If you'd asked me 10 years ago how I like my powdered green algae served, I probably would have questioned your sanity. However, I've become a big fan of spirulina supplements, and I credit them for a lot of my health improvements since switching to veganism.
As far as superfoods go, spirulina just does it all. It works as an antioxidant, assists in weight loss, lowers blood pressure, and detoxifies the body.
But, as with all supplements, the best ones are hard to find. So, our team here did some extensive searching and testing to be able to bring you some really good options.
Our Top Spirulina Supplement Recommendations
1 - Nutrex Pure Hawaiian Spirulina (Editor's Choice)
If you're not a fan of the taste of algae (let's face it, who really is?), then capsules or pills are going to be the best alternative.
From a nutrition point of view, you'll still get all the value, but you can avoid pinching your nose to get it down.
You will need to take 3 capsules a day for the full effect, but that allows you to spread out the benefits throughout the day [2].
- 3 g of spirulina to support immune health and energy levels
- Certified vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Tablet form makes it easier to swallow
- Good bulk discount options available
- Can leave a fishy aftertaste and smell
One thing I should mention is that a few people have reported that it can cause your breath to smell a bit fishy, so it might be best to take it before food.
2 - Organifi Green Juice
The team unanimously agreed on Organifi as our top recommended spirulina because of 3 things -- it’s organic, vegan, and contains more greens than anything else on this list.
It’s basically spirulina and every superfood there is, including moringa, chlorella, mint, matcha green tea, ashwagandha, and wheatgrass.
An interesting review we found from a user online is how Organifi helped regulate his blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It has also helped other users in losing weight healthily.
- Contains all natural ingredients backed up by science
Mixes well Tastes good for a greens powdered juice Has other superfood content
I’m not a fan of the proprietary blend
It’s also one of the best in taste. While it doesn’t necessarily taste like a milkshake, it has a fresh, minty flavor that’s quite enjoyable for a spirulina green juice.
The only thing I’m not satisfied with is it hides the ingredient amount in a proprietary blend.
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3 - Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
Transparent Labs has managed to live up to its claims that it has created the best quality spirulina supplements.
With a unique blend of spirulina and chlorella, the ingredients of the prebiotic greens are backed up by scientific studies [1]. These studies support their claim that it can help with detoxification and significantly lower free radicals.
And from a nutrition perspective, it also provides a healthy dose of prebiotic fibers to help your digestion.
Combination of spirulina and chlorella algae claims to help detox processes - Contains 8 g of prebiotic fiber to improve your gut health
- 0 grams of cholesterol and fat so it won't mess up your diet
- The unflavored option makes it easy to add to your food and smoothies
- A flavored option would be great to make it a nicer drink
The taste isn't too bad, but I'd love to see a flavored option to make it just a bit easier to take as a morning drink.
4 - Viva Naturals Spirulina Powder
Viva Naturals is another favorite here at the office, and it's possibly one of the cheapest products available. It doesn't have the same fiber and high dosage of active nutrients as the above Transparent Labs option, but it's still a positively reviewed diet supplement.
It has a total of 76 servings per container, so if you want to get a larger dose, that's still a cost-effective choice.
A lot of people like the fact that it's grown in California and certified to be pesticide-free, which does provide some extra peace of mind.
- 3 g of spirulina provides sufficient protein and vitamin A boost
- Certified non-GMO and gluten-free
- Grown in California freshwater to make it pesticide-free
- Low calories per serving won't impact your weight loss goals
- Doesn't mix that easily with water
The only downside, if you don't like shaking your supplements like a professional cocktail master, then it might be best to use a blender.
5 - NOW Supplements Spirulina Powder
Another excellent product that my dietitian recommended is this spirulina supplement from NOW Foods.
It has a vegan and organic certification, and you get the recommended daily dose of 3 g of spirulina.
What a lot of people like about it is that you won't need to take other dietary supplements to boost your intake of B12, so you can save a bit of money and still get all the essential nutrients.
- 3 g of spirulina per serving provides 2 g of healthy protein
- Many positive reports from users about increased energy levels
- It's a good vegan source of vitamins A and B12
- Certified vegan and organic to ensure high-quality ingredients
- A flavored option would be nice as it doesn't have a great taste
I generally mix these nutrition supplements with a morning veggie smoothie, so the flavor doesn't bother me. But a few of the flavor-sensitive guys on the team here aren't a big fan of the taste.
6 - Triquetra Health Organic Spirulina Powder
What I like about this Triquetra product is that the company has gone a long way to get as many third party certifications as possible.
The one that users appreciate the most is that the content has been certified free of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals.
From a nutrition perspective, it covers a broad range of amino acids, minerals, as well as vitamins A and K [3]. These all help your body's immune system and overall health.
- An organic vegan product created with no chemicals
- Provides a broad range of amino acids
- Available with good bulk-order discounts
- Many positive reviews of using it in green smoothies
- The powder doesn't mix easily in a shaker
One thing you might want to keep in mind is that you may need to blend it and not rely on a shaker.
