What is Bloom Greens & Superfoods?
Bloom Greens & Superfoods is a dietary supplement in powder form, designed to be mixed into water, juice, or smoothies. The product is a blend of over 30 ingredients, broadly categorized into several different mixes. These include a fiber blend, a green superfood blend, a pre- and probiotic blend, a fruit and vegetable blend, and an adaptogenic blend. Its primary marketing angle is to help with gut health, digestion, and bloating relief, making it a popular choice for those seeking to fill nutritional gaps.
The Probiotic Component in Bloom
While many people refer to Bloom as a 'probiotic drink,' this is not entirely accurate. The product contains a 'pre- and probiotic blend' which includes probiotic strains such as Bifidobacteria Bifidum, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Prebiotics (like inulin from blue agave) are also included to serve as food for these beneficial bacteria, helping them to flourish. However, one major point of concern raised by nutrition experts is the lack of transparency regarding the number of Colony-Forming Units (CFUs). Without this information, it is impossible to know if the dose of probiotics is potent enough to have a significant, lasting impact on gut health.
Other Key Ingredients
Beyond the probiotic blend, Bloom Greens contains a wide array of other ingredients. These include:
- Green Superfood Blend: Featuring nutrient-dense ingredients like organic spirulina powder, organic chlorella powder, organic wheatgrass, and organic barley grass powder.
- Digestive Enzyme Blend: This mix of enzymes, including amylase, cellulase, and lipase, is designed to help the body break down food more efficiently and may help alleviate bloating.
- Fruit and Vegetable Blend: Ingredients like beet root powder, carrot root powder, kale leaf powder, and broccoli head powder provide additional vitamins and antioxidants.
- Adaptogenic Blend: This blend contains herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola root, which are intended to help the body manage stress.
Bloom vs. Traditional Probiotic Drinks: A Comparison
To understand the distinction better, let's compare Bloom Greens to a traditional probiotic drink like kombucha or kefir.
| Feature | Bloom Greens Powder | Traditional Probiotic Drink (e.g., Kombucha) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Powder mixed with liquid | Ready-to-drink liquid |
| Primary Function | A multi-nutrient greens and superfood supplement | A fermented beverage primarily for probiotic intake |
| Key Active Component | A blend of probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, greens, etc. | Live and active bacterial cultures from fermentation |
| Probiotic Potency | Often undisclosed CFU count, efficacy uncertain | Standardized and clearly labeled CFU count |
| Nutrient Profile | Broad, includes vitamins, minerals, antioxidants from superfoods | Typically more focused on probiotic content and fermentation byproducts |
| Ingredient Complexity | High, with multiple proprietary blends | Simpler, with a clear focus on the fermented ingredients |
The Efficacy of Probiotics in Greens Powders
The concept of adding probiotics to a greens powder is not unique to Bloom. The practice can offer a convenient way to include some gut-supporting bacteria into a daily routine. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the CFU count is a significant issue for consumers interested in the true probiotic benefits. For a probiotic to be effective, a specific dosage of live, active bacteria is required. When brands use proprietary blends without disclosing the CFU count, it raises doubts about whether the product provides a therapeutically relevant amount of probiotics.
This is not to say that Bloom provides no benefits. The combination of ingredients may still aid digestion, and the fiber content can support gut health. The inclusion of digestive enzymes may also offer relief from bloating for some individuals. However, those with specific and serious gut health issues may require a more targeted probiotic supplement with a guaranteed, higher potency. As with any supplement, it is best used as a complement to a healthy diet rich in whole foods, not as a replacement. The National Institutes of Health provides helpful information on understanding probiotics, which is always a good starting point for further research.
Conclusion
In summary, is Bloom a probiotic drink? Not in the traditional sense. It is a powdered greens and superfoods supplement that does contain a blend of probiotic strains. While this can offer some benefits for gut health and digestion, the effectiveness of its probiotic component is questionable due to the undisclosed CFU count. Ultimately, while it may be a tasty way to get some added nutrients, it should not be confused with a dedicated probiotic supplement or drink that provides a proven, potent dose of live cultures. For optimal gut health, a diet rich in whole foods and fermented products, combined with a high-quality, transparently-dosed probiotic if needed, is the most reliable strategy.
