What is Spirulina Powder?

Spirulina Powder is the dried, powdered form of Arthrospira platensis, a microscopic spiral-shaped cyanobacterium, or blue-green algae. It is not a plant: spirulina is a photosynthetic bacterium that grows in alkaline freshwater lakes and forms thick mats that can be harvested and dried. It is among the highest-protein foods by weight known, typically 60 to 70 percent protein.

About spirulina

Two ancient cultures developed spirulina as a major food independently. The Aztecs harvested it from Lake Texcoco, where Mexico City now stands, and the Kanembu people of Chad continue to harvest it from Lake Chad. French researchers documented the abundant spirulina at Lake Texcoco in the 1960s, and modern commercial spirulina is cultivated in shallow pools worldwide. Alongside its protein, spirulina carries B vitamins, iron, and beta-carotene.

In the kitchen

Spirulina has a strong, distinctly lake-like flavor. It is most often blended into fruity smoothies or acidic juices, which carry the flavor well, and it has a deep blue-green color that tints whatever it is mixed into.

Spirulina Powder: form & sizes

We carry Spirulina Powder as dried powdered algae, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Spirulina Powder in an airtight container away from heat, light, and humidity to preserve its color.

Spirulina at a glance

Scientific name

Arthrospira platensis

Type

Cyanobacterium (blue-green algae), not a plant

Native habitat

Alkaline freshwater lakes

Protein content

About 60 to 70% by weight

Other content

B vitamins, iron, beta-carotene

Form

Dried powder

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb