Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that has become popular in recent years as a superfood and addition to smoothie bowls. With its deep green color and nutritional benefits, spirulina bowls are an eye-catching and healthy breakfast or snack option. But what exactly does spirulina taste like in a smoothie bowl? Read on for a complete guide to the flavor of spirulina and what to expect when trying it for the first time.
The Basic Taste of Spirulina
On its own, spirulina has a distinct taste that some describe as earthy or even fishy. The algae gets its strong flavor from the combination of nutrients it contains, including essential amino acids, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The flavor comes through even more in powdered form, which is how spirulina is most often added to foods and beverages like smoothies and bowls.
So when mixed into a smoothie bowl, spirulina brings a dominance of that earthy, mineral-like taste. The flavor is intense enough that even small amounts – like a teaspoon in a bowl – can impact the overall taste.
Taste Comparison to Other Ingredients
To understand spirulina’s unique flavor profile, it helps to compare it to some more common ingredients:
- Chlorophyll: Since spirulina contains high levels of chlorophyll, it has an intensely green, plant-like taste similar to liquid chlorophyll supplements or wheatgrass.
- Seaweed: Dried sea vegetable varieties like nori have a fishy umami flavor akin to spirulina.
- Blue-green algae: Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, so it tastes comparable to other nutritional algae varieties like chlorella, albeit more pungent.
- Greens powder: Like concentrated greens supplements made from spinach, kale, and parsley, spirulina powder has an earthy, grassy flavor.
So if you enjoy the tastes of chlorophyll, seaweed, algae, or greens powders, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the flavor spiralina adds to a smoothie bowl too.
Taste Depends on the Bowl Base
Since spirulina is rarely eaten entirely on its own, the ingredients it’s paired with in a smoothie bowl will affect the overall flavor experience. Sweet fruits, milks, juices, and smoothie bases can balance out spirulina’s strong effects on taste.
For example, a bowl with a base of bananas, tropical fruit like mangoes and pineapple, and coconut milk will provide plenty of sweetness and creaminess to counter the earthy spirulina. Berries and stone fruits also complement spirulina well in bowls.
On the other hand, if the base of your bowl contains more greens like spinach and kale, the flavor can become overwhelmingly plant-like. Too many bitter greens paired with spirulina may be unpleasant for some.
In general, Successful spirulina bowls utilize a smoothie base with enough sweetness, creaminess, or fruitiness to temper the algae’s bolder notes.
Mix-Ins That Enhance Spirulina Bowls
Beyond the base, there are many standard smoothie bowl toppings and mix-ins that can improve the taste experience of spirulina:
- Fresh fruit: Sliced banana, mango, berries, apple, and citrus fruits can mask any unpleasant flavors.
- Dried fruit: Chopped dates, raisins, apricots, and cranberries provide natural sweetness.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, and flax seeds add crunch and creamy texture.
- Nut butters: A swirl of almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter balances flavor.
- Sweeteners: A touch of honey, maple syrup, agave, or stevia reduces spirulina’s bitterness.
- Granola: Crunchy, sweet granola helps cutoff any lingering aftertaste.
- Coconut: Shredded coconut gives a tropical vibe that works well with spirulina.
Using any of these add-ins, especially in the right combinations, can make a spirulina-packed bowl much more palatable.
Tips for Masking Spirulina’s Taste
If you’re having trouble getting used to spirulina’s distinct flavor, there are a few tricks you can try to make it more enjoyable:
- Start with very small amounts like 1/4 tsp and work your way up slowly as your taste buds adjust.
- Blend frozen fruit like bananas or mangos into your base for extra sweetness and creaminess.
- Add fresh mint, vanilla, or citrus zest to help override the earthy notes.
- Top with lots of fresh fruit, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Mix the spirulina into your bowl base, rather than leaving it in clumps on top.
- Chill bowls overnight to allow flavors to blend, reducing spirulina intensity.
- Mask green color with a dark bowl base like blueberries, cocoa powder, or acai.
With a good spirulina bowl recipe and some taste masking strategies, any unpleasant flavors can be overcome. The health perks are well worth it!
Potential Side Effects of Spirulina
In addition to its intense flavor, spirulina can cause some gastrointestinal side effects when consumed in large amounts or by sensitive individuals:
- Digestive upset – Spirulina acts as a detoxifier, so may cause temporary bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea when introducing it to your diet.
- Allergic reactions – As a type of algae or seaweed, spirulina can cause immune responses like hives, itching, or swelling in those with allergies.
- Headaches – The detoxifying properties of spirulina may lead to temporary headaches or fatigue in some individuals as the body adjusts.
- Interactions – Spirulina can interact with certain medications like immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, and drugs processed by the liver.
To avoid adverse reactions, start with very small doses of spirulina and increase slowly while staying alert for any worrisome symptoms. Consult your doctor before consuming spirulina if you have underlying health conditions or take daily medications.
Is Spirulina Better in Powder or Tablet Form?
Spirulina can be purchased as either a powder or in tablet/capsule form. Here’s a look at the taste and use differences between the two:
Spirulina Powder
- Intense flavor comes through and impacts smoothies and bowls.