7 - Earthrise Spirulina Natural
If you want to stock up on a year's supply of spirulina tablets, then Earthrise is possibly one of the most cost-effective ways.
The content of this bottle gives you 360 tablets, which is also going to be favored by those that just don't like the taste of spirulina in general.
With plenty of vitamins and minerals, your body will get a good boost, and there are many positive reviews on the quality of the nutrients.
- 3 g of spirulina in each serving
- Contains vitamins A and K to help support a healthy immune system
- Provided in convenient tablets rather than powder
- Comes in larger bulk-buy bottles to save on costs
- You might need to break down the tablets to make them easier to swallow
Some people found that the tablets can be a bit difficult to swallow, so you might want to break them in half before taking them.
8 - Sari Foods Organic Spirulina Powder
This is another one of those products that can provide you more than just the primary benefits from spirulina.
It can supply you with all the B12 you need as well as some bonus omega fatty acids.
A lot of reviewers also highlight the fact that it provides 7 g of protein with a full range of amino acids to support many body functions.
- Designed to help with energy and vitality daily
- Good source of vitamins A and B12 as well as iron and chromium
- Provides 7 g of vegan-friendly protein
- Mixes easily in a shaker
- Has quite a fishy and salty aftertaste
One word of warning for those with sensitive taste buds, it does have a bit of a fishy aftertaste.
9 - HealthForce Superfoods Spirulina Manna
HealthForce has put a lot of effort into getting vegan and organic certifications, and they claim to use only high-quality algae.
A lot of people made positive comments about how it helped improve their energy levels.
But there is a reason this one has been pushed down the list.
- Many positive reviews about improved strength and energy
- Certified vegan, organic, and gluten-free
- Claims to use some of the highest quality algae
- The label does have a lead warning which doesn't make it suitable for long-term use
- The taste leaves a bit to wish for
This product used to be higher up on my list until someone pointed out that the label actually has a lead warning on it. Since I noticed that, I've switched to some of the other options above, as it's not a risk worth taking.
10 - Soul Organics Spirulina Powder
This blue-green algae product from Soul Organics is very popular on Amazon, mainly because it's possibly one of the cheapest options of all the organic products.
The content is also low in cholesterol and provides a good boost of vitamin A.
Also, from a calorie perspective, you won't have to worry that it might mess with your fasting periods.
- Good source of vitamin A
- With low cholesterol and calories, it won't mess up your diet
- Very good value for money compared to other organic products
- The powder doesn't mix well so make sure you plan to use it in a blender
- It has quite a nasty aftertaste
One thing we didn't like about it is that you'll struggle to get it properly mixed in a shaker. It also has one of the most overpowering tastes, so you might want to mix with other strong flavors.
11 - BN Labs Organic Spirulina Powder
Do you worry about the heavy metal content of some seafood? It's certainly something that is a big issue with a lot of fish and shellfish. But as a vegan, I was surprised that many sea plants could also contain these dangerous minerals.
BN Labs makes it clear in their advertising that they rely on third-party testing to verify the ingredients and lack of pesticides and heavy metals.
With absolutely zero cholesterol and only 1 g of fat, this spirulina powder from BN Labs is certainly a very healthy option.
- Contains no added fillers or synthetic additives
- Certified organic spirulina for a more natural powder
- Tested for heavy metals and pesticides
- Chemical-free processing to ensure the best health benefits
- The taste takes a little bit of getting used to
Personally, the taste didn't bother me too much; it certainly beats having seaweed and algae in your breakfast (yes, that is a thing).
What To Look For When Buying Spirulina
There are a handful of things that our team focused on when assessing ingredients. The best products we found had certain nutrients on the content labels. And here is what my dietitian said we should focus on.
Protein - Spirulina is a great source of vegan protein which covers a wide range of amino acids that your body needs to function properly [4].
Iron - Iron is one of the vital nutrients that a lot of vegans can lack in their early days of adopting this lifestyle. Because spirulina is so nutrient-dense, it has been proven to supply plenty of iron.[5]
Vitamins - You'll find that the vitamin content of spirulina is very supportive of providing you with vitamins A, B12, and K. This can eliminate the need for many other supplements.
Related article: Plant-based multivitamins
Powder Vs. Capsules - In the above list, we provide options as both powder and capsules. Personally, I always stick to taking it the way nature intended, but if you really can't handle the taste, then stick with the pills.
Now, let's check out some of the benefits.
Health Benefits Of Spirulina
As I mentioned above, I never thought that I would ever feature algae in my diet. But once I found out about some of the health benefits of just a small dose of powder, I was convinced.
Reduce Blood Pressure - Heart health is a serious issue these days. Upon reading several studies that linked spirulina to reduced blood pressure [6], I was sold.
Detox - Spirulina is one of the most antioxidant-rich plant foods that you can find. If you have concerns over the accumulation of toxins in your body, maybe from years of eating meat, then this is a must-take supplement.
Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage. Its main active component is called phycocyanin. This antioxidant substance also gives spirulina its unique blue-green color.
