Everyone is raving about the latest dietary supplement – spirulina.
Loaded with 60% highly digestible protein and packed with high centration of omega 3 fatty acids, not to mention it is low calorie (20 calories per 1 tablespoon), the blue-green powder has become one of the most popular superfoods to consume.
Now that is a superfood that we can get on board.
It can be confusing to navigate the marketplace and choose the best organic spirulina powder.
We did some research and found 8 of the top spirulina supplements. Not all organic spirulina supplements are created the same. For example, the nutrient-dense properties will differ depending on the production process and growing environment.
You might be wondering if it makes sense to consume spirulina as a tablet or in powdered form. We found that organic spirulina powders contain fewer fillers when compared to spirulina tablets.
However, don’t let that scare you from consuming the tablets.
Many consumers reported an odd taste when mixing the powder (read below to see which powders taste the best!) into a smoothie.
Everyone has their own opinion. We recommend reading our list of best organic spirulina powders below and making the executive decision.
One thing is for sure – organic spirulina has been known to boost energy, reduce brain fog, reduce anxiety, increase metabolism, and of course, act as a source of protein.
Enjoy this guide to buying spirulina.
What are the best spirulina powders to take?
Organic Super Spirulina
Swanson Organic Spirulina
Nested Naturals Super Greens
KOS Spirulina Powder
Double Woods Blue Spirulina Powder
Now Supplements Spirulina Powder
1. Organic Super Spirulina Tablets
Distributed in California and wildly popular on Amazon.
Organic Super Spirulina is one of the most popular spirulina products on Amazon with over 6,600 reviews and 4.5 stars.
We like this brand because it contains no fillers, additive coatings, or preservatives and it is one of the purest spirulina tablets available.
The serving size is 6 tablets; each tablet is 500mg, making one serving equal to 3,000mg.
Consuming spirulina as a tablet is great because it dissolves quickly and has better absorption.
The best part is that it is loaded with vegan Protein, Chlorophyll, Fiber, Amino Acids (Omega 3 6 9, GLA, Arginine), Fatty Acids, Immune Vitamins, Biotin, Minerals (Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium & Zinc Vitamin), Flavonoids, Phytonutrients, and Antioxidants.
Be aware, that customers reported that this brand has a fish smell if you decide to purchase the powder version.
In terms of the production process, it is unclear where the product is manufactured. The website states that they have a warehouse in California where the distribution takes place.
However, you can have peace of mind knowing that they are testing their products using a third party. Per the website, “all our ingredients come with USA lab test reports. You are welcome to request free digital copies of any lab reports”.
We found that lack of transparency usually leads to dark production measures.
Key features
Vegan-certified and gluten-free
Comes with 720 tablets (great price per tablet)
USDA certified organic
No artificial flavors or artificial colors
Dissolves fast and improves energy levels
Price
$23.94 for 720 tablets
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2. Swanson Organic Spirulina Tablets
Budget-friendly and reputable brand operating since 1969.
Swanson Organics spirulina is by far the best spirulina supplement on the market in terms of price. Coming in at $9.87 a bottle, the 180 tablets will last for a few weeks.
The brand has been in operations since 1969 and they work with reputable developers and manufacturers who have proven their abilities to meet their rigid standards for quality production, purity, and potency.
Some customers mentioned a fishy smell attached to each tablet, but others approve of the odorless organic tablets.
Swanson Organics is focused on high-quality products. They are voluntary members of NSF International and follow Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure that the procedures are the best they can be.
Each tablet is packed with antioxidant and phytonutrient nutrition along with high amounts of beta-carotene, essential amino acids, minerals, B vitamins, and chlorophyll.
On Amazon, this bottle is rated 4.5/5 stars.
Key features
Supports toxin removal & cardiovascular health
Boosts antioxidant activity and is great for gut health
180 tablets per package for an affordable price
Manufactured in a USA GMP-certified facility
USDA certified organic
Price
$9.87 for 180 tablets
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3. Nested Naturals Super Greens Spirulina powder
The best blend of spirulina and superfoods with a transparent manufacturing process.
