The Grown American Superfood is a powdered health supplement that promises a yummy, easy and affordable way to incorporate the necessary servings of fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
According to the Grown American Superfood website, the Superfood is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and non-GMO. The Superfood, which is currently the only product Grown American has, aims to promote a healthier lifestyle amongst its consumers, in order to improve longevity and personal health in the long run.
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Manufactured by the Van Drunen Farms, all ingredients are USDA certified organic and sourced from local farms in America. The Van Drunen Farms specialize in processing organic fruits, vegetables and herbs among other food ingredients, and pride themselves on producing top quality and fresh goods while keeping sustainability in mind.
With cutting edge innovation and having made a name for themselves in the food industry, the Van Drunen Farms have been in the business for over 50 years. Under the Van Drunen Farms, the Grown American Superfood is one of the rare few superfood blends that can brag that every single ingredient listed is freshly picked and grown free of pesticides and chemicals.
With the catchy advertising slogan “A Scoop A Day Helps Keep the Doctor Away!”, the Grown American Superfood makes big claims about its’ effectiveness. But what exactly is a superfood? And what do these superfoods do that are so beneficial for us? In this review, we will break down all the claimed benefits, ingredients, tastes, costs and retailers … basically, all you need to know before purchasing this product!
In a single scoop, the Grown American Superfood contains 1.5 servings of fruits and vegetables in just 25 calories, making it easy to reach the daily recommended intake for a healthier diet. Recognizing the growing issue of rising junk food consumption and lack of nutrients in the average person’s diet, the Superfood claims to be the finest solution that delivers superfood nutrients to its consumers “farm to table fresh”.
With freshly grown ingredients full of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, fiber, and natural phytonutrients, you can expect to feel revitalized and recharged after drinking the mix. The blend also has anti-aging, anti-cancer and immune system boosting properties, and it purportedly significantly reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Endorsed and promoted by celebrity doctors Dr. Joel Khan and Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, here is a breakdown of the ingredients and their supposed health benefits.
According to the official website, the Grown American Superfood is made from 4 different superfood categories. The ingredients listed are:
8 Organic Superfruits
Blueberry, Strawberry, Cranberry, Cherry, Orange, Lemon, Pear, and Apple.
This blend of superfruits is a powerful combination of the world’s most antioxidant-rich foods on the earth. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that protect the body against the effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage the cells and contribute to expedited aging and diseases such as heart disease and cancer. As some of the healthiest fruits available on the planet, blueberries, strawberries and cranberries are not only tasty but also have an incredibly high antioxidant capacity.
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Cherries, with their anti-inflammatory properties, are wonderful for people suffering from osteoarthritis, gout, and diabetes. Also full of antioxidants, cherries are known to protect against chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s. Orange and lemon are indisputably one of the most terrific sources of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, especially by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Meanwhile, apples and pears are nutrient-dense fruits containing vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. Whilst extremely high in fiber, these fruits are also low in calories and free of saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Apples and pears have been proven to lower blood pressure and BMI, making them an effective preventive method for coronary heart disease and other heart-related ailments.
5 Organic Concentrated Leafy Greens
Kale, Spinach, Wheatgrass, Barley Grass, and Alfalfa Grass.
The combination of leafy greens here is known to be intensely nutritious, packed with a variety of beneficial properties. Kale is hailed to be the king of the super greens, contributing a shockingly low-calorie count while being an excellent source of vitamins. Loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene and other flavonoids, kale has anti-aging as well as anti-cancer properties.
Next, we have spinach, known as one of the world’s best sources of iron, calcium, and magnesium. With potent health benefits due to the high mineral and vitamin content, incorporating a regular dosage of spinach into one’s diet is sure to pack a punch. Spinach is also known to contain alpha-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant shown to reduce glucose levels and improve the sensitivity of insulin, making it extremely beneficial for those with diabetes.
Meanwhile, wheatgrass, barley grass, and alfalfa grass are incredibly effective in lowering cholesterol and boosting metabolic health for healthy weight loss. The three kinds of grass also have antioxidant effects and are rich in nutrients and amino acids.
6 Organic Vegetables
Broccoli, Celery, Brussel Sprouts, Carrot, Green Bell Pepper, and Pumpkin.
These vegetables are immensely packed with vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that can contribute to reduced inflammation in body tissues. Vegetables are known to be essential for digestive processes, with celery, in particular, containing pectin-based polysaccharides that are believed to decrease the formation of stomach ulcers and regulate stomach secretions. With Brussel sprouts and broccoli being generous sources of fiber, this category can boost digestive health by promoting beneficial bacterial growth in the gut and lower blood sugar.
