Bloom Protein Review (2024) | Garage Gym Reviews (2024)

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Bloom Nutrition is on a lot of radars thanks to its influencer founder and TikTok-viral greens & superfoods powders. But, no fitness supplement line is complete without protein powder to boost training performance and support muscle gains. Lucky for you, our team has tested nearly 100 protein powders so we know what’s worth your spend. (In fact, you can check out our favorites on our best protein powder roundup.)

Bloom protein is made with whey protein isolate for easier digestion and absorption. While whey protein isolate is a better choice for some people, these products typically come with a higher price tag than other proteins.

Our Bloom protein review looks at the formulation and how the product works in everyday life to see if the social media buzz is hype or legit. We’ll also weigh in on how Bloom stacks up against one of GGR’s preferred whey protein isolate powders.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Weeding Out Fact from Fiction with Our Honest and Expert Reviews

Garage Gym Reviews is here to help you grow and thrive on your fitness journey. Our expert product testers include certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, and registered dietitians who give honest feedback on every supplement and piece of gear that crosses our paths. We do this so you don’t waste money on products that don’t fit your needs, are marketing hype, or are simply not top notch. When it comes to supplements, we have a thorough testing methodology that ensures each product is rated comprehensively.

A Quick Look at Bloom Protein Powder

Bloom Nutrition was created by fitness influencer Mari Llewellyn and her husband. They were inspired to create products with women in mind after seeing how many fitness supplements are geared toward men. Bloom products include greens powders, protein powders, pre-workouts, collagen peptides, fish oil, multivitamins, and matcha.

Bloom protein powder contains whey protein isolate, which is a purer form of protein in the sense that it contains more protein and fewer carbs and fat compared to whey concentrate. It also tends to be better tolerated by individuals who experience digestive upset from whey concentrate.

Bloom protein powder contains 22 grams of protein per scoop, which is on the low end compared to other whey protein isolate products that average 25-30 grams.

Before You Buy

• Bloom whey is sweetened with stevia and artificial sweeteners.
• The formula contains a digestive enzyme blend, but the label doesn’t disclose the amount of each enzyme.
• Bloom doesn’t offer a subscription discount.

Is Bloom Protein Powder Worth It?

Whey protein isolate powders typically cost more than whey concentrate powders, and Bloom is no exception. If you need this form of protein, Bloom protein powder isn’t our top choice, however, it costs less than whey protein isolate powders with cleaner ingredients.

Here are some other considerations for people we think Bloom protein powder could work for and who will want to look elsewhere.

Bloom Protein Powder Specs

Experience Using Bloom Protein Powder

GGR Editor Erin Chancer had a chance to put Bloom’s protein powder to work in real life. Erin doesn’t tolerate lactose all that well, which makes her a good candidate for whey protein isolate products. She didn’t experience any digestive side effects after drinking this protein, but she wasn’t 100% sold on it either.

RELATED: Whey Protein Side Effects

There were some question marks around the flavor she tried—more on that to come. The protein content—one of the other main reasons to choose whey protein isolate—doesn’t blow us away. As mentioned above, there are a lot of other whey protein isolate options that deliver more than 22 grams of protein per scoop.

As Erin put it, “this product isn’t bad, but it definitely feels like a case of branding over substance.”

Price Per Serving

Bloom protein costs $49.99 for a 32.8-ounce tub. There’s 30 servings per tub, which equals $1.66 per serving. This isn’t the most expensive whey protein isolate we’ve tried, but it’s certainly on the high end, especially compared to competitors who offer a subscription discount.

Formulation

All Bloom protein flavors contain 22 grams of protein and 0.5 grams of fat or less per serving. The carb content varies slightly between flavors, with 2 to 4 grams of carbs per serving. Ingredients include:

Whey Protein Isolate

When it comes to whey protein isolate vs concentrate, whey isolate undergoes more processing to remove carbohydrates and fat. The process creates a powder that is higher in protein and lower in carbs and fat than whey concentrates. Whey protein isolate also contains less lactose than whey concentrate, making it a good choice for anyone who is lactose-intolerant or experiences digestive upset with other whey proteins.

Like other forms of whey protein, this is a complete protein. It contains all essential amino acids (EAAs) and is a natural source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Complete proteins are the building blocks of muscle and help activate anabolic pathways that build muscle¹.

RELATED: EAA vs BCAA

DigeZyme Multi Enzyme Complex

This is a blend of digestive enzymes to support digestion and absorption of all three macronutrients and lactose. The exact amount and source of each enzyme is not disclosed. This blend also contains maltodextrin, which is a highly processed food additive typically made from corn or other starches.

While digestive enzymes² can help curb common digestive complaints, there’s no evidence they enhance protein absorption. There is more evidence to support the use of probiotics for gut health. We’re not sure this ingredient is a beneficial addition, since whey protein isolate is already low in fat, carbs, and lactose.

Other Ingredients

This protein also has natural and artificial flavors, anti-clumping agents, and thickeners. All of the Bloom protein flavors are sweetened with stevia, sucralose, and Ace K.

