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What are complaints about Balance of Nature?

3 min read

In November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Justice took action, halting the sale of Balance of Nature products until the company addressed repeated manufacturing violations. This regulatory crackdown highlights just some of the significant complaints about Balance of Nature that consumers and authorities have raised over the years.

Quick Summary

A review of complaints against Balance of Nature, citing regulatory actions by the FDA for false disease claims, lawsuits over misleading nutritional advertising, issues with product quality and value, and persistent customer service problems.

Key Points

  • False Disease Claims: The FDA has issued warnings and pursued legal action against Balance of Nature for falsely marketing its supplements as treatments or cures for serious diseases like cancer and diabetes.

  • Misleading Nutritional Value: Lawsuits claim the company exaggerates the nutritional content of its capsules, which contain minimal amounts of freeze-dried produce and have had fiber removed.

  • Manufacturing Violations: The FDA has cited Balance of Nature's manufacturer for failing to follow Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), leading to an injunction on sales in 2023.

  • Deceptive Subscription Practices: Customers frequently complain about automatic subscriptions that are difficult to cancel, involving aggressive sales tactics from customer service representatives.

  • High Price, Low Value: Many reviewers feel the supplements are overpriced and offer poor nutritional value compared to eating whole fruits and vegetables.

  • Poor Customer Service: Issues such as billing errors, delayed shipments, and difficulty securing refunds are common complaints from disgruntled customers.

In This Article

Regulatory Issues and Misleading Advertising

Balance of Nature has faced significant complaints and regulatory action regarding its advertising practices and unsubstantiated health claims. The company sells dietary supplements made from powdered fruits and vegetables.

FDA Warnings and Legal Action

Since at least 2019, the FDA has repeatedly warned Balance of Nature's parent company, Evig LLC, and its manufacturer about serious regulatory violations. The primary issue was marketing products as drugs capable of treating or preventing diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis without FDA approval. The companies allegedly failed to fix these issues, resulting in a 2023 injunction that temporarily stopped manufacturing and distribution.

False and Deceptive Marketing Lawsuits

Balance of Nature has also settled lawsuits concerning misleading advertising. A $1.1 million settlement was reached with a California task force in July 2023 over false claims about product effectiveness and comparing supplements to whole foods. This settlement included compensation for California residents who bought the products. A separate class-action lawsuit in Illinois also challenged the company's advertising regarding nutritional value and health benefits.

Concerns Over Product Quality and Nutritional Value

Many complaints also address the actual composition and quality of the product.

Minimal Nutritional Content

Despite claims about providing the “nutritional equivalent of over 5 servings of fruits,” critics argue the actual nutritional value is minimal. Consumer groups and experts note that the freeze-drying process removes fiber, and the amount of powdered produce in a daily dose is far less than in whole foods. One critique pointed out the very low calorie content, suggesting a small amount of actual food is present.

Lack of Quality Assurance Transparency

Unlike many reputable supplement brands that provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from third-party testing, Balance of Nature does not make this information public. Customer service reportedly provides vague assurances about internal testing instead of verifiable external proof.

Unappealing Product Experience

Some users have complained about the physical aspects, such as large capsules that are hard to swallow and the unpleasant smell and texture of the Fiber & Spice powder.

Subscription and Customer Service Woes

Customer reviews often mention frustrating experiences with the company's subscription model and customer service.

Difficulty Canceling Subscriptions

Numerous customers report difficulty canceling recurring subscriptions, often requiring a phone call where they face aggressive sales pitches. Some claim cancellation requests were ignored, leading to continued shipments and billing.

High Cost and Billing Issues

Many consumers find the products expensive, especially compared to the cost of actual fruits and vegetables. High costs are compounded by frequent billing problems, including charges for skipped orders or unwanted shipments.

Balance of Nature vs. Real Food & Competitors

Feature Balance of Nature Supplements Real Fruits & Vegetables Leading Competitor (e.g., Juice Plus)
Cost High. ~ $90 for 1 month supply Low to moderate, varies High, but some studies exist
Nutritional Value Potentially minimal, fiber removed, small amounts High, with fiber, vitamins, minerals Variable; some more transparent on potency
Fiber Content Low in Fruits & Veggies, separate Fiber & Spice product High and naturally occurring Can be low or supplemented
FDA Compliance History of violations, received injunction N/A (whole foods) Varies by manufacturer
Third-Party Testing Not publicly available N/A (raw food) Varies; transparent brands provide COAs
Overall Experience Reportedly poor customer service, difficult cancellation No subscription issues, fresh taste Varies by brand and customer experience

Conclusion

Complaints about Balance of Nature highlight significant concerns regarding marketing, product value, and customer service. Regulatory actions and legal settlements confirm a history of false and misleading health claims. Consumer experiences detail frustration with high prices, aggressive subscription tactics, and a lack of transparency about product quality. Consumers should be cautious and consult a healthcare provider before purchasing, considering the cost and questionable efficacy compared to a whole-food diet. The FDA's press releases offer official information on the 2023 consent decree against the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in November 2023, a federal judge entered a consent decree against Balance of Nature's manufacturer and distributor, ordering them to halt all sales and manufacturing until they complied with FDA regulations concerning manufacturing practices and proper labeling.

The FDA cited Balance of Nature for making dozens of unsupported claims, suggesting its supplements could treat, prevent, or cure diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and COVID-19.

In July 2023, Balance of Nature settled a false advertising lawsuit brought by a California task force. The lawsuit was based on misleading claims about the products' nutritional efficacy and exaggerated health benefits.

According to numerous customer complaints, yes. Users report having to call a customer service number to cancel, where they face resistance and aggressive attempts to keep them enrolled.

Experts and critics argue they do not. The freeze-drying and powdering process removes fiber, and the final nutritional content is significantly less than what you would get from eating actual fruits and vegetables.

Many consumers believe they are. Given the limited nutritional value compared to whole foods, the high monthly cost is a frequent point of complaint in reviews and consumer reports.

Besides difficult cancellations, customers report issues with billing errors, delayed shipments, and denied refund requests, contributing to the company’s poor reputation for customer service.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.