Bloom Greens are a plant-based protein powder made from sprouted legumes and seeds
Bloom Greens is a brand of plant protein powder designed to mix into smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, or water. The powder is made primarily from sprouted legumes—beans and lentils that have been allowed to sprout before being dried and ground—along with seeds and other plant ingredients. Because it comes from legumes, it fits into the plant protein category you're already exploring.
The main draw is that it provides protein in a form that's straightforward to add to foods you already eat. One serving typically contains 15 to 20 grams of protein, depending on the specific product line. Unlike whole cooked beans, which require soaking and cooking time, the powder mixes in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Bloom Greens powder delivers plant protein from sprouted legumes in a form that mixes into drinks and foods without cooking.
- A single serving usually provides 15 to 20 grams of protein, making it comparable to other plant protein powders in that range.
- The sprouting process may make some nutrients easier for your body to absorb, though research on this benefit is still developing.
- Like any powder, Bloom Greens costs more per serving than buying dried beans or lentils and cooking them yourself.
How sprouted legumes differ from regular legumes
Sprouting is a process where dried beans or seeds are soaked and allowed to begin growing. Once a small sprout emerges, the legume is dried again and ground into powder. This sprouting step is the main thing that sets Bloom Greens apart from other plant protein powders made from regular dried legumes.
The idea behind sprouting is that it may reduce compounds called antinutrients—substances that can bind to minerals like iron and zinc and make them harder for your body to absorb. When legumes sprout, enzyme activity increases, which theoretically breaks down some of these compounds. However, the research on whether this actually makes a meaningful difference in how much nutrition your body gets from the powder is still limited. Some studies suggest sprouting helps; others show minimal change.
Sprouting also changes the taste and texture slightly. Sprouted legume powders often taste less "beany" than regular legume powders, which some people prefer when mixing into smoothies or other foods.
Protein content and how it compares to other plant sources
Bloom Greens products typically contain between 15 and 20 grams of protein per serving, depending on which product line you choose. That puts it in the middle range for plant protein powders—not the highest, but comparable to many competitors.
For context, a cup of cooked lentils has about 18 grams of protein, and a cup of cooked black beans has about 15 grams. The main difference is convenience: the powder requires no cooking, while whole beans need soaking and cooking time. You're paying for that convenience, which means the cost per gram of protein is typically higher than buying dried beans and cooking them yourself.
Bloom Greens also contains other plant ingredients beyond just sprouted legumes—often seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and sometimes greens like spinach. These add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, though the amounts vary by product.
What's actually in a serving
A typical serving of Bloom Greens powder (usually one scoop, around 30 to 40 grams) contains protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Most servings have 2 to 5 grams of fiber, which supports digestion. The carbohydrate content is usually modest—around 5 to 10 grams per serving—since most of the weight comes from protein.
The ingredient list varies by product line, but common additions include sprouted pea protein, sprouted lentil protein, pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, and added greens like spinach or kale powder. Some versions include sweeteners (either sugar or sugar substitutes) and flavoring, while others are unflavored. Check the label on the specific product you're considering, since formulations differ.
Most Bloom Greens products are free from common allergens like soy, dairy, and gluten, though you should verify this on the package since formulations can change.
How to use Bloom Greens in everyday eating
The simplest way to use Bloom Greens is to mix a scoop into a smoothie with fruit, liquid, and other ingredients. The powder dissolves reasonably well in cold liquid, though some people prefer to blend it to avoid grittiness.
You can also stir it into oatmeal, yogurt, or pancake batter before cooking. Some people add it to soups or stews, though heat may affect some of the nutrients. A few people mix it into energy balls or bars with nuts and dates. The unflavored versions work better in savory dishes, while the flavored versions (like vanilla or chocolate) work better in sweet applications.
One serving mixed into a smoothie or bowl of oatmeal adds protein without significantly changing the taste or texture if you choose a flavor that matches what you're making.
Cost and where to find it
Bloom Greens is sold primarily through the company's website and through major online retailers. Prices vary depending on which product line you choose and whether you buy a single container or a subscription. A single container typically costs between $30 and $50 and contains roughly 15 to 20 servings, which works out to roughly $1.50 to $3 per serving.
For comparison, a pound of dried lentils costs $1 to $2 and yields about 7 to 8 cups of cooked lentils (roughly 14 to 16 servings), or about 10 to 15 cents per serving. Bloom Greens is more expensive per serving, but requires no cooking and mixes into foods when ready. Whether that trade-off makes sense depends on your schedule and preferences.
Potential downsides and things to consider
Bloom Greens is a processed food, meaning it's more refined than whole beans or lentils. Some of the fiber and nutrients are lost during the sprouting, drying, and grinding process. If your goal is to eat whole foods as much as possible, whole cooked legumes are a less processed option.
The powder also costs significantly more per gram of protein than buying dried legumes and cooking them. If budget is a concern, whole beans and lentils are a more economical choice.
Some people find that legume-based powders cause bloating or digestive discomfort, even when sprouted. If you're sensitive to legumes, this product may not work for you. Starting with a small amount and seeing how your body responds is a reasonable approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sprouting actually make the protein easier to digest?
Sprouting may reduce antinutrients that interfere with mineral absorption, but the research is mixed. Some studies show improvement; others show minimal difference. If you find whole legumes cause bloating, sprouted versions might help, but there's no may provide.
Can I use Bloom Greens as a meal replacement?
A single serving of Bloom Greens mixed into a smoothie provides protein and some carbohydrates, but it's not nutritionally complete as a meal on its own. Pairing it with fruit, healthy fats, and other whole foods makes it more balanced.
Is Bloom Greens better than other plant protein powders?
Bloom Greens is one option among many plant protein powders. The sprouting process is its main distinguishing feature, but whether that matters depends on your priorities. If you care about sprouted ingredients and don't mind the cost, it's a solid choice. If budget or specific nutritional needs matter more, other powders may work just as well.
What's the difference between Bloom Greens and just eating beans?
Whole cooked beans contain more fiber and are less processed, but require cooking time. Bloom Greens is faster and more convenient, but costs more and contains less fiber per serving. Both deliver plant protein; the choice depends on your schedule and preferences.
Does Bloom Greens contain added sugar?
Some Bloom Greens products contain added sweeteners (sugar or sugar substitutes), while others are unsweetened. Check the nutrition label on the specific product you're considering, as formulations vary.