar. For those who are sensitive to the taste of Stevia or prefer a truly unsweetened supplement, the Bloom product line may not be the right fit.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether Bloom has artificial sweeteners is product-specific. Bloom's Greens & Superfoods powder is sweetened with the natural, plant-based Stevia leaf extract. However, their Sparkling Energy drinks contain the artificial sweetener sucralose, and the Bloom Pop prebiotic sodas utilize a combination of sugar and Stevia. For those seeking to avoid artificial sweeteners, the Greens powder is the choice to make, but a close examination of the ingredient list for any product is always recommended. Ultimately, personal taste preference and dietary goals will determine which, if any, of Bloom's products are right for you.
For more detailed information on natural sweeteners, you can explore research from authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health.