Moreover, everyone knows that orange-colored vegetables like carrot and pumpkin are uncontestedly the best sources of vitamin A you can include in your diet. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of blindness, thus consumption of pumpkins and carrots can actually reduce your risk of sight loss. Both these vegetables also contain carotenoids like beta-carotene, which acts as a natural sunscreen to protect skin cells against UV rays which cause harmful sun damage. Furthermore, lutein and zeaxanthin are found in relatively high amounts in bell peppers and pumpkins, which are known to improve eye health by protecting the retina from oxidative damage.
12 Organic Sprouts
Quinoa Sprout, Flax Sprout, Lentil Sprout, Amaranth Sprout, Chia Sprout, Sesame Sprout, Millet Sprout, Buckwheat Sprout, Garbanzo Bean Sprout, Adzuki Sprout, Sunflower Sprout, and Pumpkin Sprout.
The sprouts listed are proven to be top-notch sources of fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals that are very important to the average diet. The gluten-free properties of these sprouts make them an apt choice for those with grain sensitivities or other digestive disturbances. Quinoa is a significant source of plant antioxidants known as flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol; compounds that have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant effects. Quinoa is also very rich in proteins and important minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium.
Flaxseed and chia sprouts are amazing sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acids that prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the arteries around the heart, reducing risks of tumor growth, strokes, and heart disease. Because the body does not produce these fatty acids, it is crucial for us to incorporate ALA into our diet from external sources. Flaxseed also contains approximately 800 times more lignans than other plants- lignans are plant antioxidants that can help fight against cancer.
Lentil sprouts are known to contain the essential amino acids for muscle regeneration, to be high in dietary fiber thus reducing the risk of diabetes, and even to prevent atherosclerosis. Lentils have many anti-cancer properties, such as being high in vitamin B-complex (e.g. folic acid) content, meaning that they have the potential to control cancer spread. Amaranth sprouts contain a lot more lysine than the other grains- an essential amino acid that metabolizes fatty acids helps with the absorption of calcium and even prevents excessive hair loss.
Sesame sprouts and pumpkin sprouts are a powerful antioxidant-rich duo that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame seeds are especially nutrient-dense sources of plant protein, which promotes muscle regeneration and hormonal regulation. Moreover, they are marvelous sources of fiber and has been proven to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and arthritic pains. Meanwhile, pumpkin sprouts are known to have a positive impact on heart, prostate, and bladder health, and have shown effectiveness in being able to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Buckwheat sprouts are less popular, but equally nutritious when ingested. It has alkalizing properties and is an incredible source of iron, vitamin B, magnesium and other compounds that the body needs to function properly. Containing all eight essential amino acids, the buckwheat sprout is one of the most complete sources of protein available and has been proven to effectively lower blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. Likewise, sunflower sprouts are perfect sources of complete protein, which is vital for muscle repair and aiding enzymatic functions. Interestingly, sunflower sprouts are able to combat lower respiratory infections as they have the capacity to reduce chest congestion.
Garbanzo bean sprouts, more commonly known as chickpeas, have a low calorie and fat count but are very high in protein, folate, manganese, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other vitamins. Who says a superfood can’t be delicious and healthy simultaneously? Millet sprouts and adzuki sprouts are a fiber-rich pair in this mix that is able to improve digestion and gut health. A healthy digestive system reduces the risk of gastric ulcers and failure of the kidneys and liver.
In terms of the nutritional value of their ingredients, the Grown American Superfood has got every nutrient you would want in a drink. In summary, all the ingredients included in this mix are very rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other supplements that are crucial for a healthy diet. Theoretically, a daily dose of the Superfood would greatly boost the immune system, reduce cancer and diabetic risk, and provide countless other health benefits.
However, our main gripe is that the website does not explicitly state the actual amounts of each ingredient in the packet or in a single serving. This is a problem because it doesn’t tell us the exact nutritional value it provides. Yes, it’s all very well and good that these ingredients are so beneficial, but of course, it only works in certain dosages. And with so many ingredients in a powder, are we really getting the full benefits of all these nutrients?
