No Aspartame: An Overview of Bloom's Sweeteners
Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the ingredients in their health and wellness products, particularly concerning artificial sweeteners like aspartame. For those wondering about Bloom Nutrition, the answer is straightforward: the brand's main product lines, including its Greens & Superfoods powder and its Sparkling Energy Drinks, do not contain aspartame. Instead, the company has chosen to use alternative sweeteners, primarily stevia leaf extract, to provide flavor without added sugar.
Bloom Nutrition Greens & Superfoods: Sweetened with Stevia
An examination of the ingredient list for Bloom's popular Greens & Superfoods powder confirms the absence of aspartame. Ingredients lists for products like the Strawberry Kiwi or Mango flavors show "Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb A)" under the 'Other Ingredients' section. Stevia is a natural, non-caloric sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, offering a sweet taste without the added sugar found in many other products. This choice aligns with the brand's "keto friendly" and "sugar free" positioning advertised on its sales pages. It's worth noting that one dietitian review mentioned past formulas of some Bloom products, possibly including other items beyond the greens, have used sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. However, the most recent and widely-sold greens formulations prominently feature stevia.
Why Stevia? A Natural Sweetener Choice
Stevia is often favored by brands looking to appeal to health-conscious consumers who prefer natural-based ingredients. The benefits of using stevia include:
- Natural Origin: It is derived from a plant, appealing to those seeking natural alternatives.
- Zero Calories: Stevia provides sweetness without contributing calories to the product.
- Sugar-Free: It is safe for those managing blood sugar levels or following low-sugar diets.
Bloom Sparkling Energy Drinks: Free of Aspartame
For its lineup of Sparkling Energy Drinks, Bloom Nutrition again explicitly avoids aspartame. The company's marketing and product descriptions proudly state, "No artificial flavors or colors, or aspartame, ever". These energy drinks, which are marketed as zero-sugar and low-calorie, use natural sweeteners alongside natural flavors to create their taste profiles. A look at the ingredient list reveals natural flavors and the addition of sucralose as a sweetener. While sucralose is a different non-nutritive sweetener from aspartame, this demonstrates the company's reliance on a mix of sweetener strategies depending on the product formulation.
Comparison Table: Bloom's Sweeteners vs. Aspartame
| Feature | Bloom (Greens & Superfoods) | Bloom (Sparkling Energy Drinks) | Aspartame (For Comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetener(s) | Stevia Leaf Extract | Natural Flavors, Sucralose | Aspartame |
| Origin | Natural (Stevia plant) | Synthetic (Sucralose) | Synthetic (amino acids) |
| Caloric Content | 0 calories | 0 calories | 0 calories |
| Primary Use | Sweetens greens powder blend | Sweetens sparkling beverage | Artificial sweetener in diet products |
| Company Stance | Promotes as natural, sugar-free alternative | Explicitly states "no aspartame, ever" | Used in many competing products |
Potential Downsides and Considerations
While Bloom avoids aspartame, the use of other artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners is not without potential issues for some people. A CNET review mentioned a "strong artificial taste" that some consumers experience with Bloom's greens powders. Taste is subjective, and reactions to stevia can vary, with some finding it has a noticeable aftertaste. Additionally, some dietitian commentary has highlighted that despite being generally safe, sweeteners like sucralose can have concerning research surrounding them, particularly regarding potential links to heart disease, though these studies are often correlational and not conclusive. It's important for consumers to be aware of all ingredients and listen to their own bodies. For a more detailed third-party analysis, consider reading reviews on reliable sources like this CNET article.
Conclusion: Aspartame-Free, but Check the Label
In conclusion, Bloom Nutrition's Greens & Superfoods powder and its Sparkling Energy Drinks do not contain aspartame. The company uses stevia leaf extract in its popular greens powder and a combination of natural flavors and sucralose in its energy drinks. This aligns with the brand's marketing as a health-conscious option, although consumers sensitive to alternative sweeteners should always check the label for specific ingredients like stevia and sucralose. By offering this transparency, Bloom allows customers to make informed decisions about the supplements they choose for their daily wellness routines.