We love this option because one scoop of the Nested Naturals will give you a heroic blend of organic superfoods, fiber, enzymes, and dairy-free probiotics.
Nested Naturals Super Greens are packed with phytonutrients to help promote healthy energy levels without the crash you get from caffeine, sugar, or energy drinks.
The vitamins and minerals in Nested Naturals fuel your brain to help support focus and clear thinking.
Nested Naturals also includes prebiotic inulin and digestive enzyme supplements that help you maintain good digestive health.
One scoop contains 667 mg Organic Spirulina, 400 mg Chlorella, 1.67bil CFUs probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
This option differs from the other spirulina powders because it includes an alkalizing blend, fiber blend, antioxidant blend, probiotic blend, and enzyme blend.
The website is quite transparent when it comes to sharing the manufacturing and testing process. They test for herb identification, microbial counts, heavy metals, and potency via third-party labs.
We have to admit, that this powder blend includes the best superfoods and essential nutrients to power you through the day.
Key features
Supports immune health & boosts brain power
Improves digestive health
3rd party tested
Tastes great in a smoothie
Improves energy levels
Price
$27.16 for 30 servings
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4. KOS Spirulina powder
Recognizable brand in an easily digestible powder form
Spirulina, a top seller in the KOS Pantry, is so packed with protein and Phyto-nutrition that it’s one of nature’s wonders.
It is loaded with various nutrients and antioxidants to benefit the body and brain. It truly deserves the title “superfood” and is considered one of the leading candidates to help address worldwide hunger and malnutrition.
As an added benefit, KOS uses formulas made in sunny Southern California, and the ingredients are certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and California Certified Organic Farmers Association (CCOF).
However, the sourcing partner is unclear.
We tried to call KOS corporate and learn more about their production, manufacturing, and packaging process, but we did not hear back. This could be because they are sourcing from china due to the lack of transparency on the website and outreach.
KOS Spirulina powder appears to aid weight loss by making consumers feel full after eating it!
For reference, 1 scoop is equal to 10 calories! Great for a low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet.
Key features
Popular brand
100% pure organic spirulina powder
Supports a vegan diet
Anti-inflammatory properties
Nutrient-dense
Price
$23.99 for 109 servings
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5. Double Woods Blue Spirulina powder
Third-party tested product with raw evidence and budget friendly
Double Woods Blue Spirulina Powder is manufactured and tested for safety and purity right here in the U.S.A.
We ordered this powder and noticed the organic spirulina effect – improved energy and clear focus. Not to mention, the vibrant blue color is exceptionally beautiful.
The package comes with a small scoop, incredibly convenient as the powder can slightly stain a surface.
Double Woods recommends taking 1 gram (about ¾th of a lightly packed scoop) daily with or without food. This dose can be exceeded but they do not recommend going over 2 grams per day.
Plus, you can view the third-party test results here and the certificate of Analysis here. Many times brands will stamp that phrase on the packaging to win customers even if it is not true.
Customers on Amazon rave about this powder. One even mentioned, “I love this powder!!! I have arthritis and this helps with inflammation and pain. I’ve gone through 3 tubs so far and recommended it to 3 of my friends with inflammation”.
The only downside is the container is much larger than needed to leave room for the scoop and prevent spillage when using the product.
Key features
Certified vegan
Powdered form
USDA Organic products
Third-party lab tested (as of January 2021)
Certificate of Analysis (Nutra Solutions USA)
Price
$19.96 for 30 servings
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6. Pure Hawaiian spirulina tablets
8,000+ reviews on Amazon and grown in Hawaii.
Pure Hawaiian spirulina is the purest form of organic spirulina and is grown in Hawaii, as the brand name suggests.
We took a peek at the website and saw pictures of the cultivation, harvesting, processing, testing, and tableting process on their farm in Hawaii. Truly amazing!
