The Nutribullet, a kitchen appliance with the ability to extract nutrients from food, has hit the public by storm. With reports that celebrities such as Kate Middleton utilise the device, the Nutribullet has become a must have kitchen appliance.
Inventors of the appliance claim that regular use of the Nutribullet can have numerous health benefits such as increased immunity, weight loss, decreased blood pressure and extended life span. Critics however argue that these claims are a marketing technique and that the Nutribullet is simply an overpriced juicer/blender.
This article therefore aims to provide a comprehensive review of the Nutribullet including a description of how it works, it’s advantages, limitations and answers to frequently asked questions.
The article was written in March 2015, so it is important to note that some aspects of the product that are mentioned in the article may have changed.
What is the Nutribullet and how does it work?
Some people would describe the Nutribullet as being a simple blender. It breaks down foods such as fruit and vegetables into delicious, healthy beverages. The inventors and fans of the product however would argue that the Nutribullet is much more than an everyday blender.
In order to understand what makes the Nutribullet much more superior than other brands, it is helpful if we understand the limitations of everyday blenders.
Some blenders struggle to extract all the vitamins and minerals available from the ingredients that we add, as they are sometimes incapable of chopping more finer nuts and seeds.
The Nutribullet, on the other hand, prevents such wastage as it extracts most of these nutrients. The Nutribullet prides itself on its innovative extractor technology.
It benefits from two sets of blades; extractor blades and milling blades. The extractor blades break down the cell walls of fruit and vegetables ensuring that all the nutrients contained within them are released. It can cut through tough skins and peel, releasing essential vitamins and minerals. It also ensures that no pulp is left behind.
The milling blades are capable of grinding small grains, seeds and nuts. These foods are often termed ‘super foods’ as their consumption can lead to many health benefits.
The Nutribullet completes the preliminary stages of digestion for us. Digestion usually begins at our mouths with our teeth which we use to chew food. The food is then swallowed and broken up further by the action of digestive enzymes. The stomach also makes churning movements which breaks up food further. Combined, all of these actions occur in order to break down food so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream via the small intestine.
However, manufacturers of the Nutribullet complain that due to our hectic lifestyles and schedules, we fail to take the time needed to chew food properly. Over time this can lead to a decline in the activity of the digestive enzymes due to added stress.
This results in fewer nutrients being absorbed by the blood stream. Advancing age is also another factor that can have a negative impact on digestive enzyme activity.
The Nutribullet breaks down foods into their most absorptive states. This ensures that the optimal amount of vitamins, minerals and fibre contained within our food is absorbed into our blood stream.
What is included with the Nutribullet?
Contents of the Nutribullet may vary, but typically include:
The power base – x1
This is the section of the Nutribullet that plugs into the mains enabling the machine to be switched on. There are no buttons on the device, meaning even the least technological savvy person can use it. You simply turn the cup clockwise in order to make it function.
The tall cup – x1
The tall cup is where you place your ingredients and where your Nutriblast drink is produced. Once you have added the ingredients to the cup and sealed with the lid, you simply attach the cup to the power base and then twist clockwise in order to blend your ingredients together.
The extractor blade – x1
Composed of stainless steel, the extractor blade will never require any sharpening. This blade doesn’t only break down fruit, vegetables and other food into smaller pieces, it also breaks down the cell walls, ensuring that all the essential nutrients are obtained.
The milling blade – x1
Similar to the extractor blade, the milling blade is also made from stainless steel. This blade however ensures the breakdown of nuts, herbs and grains. It grinds up even the smallest of particles ensuring as many vitamins and minerals as possible are gained from your food.
Short cups – x2
Ideal if you only want to make one serving, the short cups can be attached to the power base. This gives you the luxury of being able to make and drink from the same cup. Saves on time and on the washing up! Both cups come complete with a comfort lip ring, making consumption even more enjoyable.
Resealable lids – x2
Resealable lids fit on both the tall and small cups. This enables drinks to be stored in the fridge, keeping them fresh. It also allows them to be consumed on the go as they can easily be transported on days out, to work, to the gym etc.
