Fruits & Vegetables in a Pill?

You’ve probably seen ads for supplements like Juice Plus and Balance of Nature promising you all the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables in dried powder capsules. But what does the research show? Can you really pop a few pills instead of eating your daily servings of fruits and vegetables and expect the same health benefits?

In a word, no. But their commercials are compelling. Testimonials from athletes and active older people living their best lives - all because of Balance of Nature. But here are some facts, and lawsuits, you may find interesting!

• How Much is in the Capsules? Let's do the math. You need about 500 grams (18 ounces) of fruits and vegetables by weight a day. If that amount of fruits and vegetables were dehydrated into powder form, that would equal about 50 grams. Most of these supplements only contain about 2 to 10 grams of vegetable and fruit powder. 

• California Settlement: Back in July 2023, Balance of Nature agreed to a $1.1 million settlement for making false claims that included stating its products “could prevent, treat, or cure serious diseases including diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.” Part of this settlement went to refund California residents who purchased a Balance of Nature supplement. The company was forced to temporarily halt sales of their products but they were back up and running early December of 2023 – just in time for holiday sales!  

• National Settlement: A large nationwide class-action settlement of $9.95 million was reached with Balance of Nature in January 2026 for deceptive advertising, with claims for purchases made through late 2025.

  • In both the 2023 and 2025 actions, the company did not admit to wrongdoing. 

  • The lawsuit specified that consumers were paying $2.33 per day ($89.95 one-time, or $69.95 with a $24.95 membership fee) for products that, according to the complaint, offered minimal nutritional value.

  • If you bought Balance of Nature Veggies capsules or Fiber and Spice powder between March 28, 2019 and October 27, 2025, you can submit a claim by March 11, 2026. You can submit that claim here: https://www.supplements-settlement.com/ 

    
    

File this under the labels buyer beware and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Commercials for products like this appeal to our desire for health and well-being. They promise more energy, disease prevention, and better health. But sticking to tried and true real food is the way to go. 

Beth Kitchin PhD RDN