Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that many consumers have used for its high content of proteins, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants. This combination of nutrients is thought to provide various health benefits, including support for the immune system, reduced inflammation, and heart health.
We have analyzed and reviewed the best spirulina supplements on the market to provide a comprehensive list of some of the best spirulina brands. With the many choices available, it can be challenging to select the best spirulina supplement for you. Therefore, we developed a list to aid in the decision process. In addition, we have provided a list of our top 5 supplements.
Best spirulina supplement: a shortlist
- Snap Supplements — best greens mix with spirulina
- Double Wood Supplements — best spirulina supplement with high antioxidant content
- Nutricost — organic spirulina powder
- NOW — best spirulina tablets
- Micro Ingredients — best spirulina tablets for those with food allergies
How we compiled our list of the best spirulina supplements
Without the FDA evaluating individual supplements, it can be difficult to know the best product for your needs. That is why we are transparent with our recommendations. We aim to select high-quality products based on the below criteria.
| Price-to-value ratio | Quality | Form | Dosage | Taste and texture |
| $6.89–23.49 | Use of third-party testing and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) | Powders, capsules, and tablets | 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily | Easy to tolerate supplements are important for consistent use |
- Price-to-value ratio. Products have varying price points that can change the value per serving size.
- Quality. We prioritize supplements subjected to independent lab testing to ensure the product is free of harmful substances.
- Form. Various options in dosage form allow you to choose the supplement most convenient for you and your lifestyle.
- Dosage. Selecting products with adequate dosages is important to experience their benefits.
- Taste and texture. The tolerability of the supplement plays an important role in maintaining consistent use.
Best spirulina supplements: an overview
These products are available in a variety of different forms, and using the above criteria, we were able to identify our top 5 supplements on the market. However, it is advised that you talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement to ensure it is appropriate, given your medical history and current medications.
People with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid food and supplements that are high in phenylalanine. As these products can contain phenylalanine, people with PKU should consult their healthcare provider before using these supplements.
1. Snap Supplements — best greens mix with spirulina
- Green powder mix
- Third-party tested for label accuracy
- Organic ingredients
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
Snap Supplement’s Spirulina + Chlorella capsules offer a convenient way to take a greens complex without the mess and the weird taste associated with many greens powders. The product is marketed as being high in antioxidants, which may support heart health. Due to its varied nutrient profile, the supplement may also offer some energy-boosting, digestion, and metabolism-supporting benefits.
A serving size of 4 capsules daily delivers 2,300 mg of a proprietary blend featuring organic spirulina, cracked cell chlorella, alfalfa, wheatgrass, barley grass, lemon juice powder, kale, astragalus extract, and oat grass. All ingredients are organic and can help boost green vegetable intake for those struggling to get it through their diet.
The capsules are vegan, free of the 9 big allergens, and soy-, gluten-, sugar-, sucralose-, and caffeine-free. It is also non-GMO and third-party tested for label accuracy.
The website only allows ordering a pack of three, 30 servings each, for $86.85 ($0.97 per serving).
2. Double Wood Supplements — best spirulina supplement with high antioxidant content
- Third-party testing
- High phycocyanin content
- Free-shipping
- Gluten, soy, and GMO-free
Double Wood Supplements has developed a standardized Blue Spirulina powder containing a 350 mg dose of phycocyanin in each serving. This larger content of phycocyanin gives the powder its blue color, separating it from other products that tend to be green.
The product is gluten, soy, and GMO-free. Blue spirulina powder is vegan-friendly and can be added to many different drinks and smoothie recipes.
By utilizing third-party laboratory testing in an ISO 17025-certified lab, Double Wood Supplements ensures its produce is pure and without contaminants. The certificate of analysis is present on the company's website for easy viewing.
Double Wood Supplements' 30 g bottle contains a month's supply, as the recommended dosage is 1 g daily.
The cost of a 30 g bottle is $19.95, which includes free shipping within the U.S.
3. Nutricost — organic spirulina powder
- Third-party tested for label accuracy
- Comes with a scoop
- Easy to add to meals
- Organic
- Gluten-free
Nutricost’s Organic Spirulina powder is a great option for those who have issues swallowing pills. The only ingredient is organic spirulina, that has been third-party tested for label accuracy, to ensure there is no cross contamination. The powder is vegetarian friendly and gluten free. The brand states that it is also made in a GMP compliant, FDA registered facility.
