Blue Spirulina: What is the Blue Powder for Smoothies?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), spirulina has been recognized as a valuable food source for decades. The mesmerizing blue powder used to create vibrant smoothies is a pigment called phycocyanin, which is extracted from the blue-green algae known as spirulina. This superfood not only provides a striking natural color but also offers a wealth of potential health benefits, distinguishing it from artificial food colorings.

Quick Summary

This article explores blue spirulina, the natural pigment phycocyanin derived from algae, commonly used to create vibrant, healthy blue smoothies. It covers its nutritional benefits, flavor profile, and how it differs from traditional green spirulina. The content also includes practical tips for incorporating this superfood into various recipes, alongside a comparative look at butterfly pea flower powder.

Key Points

Source: The blue powder for smoothies is blue spirulina, specifically the antioxidant pigment phycocyanin, which is extracted from the blue-green algae, spirulina.
Flavor: Unlike green spirulina, the blue variety has a mild, almost flavorless profile, making it easy to incorporate into recipes without an earthy or fishy aftertaste.
Health Benefits: Blue spirulina contains powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation, support the immune system, and promote cardiovascular and brain health.
Usage: It's a natural food colorant used in smoothies, lattes, and baked goods, but it is heat-sensitive and best used in raw or low-temperature preparations.
Alternative: Butterfly pea flower powder is another natural blue option, notable for its ability to change color from blue to purple when mixed with an acid like lemon.
Nutrient-Dense: As a superfood, blue spirulina is a concentrated source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals, providing a nutritional boost to your daily diet.

What Exactly is Blue Spirulina?

Blue spirulina is not a type of algae on its own, but rather a compound extracted from green spirulina, a type of blue-green algae known as cyanobacteria. The extract is called phycocyanin, and it is the key ingredient responsible for the product's brilliant, vibrant blue hue. While green spirulina is well-known in the health food community, the blue extract, phycocyanin, has become popular for its lack of the strong, earthy, and sometimes fishy taste associated with its green counterpart. The extraction process isolates the desirable blue pigment and its powerful antioxidant properties, making it an ideal, flavor-neutral addition to a wide range of recipes, especially smoothies and lattes.

The Nutritional Powerhouse Behind the Color

Beyond its visual appeal, blue spirulina is packed with nutrients. It is a source of plant-based protein, vitamins B1, B2, and B3, as well as minerals such as iron and magnesium. The primary active component, phycocyanin, is a potent antioxidant that combats oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This protective effect is beneficial for overall wellness and has been linked to various health-promoting activities in preliminary research. The compound has been studied for its potential to support brain and heart health, help manage blood sugar, and boost the immune system.

Potential Health Benefits of Blue Spirulina

The use of blue spirulina goes beyond mere aesthetics. Its rich nutritional profile and potent antioxidant content contribute to several potential health advantages:

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Phycocyanin is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. By reducing oxidative stress, it also helps lower inflammation throughout the body.
Immune System Support: The high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps strengthen the body's immune defenses. Some studies suggest phycocyanin may help regulate immune function and reduce the risk of certain infections.
Cardiovascular Health: Research indicates that supplementing with phycocyanin may help improve blood lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It may also aid in regulating blood pressure.
Brain Health: By fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, blue spirulina can have neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Improved Energy and Stamina: Thanks to its high protein and vitamin content, incorporating blue spirulina into your diet can help boost energy levels and improve exercise endurance. It provides sustainable energy without the jitters associated with caffeine.

How to Incorporate Blue Spirulina into Your Routine

Blue spirulina's mild, almost neutral flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient for a variety of culinary creations. Here are some simple ways to add this superfood to your diet:

Vibrant Smoothies: Simply add 1 to 2 teaspoons of blue spirulina powder to your favorite smoothie recipe. To maintain the bright blue color, use light-colored fruits like bananas, mangoes, or pineapple.
Eye-Catching Smoothie Bowls: Blend the powder with frozen fruit and a liquid of your choice until thick, then pour into a bowl and top with granola, fresh fruit, seeds, and nuts for a nutritional and visually appealing breakfast.
Nutritious Lattes: Mix blue spirulina with warm or cold plant-based milk for a beautiful, colorful latte. You can add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
Natural Food Coloring: Use the powder to create stunning blue hues in raw desserts, puddings, baked goods, or even savory dishes like pasta or rice. When baking, be mindful that high heat (above 140°F/60°C) may cause the color to fade.
Refreshing Drinks: Stir the powder into water, coconut water, or lemonade for a simple, hydrating, and aesthetically pleasing beverage. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to a butterfly pea powder drink can even cause a color change from blue to purple.

Blue Spirulina vs. Butterfly Pea Powder

For those seeking a natural blue colorant, blue spirulina and butterfly pea flower powder are the two primary options. While they both create vibrant blue drinks, they differ in several key ways:


Feature	Blue Spirulina (Phycocyanin)	Butterfly Pea Flower Powder
Source	Extracted from blue-green algae (spirulina).	Dried and ground butterfly pea flowers.
Flavor Profile	Almost tasteless and odorless in most preparations, with some finding a very mild, sea-like note.	Mild, earthy, and slightly floral.
Primary Benefits	Rich in antioxidants (phycocyanin), supports immune and cardiovascular health.	Contains powerful antioxidants (ternatins and anthocyanins) and has brain-boosting, anti-inflammatory effects.
Color-Changing	No significant color change with pH; mixing with other colors creates predictable results (e.g., blue + pink = purple).	Changes from blue to purple or pink when an acidic ingredient like lemon juice is added.

Conclusion: The Rise of Blue Spirulina

The blue powder used to transform ordinary smoothies into visually spectacular and nutritious creations is blue spirulina, derived from the phycocyanin pigment found in blue-green algae. As a superfood, it provides a host of benefits, including powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support the immune system, cardiovascular health, and brain function. Unlike its green counterpart, it has a neutral taste, making it an easy and delicious addition to your daily diet. With its versatile uses and impressive health profile, it's clear why blue spirulina has become a favorite among wellness enthusiasts and foodies alike. By choosing this natural alternative, you can add a vibrant splash of color and a substantial nutritional boost to your favorite foods and beverages.

For more in-depth information on the nutritional science behind spirulina, you can consult studies published in scientific journals.

Frequently Asked Questions

High-quality blue spirulina powder has a very mild, almost neutral taste, allowing it to blend seamlessly into smoothies without the strong, earthy or fishy flavor found in traditional green spirulina.

No, while blue spirulina is derived from green spirulina algae, it is actually the concentrated extract of the blue pigment, phycocyanin. Green spirulina contains both phycocyanin and chlorophyll and has a more robust nutritional profile, but also a stronger taste.

The primary benefit comes from phycocyanin, a potent antioxidant that provides strong anti-inflammatory properties, helps combat oxidative stress, and supports immune health.

For a vibrant color and noticeable health benefits, a serving size is typically 1 to 2 teaspoons of powder, but you can adjust the amount based on your desired color intensity.

Yes, but use caution. Blue spirulina is heat-sensitive, and temperatures above 140°F (60°C) may cause its vibrant blue color to fade. It is best for no-bake desserts or items where temperature is controlled.

Blue spirulina can be found in health food stores, specialty supermarkets, and online from various health and wellness retailers. It is often sold in powder form.

No, butterfly pea flower powder is derived from the butterfly pea flower, while blue spirulina comes from algae. Butterfly pea powder is also famous for its ability to change color from blue to purple when combined with an acidic ingredient.