Is Blue Majic the same as spirulina? A breakdown of the superfood differences

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that Blue Majic and spirulina, while originating from the same organism, offer distinct nutritional profiles and benefits? Although many confuse them, Blue Majic is a potent extract, while spirulina is the complete, nutrient-rich algae.

Quick Summary

Blue Majic is a branded extract of the phycocyanin pigment from spirulina, the entire blue-green algae. The key differences lie in their nutritional composition, taste, and cost.

Key Points

Source vs. Extract: Blue Majic is a proprietary extract of phycocyanin, while spirulina is the whole blue-green algae it's derived from.
Nutritional Content: Whole spirulina offers a complete nutritional profile, including significant protein, iron, and B vitamins, whereas Blue Majic mainly provides concentrated antioxidants.
Flavour Profile: Blue Majic has a mild, neutral taste, making it ideal for food colouring, while whole spirulina has a distinct, strong, and sometimes fishy flavour.
Cost and Value: Due to the extraction process, Blue Majic is more expensive per gram, serving as a premium food colourant and antioxidant supplement. Whole spirulina is a more affordable, all-around nutritional powder.
Primary Purpose: Choose Blue Majic for a colour boost and focused antioxidant benefits, and choose whole spirulina for broad nutritional support.
Colouring Agent: Blue Majic's isolation of the phycocyanin pigment makes it an excellent, vibrant, natural blue food colouring for recipes.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae, a type of cyanobacterium, that has been consumed as a nutritional supplement for centuries. It is a complete food source, meaning the entire algae is harvested and dried into a powder or tablet form. This whole-food approach means it contains a rich and varied nutritional profile, including high-quality protein, a spectrum of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and essential fatty acids.

The two major components of Spirulina

Spirulina's characteristic dark green colour comes from chlorophyll, a pigment involved in photosynthesis. However, it also naturally contains a vibrant blue pigment called phycocyanin. These two pigments contribute to its overall nutrient content. Because it is consumed as the whole plant, spirulina carries a strong, earthy, and sometimes unappealing fishy taste that can be overpowering in certain recipes.

What is Blue Majic?

Blue Majic is a proprietary extract of phycocyanin, sourced exclusively from Arthrospira platensis, the microalgae species also known as spirulina. Owned and produced by the company E3Live, Blue Majic is not the whole algae but a concentrated portion of it. The extraction process isolates the blue phycocyanin pigment, removing the green chlorophyll and the majority of the other nutrients and fiber found in whole spirulina.

The benefits of phycocyanin

As the isolated phycocyanin pigment, Blue Majic focuses primarily on delivering the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties associated with that specific compound. Because the extraction process removes the components that contribute to spirulina's potent flavour, Blue Majic has a much milder, almost neutral taste, making it an ideal natural food colouring for vibrant smoothie bowls and drinks.

Blue Majic vs. Spirulina: A Comparison Table


Feature	Blue Majic (Phycocyanin Extract)	Whole Spirulina (Algae Powder)
Composition	Concentrated extract of phycocyanin	Dried, whole microalgae
Appearance	Vibrant blue powder	Dark green powder
Taste	Mild, neutral, or slightly earthy	Strong, earthy, and often fishy
Nutritional Profile	Primarily antioxidants from phycocyanin; fewer other nutrients	Full spectrum of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Cost	More expensive per gram due to extraction	Generally more affordable per gram
Primary Purpose	Natural food colouring and antioxidant boost	Comprehensive nutritional supplement

Nutritional Differences: Whole vs. Extract

This is perhaps the most critical distinction between the two. When you consume whole spirulina, you benefit from a wide array of nutrients, making it a robust dietary supplement. In fact, spirulina can be up to 60-70% protein by dry weight and is a good source of iron. Blue Majic, by contrast, is not a significant source of protein, iron, or other whole-food nutrients. The isolation process intentionally removes these components to create a concentrated pigment product. Therefore, while Blue Majic provides a potent dose of phycocyanin, it cannot replace the broad nutritional benefits of whole spirulina powder.

The Taste Factor

For many, spirulina's strong, acquired taste is a major deterrent. The chlorophyll and other compounds in the algae contribute to its potent flavour profile, which can be difficult to mask in smoothies, juices, or food. This is where Blue Majic offers a significant advantage. By isolating the phycocyanin, the product has a much milder flavour. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want the vibrant blue colour and antioxidant boost without the taste of whole algae. It can be easily added to various recipes to create visually stunning and delicious foods.

Cost and Purpose

Due to the intensive and delicate process required to extract and purify the phycocyanin pigment, Blue Majic is significantly more expensive per gram than standard spirulina powder. This price difference is directly related to its specific purpose. Blue Majic is a premium ingredient, primarily used for its vivid natural blue colour and targeted antioxidant properties. Whole spirulina, being less processed, is a more cost-effective option for individuals seeking a general, all-around nutritional boost. Your choice depends entirely on your primary goal: a concentrated, mild-tasting antioxidant and food colourant, or a broad, nutrient-dense whole-food supplement.

Conclusion

In summary, Blue Majic is not the same as spirulina, but rather a concentrated extract from spirulina. While both are sourced from the same microalgae and offer health benefits, their differences in composition, taste, and nutritional value are substantial. If your main objective is to add a vibrant blue colour and a powerful, concentrated antioxidant boost to your recipes with a mild flavour, Blue Majic is the clear choice. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive whole-food supplement rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, whole spirulina powder is the more complete and cost-effective option. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the right product to meet your specific health and culinary needs.

Learn more about the benefits of spirulina and its components from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 'Blue Majic' is the brand name for the phycocyanin extract from spirulina sold by E3Live, but it is often used interchangeably with the general term 'blue spirulina,' which refers to the same pigment extract.

Whole spirulina is significantly more nutritious as it contains the complete range of nutrients from the algae, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. Blue Majic is a concentrated extract that lacks most of these nutrients.

Whole spirulina's strong, earthy taste is primarily due to its chlorophyll content and other whole-plant compounds. Blue Majic has a neutral taste because the extraction process isolates the phycocyanin pigment and removes the components that contribute to the strong flavour.

Whole spirulina contains phycocyanin, so it does offer antioxidant benefits. However, Blue Majic is a concentrated source of this specific compound, while whole spirulina provides a broader range of nutrients alongside its antioxidants.

Yes, Blue Majic is generally considered safe. It is a natural food colouring and supplement. However, like any supplement, it's wise to consult a healthcare provider, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.

Blue Majic costs more because it undergoes an additional, complex process of extraction and purification to isolate the phycocyanin pigment from the rest of the algae biomass. This process requires more resources and increases the final price.

It is generally not recommended to cook Blue Majic at high temperatures, as the heat can destroy the sensitive enzymes and cause the vibrant colour to fade. Spirulina can be added to some cooked dishes, but it is best to add it towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its nutrients.