Taken from the “Nutrition” tab on Dr. Kellyann’s website selling the Grown American Superfood, the ingredients used are in the following order:
Apple, Kale, Apple Fiber, Natural Apple Flavor, Spirulina, Stevia Extract, Alfalfa Grass, Barley Grass, Wheatgrass, Brown Rice, Carrot, Orange, Brussel Sprouts, Cherry, Cranberry, Pear, Blueberry, Strawberry, Broccoli, Adzuki Sprouts, Quinoa Sprouts, Amaranth Sprouts, Buckwheat Sprouts, Chia Sprouts, Flax Sprouts, Garbanzo Sprouts, Lentil Sprouts, Millet Sprouts, Pumpkin Sprouts, Sesame Sprouts, Sunflower Sprouts, Lemon, Spinach, Pumpkin, Green Bell Pepper, Celery, Sunflower Oil, Sunflower Lecithin.
On the assumption that the product label is showing us the ingredients in order based on the amount which the recipe contains, it would seem that certain highly beneficial superfoods (e.g. the Buckwheat sprout and Millet sprout) are further down the list than less nutritious options (e.g. apples). This leads us to wonder whether we are really getting the promised nutritional dosage that the Grown American Superfood website would have us believe, or whether the full benefits of these ingredients are compromised.
Tastewise, there have been very mixed reviews about how consumers feel about the flavor of the Grown American Superfood blend. While advertised to taste like apples, many report a hay-like or grassy taste to it.
The powder does mix well with water though, and Dr. Kellyann’s page has recommended having it mixed with juice, milk or yogurt. The versatility of this product in powder form is a plus point, as you can always choose to have it incorporated into a healthy smoothie.
A single 30-scoop bag of the product is base-priced at $79 on Amazon and $99.90 + $8.95 shipping fee on the official website (this price is inclusive of a free shaker cup and recipe book). We can calculate the serving cost to be about $2.60/serving based on Amazon’s pricing, and approximately $3.60/serving based on the official pricing.
In both instances, this pricing is quite expensive and whether or not it is value for money is rather questionable. Furthermore, as a health supplement and not a meal replacement drink, the price is quite daunting when there are many other more wallet-friendly options in the market with equally nutritious content.
The official website does offer a family pack discount of $159.80 + $9.95 shipping fee for four 30-scoop bags every 60 days, which would considerably lower the per-serving cost to about $1.4/serving. However, many reviewers have made complaints that they faced many difficulties in trying to cancel their subscription and obtain a refund.
Another option the official website offers is a 14-day free trial where customers pay the $8.95 shipping fee for the two week supply and will subsequently be charged a discounted rate of $99.90 + $9.95 shipping fee for an additional two months worth of supply if they do not call to cancel.
The serving cost for this subscription would be around $1.83/serving after the two weeks free trial period. However, it is quite concerning that some customers have experienced being charged while being supposedly on the free trial, and many complained about being charged and sent the subsequent batch of supply despite calling to cancel.
If you are interested to try out this mix for yourself, the Grown American Superfood is available for purchase on Amazon. It is almost never found retailing in stores, so we would recommend you to purchase it online.
Even at the reduced price of $80 on Amazon, the Grown American Superfood would not be what we’d call a bang for your buck. And if the high price is not a good enough deterrent to you, there are other reasons why we’d recommend going for another superfood drink of equal quality minus the inflated pricing.
While indeed listing many wonderful ingredients, the consumer is unclear of the exact amounts of each ingredient they’re getting, which should not be the case for any product that is to be ingested.
Finally, the taste is not appealing to most customers who have tried the product, a far cry from it being just like apple juice, as advertised on the website.
Our Recommended Greens
Among the best in green superfood powders is SuperGreen TONIK.
Its amazing how this supplement combines organic greens, brain and immune nutrients, all in one easy, great tasting drink. Plus, you get all the vitamin and mineral you need each day.
Author Profile
- Hi, my name is Sandra! I am the main author and reviewer of Super Greens Expert. I am a keen juicer as I was want to get all my daily veggies. Having found super greens I now use one such supplement daily.
Thank you for this qualitative review. I had many concerns after seeing their ads & then looking up the ingredients and product label, especially given their high price and high concentration of fruit and sweetener compared to lesser amounts of more nutritionally dense ingredients. Your research is very helpful. I will try a better super greens product. 🙂
Will Superfood lower high Blood Pressure? Does it contain salt ?
I am having serious issues trying to CANCEL this product after I came to the conclusion that it was OVER priced & I have serious doubts as to its benefits nutritionally. It’s in the hands of my credit card DISPUTE dept, but I just refused another box from them despite the fact that they now know that I DO NOT want this product. At 76 & a cancer survivor I need this headache like a hole in the head. UNREAL!
Hey my name is Craft… I highly recommend this product… I ve learned to appreciate the advantages of seethe results for this Super food… thanks????