What does blue spirulina taste like in smoothies?

Blue spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that has become a popular superfood addition to smoothies and other foods. With its deep blue color, blue spirulina adds both visual appeal and nutritional value to smoothies.

Quick Answers

Here are some quick answers to common questions about what blue spirulina tastes like in smoothies:

  • Blue spirulina has a mild, slightly sweet taste that blends well into smoothies without overpowering other flavors.
  • It does not have a very strong or offensive taste on its own. The flavor is subtle.
  • Any earthy, fishy, or pond-like tastes are minimized when blue spirulina is mixed into smoothies with fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • The taste and aroma of blue spirulina smoothies is primarily determined by the other fruits, veggies, liquids and mix-ins used.
  • Start with a small amount of blue spirulina when first trying it to get used to the taste before adding larger amounts.

What Does Blue Spirulina Taste Like On Its Own?

When tasted by itself in powder form, blue spirulina has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and earthy. Some describe it as having a subtle seaweed-like taste. The earthy, fishy taste comes from its aquatic origins and environment. Blue spirulina is a type of microalgae after all.

However, many people find the taste quite mild and inoffensive on its own. The flavor profile is far less intense than other superfood powders like wheatgrass or matcha.

Here are some words that are often used to describe the taste of blue spirulina powder:

  • Mild
  • Earthy
  • Subtle
  • Sweet
  • Grassy
  • Green
  • Seaweed-like
  • Fresh

The taste is certainly distinct from fruits and other common smoothie ingredients, but most find it pleasant and easy to get used to.

Blue Spirulina Has Little Taste When Blended Into Smoothies

While blue spirulina powder has a distinctive flavor profile on its own, the taste becomes much more muted when blended with other stronger and sweeter ingredients like fruit, veggies, nuts, and liquids.

In a smoothie, blue spirulina takes on the predominant tastes of the other ingredients used in the recipe. This makes it easy to use in many types of smoothies without overpowering them.

Here’s why the taste of blue spirulina fades into the background within a blended smoothie:

  • Fruits like mangos, bananas, pineapple, berries and citrus fruits have very strong, sweet flavors that mask milder ones.
  • Sweet vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness to smoothies too.
  • Nuts and seeds add thickness, creaminess, and richer flavors.
  • Milks, yogurt, nut milks, and juices overwhelm mild flavors like spirulina.
  • Herbs, spices, vanilla, cocoa, etc also add bolder tastes.
  • The cold temperature mutes flavors also.

Additionally, blue spirulina is rarely added in large amounts to smoothies. Often a teaspoon or tablespoon is all you need to impart color and nutrition. Small amounts blend in seamlessly.

Tips For Getting Used To The Taste

If you find the flavor of blue spirulina a little strong at first, don’t give up on it just yet. Here are some tips to help get used to the taste:

  • Start with very small amounts like 1/4 tsp and work your way up slowly to larger amounts as the taste becomes more familiar.
  • Mix blue spirulina into sweet, tropical style smoothies with mango, pineapple, banana, etc to mask any flavors.
  • Try blending blue spirulina into green smoothies loaded with other fruits and veggies to disguise the taste.
  • Chocolate, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and vanilla extract can cover up mild earthy flavors.
  • Add it to thick, creamy smoothies with avocado, Greek yogurt or nut butters.
  • Sweeten your smoothies more at first by adding honey, maple syrup, pitted dates, stevia, etc to balance the flavor.

Taking a gradual approach and combining blue spirulina with ingredients that overpower the taste makes getting used to the flavor much easier. After a few smoothies, you likely won’t even notice the taste at all.

What Does Blue Spirulina Do For Smoothies?

This blue-green algae adds far more than just color and mild flavor to smoothies. Here are some of the top benefits of adding it:

  • Dense nutrition – Blue spirulina contains a huge array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protein in a small amount.
  • Vibrant color – The stunning royal blue hue looks beautiful and appetizing in smoothies.
  • Protein boost – Just a teaspoon contains 4g of complete protein to help build muscle, satisfy hunger and balance energy.
  • Natural energy – The combination of protein, iron, B vitamins and phytonutrients provides sustained energy without caffeine.
  • Detoxification – Studies show blue-green algae like spirulina can bind with and remove heavy metals and toxins from the body.
  • Probiotics – Some research suggests compounds in blue spirulina may support the growth of good bacteria in the gut microbiome.
  • Lowers inflammation – Phycocyanin and other anti-inflammatory compounds reduce inflammation, especially in the brain, heart and other organs.
  • Heart health – Animal studies indicate blue spirulina improves cholesterol levels, blood pressure and risk factors for heart disease.
  • Brain function – The nutritional components in blue spirulina promote focus, memory, cognition and offer neuroprotective benefits.