User guide and recipe books
Provides a detailed explanation of how the Nutribullet works, common problems and solutions, along with example recipes enabling you to get optimal use out of your device.
What are the health benefits associated with regular use of the Nutribullet?
Manufacturers of the Nutribullet claim that regular, daily use of the product can result in the following health benefits:
- Decreased hypertension
- Decreased cholesterol levels
- Improved immune response
- Improved sex life
- Increased energy levels
- Improved sleep quantity and quality
- Decreased stress levels
- Radiant skin, hair and nails
- Weight loss
- Longer life span
Unfortunately, no large scale studies have been completed to investigate the validity of these health claims. Claims such as ‘longer life span’ may seem far fetched and it could be argued that these alleged health benefits are simply a marketing tool.
Nevertheless, the Nutribullet encourages healthy eating and makes it easier than ever to incorporate fruit and vegetables into your diet.
The Nutribullet ensures that all of the possible fibre, vitamins and minerals contained within our food is absorbed via our intestines into our bloodstream.
This will obviously have some benefits to our health. Sometimes it can be difficult to consume the recommended five fruits and vegetables a day. The Nutribullet can make eating healthier simple, fast and easy.
What are the advantages of the Nutribullet?
Advantages of the Nutribullet include:
1. Easy to use design
As previously mentioned, the Nutribullet has no buttons or complicated design features. You simply plug the device in, add your ingredients to the cup, seal with the resealable lid, fix to the power base and twist the cup in a clockwise direction. The Nutriblast is then ready to be consumed.
This means that everybody, regardless of their culinary skills, can make healthy meals. It is something that you can even involve your children with; helping them be involved in the preparation of yummy, nutritious food.
2. Easy to clean
The Nutribullet is very easy to clean as both of the blades can be removed. Some of the more traditional blenders and juicers can be notoriously difficult to clean. The thought of the washing up afterwards can be enough to deter us from using them.
The Nutribullet saves on time and energy. You can make nutritious, delicious drinks without the mess and faff associated with other devices.
3. Dishwasher friendly
Following on from the point above, the cups of the Nutribullet can be put into the dishwasher, making cleaning even easier!
4. Plenty of recipes included
The recipe booklet that accompanies the product contains pages upon pages of recipes, examples and inspiration that enables you to get the most from your device.
5. Compact size
The Nutribullet is smaller than a lot of other juicers on the market; occupying less space on your workspace and making it easier to be stored away or transported.
6. Sturdy device
Despite its compact size, the Nutribullet is a lot more sturdier and less flimsy than other brands of juicers.
7. Cups come complete with resealable lids
No need to mess around with cling film and tinfoil to preserve your juices and shakes – resealable lids make storing your concoctions quick and easy. Nutriblasts can then be consumed on the go.
8. Includes different sizes of cup
The Nutribullet comes with different cup sizes, so that you can decide how many portions you are making. The small cup can be attached to the power base so you can make your Nutriblast and then consume it from the same cup, saving on time and washing up.
9. Nutritious beverages produced in minutes
Eating healthy has never been so easy. From adding your ingredients it only takes thirty seconds to whip together a Nutriblast. This, combined with the fact that the Nutribullet is easy to clean, means that healthy meals can be made quickly. Perfect for those with busy lifestyles!
10. BPA free cups
BPA is a chemical that can be used in the manufacture of plastics. There are concerns over the safety of products containing BPA as it may be able to leak into food and drinks.
BPA is of particular concern to unborn babies and young children as it can have an adverse effect on their developing brains. Reassuringly, the components of the Nutribullet contain none of this chemical.
11. Ready to use
The Nutribullet doesn’t require any complicated set up. It is ready to use as soon as you open the box.
12. Easy to add super foods to the diet
As previously mentioned, the Nutribullet contains a milling blade which can break down super foods such as grains, nuts and seeds. Research shows that the addition of super foods such as these to our diet can have substantial health benefits.
13. Cost
The Nutribullet is considerably cheaper than other similar brands, enabling you to eat healthily whilst not doing too much damage to your bank account.
What are the problems associated with the Nutribullet?
