Balance of Nature and Juice Plus+ are two popular whole-food supplements made from dried fruit and vegetable powders. Both promise to help “fill the gaps” in your diet, and both are expensive. This comparison looks at what is inside, what research exists, regulatory history and cost, so you can decide whether either is worth it, or whether eating real produce is the better choice.
Quick answer: Neither product replaces eating fruit and vegetables. Juice Plus+ has more published research (mostly showing higher blood levels of some antioxidants), while Balance of Nature has very little independent research and was subject to an FDA consent decree in 2023 over manufacturing violations and unapproved disease claims. Talk to your doctor before taking either, especially if you take blood thinners.
Balance of Nature vs Juice Plus: Side-by-Side
| Balance of Nature | Juice Plus+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Capsules of freeze-dried fruit and vegetable powder | Capsules or chewables (fruit, vegetable and berry blends) |
| How it is sold | Direct to consumer, subscription | Network marketing (sold through representatives) |
| Published research | Very little independent research | Multiple studies, many funded by the company |
| Regulatory history | 2023 FDA consent decree (manufacturing and labeling) | No similar FDA action found |
| Typical cost | Roughly $60–90 per month | Roughly $50–100 per month |
| Fiber | Very low per serving | Very low per serving |
What Is in Each Product?
Balance of Nature
Balance of Nature sells “Fruits” and “Veggies” capsules made from freeze-dried powders of around 30–35 fruits and vegetables, plus a fiber and spice product. Exact amounts of each ingredient are not disclosed, so it is hard to know how much of any one food you get.
Juice Plus+
Juice Plus+ offers Fruit, Vegetable and Berry blends made from juice powders and pulp, with some added vitamins in certain markets. Like Balance of Nature, it does not disclose the amount of each fruit or vegetable.
What Does the Research Say?
- Juice Plus+: a systematic review found that taking fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrates increased blood levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and folate (Esfahani et al., Nutrients, 2017). Effects on actual health outcomes, such as heart disease, are much less clear.
- Balance of Nature: we could not find independent clinical trials of Balance of Nature products.
- Whole produce wins: eating fruit and vegetables is consistently linked with lower risk of heart disease and some cancers, likely due to fiber and the whole-food matrix, which capsules do not replace.
Regulatory History
In November 2023, a federal court entered consent decrees requiring Balance of Nature’s distributor and manufacturer to stop making and selling the products until they fixed current good manufacturing practice violations. The FDA said the labeling also made unapproved claims about treating serious diseases (FDA, 2023). The company later announced that it had resumed sales.
Side Effects and Safety
- Blood thinners: concentrated greens can contain vitamin K, which affects warfarin. Tell your doctor before starting either product.
- Digestive upset: some people report bloating or changes in bowel habits.
- Allergies: check the full ingredient lists for foods you react to.
- Supplements are not FDA-approved for safety or effectiveness before sale.
Our Verdict
If you can afford $60–100 a month, you would usually get more benefit by spending it on fresh or frozen produce. If you still want a supplement, Juice Plus+ has more published research behind it, though much is company-funded. For an easy way to eat more produce, try juicing or blending: start with our green juice recipe or juicing advice for beginners. You may also find why Juice Plus is not good for you and Juice Plus shakes useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balance of Nature better than Juice Plus?
There is no head-to-head research. Juice Plus+ has more published studies, while Balance of Nature has very little independent research and a recent FDA enforcement history.
Can these supplements replace fruits and vegetables?
No. They provide very little fiber and do not replicate the benefits of whole produce.
Are Balance of Nature and Juice Plus safe?
Most healthy people tolerate them, but they can interact with medications such as warfarin. Ask your doctor first.
Why are they so expensive?
Production of freeze-dried powders, marketing, and in Juice Plus+’s case a network-marketing sales model all add cost.
