Bush, yes Sir, if you look at the ingredients of substitute pollen with every possible trace element and vitamins then one could conclude that sub pollen is actually better for the bees. However the bees prefer real pollen,,,,, which I for one,,,, have to give the benefit of doubt to the bees.... a bee knows best.
In the Fall when a dearth occurs, my bees appear to enjoy the sub pollen, rolling in the powder with what appears to me as shear delight of the bees.
Blessings