This nutritional upgrade takes your smoothies to the next level both visually and nutritionally!

Best Blue Spirulina Smoothie Combinations

Blue spirulina can be added to just about any smoothie combo you like. But certain ingredients are especially tasty and nutritious to blend it with. Here are some of the best combinations:

Tropical Blue Smoothie

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 1/4 avocado
  • 1 tablespoon blue spirulina
  • Ice cubes

Mixed Berry Blue Smoothie

  • 1 cup mixed berries
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1 teaspoon blue spirulina
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2 dates
  • Ice cubes

Green Blue Smoothie

  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 kiwi
  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1 teaspoon blue spirulina
  • 1 cup green juice
  • Ice cubes

Chocolate Blue Smoothie

  • 1 banana
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon blue spirulina
  • Stevia to taste
  • Ice cubes

Vanilla Blue Smoothie

  • 1 cup kefir or yogurt
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon blue spirulina
  • Ice cubes

Should You Use Powder or Tablets?

Blue spirulina can be purchased as either a powder or in tablet/capsule form. Both provide the same nutritional benefits, so it comes down to personal preference.

Here’s a quick comparison of using blue spirulina powder versus tablets in smoothies:

Powder

  • Blends seamlessly into the smoothie
  • Imparts a rich blue color throughout
  • Very convenient to scoop and add
  • Provides mild flavor contribution
  • Can begin with very small amounts

Tablets/Capsules

  • Easy to swallow rather than tasting
  • Precise dosing in tablet form
  • No change to smoothie texture
  • Works well if taste is not preferred
  • Must take at least one tablet per smoothie

In summary, the powder is preferable if you want to experience the taste and don’t mind the texture. Tablets work if taste and texture are concerns.

Does Blue Spirulina Need To Be Organic?

Organic blue spirulina is not necessarily required, but it’s a good idea to purchase organic products when possible. Here’s some information about sourcing considerations:

  • Organic certification means no pesticides or chemicals were used in growing the spirulina.
  • Harvesting best practices ensure no outside contaminants or pollution get into organic spirulina.
  • Sourcing is also an important factor, as some regions have more stringent standards than others regarding water purity and quality.
  • Lab testing for contaminants should be done by the manufacturer regardless of organic certification.
  • Non-organic blue spirulina still has beneficial nutrients, but may contain trace amounts of pollutants.
  • Organic is safer, but more expensive, so purchase the best quality you can afford.

Ideally choose organic and responsibly-sourced blue spirulina from a reputable manufacturer that lab tests for purity and safety. This provides the maximum nutritional benefits.

Potential Side Effects of Blue Spirulina

For most people, blue spirulina only provides health advantages with no side effects. But there are a few potential issues to be aware of:

  • Digestive upset – Too much spirulina at once may cause temporary nausea, diarrhea, bloating, etc. Start with small amounts.
  • Allergic reactions – Very rare, but possible. Discontinue use if any swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis occur.
  • Toxicity concerns – Only purchase trusted, lab-tested blue spirulina to avoid contamination.
  • Drug interactions – Blue spirulina may strengthen the effects of some medications. Check with your doctor.
  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding – Always speak with your OB-GYN before use while pregnant or nursing.
  • Surgery – Stop blue spirulina 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery since it can prolong bleeding.

When sourced properly and taken in moderate amounts, spirulina is very safe for smoothies. Still, it’s smart to check with your doctor about any medical concerns.

Conclusion

Blue spirulina adds far more than an eye-catching color to smoothies. Its mild, slightly sweet taste easily blends into the background behind stronger fruit, veggie and nut flavors. While nutritious on its own, blue spirulina really shines when combined with other superfoods and antioxidant-rich ingredients in smoothies. Start small and work your way up to larger amounts as the flavor becomes more pleasant over time. With so many health benefits, this blue algae is a worthy addition to give your smoothies both visual appeal and an extra nutritional boost!

Leave a Comment