The daily serving is 1 g that is recommended to mix with 6-10 oz of water. Spirulina powder can also be easily added to smoothies, yogurts, and dressings. Conveniently, the product comes with a scoop to make it easy to dose.
You can order the product in two sizes: 1 lb container, providing 454 servings, or a 2 lb tub with 907 servings.
2 lb container costs $29.95 ($0.94 per serving).
1 lb container costs $21.95 ($1.37)
4. NOW Foods — best spirulina tablets
- Certified organic product
- Inexpensive option
- Vegan-friendly
- cGMP-certified facilities
NOW manufactures its Certified Organic Spirulina tablets to contain 500 mg of Spirulina per tablet. These tablets are a vegan-friendly option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
This product is manufactured in a facility certified to be in accordance with current GMP. The website states that the product is packaged and quality tested in the U.S., but does not provide specific information on the quality testing used.
The tablets may vary in color; however, this is natural and does not mean they vary in their contents.
The recommended dosage of NOW Certified Organic Spirulina is six tablets daily, which supplies 3,000 mg of spirulina. The product is available in 100 and 500-count bottles.
The smaller bottle provides a 16-day supply for $6.89, whereas the larger bottle provides 183 servings for $23.49.
5. Micro Ingredients — best spirulina tablets for those with food allergies
- Third-party testing
- USDA-certified organic and non-GMO
- Free of major allergens
- Eco-friendly packaging
Micro Ingredients Organic Spirulina Supplements feature a non-GMO, vegan-friendly protein, vitamin, and mineral source. Each tablet contains 500 mg of USDA-certified organic spirulina without any fillers.
This non-GMO product is soy, dairy, gluten, and tree nut-free, making it a great option for those with such allergies. However, it does mention that it may contain shellfish products, so caution is still advised.
This vegan-friendly product is manufactured in the U.S. and is guaranteed to contain no preservatives, additives, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. The brand claims that the supplement undergoes third-party testing to ensure its purity and potency.
The recommended dosage for Micro Ingredients Organic Spirulina is six capsules daily, taken with 8 ounces of your favorite drink.
This supplement is provided in recyclable packaging containing 720 capsules. Therefore, each bag provides a 4-month supply for $23.36, which includes free shipping for Amazon Prime members.
Comparing the best spirulina supplements
| Brand | Price | Price per Serving | Serving size | Spirulina per serving | Third-party testing |
| Snap Supplements | $86.85 | $0.97 | 4 capsules | 2,300 mg | Yes |
| Double Wood Supplements | $19.95 | $0.67 | 3/4ths lightly packed scoop | 1,000 mg | Yes |
| Nutricost | $29.95 | $0.94 | 1 g daily | 1,000 mg | Yes |
| NOW | $6.89–23.49 | $0.13–0.43 | 6 tablets daily | 3,000 mg | No |
| Micro Ingredients | $23.36 | $0.19 | 6 tablets daily | 3,000 mg | Yes (though certificate not is available to view) |
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae found in salty, alkaline bodies of water. It continues to be a popular dietary supplement for its extraordinary nutritional qualities. Spirulina is one of the highest natural source of protein that has been discovered.
In addition to protein, spirulina contains several nutrients that have been suggested to help reduce cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidative stress levels. While more clinical trials are needed to confirm the health benefits, some smaller initial studies have shown some promising results.
Nutritional profile of spirulina
Spirulina is a nutrient-packed supplement and contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. One of the most impressive qualities of spirulina is its high protein content.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon (approximately 7 g) contains 4.02 g of protein, amounting to 57.4% of its dry weight.
In addition, spirulina contains antioxidants such as phycocyanin, which is responsible for its blue-green pigment.
Available forms of spirulina supplements
When selecting a spirulina supplement, there are three dosage form options available from which you can pick. In addition, similar products like chlorella exist and can make finding a pure spirulina supplement more difficult. The three options for spirulina on the market include:
- Powders. These are easier for those with difficulty swallowing pills and can be easily incorporated into your daily smoothie or protein drink.
- Tablets. These products require no preparation to take the dosage and are more convenient to bring on the go.
- Capsules. The best spirulina capsules provide a pre-measured, consistent dosage that is tasteless and avoids the distinct earthy and sometimes fishy taste that can be associated with powders and tablets.
Health benefits of spirulina
An increasing number of research studies support spirulina’s positive health benefits; however, many are small studies and require larger clinical trials to confirm results.