- Blends easily into foods and drinks with a spoon or blender.
- Can alter texture and make smoothies thicker.
- Provides vibrant green color to boost appearance.
- More affordable cost per ounce compared to tablets.
Spirulina Tablets or Capsules
- Encapsulation masks unpleasant flavor and green color.
- Easy to swallow like any supplement or vitamin.
- More convenient for travel or taking on-the-go.
- Exact measured doses for those counting grams closely.
- Avoid changes to smoothie texture or thickness.
In smoothie bowls, spirulina powder is ideal since it integrates smoothly and provides bright color. But capsules work well for adding spirulina to meals or taking as a supplement if you wish to avoid the taste entirely.
Does Spirulina Need To Be Organic?
Organic spirulina comes from algae grown in controlled, contaminant-free conditions. Here are the key considerations around organic vs. standard spirulina varieties:
- Organic spirulina has stricter oversight on growing ponds and harvesting.
- Lack of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used in conventional farming.
- No GMOs or synthetic ingredients are allowed for organic certification.
- Higher prices, usually 2-3 times as expensive per ounce.
- Unlikely to have a major difference in taste or nutrition value.
- Organic label provides peace of mind for strict purity.
Ultimately, choosing organic spirulina is optional. The higher costs may not be justified since spirulina grown in open ponds is already relatively pure. But for those concerned about production methods, organic offers the most natural, safe spirulina possible.
What Does Spirulina Taste Like Compared to Chlorella?
Along with spirulina, chlorella is another type of nutrient-dense algae that shares some similarities as well as key taste differences:
Spirulina
- Robust, earthy flavor with a fishy, seaweed-like taste
- Bold green color transforms smoothies and bowls
- Higher protein content per gram
- Contains compounds not in chlorella like GLA and phycocyanin
Chlorella
- Milder taste that is more plant-like and slightly sweet
- Adds light green tint to foods and drinks
- Higher levels of chlorophyll than spirulina
- Contains unique chlorella growth factor
Those who find spirulina to be too strong flavored often prefer chlorella for its more neutral, slightly sweeter taste. But spirulina offers its own nutritional merits. Many people enjoy combining the two algae varieties to obtain the best of both worlds.
Spirulina Bowl Recipe Ideas
Here are a few delicious, balanced smoothie bowl recipes that showcase spirulina’s flavor and nutrition:
Green Pineapple Smoothie Bowl
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tbsp spirulina powder
- Toppings: pineapple, coconut, mint
Blueberry Superfood Bowl
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp spirulina powder
- Toppings: blueberries, granola, chia seeds
Tropical Green Smoothie Bowl
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup chopped mango
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 handful baby kale
- 1 tbsp spirulina powder
- Toppings: mango, pineapple, coconut, mint
Get creative and come up with your own spirulina smoothie bowl flavors too! The algae’s strong taste allows it to shine through in any combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spirulina good for you?
Yes, spirulina is incredibly nutritious and offers many health benefits. It contains high amounts of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Research shows spirulina can boost immunity, improve gut and heart health, aid in blood sugar control, and enhance energy.
Does spirulina have side effects?
When consumed in moderation, spirulina is generally safe and well-tolerated. But in some individuals it can cause temporary digestive upset, headaches, allergic reactions, and interactions with certain medications. Start with low doses and increase slowly while watching for any worrisome symptoms.
How much spirulina should you eat per day?
There is no official recommended daily allowance for spirulina. Many nutrition experts suggest 1-3 grams per day as a health supporting amount for general wellness. Some people take up to 10 grams daily, but this may increase risk of adverse effects.
Does spirulina need to be refrigerated?
No, spirulina powder or tablets do not require refrigeration due to the algae’s protective cell walls. Properly processed spirulina has a long shelf life at room temperature. Just store in an airtight container away from heat, sunlight, and moisture.
What does spirulina powder taste like?
On its own, spirulina has a strong flavor that’s earthy, fishy, and ocean-like. When added to smoothies, the taste comes through noticeably and can be overpowering if used in excess. Many people enjoy it blended with fruit, greens, nut milks, and sweeteners.
Can you bake with spirulina?
Yes, spirulina powder can be incorporated into baked goods like breads, muffins, brownies, and cookies. It adds nutrient density, makes vibrant green colors, and gives a pleasant earthy taste. Use about 1 tablespoon per baked recipe.
Is spirulina alkaline forming?
Spirulina has an alkalizing effect on the body. Its nutrients help remove acidifying compounds and balance pH levels. Consuming spirulina promotes the body’s natural alkaline state which fights disease and inflammation.
Conclusion
With its concentrated nutrition and bold green color, spirulina transforms smoothie bowls into a superfood meal bursting with health benefits. While spirulina has a noticeably strong flavor, the earthy taste can be balanced out using the right supporting ingredients and toppings. Start with small amounts, mix it into your bowl base, and use sweet fruits, milks, and crunchy toppings to craft a delicious spirulina smoothie bowl you’ll look forward to each morning!
