How Much Potassium Is in Spirulina Powder?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, one tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina powder contains approximately 95.2 mg of potassium, a valuable mineral for body function. While not the highest source of potassium, this amount adds to the supplement’s already impressive nutrient profile that includes protein, iron, and B vitamins.

Quick Summary

Spirulina powder offers a modest amount of potassium per serving, contributing to overall mineral intake. The exact potassium content can vary by brand, cultivation methods, and product form.

Key Points

Potassium Content: One tablespoon of dried spirulina provides around 95 mg of potassium, a modest but valuable contribution to your daily intake.
Heart Health Support: The potassium found in spirulina helps support cardiovascular health by contributing to fluid balance and blood pressure regulation.
Not a Primary Source: While nutritious, spirulina is not a primary source of potassium compared to high-potassium foods like potatoes or bananas.
Nutrient Variability: The amount of potassium and other minerals in spirulina powder can differ based on the cultivation method and whether it is in powder or tablet form.
Versatile Superfood: Spirulina powder can be easily added to smoothies, dips, and other recipes to enhance overall nutritional value.
Consult a Professional: It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your diet to ensure it aligns with your health needs.

Spirulina's Potassium Content

Based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a single tablespoon, or 7 grams, of dried spirulina powder contains 95.2 milligrams (mg) of potassium. While this is a consistent figure for a specific serving size, it is important to recognize that the exact potassium content can vary depending on a number of factors. A study published in MDPI found that powder forms, as well as organically cultivated spirulina, tend to have higher mineral concentrations, including potassium, than tablets. This suggests that choosing a high-quality, powdered product may maximize your intake of this key mineral.

Factors Influencing Potassium Levels

Several elements can affect the final mineral composition of spirulina powder:

Cultivation Method: Natural versus controlled environments can lead to differences in mineral uptake. Organic cultivation has been associated with higher potassium content in some studies.
Harvest and Processing: How the spirulina is harvested, dried, and processed can also play a role in nutrient retention.
Formulation: Supplements in tablet form may contain fillers and binders, which can slightly dilute the overall mineral density compared to pure powder.

The Role of Potassium and Spirulina's Contribution

Potassium is a crucial electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining proper nerve function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. It is particularly important for heart health and can help regulate blood pressure. While spirulina's potassium level may not be as high as a banana, it still provides a beneficial contribution, especially when consumed as part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. The combination of potassium with other minerals found in spirulina, such as magnesium, supports overall cellular function and electrolyte balance.

Comparison: Spirulina vs. Other Sources

To put spirulina's potassium content into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other common food sources. The following table illustrates how a standard 7-gram serving of spirulina stacks up against other potassium-rich foods, highlighting that while spirulina contributes, it is not a primary source compared to staples like potatoes or legumes.


Food Item	Serving Size	Approximate Potassium (mg)
Spirulina Powder	1 tbsp (7g)	95.2
Potato	1 medium	583
Banana	1 medium	422
Spinach	1 cup, cooked	839
Lentils	1 cup, cooked	731
Orange	1 medium	237

Spirulina vs. Chlorella

Another common microalgae supplement, chlorella, is also rich in nutrients but has a different profile. While both contain potassium, spirulina has been noted to contain significantly more potassium than chlorella. However, chlorella offers other benefits, such as higher chlorophyll content and bioavailable vitamin B12. Combining or alternating between these two supplements can provide a broader range of nutrients.

How to Incorporate Spirulina Powder into Your Diet

Adding spirulina to your daily routine can be simple and versatile. Its earthy, slightly fishy taste can be masked by stronger flavors in smoothies or savory dishes.

Smoothies: A simple and effective way to get your daily dose. Blend spirulina powder with fruits like bananas, oranges, and berries to mask the taste while adding flavor and nutrients.
Dips and Sauces: Mix the powder into homemade pesto, hummus, or guacamole. The green color blends in, and the earthy flavor can complement savory notes.
Salad Dressing: Whisk a small amount into a vinaigrette dressing for a nutrient-packed boost on salads.
Energy Bites or Bars: Incorporate spirulina powder into recipes for no-bake energy balls or granola bars for a portable and healthy snack.
Sprinkle on Popcorn: A light dusting of spirulina powder can add nutrients and a savory flavor to your popcorn.

To ensure you are consuming the best quality product, you can research and purchase from reputable manufacturers who provide third-party testing results for their supplements. For more information on the nutrient composition of spirulina, the NIH website provides extensive research, such as Spirulina—An Invaluable Source of Macro- and Micronutrients.

Conclusion: A Nutritious Addition to Your Diet

In summary, spirulina powder is a good source of potassium and an excellent source of many other essential nutrients like protein, iron, and various vitamins. While it won't single-handedly fulfill your daily potassium requirements, it is a valuable supplement to a balanced diet, offering a concentrated nutritional boost. Given that nutrient levels can vary, choosing high-quality powder from a reputable supplier is recommended to maximize the health benefits. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding new supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, spirulina does not have a high amount of potassium compared to other common food sources. A typical 7-gram serving contains about 95.2 mg of potassium, which is a modest amount but not enough to meet daily requirements on its own.

Based on USDA nutrition data for dried spirulina, a standard one-tablespoon (7-gram) serving contains approximately 95.2 mg of potassium.

No, a single medium banana contains significantly more potassium (422 mg) than a standard serving of spirulina powder (95.2 mg). Spirulina should be considered a supplementary source rather than a primary one.

While potassium is beneficial for blood pressure regulation, spirulina’s modest potassium content means it would likely have a minimal impact alone. However, its combination with other heart-healthy compounds like phycocyanin can provide overall cardiovascular support.

Yes, some research suggests that supplements made from organically cultivated spirulina powder may have a higher concentration of minerals, including potassium, than conventional options.

To get the potassium and other nutrients from spirulina, it is often recommended to use the powder form, as it may contain higher mineral levels than tablets. Adding it to a smoothie with other high-potassium fruits like bananas is an effective strategy.

When taken in recommended doses, spirulina is generally safe. However, individuals with kidney problems should be cautious about their potassium intake from all sources and should consult a doctor before taking any supplement.