It is refreshing to see a transparent and candid brand.
From the start, the founder Dr. Gerald Cysewski oversees each step of their farm and production facility, setting the standard for commercial scale microalgae cultivation and harvesting.
Pure Hawaiian microalga is grown with the purest resources on the Kona Coast farm – allowing Pure Hawaiian to deliver the highest quality microalgae.
The organic spirulina product supports healthy aging by boosting the immune system, provides nourishment for a healthy and active lifestyle (energy booster), and supports normal cholesterol and lipid profiles.
As recommended by the brand, take 6 tablets daily with or between meals and refrigerate after opening. The brand claims to transform its customers’ lives. Read about the customer testimonials here.
After doing plenty of research, we are leaning towards Hawaiian spirulina being the best spirulina powder.
Key features
Wildly popular on Amazon
Extremely high quality
The complete production process (cultivate, harvest, process, package ) takes place on the Kona Coast farm island in Hawaii.
Founded by a renowned expert in microalgae and carotenoids.
Source of complete protein
Price
$27.29 for 400 tablets
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7. Now Supplements spirulina tablets
Budget-friendly and effective.
NOW’s Spirulina 1000 mg tablets are certified organic and non-GMO.
These tablets are an easy way to get a daily dose of this nutrient-rich superfood featuring beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and Vitamin B-12.
This double-strength product has twice the Spirulina (1,000 mg per tablet) as in the regular strength product (500 mg per tablet).
However, you can certainly stick with the lighter dose if you are just jumping on the spirulina bandwagon.
The spirulina tablets are packaged in the USA. We could not find evidence of their facility, but their website notes that they source their ingredients from other countries and package them in the USA.
Customers rave about this brand on Amazon.
“I love this!! I have energy! I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue and this has made a noticeable difference. If my coworkers see me dragging and moody, they will ask if I’ve had my green pills. This is a life changer”.
With 4.5 stars and over 5,000 reviews, this is a great budget-friendly option.
Key features
Non-GMO
Budget-friendly
Made with plant foods
Soy free
Weird taste
price
$13.85 for 120 tablets
buy it now
8. Terrasoul Spirulina powder
A trusted family-run business and third-party tested.
Terrasoul Superfoods is a small family-run business that sources the freshest and highest quality superfoods from all over the planet.
The package includes 6 ounces of spirulina powder, which is equivalent to 24 servings. It is recommended to add 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder into a smoothie.
The powder is potent and will turn any smoothie dark green. Be careful – the flavor of the smoothie will be altered and possibly become undesirable if adding too much powder in any beverage.
Terrasoul Spipirulina is tank-grown in an environmentally pristine area in South India and is manufactured by Parry Nutraceuticals. We did some research and it looks like the manufacturing plant is also in India.
To add a dose of confidence, Terrasoul Spirulina uses an independent lab in Texas to demonstrate the clean consistency of the Spirulina.
The test called ICP-MS reported a lead level of 0.05 ppm.
Key features
Third-party tested
Potent and packed with antioxidant properties
Grown in Southern India
Soy free
Weird taste
Price
$11.99 for 6 ounces or 24 servings
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Our Opinion
After conducting research on the best spirulina powders and tablets on the market, we have decided that Hawaiian Spirulina Powder is the best spirulina option.
This is because it is the only brand that discloses its entire manufacturing process from cultivation to packaging. The website has pictures of their expert employees cultivating algae and processing the product.
They do not operate in a black box.
As a consumer, we want to be well aware of the supplements we are putting in our bodies. There is no funny business or sketchy china manufacturing process.
Check out more on the brand here.
The Hawaiian Farm is 96 acres and is located at Keahole Point, Kona, Hawaii, USA.
Per the website, the founder and CEO, Dr. Gerald Cysewski, is the brains behind the natural manufacturing process.
“Celebrating National Earth Month. Healthy Earth, Healthy Life. Microalgae research specialist Dr. Gerald R. Cysewski came to Keahole Point on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1984 to develop the world’s first large-scale system for spirulina under continuous cultivation.