Common reasons for complaint include:
1. Leakages
A common complaint of users of the Nutribullet is that the device leaks whilst in operation. If this is occurring it is important to make sure that you are not filling your ingredients past the maximum line on the cup. A common cause of leaks is actually due to personal error rather than a fault with the device itself.
2. Noise
Another possible problem is the noise that the Nutribullet produces whilst it is in motion. It is very noisy. However, this seems to be a common problem with many types of blenders. It is important to remember that it only takes thirty seconds to make a Nutriblast, therefore the noise is short lived.
3. Smell of burn
Many users complain that they can smell the scent of burning electrics when the Nutribullet is first switched on. This usually passes following the first few uses. Manufacturers of the Nutribullet assure that this smell is normal and safe, but if you are at all worried phone the customer helpline.
4. Consistency of beverages
Inventors of the Nutribullet boast that the device leaves behind no pulp like other everyday juicers. However, this can mean that the Nutriblasts produced aren’t thick enough. This could probably be altered by experimenting with your ingredients.
5. Length of warranty
The Nutribullet offers a twelve month guarantee. This is substantially smaller than the guarantee offered by the rival product, the Vitamix. The Vitamix offers a seven year guarantee.
6. Number of servings
Even the largest cup size would only produce enough Nutriblast for two adults. If you are feeding a family you would probably need to repeat the process a few times in order to get enough servings. Other brands are capable of producing more servings at one time.
What are the distinguishing features between the different types of model of the Nutribullet currently available?
There are currently three different models of the Nutribullet on the market; the Nutribullet 600, the Nutribullet Pro 900 series and the Nutribullet Rx. The majority of this review focuses on the Nutribullet 600, the most popular model out of the three. The three models differ in terms of the following features:
Power
The Nutribullet 600, the Nutribullet 900 and the Nutribullet Rx have a power rating of 600 watts, 900 watts and 1700 watts respectively. The more power that the Nutribullet has, the more capable it is of breaking foods up into their smallest form.
The Nutribullet Rx produces Nutriblasts at a quicker speed and a smoother consistency in comparison to the other two models.
Number of servings of fruit and vegetables per Nutriblast
The Nutribullet Rx provides more servings of fruit and vegetables than the other two models. The 600 model provides just five servings, the 900 model produces seven servings, whilst the Nutribullet RX provides twelve servings.
Ability to heat foods e.g. soup
Unlike the other two models, the Nutribullet RX has the ability to heat foods.
Cost
The Nutribullet 600 is the cheapest option out of the three.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Nutribullet
How do I use the Nutribullet?
Using the Nutribullet is easy. Simply fill the cup with your ingredients, replace the resealable lid, attach to the power base, twist clockwise for thirty seconds and voila! Healthy, delicious Nutriblasts made within seconds.
The Nutribullet produces ‘Nutriblasts’. What exactly is a ‘Nutriblast’?
A Nutriblast is the beverage that is produced following the addition of fruit, vegetables, grains, seeds etc to the Nutribullet. Nutriblasts are delicious drinks, full of goodness.
It is recommended that fifty percent of your ingredients constitutes green leafy vegetables including kale, spinach, parsley and romaine lettuce. The other fifty percent should be made up of fruits and other vegetables such as strawberries, bananas, kiwi, tomatoes and carrots.
It is then recommended that you add a few spoonfuls of super foods such as seeds and grains to the Nutribullet. Super foods may include:
- Almonds
- Oats
- Seeds e.g. from grapes, oranges, melon, kiwi
- Nuts
- Spices
This composition of fruit, vegetables and super foods should then be completely covered with water.
The contents of the Nutribullet should also never exceed the maximum volume indicated on the cup, in order to prevent leakages.
Can whole fruit and vegetables be added to the Nutribullet?
It depends upon the type of fruit and vegetable you are using. Fruits and vegetables such as grapes, strawberries and carrots can be inserted as they are.
Other fruits, such as apricots, plums, peaches etc contain stones which can not be inserted into the Nutribullet and therefore need to be removed first. Whole apples can also not be added as apple seeds should also be removed prior to blending.