Heart health benefits
Clinical studies have shown spirulina taken daily was able to reduce levels of triglycerides and low density lipoprotein — LDL ("bad cholesterol") in healthy subjects and those with ischemic heart disease. These findings suggest that spirulina can be beneficial in helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of spirulina have been speculated to provide protection from inflammatory molecules and free radicals that play a role in the development of plaques within arteries. However, there are currently no studies evaluating this proposed benefit.
Allergies and immune system benefits
It is well understood that deficiencies in key nutrients and vitamins can have negative effects on the immune system. Therefore, nutritionally-dense spirulina supplements have been used to evaluate its effects on the immune system.
In a randomized clinical trial, daily spirulina supplementation showed a reduction in blood levels of key molecules thought to increase the likelihood of developing allergies. Additionally, another randomized clinical study in patients with allergic rhinitis showed a reduction in nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itching compared to placebo.
Anticancer benefits
The effects of spirulina on the immune system and its antioxidant benefits have led many to investigate and hypothesize about its potential anticancer benefits.
While many of these claims are speculative, one study evaluated the effects of spirulina on an oral cancer called leukoplakia. After one year of use, 45% of patients receiving spirulina supplementation showed complete remission of the oral cancer.
This benefit is intriguing, only a few clinical studies have been conducted to determine the role of spirulina in cancer prevention and treatment. Therefore, more high quality clinical studies are necessary for further evaluation.
Helps regulate blood sugar
In a systematic review of the literature, spirulina was shown to help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in patients with Type II diabetes.
This suggests that the blue-green algae may be helpful in this population of patients; however, more clinical studies need to be conducted to better understand the effects of spirulina on blood sugar levels. Additionally, the dosage ranged from 0.8–8 g, and future studies are needed to clarify the most appropriate dosage for blood sugar control.
Side effects of taking spirulina supplements
Spirulina has been associated with side effects, including cramping, bloating, gassiness, diarrhea, dizziness, and vomiting. Allergic reactions can also occur and should be monitored when starting a new supplement. If any of these adverse effects are present, stop the supplement and contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.
It is not uncommon for spirulina to contain heavy metals if obtained from a contaminated body of water. Therefore, it is important to use supplements that have undergone third-party testing to reduce the risk of heavy metal contamination.
Tips for incorporating spirulina into your diet
The nutritional benefits of spirulina are significant as it contains a high amount of antioxidants and vitamins. When incorporating this supplement into your diet, try one of these easy-to-use ways to increase your spirulina intake.
- If you are eating a yogurt, smoothie, or protein shake daily, add a scoop of spirulina powder.
- Incorporating spirulina powder into your bread recipe can give you nutritionally packed green bread.
- Mix spirulina powder into your salad dressing to enhance the nutritional benefits of your greens.
- Have a sweet tooth? Incorporate spirulina into the recipe to make those sweet indulgences a more nutritious snack.
Best spirulina supplement: conclusion
Spirulina is a nutrient-rich blue-green algae that has been incorporated into diets for decades. While the health benefits still require additional scientific studies to prove, some research shows that it may be beneficial in reducing blood pressure, decreasing high cholesterol, regulating blood sugar, and helping boost the immune system.
However, the use of spirulina should not be used as a substitute for medical care. Speak to your healthcare provider before introducing a new supplement to your daily routine.
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FAQ
Which brand of spirulina is best?
One of the most important features is to make sure the brand uses third-party testing to ensure purity and strength. There are numerous brands on the market, and choosing the best can be difficult. Our list helps provide some manufacturers known for producing high-quality products.
What is the healthiest form of spirulina?
Blue. There are two types of spirulina: green and blue. Blue spirulina is derived from green spirulina and has a higher concentration of phycocyanin, a potent antioxidant. Therefore, blue spirulina has an edge with antioxidant potential but otherwise, they are very similar regarding their health benefits.
Is spirulina really worth it?
Spirulina is incredibly nutritious and packed with various antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins. Clinical studies have also linked health benefits to spirulina; however, these effects need additional studies to confirm. When approved by your physician, spirulina can be a great source of nutrients.
Is it OK to take spirulina every day?
The dosage recommended by the manufacturer should not be exceeded. According to the National Institute of Health, a maximum of 19 grams for 2 months or 10 grams for 6 months have been used. However, it can be used for up to six months unless otherwise stated by your healthcare provider.
5 resources
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. Seaweed, spirulina, dried.
- Cardiovascular therapeutics. Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activities of Microalgae Spirulina.
- European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis.
- Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. The effect of spirulina on type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Nutrition and Cancer. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with spirulina fusiformis.
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