The 6 Best Spirulina Powders of 2020 Reviewed
Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, meaning it is from a family of single-celled organisms. It can grow in both fresh and saltwater and is commonly known as blue-green algae. But don’t let images of slimy ponds turn you off from this wonder food, spirulina has been used for hundreds of years as a supplement, and for good reason.
A single tablespoon of spirulina contains 4 grams of protein, 11% of your recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of B1, 15% of your RDA of B2, 4% of your RDA of B3, 21% of the RDA of copper, and 11% of the RDA of iron. On top of this, it has a fair number of other minerals and nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and dozens of others, and comes in at only 20 calories. It also supplies you with omega 3 and 6, putting spirulina in the running for the single most nutritious food on the planet.
Looking to add this wonder food to your diet? We’ve gone ahead and rounded up the best spirulina powders on the market, so you can find the right one to balance out your dietary needs. Want this miracle food even sooner? Check out the products below for a play-by-play of the best spirulina powders available.
The Best Spirulina Powders
Here are our choices for some of the best spirulina powders for sale today and why we love them:
1. Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder
Each 1 teaspoon dose boasts more Beta carotene than is found in carrots, as well as minerals ranging from zinc to manganese, chromium, potassium, and iron. With a formula specially developed to help boost heart health, along with the natural power of spirulina powder to target “bad” fats and reduce your chance of disease, it’s no surprise Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder has over 4,500 positive reviews. If you’re looking to add spirulina to your diet, this is a great starting option perfect for mixing into yogurt or smoothies, or taking with a glass of water for added hydration benefits.
2. Super Greens #1 Green Superfood Powder
With a formula that’s non-GMO, organic, dairy-free, and vegan, Super Greens #1 Green Superfood Powder is ideal for almost any diet, and can give you a noticeable boost in both fat-burning and energy levels throughout the day. Though it’s not targeted as a pre-workout supplement, many people have found it gives them more natural energy than they would have expected, making it a great option for people who suffer from fatigue. It some studies, spirulina has also shown to help increase hemoglobin in patients suffering from anemia, which is found in close to 40% of adults and can contribute to fatigue and overall exhaustion.
No matter you’re preference or diet, this is a great spirulina powder to help boost your body and get your immune system back on track, and with the added benefits of chlorella, it’s no wonder this is one of our top choices.
3. NaturesPlus SPIRU-TEIN Shake – Vanilla
While many of the other spirulina powders on this list target naturally impacting your diet, this option can function as a post-workout shake or a weight-loss tool. Boasting a non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly recipe, this is a great source of protein and all your essential vitamins and minerals in one convenient location. Some reviewers do note that this shake does have a sweeter flavor to it, and that it may take some adjustment time to get used to a slight aftertaste, but overall they praise this shake as a great way to lose weight and ensure you get a well-rounded, balanced diet that benefits from the immune system boosting perks of spirulina.
4. MAJU’s Spirulina Powder
With a formula that is packed with iron to help with anemia and boost energy production, as well as muscle endurance-enhancing benefits, this is one of the best spirulina powders available on the market. While it is unflavored, customers noted that it was much less “oceanic” tasting than other spirulina brands they had tried, and went incredibly well in smoothies, shakes, and yogurt bowls. This product comes in both 12 ounce and 2 pound sizes, and can be set to auto deliver, meaning you’ll never have to run out right when you need it most. If you want the best or organic without any of the downsides, be sure to pick up MAJU’s Spirulina Powder.
5. Non-GMO Spirulina Powder
Countless customers boast about the energy-boosting effects of this spirulina powder, though they do note the taste is a bit strong at first and recommend cutting it with natural ingredients like bananas and peanut butter in a smoothie. They also note this powder is much darker than some of the others on the market, which may seem disconcerting at first, but the health benefits are well worth both the taste and appearance of this immune-boosting beverage. The one downside to this product is it does only once in 6-ounce containers, but that is made up for by the quality of the spirulina powder itself. After all, some of the best things in life come in small packages, including Non-GMO Spirulina Powder from Zhou.
6. Zazzee USDA Organic Spirulina Powder
Their no-mess, contaminant-free packaging keeps in mind the frustration that comes with trying to dish finicky spirulina powder out of small bags, and instead offers an airtight design that keeps the powder fresher, longer, while still allowing for convenient access.
With routine lab testing to ensure their spirulina powder is free from any contaminants or allergens, Zazzee USDA Organic Spirulina Powder takes great strides to ensure you are getting the best of the best every time you order their product.
Some customers noted that the deep green of the powder and the somewhat pungent taste did make using it as a normal powder to mix into water or other plan beverage difficult, but noted that once mixed with fruits and vegetables or combined in a smoothie the taste was largely unnoticeable.
Spirulina Supplement Purchase Guide
While spirulina has been proven using evidence-based methods to help with a wide range of maladies and nutritional deficits, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new supplement. With all that aside, it can be hard to know what you’re looking for when shopping for spirulina powder, which is why we’ve pulled together a helpful guide below.
Organic vs. Non-Organic
While in most cases organic is always the way to go, as it guarantees that the product has been grown with both consumer and environment health in mind, as well as with limited pesticides and fertilizers, in the case of spirulina many times non-organic blends offer similar, if not better benefits when compared with their organic counterparts.
This all depends on the process used to grow the spirulina. Certain fertilizers used by organic producers are high in heavy metals, which can contaminate the end product, and if not grown correctly spirulina can contain bad bacteria, which is why it’s important to do your research to find out the individual practices of your spirulina powder provider.
Flavor vs. Unflavored
Many people find that spirulina has a fishy flavor, similar to seaweed. While this isn’t an issue for many consumers, some find the taste off putting and have compared it to smelling like an aquarium. It’s best to look for spirulina powders that are pure as far as production goes, but added flavors do not necessarily decrease the nutritional benefits of spirulina. Just make sure to keep in mind that some flavor additives increase total calories per serving, and can add unwanted carbs in the form of sugars.
Spirulina Powder Serving Size
The recommended daily amount of spirulina is between 1 to 3 grams. However, it’s best to follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturer, as well as your doctor, before beginning this product.
Questions About Spirulina Powder
How Long Has Spirulina Been Used as a Supplement?
Some records list the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans as the first people to take advantage of the health benefits provided by spirulina, first documented around the 16th century. They called it “Tecuitlatl,” and used it to make cakes for consumption. It moved back into the main market in the 1970s, and gained popularity for a time as a food that could potentially be grown in space.
Is Spirulina Dangerous?
On its own, spirulina is not dangerous. However, it can become dangerous, much like any other food, if grown in the wrong conditions. Bacteria and other toxins can contaminate poorly grown spirulina, and put you at risk for nausea, vomiting, liver damage, and more. That is why making sure you know where you spirulina is produced is crucial to choosing any supplemental powder.
Spirulina as an Ideal Food
Here is a video going over the benefits of adding spirulina to your diet, especially as a protein supplement.