Simply Nature's Promise vs. Balance of Nature: An In-Depth Look
When navigating the crowded market of dietary supplements, particularly those based on whole fruits and vegetables, two names often arise: Simply Nature's Promise and Balance of Nature. Both aim to provide a convenient way to increase daily fruit and vegetable intake through capsules. While their basic concept is similar, a closer look reveals significant differences in pricing, ingredients, and company practices that are crucial for consumers to understand.
The All-Important Ingredient List: What's Inside?
Both supplements offer a blend of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, but their specific formulas have key distinctions. Simply Nature's Promise lists over 40 fruits and vegetables, including ingredients like beetroot, pomegranate, and green tea leaf. Notably, its formula is 100% soy-free, making it a viable option for those with soy allergies.
Balance of Nature’s Fruits and Veggies contain a blend of 31 items, featuring a list of more common produce like apples, spinach, and carrots. However, some versions of the Balance of Nature vegetable blend contain soybean, which could be a concern for some users. An investigation into Balance of Nature also alleged that the company removes the fiber from its produce, which decreases nutritional value and misleads consumers about the product's efficacy. Furthermore, an honest analysis from a nutritional expert noted that the enzyme activity in the capsules was significantly lower than that found in fresh juice, requiring an impractical number of pills to achieve comparable benefits.
Comparing Cost and Value
The most glaring difference between the two products is the price. Simply Nature's Promise is consistently and significantly less expensive. A comparison found Simply Nature's Promise Fruits & Veggies costs roughly 30% less than Balance of Nature for a one-month supply. Balance of Nature's high price point has been a major point of contention for many consumers, compounded by a restrictive and sometimes frustrating subscription model. In contrast, Simply Nature's Promise offers lower pricing and more lenient policies.
Third-Party Testing and Quality Assurance
Third-party testing is a critical factor for ensuring supplement quality, verifying that the product contains what the label claims and is free from contaminants. Simply Nature's Promise states it is GMP-certified and undergoes third-party testing to ensure potency and check for heavy metals and pesticides. The company makes its testing and manufacturing processes transparent.
Balance of Nature’s approach to quality control has drawn criticism. A 2025 review noted that while a customer service representative claimed third-party testing was conducted periodically, the company did not make Certificates of Analysis publicly available and had a less rigorous approach compared to other brands. Additionally, the FDA issued a warning letter against Balance of Nature for misbranded drugs and for violations of good manufacturing practice.
The Customer Experience
Customer reviews reflect the divergence between the brands. Simply Nature's Promise reviews are generally positive, highlighting the product’s affordability and good ingredients. On the other hand, Balance of Nature has faced widespread negative feedback, with numerous complaints about deceptive billing practices, poor customer service, and an overly complex subscription process. Issues with billing, canceling subscriptions, and misleading advertising have been frequently reported by disgruntled customers on review sites.
Simply Nature's Promise vs. Balance of Nature Comparison Table
| Feature | Simply Nature's Promise | Balance of Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Significantly lower | Considerably higher |
| Ingredients | Over 40 fruits and veggies; 100% soy-free | 31 fruits and veggies; includes soybean in some blends |
| Third-Party Testing | GMP-certified and publicly states third-party testing | Periodic testing, but no public certificates of analysis |
| Sourcing | USA-grown ingredients | Sources not as clearly defined |
| Customer Service | Generally positive feedback | Poor reviews citing predatory billing and poor service |
| Fiber Content | Contains fiber from whole foods | Reportedly removes fiber from ingredients |
Conclusion: Which Supplement is Right for You?
While both Simply Nature's Promise and Balance of Nature aim to supplement your diet with powdered fruits and vegetables, the evidence strongly suggests that Simply Nature's Promise offers better value and transparency. With a more affordable price point, clear commitment to third-party testing, and positive customer feedback, Simply Nature's Promise provides a compelling alternative. The company's soy-free formulation is also a key benefit for individuals with sensitivities. In contrast, Balance of Nature's high cost, history of FDA issues, and a concerning track record of poor customer service and questionable product claims make it a less appealing choice. For most consumers, Simply Nature's Promise appears to be the more reliable and trustworthy option for a daily fruit and vegetable supplement.
Ultimately, neither supplement should be viewed as a complete replacement for a diet rich in fresh, whole foods. However, as a convenient dietary addition, Simply Nature's Promise is the clear winner in this head-to-head comparison.