- Joe Leach, Registered Dietitian
Weight Loss - This is another one of the important benefits for anyone struggling with maintaining their body weight. Studies have shown that after 3 months of taking this supplement, BMI in test groups went down [7].
Side Effects Of Spirulina
The good news is that these simple algae are not known as a common allergen, and most people will tolerate the small amounts that you need to take. At the same time, it can be a good idea to try lower doses when you first start taking it.
If you notice some nausea or headaches, then it could be the product you chose, or it might simply take a few days for your body to adapt to these nutrients.
Take it easy at first, and once you lose some of the side effects, then you should be in a great position to really make improvements to your health.
Why Is Spirulina Considered Superfood?
Spirulina is considered a green superfood because it is a very nutrient-dense product. This means that pound for pound, it contains a ton of macro and micronutrients in just a few grams of the powder.
About 70 percent of it is high-quality protein, and you can get all the iron, vitamin A, and B12 that you need every day.
If you can get over the taste, then this pretty cheap supplement can replace a lot of the chemically produced supplements that a lot of people have become reliant on.
FAQs
When Is the Best Time to Take Spirulina?
The best time to take spirulina is first thing in the morning with your breakfast or a smoothie. This gives your body a boost to get you through the day by providing more energy.
Is Spirulina Safe for the Kidneys?
Yes, spirulina is safe for the kidneys, unless you have underlying kidney issues. In that case, it's best to talk to your doctor before you start taking these supplements.
You can make spirulina taste better by mixing it with fruit and veg that have a stronger taste. Creating veggie smoothies is a common option, and it will suppress even stronger tasting products.
No, spirulina won't make you gain weight as you won't be taking in large volumes of calories. It also has been shown to trigger metabolic processes that help reduce your body fat.
Yes, spirulina will break a fast as it will introduce both macro and micronutrients. With 70% of its content made up of protein, even a small amount will impact your fast.
Which Product Should You Choose?
Of all the spirulina supplements we tested out, Organifi is the one we all eventually agreed on as the best spirulina protein powder. It contains spirulina and many other superfoods to support your overall health.
Between the positive online reviews, our own experience, and the fact that it has a very refreshing taste, it had us all convinced.
If you've taken any of the above products, then make sure you let us know on social media how it worked for you.
Organifi Green Juice
Best Vegan Spirulina Supplements
- Contains all natural ingredients backed up by science
Mixes well Tastes good for a greens powdered juice Has other superfood content
- Use code: VEGANLIFTZ for 15% Off until end of November
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Its has antioxidant, assists in weight loss, lowers blood pressure, and detoxifies the body. I have started gaining unnecessary weight because of this quarantine….I need this badly
Great article. However, I do would like to add that there are a few studies that show spirulina can reduce the level of total cholesterol in the blood. I also read that spirulina can effect a modest increase in HDL-cholesterol. Unfortunately, it does not have any effect on triglycerides. Also, the cholesterol-loweriing benefits are more pronounced on people who already have very high cholesterol levels.
Spirulina supplements are great for vegans. I only found out about them recently.
The best spirulina supplements are indeed very difficult to find. Thanks for doing all the hard work on our behalf.
Honestly this is the first time I am hearing about spirulina supplements. I wonder how good they are.
For their quality, I think the prices are very fair. True value for money!
Thank you for the best price offer till the end of May on your number one recommendation. It’s a very good deal.
Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens has zero cholesterol. That makes it the best for me.
Spirulina is among the best superfoods out there. I highly recommend it for all vegans.
I agree with you that a flavored option would make the Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens a nicer drink. I was thinking exactly the same thing.
I have learnt quite a bit about spirulina from this article. Thank you so much for the eye opener.
What I like most about spirulina is the fact that they barely have any side effects. There are safe for everyone regardless of the medical condition.
I wonder what spirulina powder actually tastes like. I’d really like to find out.
When it comes to supplements, As long as they have benefits and proven effective herbal or not I am okay with it. To be honest, I find it cool that people are harnessing the gifts of this planet while doing service to consumers. Great job!!!
Thank you for this review, got all the information needed to choose the best Spirulina supplements. Recommended to everyone who’s having a hard time loosing extra weights.
Looks like I will be needing spirulina in my diet from now on. I never knew how good it all was until I read through this wonderful article.
This Spirulina Powder supplement i suggest its a must for everyone. Thanks for this healthy post.
Spirulina has been popular in our country. This has proven to be so effective.
I have heard good things about spirulina, but to be honest I am still having doubts about using them. thank you for the enlightenment, I will surely try to put SPirulina in my Try to Do List.
I like the Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens. Looks well to me.
This is the best and the most comprehensive review I’ve seen on spirulina supliments. It’s quite hard to come across a review of such a rare product
My first time to hear of spirulina supliments. But from your guide I think it’s a great product that I’d like to try and see it’s benefits.
I must take this spirulina supliments. Their benefits seems to be emense.
I’ve heard before about spiriluna but I had no idea about the beneffits for health. I’m considering start to take it.