Taste and Solubility

Bloom protein comes in ten flavors inspired by sweet treats, like Blueberry Cheesecake and Cinnamon Bun. Erin tried the Iced Coffee flavor, which many customers love, but some reviewers have described as being too sweet.

So, what did Erin think? She rated it a 4 out of 5 for taste, but she isn’t convinced she received the flavor she ordered. She found her protein tasted more like cookies and cream, which made her wonder if her tub contained the wrong flavor by mistake. It’s not impossible—other reviewers have noted they didn’t receive the flavor they ordered.

“While I can’t say that it tastes exactly like coffee because it’s missing the bitterness, it’s not unpleasant,” she said. She did note there’s a slight artificial sweetener aftertaste.

The protein mixed easily in a shaker cup with a creamy consistency and no clumping, leading to a 4.7 out of 5 rating in solubility.

Side Effects

Most people handle whey protein powders without issue, but individuals with severe allergies to dairy, lactose, and/or whey should avoid them.

RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Powder

Protein powders made with whey protein isolate, like Bloom, are not dairy-free. They contain less lactose than whey concentrate powders and may be easier on digestion for lactose-intolerant and/or sensitive folks.

Our tester has what she describes as a “slight lactose allergy” and didn’t experience any digestive issues with this protein.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing is optional for supplement manufacturers. Third-party certification is extra insurance that supplements contain quality ingredients and are free from harmful levels of contaminants. Bloom does not currently utilize third-party testing for its supplements, leading to a 2 out of 5 score here.

Bloom Protein Powder vs Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

If you want a high-quality whey protein isolate made without artificial ingredients, we recommend checking out Transparent Labs Protein. It’s made with whey protein isolate, so it’s pretty low in fat and carbs, although the exact amounts depend on the flavor.

Transparent Labs is a bit more expensive, but for good reason. It contains more protein per serving, is sweetened with only stevia, and undergoes third-party testing. Read more in our Transparent Labs protein review.

Customer Experience

Like most supplement companies, Bloom doesn’t back their protein powder with any money-back guarantee. They accept returns for a full refund within 15 days of receiving your order. However, products must be unopened and undamaged to be eligible for return, which means if you try this protein and the flavor isn’t your jam, you’re stuck with the tub.

Bloom offers an optional rewards program that allows you to earn points for purchases, following on social media, and more that can be redeemed for rewards on future orders.

Ordering Bloom Protein Powder

Both the “BloomNu” site and Amazon make ordering quick and easy, although not all flavors are currently available on Amazon. Bloom Nutrition greens powders are newly available at Walmart, so you may find the protein there soon.

RELATED: Bloom Greens Review

On Bloom’s website, simply select the flavor protein you want, add it to your cart, and checkout. The process is the same on Amazon, but you can make a one-time purchase or create a subscription, which can save you money. Bloom doesn’t offer subscriptions, so if you want repeat shipments, Amazon is your best bet.

All Bloom orders in the U.S. ship free with First Class Mail. If you have a Prime membership, you’ll also receive free shipping on Amazon and likely receive your order faster. Both retailers feature sales and promo codes from time to time, so check to see who has the best price before ordering.

Customer Reviews

Most of the reviews for this protein are glowing. It earned 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 960 reviews on the BloomNu site. There are fewer reviews on Amazon, but it may be a newer offering.

Taste, flavors, and texture get a lot of love. Customers consistently write that this protein isn’t chalky or gritty and mixes well with water or milk. The formulation also agrees with a lot of customers. One Bloom reviewer wrote “it doesn’t make me bloat or give me bad gas like other proteins.”

Final Verdict of Our Bloom Protein Review

While Bloom isn’t the most affordable or our favorite protein powder, it does have some good things going for it. Bloom protein should be easier on digestion than whey concentrate proteins, is available in a bunch of flavors that customers love, and mixes well. Other key points:

• It doesn’t have as much protein per scoop as competitors.
• It’s flavored with stevia, artificial flavoring, and artificial sweeteners.
• It contains a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes to support digestion.

Full Rating

Bloom Protein Review: FAQ

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Kim CB, Park JH, Park HS, Kim HJ, Park JJ. Effects of Whey Protein Supplement on 4-Week Resistance Exercise-Induced Improvements in Muscle Mass and Isokinetic Muscular Function under Dietary Control. Nutrients. 2023;15(4):1003. Published 2023 Feb 16. doi:10.3390/nu15041003

2. Quinten T, Philippart JM, De Beer T, Vervarcke S, Van Den Driessche M. Can the supplementation of a digestive enzyme complex offer a solution for common digestive problems?. Arch Public Health. 2014;72(Suppl 1):P7. Published 2014 Jun 6. doi:10.1186/2049-3258-72-S1-P7

3. Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. Published 2017 Jun 20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8

4. Sepandi M, Samadi M, Shirvani H, et al. Effect of whey protein supplementation on weight and body composition indicators: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2022;50:74-83. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.05.020