Dr. Cysewski located his company along the Kona Coast due to the location’s ideal conditions—abundant sunshine, fresh drinking water, trade wind breezes, and ultra-deep ocean water used to supplement the culture process.
From the start, Dr. Cysewski has overseen each step of our farm and production facility, setting the standard for astaxanthin.
We are proud to have pioneered this growing industry, providing the benefits of careful and scientifically cultured microalgae for healthy nutrition worldwide”.
The brand recommends taking Hawaii Spirulina as a tablet or powder.
“Hawaiian Spirulina is an ideal food supplement for people of all ages and lifestyles. One serving of Hawaiian Spirulina has the equivalent of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and more nutrition than any other single whole food. Available in tablets for people on the go. Or use Spirulina powder in your favorite drink or smoothie.”
Overall, consuming Hawaiian Spirulina powder is the most natural way to reap the benefits of spirulina without the odd fishy smell.
Why is Spirulina considered a superfood?
Spirulina is considered a superfood because of its high concentration of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
The powder is packed with macronutrients and micronutrients. It is high in protein and loaded with vital nutrients, making it one of the world’s most popular supplements.
For example, 1 Tablespoon of spirulina powder contains 4gs of protein. Let’s compare that to the 6gs of protein in 1 egg. That’s wild!
Similarly, spirulina powder is considered a complete protein, which means that it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs in a bio-available form.
The Aztecs were onto something – they considered the blue-green algae to be an endurance booster with all-in-one nutrients.
How does Spirulina taste?
Many times healthy superfood powders do not taste fantastic on their own. With spirulina, it is a similar situation.
The blue-green powder has a bland, earthy, and bitter taste.
Some reported other spirulina powders to taste fishy. This could be a result of being manufactured in an unsafe and unsanitary facility.
The good news is, after adding a scoop of spirulina powder to a smoothie, the fruit and nut butter masque the taste. If you have a hard time getting over the bitter taste, feel free to try the tablet form of the pure spirulina.
Try adding spirulina into our dark chocolate sea salt bark!
Health Benefits Of Spirulina
Adding algae into your diet might sound like an odd strategy. Several studies have found that protein in spirula can reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol, lowering cholesterol levels.
More surprisingly, studies show that spirulina can reduce blood pressure, therefore lowering your risk of heart disease.
To get scientific, spirulina increases the production of nitric oxide in the body, which helps the blood vessels relax and reduce blood pressure counts.
FAQs
Tell me the optimum time for using spirulina?
In general, there is not a perfect time of day to consume spirulina.
However, some specialists recommend consuming organic spirulina powder a few hours before bed.
The powder will naturally cleanse the colon and flush out toxins. As a result of the cleaning process, you might begin to feel tired as the organs are working overtime.
Why is blue spirulina powder?
Blue Spirulina is an algae that is greenish blue and grows in ponds, lakes, and alkaline waterways.
Phycocyanin is one of the main active antioxidant components of spirulina which gives spirulina its unique blue-green color.
Organic blue spirulina is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage.
The good news is that blue spirulina does not have a fishy taste when compared to green spirulina.
What is spirulina good for?
After eating sugary food (i.e. natural sugars from fruit, candy bar, or even sweet potatoes), do you feel jittery? This means your blood sugar levels are abnormally high. If this escalates, high blood sugar levels can result in diabetes, damaging the body, risks of heart attacks, etc.
It’s fascinating to know that patients in a research study reported a reduction in blood sugar and insulin levels after consuming 2 grams of spirulina per day.
In another study, blood sugar levels, measured by HbA1c, decreased 1% from 9% to 8%.
Is spirulina powder worth taking?
Spirulina is packed with vitamins essential to promoting a good immune system, such as vitamin C.
Research has shown that spirulina helps increase your immune response to viruses and bacteria. In short, yes it is 100% worth consuming!