What is the Bloom Drink?
Bloom Nutrition's Greens & Superfoods powder, often referred to as the 'Bloom drink', is a dietary supplement heavily promoted on social media platforms like TikTok. It is marketed as an easy and delicious way to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods. Bloom claims its powder can help relieve bloating, support digestion, and boost energy levels through a blend of over 30 ingredients.
Decoding the Ingredient Blends
The Bloom drink's formula is built around several proprietary blends, which means the brand doesn't disclose the exact amount of each specific ingredient within the blend. This lack of transparency is a major point of concern for nutrition experts.
The main ingredient blends found in Bloom Greens include:
- Green Superfood Blend: Contains greens like organic spirulina, organic chlorella, and organic wheatgrass, which are known for their nutritional value. However, the total amount of this blend per scoop is relatively small compared to some competitors.
- Fiber Blend: Ingredients such as chicory root and apple fruit powder provide fiber to aid digestion. Some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may find chicory root to cause discomfort.
- Pre- and Probiotic Blend: A combination of prebiotics (like blue agave inulin) and probiotics (like Lactobacillus acidophilus) is included to support a balanced gut microbiome. A key issue, however, is that the CFU count for the probiotics isn't disclosed, so the potency is unknown.
- Digestive Enzyme Blend: This blend features various enzymes to help break down food and aid nutrient absorption. The controversial inclusion of maltodextrin in this blend has been noted by dietitians, as it may negatively affect gut health for some.
- Adaptogenic Blend: Contains herbal extracts like ashwagandha and rhodiola, traditionally used to help the body manage stress. As with other proprietary blends, the dosage may be too low for a significant effect.
- Antioxidant Beauty Blend: Features a variety of berries and extracts, like cranberry, acai, and goji berries, to provide antioxidants.
Expert Opinions and Potential Health Risks
Registered dietitians and other health professionals offer a more nuanced view of Bloom's health claims. While the presence of many beneficial ingredients is noted, the overall effectiveness is questioned due to the proprietary blend and potentially low dosages. Many experts caution that no supplement can truly replace a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Potential health risks include:
- Digestive Upset: Despite being marketed for bloating relief, some sensitive users experience increased gas, bloating, cramping, or diarrhea, particularly in the beginning, as their system adjusts to the new fibers and probiotics.
- Heavy Metal Contamination: A concern for any greens powder is the risk of heavy metals present in the soil where ingredients are grown. While Bloom claims to test for contaminants, this remains a general risk for the greens powder category.
- Medication Interactions: The wide variety of herbs and extracts, including adaptogens, can potentially interact with prescription medications. It is crucial to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement.
Comparison: Bloom Greens vs. Athletic Greens (AG1)
| Feature | Bloom Greens & Superfoods | Athletic Greens (AG1) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Serving | ~$1.10–$1.33 | ~$3.33+ |
| Ingredient Transparency | Proprietary blends; dosages of key ingredients are hidden | Proprietary blends, but significantly higher overall ingredient amounts |
| Nutrient Density | Moderate amounts of greens, often with lower dosages of active ingredients | Very high nutrient density with over 75 ingredients |
| Third-Party Testing | Tested by ISO-accredited labs for contaminants; not certified by independent labs like NSF | NSF-Certified for Sport, verifying quality and safety |
| Digestive Support | Includes digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics | Includes digestive enzymes and probiotics but fewer total digestive compounds |
| Taste Variety | Wide variety of popular flavors like Mango, Berry, and Coconut | One plain-flavored option |
Using the Bloom Drink Safely
If you decide to try Bloom greens, consider the following to maximize potential benefits and minimize risks:
- Read the Label: Pay close attention to all ingredients, especially if you have known sensitivities to sweeteners like stevia or additives like maltodextrin.
- Mix for Better Texture: Many users find Bloom greens mixes poorly with just a spoon. Using a shaker bottle or blender can help prevent a gritty, clumpy texture.
- Dilute the Sweetness: Some find the flavor, especially the fruit-flavored options, to be too sweet due to the stevia. Mixing with juice or more water can help.
- Listen to Your Body: If you experience ongoing digestive discomfort, consider taking a smaller dose or discontinuing the product.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications. For more information on greens powders in general, the Mayo Clinic offers additional resources.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
While the Bloom drink is a popular and palatable way to consume more superfoods, it is not a 'magic cure' for bloating or a replacement for a healthy diet. For individuals struggling to get enough fruits and vegetables, it can serve as a convenient and tasty supplemental option. However, the proprietary blends and lack of quantified nutrients make it difficult to determine the true potency and value, especially when compared to higher-priced but more transparent alternatives. Potential gastrointestinal side effects and the risk of heavy metal contamination are also important considerations. Ultimately, for those prioritizing whole foods, Bloom's high cost relative to its questionable efficacy may not be worthwhile. But for a user who appreciates the flavor and convenience and understands its supplementary role, it can be a part of a larger wellness routine.
