What is the blue stuff they put in smoothies?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 70% of people surveyed state they consume smoothies at least once a week, and a new trend has them turning a brilliant shade of blue. This vibrant hue comes from specialized, nutrient-dense superfood powders, and understanding what is the blue stuff they put in smoothies can help elevate your health game.

Quick Summary

The vibrant blue in smoothies comes from natural superfood powders like blue spirulina and butterfly pea flower powder. These plant-based ingredients offer antioxidants and nutrients without artificial additives, providing color and health benefits.

Key Points

Source of Color: The blue in smoothies typically comes from natural superfood powders, primarily blue spirulina and butterfly pea flower powder.
Blue Spirulina (Blue Majik): This is an extract from blue-green algae, prized for its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content, with a neutral taste.
Butterfly Pea Flower: A powder made from dried petals that offers a vibrant blue color and a unique color-changing effect when exposed to citrus.
Flavor Profile: Both blue spirulina and butterfly pea powder have very mild, earthy, or neutral flavors, which do not overpower the other ingredients in your smoothie.
Recipe for Best Results: Use light-colored fruits like banana, mango, and pineapple, and a light-colored liquid base to ensure a true blue color.
Health Benefits: These powders are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, providing a healthy alternative to artificial food coloring.
Nutrient Booster: Incorporating these powders is an easy way to add a nutritional boost and aesthetic appeal to your drinks.

Blue Spirulina: The Sea Algae Superfood

Blue spirulina, often called "blue majik," is one of the most common answers to what is the blue stuff they put in smoothies. It is a pigment called phycocyanin, which is extracted from green spirulina, a type of blue-green algae. Unlike its green counterpart, blue spirulina has a virtually neutral taste and no fishy smell, making it an ideal, undetectable way to color smoothies.

Health Benefits of Blue Spirulina

Adding blue spirulina to your diet can provide a wealth of health benefits.

Antioxidant-Rich: Phycocyanin is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Research suggests that phycocyanin may support a healthy inflammatory response throughout the body.
Nutrient Dense: Blue spirulina is packed with vitamins (like B12), minerals (copper, iron), and protein.
Immune System Support: The antioxidants in phycocyanin can help boost the immune system.
May Increase Energy: Some users report increased physical and mental energy after incorporating blue spirulina into their diet.

Butterfly Pea Flower Powder: The Magical Color-Changer

Another popular ingredient that answers the question, "what is the blue stuff they put in smoothies?" is butterfly pea flower powder. This powder is derived from the dried petals of the Clitoria Ternatea plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its beautiful, deep indigo-blue color and its fascinating ability to change color when exposed to acids.

Fun Facts and Flavor Profile

Color-Changing Properties: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to a butterfly pea flower smoothie, and the blue will magically transform into shades of purple and pink.
Tasteless (mostly): When used in small quantities for coloring, butterfly pea powder is largely flavorless. Some report a subtle earthy or grassy note, similar to matcha, though far less bitter.
Health Perks: In traditional medicine, butterfly pea flower has been used to support hair, skin, and nail health, and to alleviate anxiety. It is also high in antioxidants.

Comparison: Blue Spirulina vs. Butterfly Pea Flower


Feature	Blue Spirulina	Butterfly Pea Flower Powder
Source	Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria)	Dried petals of the Clitoria Ternatea flower
Primary Pigment	Phycocyanin	Anthocyanin
Flavor	Odorless, neutral taste	Mildly earthy or flavorless
Color Change	Stable blue; does not change with pH	Changes from blue to purple/pink with acid (e.g., lemon juice)
Nutritional Profile	Rich in B vitamins, minerals (iron), and protein	Rich in antioxidants; used traditionally for skin/hair health
Processing	Chemical-free extract	Powdered dried flowers
Cost	Typically higher in price	Generally more affordable
Stability	Relatively stable in smoothies	More delicate; sensitive to high heat

Creating Your Own Blue Smoothie

To achieve that stunning blue hue, remember to combine your chosen blue powder with light-colored fruits and liquids. Using ingredients like mango, pineapple, banana, and coconut milk or yogurt will help the vibrant blue shine through without becoming muddied. Red fruits like berries will turn the smoothie purple or brown. A simple recipe could include:

1 tsp blue spirulina or butterfly pea flower powder
1 frozen banana
1 cup of frozen pineapple or mango
1 cup of unsweetened coconut or almond milk

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Garnish with toppings like shredded coconut, hemp seeds, or a swirl of coconut yogurt for extra flair. For a fascinating color change, use butterfly pea powder and stir in a spoonful of lemon juice right before serving. Optional outbound link: Learn more about the health benefits of blue spirulina from WebMD.

Conclusion

The mystery of the brightly colored blue smoothie is no more. Whether using blue spirulina for its high protein and antioxidant content or butterfly pea flower powder for its unique color-changing properties, you can now confidently create beautiful and healthy concoctions. These natural food colorings offer a nutritious alternative to artificial dyes, allowing for both aesthetic appeal and a boost of beneficial nutrients in your daily blend. Now you know what is the blue stuff they put in smoothies and can experiment with these superfoods to make your own vibrant, health-packed creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The blue powder most commonly used in smoothies is either blue spirulina powder, also known as blue majik, or butterfly pea flower powder. Both are derived from natural sources and are known for their vibrant blue pigment.

No, unlike the more potent green spirulina, blue spirulina (phycocyanin extract) is odorless and has a neutral, almost undetectable taste. This makes it an ideal ingredient for adding color without affecting the flavor of your smoothie.

To keep your smoothie a vibrant blue, avoid using red or purple fruits like blueberries or strawberries. Instead, opt for light-colored fruits such as frozen bananas, pineapple, and mango, which allow the blue pigment from your powder to shine through.

No, they are different. Blue spirulina is an extract from blue-green algae, while butterfly pea flower powder comes from the petals of the butterfly pea flower. They both provide a blue color but come from different plant sources and have different properties, such as butterfly pea powder's unique ability to change color with acid.

Blue spirulina is a superfood rich in antioxidants, such as phycocyanin, which helps combat inflammation and protect cells. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and protein, and can help boost energy and support the immune system.

These superfood powders are widely available at health food stores, specialty grocery stores, and online retailers. You can typically find them in the supplements or baking aisle.

While it's possible, natural food colorings like blue spirulina and butterfly pea flower powder are recommended. Artificial blue food colorings are often derived from petroleum and are not considered healthy additives, with some studies suggesting potential health concerns with long-term consumption.