Does the Nutribullet only make Nutriblasts?
No, the Nutribullet is very versatile. In addition to Nutriblasts, the Nutribullet can be used to make lots of tasty dishes, including:
- Soups
- Dressings
- Dips
- Smoothies
- Ice cream
- Other desserts
I need inspiration; where can I find recipes that I can make using the Nutribullet?
Each Nutribullet comes with a useful recipe book containing lots of ideas and inspiration. If you are looking for something different, have a look at the smoothie recipes on this site.
Can ice be added to the Nutribullet?
Although the Nutribullet should not be used primarily to crush ice, crushed ice can be added to your ingredients in the Nutribullet. It is recommended that ice doesn’t exceed more than twenty five percent volume of your ingredients.
Can frozen foods be added to the Nutribullet?
Yes, frozen foods can be added to the Nutribullet. If you wish to make an ice cold beverage, it is recommended that frozen foods are used rather than ice, in order to prevent any damage to the blades.
Is there anything that should not be placed inside the Nutribullet?
Yes, pits from fruits, such as cherries, apricots, plums and peaches and also apple seeds.
How do I incorporate Nutriblasts into my daily diet?
It is recommended that Nutriblasts are incorporated into your diet in stages. It is suggested that initially you just swap your usual breakfast for a Nutriblast.
Once your body becomes accustomed to the changes in diet and you begin to feel the health benefits, you can then move onto the next stage and incorporate two Nutriblasts into your daily diet.
Can the Nutribullet help me to lose weight?
This is one of the most frequent questions asked with regards to the Nutribullet. The Nutribullet encourages healthy eating and therefore a healthier lifestyle.
A Nutriblast contains plenty of fruit and vegetables. By regularly consuming Nutriblasts, you may notice a reduction in the number of cravings that you experience for sweet and salty foods.
This will therefore result in a smaller consumption of unhealthy foods such as cakes, crisps and cookies. The Nutribullet reduces binge eating episodes and therefore helps aid weight loss.
For stricter dieters, the Nutribullet offers a weight loss plan, which helps you to lose weight within a one month period. This plan involves the addition of a weight loss supplement to your Nutriblast.
This supplement contains several different ingredients which can help to speed up weight loss. These ingredients are all organic and include chia seed powder, cinnamon, cocoa powder, ginger powder, green tea powder and turmeric.
It is always advisable to check with your doctor before you embark on any weight loss programme. A healthy diet should also be combined with regular exercise.
How do I mill ingredients such as oats and grains using the Nutribullet?
Fill the short cup with the oats, grains or seeds and twist the milling blade on. Attach the short cup to the power base. Then twist and push the cup down to grind the ingredients. Stop when you achieve the desired consistency.
I purchased the Nutribullet, yet the words ‘Magic Bullet’ are imprinted on the power base, why?
The Nutribullet and Magic Bullet are different devices, however they are made by the same manufacturers.
Is there anybody who shouldn’t incorporate Nutriblasts into their diet?
Those with any existing medical conditions or those taking medication should always check with their General Practitioner prior to making any changes to their diet.
Will the Nutribullet work abroad?
Yes, assuming that you have the correct plug adaptor.
How long is the warranty on this product?
The warranty covers the first twelve months following purchase.
Where can I purchase the Nutribullet?
The Nutribullet can be ordered from Amazon.com.
Is the Nutribullet dish washer friendly?
The cups of the Nutribullet can be placed inside the dish washer. The blades must be hand washed.
Conclusion
I hope that you have found this review of the Nutribullet to be beneficial. The Nutribullet is a very popular household appliance, which can encourage you to eat more healthily.
The Nutribullet has many proposed health benefits and although as of yet no large scale studies assessing whether these claims are true exist, the Nutribullet can help you to get the recommended number of servings of fruit and vegetables a day. This will obviously result in numerous benefits for your health and well-being.
If the idea of creating yummy nutritious beverages at a reduced cost of similar products on the market appeals to you, then I would definitely recommend the Nutribullet. Healthy drinks and snacks for the whole family to enjoy!