Article at a Glance:
- Spirulina powder is one of the best ways to supplement your diet and get the essential vitamins and minerals.
- Finding the best spirulina powder is vital to consuming high-quality and safe supplements.
- To make it easier, we’ve compiled the best brands that offer organic, pure, and GMO-free spirulina powder.
A diet packed with vitamins and minerals is a pillar to keeping a healthy body. The human body doesn’t naturally produce some of the nutrients we need, while others only come in small amounts in easily accessible foods. This is where dietary supplements like the best spirulina powder become extremely helpful.
Out of the many supplements you’ll find in stores and online, spirulina is one of the best options. This is because it comes from blue-green algae, one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods. To make it easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best spirulina powder supplements, and we’re sharing with you a list of reputable brands here. We’re also giving our honest opinions about them!
What Should I Look for When Buying Spirulina Powder?
With tons of options in the market, buying spirulina can be a tedious task. Here are some factors to consider when buying the best spirulina supplement to narrow down your search quickly:
1. Is the Formula Certified Organic?
The organic label is important, especially in food products and supplements. This indicates that spirulina powder is processed with safe practices.
The easiest way to determine if a spirulina supplement is genuinely organic is if you find “USDA organic certification” on the label. But purely organic products aren’t always perfect and could be susceptible to contamination. So the best spirulina powder supplements have also acquired certifications indicating they’re processed in facilities that comply with safety practices.
2. What’s in the Ingredients List?
Like other supplements, spirulina is often mixed with other nutrient-rich food sources, which can also benefit your health. So if you’re looking to enjoy the full health benefits of spirulina, you should opt for products that are only made with pure spirulina.
The best spirulina powder supplements will be labeled as having 100% pure or raw spirulina. That also means the product doesn’t have fillers, artificial flavorings, and thickeners.
3. Where Does the Best Spirulina Come From?
Spirulina and chlorella supplements originally come from Taiwan and Japan. Although many products have since been using ingredients farmed or cultivated in Hawaii, India, and China.
However, products from China sell for a much cheaper price than other products in the market. This leads to doubts about their safety and overall quality. Meanwhile, many people still worry that the Fukushima radiation may have affected supplements originating from Japan. So many of the safe spirulina brands have sourced their products from Taiwan spirulina and chlorella, as they’re known for having the best quality.
It’s important to note that some reputable brands offer spirulina supplements farmed and processed in the U.S. If you opt for such products, the best spirulina options come from farms and facilities in Hawaii.
Do note that if the manufacturer says it is produced in the U.S. but does not specify where they are usually getting raw materials from China and bagging it in the U.S. just to say it is manufactured there.
What Is the Best Spirulina Powder To Buy?
1. Sunlit Best Spirulina Powder
Sunlit Best has top-notch chlorella and spirulina supplements, and we can attest to their quality. Like its other green supplement products, Sunlit Best’s spirulina powder contains pure cold-pressed and organic spirulina. There are zero additives, fillers, or binders that could affect the supplement’s intended benefits.
Its recommended serving is set at 3 grams, which matches the standard dose of spirulina supplements, whether in powder, tablet, or capsule form. And in each serving, you get 60% protein, 19% carbohydrates, and only 6% fat.
One of the things you’ll appreciate from Sunlit Best’s spirulina powder is its informative label. Aside from the nutritional information, it clearly indicates it’s made from 100% spirulina platensis. Studies showed that spirulina (arthrospira) platensis has incredible antioxidant properties to fight free radicals and vitamins that may help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
You’ll also find information on the essential amino acids you can get from the supplement, such as gamma linoleic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, and palmitic acids. The product is a rich source of vitamins A, K, and B complex. It may also help improve your mineral intake, specifically magnesium, potassium, and calcium, with this spirulina powder.
Acquiring USDA organic certification means Sunlit Best’s supplements are cultivated, harvested, and processed without synthetic fertilizers, irradiation, and genetic engineering. This is another reason why we rally behind the brand.
2. Micro Ingredients Spirulina Powder
Another great product we like is this one from Micro Ingredients. This spirulina powder supplement is certified organic and claims only to use pure spirulina, so you don’t have to worry about fillers. It easily dissolves even if you only add it to water, but you might need time to get used to its taste. Mixing it in smoothies is another way to improve its palatability, which you can do with most spirulina powder supplements.
Micro Ingredients’ spirulina powder comes in a recyclable resealable pouch designed to avoid oxidation with a free scoop inside. The in-package scoop is perfect for measuring its recommended serving of 3 grams. In every recommended serving, the label states that you’re getting 1 g of carbohydrates, 5000 IU vitamin A, 1 mg of iron, 1000 mg of protein, and 14 mg of sodium.
Its packaging is easy on the eyes, thanks to its minimalist design. Although one downside to this is it doesn’t immediately indicate the health benefits you may get from taking spirulina powder. But the label has other necessary information, such as the GMO-free product rich in vegan protein and chlorophyll.
3. Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder
Many of the high-quality spirulina supplements originate from Taiwan. Yet, some of the best spirulina brands also source their products from locally grown spirulina in the U.S., specifically in Hawaii. So if spirulina farmed in the US is high up in your priority in choosing a dietary supplement, Nutrex Hawaii’s product is one of the best options, and we’re glad to have checked this out, too.
It’s formulated with a serving size of 1 teaspoon or an equivalent of 3 grams as well, which has less than 1 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 3 mg iron, and 60 mg sodium. It’s also rich in vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, among other vitamins and minerals.
While the label doesn’t include a USDA organic certification, this spirulina powder has been certified by other institutions as vegan, gluten-free, glyphosate residue-free, and GMO-free. And it’s processed in GMP-compliant facilities.
4. KOS Spirulina Powder
The KOS spirulina powder comes in a 13.5 oz container. With a 3.5 g recommended serving, you can get up to 109 servings per purchase. We find that this is more budget-friendly than most popular supplement brands, so it’s great value for your money.
Its nutrition information indicates every serving doesn’t contain fat and cholesterol while having 2 g of protein, 1 g of carbohydrates, and 20 mg of sodium. It’s also certified organic by the USDA, so there are no fillers and binders. It doesn’t contain artificial flavorings, and it’s gluten-free, so it’s a great supplement to promote a healthy diet. This organic spirulina powder can be a helpful supplement to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and boost your energy.
Aside from adding it to water and smoothies, you can also use it as a natural blue-green coloring for baked goods and other food.
5. Zazzee Spirulina Powder
One of this spirulina powder’s claims to fame is it’s been tested and found free of heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. No need to worry about hazardous materials contaminating the product. It has received USDA organic certification and is advertised with 100% pure spirulina. It’s soy-free and doesn’t contain wheat, gluten, nuts, and other potential allergens.
If you prefer powdered spirulina packaged in containers, this is also a good option. It comes in an airtight container for easy storage and is mess-free.
While it’s common for even the best organic spirulina powders to have an earthy smell and taste, we like that it has a “clean” taste and fresh smell.
Potential Health Benefits of Spirulina Supplements
Aside from being known as a nutrient-dense food source for hundreds of years, its status as a superfood has also been supported by more recent studies and NASA. Available data shows spirulina’s dry weight can contain up to 70% protein, making it a great source of vegan protein for people on a plant-based diet. It’s also rich in essential and non-essential amino acids that help improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Spirulina has several fatty acids but is notably rich in naturally occurring gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is not the case for other microalgae food sources. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that’s not naturally produced in the body. Still, it may be used to manage several health conditions like diabetic neuropathy, allergies, eczema, acne, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Multiple types of vitamin B are also found in spirulina, such as thiamine, riboflavin, and folate. So spirulina supplements can also be beneficial for improving gut health because B vitamins have been found to support cellular metabolic reactions.
Spirulina has defined benefits to cardiovascular health, as well. One study found that supplementing 2 to 8 grams of spirulina may help lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides — key factors affecting one’s risk of heart disease.
A meta-analysis published in 2021 also concluded that spirulina supplementation might help avoid high blood pressure. Spirulina may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it a potential aid in managing hypertension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Company Has the Best Spirulina Powder?
The best spirulina powder is certified organic, GMO-free, and doesn’t contain fillers or unnecessary ingredients. With these qualities together, you’re most likely to benefit from the health benefits of this algae superfood.
Which brand is best for spirulina powder? Based on these factors, the best ones are from Sunlit Best, Nutrex Hawaii, Micro Ingredients, Zazzee, and KOS.
How Much Spirulina Can You Take Daily?
Most health supplement producers suggest a standard daily dose of up to 3.5 grams of spirulina, especially if you plan to make it a long-term inclusion in your diet. The US National Library of Medicine says higher doses of spirulina supplements can be safe — 10 grams daily for six months or 19 grams daily for two months.
For best results, follow the manufacturer’s recommended serving and daily dose of spirulina powder.
Which Brand of Spirulina Is the Safest?
Pure spirulina powder supplements are as natural as you can get. It’s also important to keep track of a brand’s safety checks when processing spirulina.
Sunlit Best’s spirulina powder is produced in a GMP and HACCP food safety-certified environment that uses ISO 22000:2005 quality management system. It is sourced from Taiwan, which has gained worldwide recognition for its high-quality spirulina production.
Another brand is Nutrex Hawaii, which seems to offer safe spirulina supplements, as well. This is because the brand’s Hawaiian Spirulina products are certified to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Choose the Best Spirulina Powder for a Healthier You
Whether it’s your first time looking up spirulina supplements or you’re out to find a better option, you must do your homework. Researching and considering key factors to find the best spirulina powders is worth the time. And taking high-quality spirulina powder is also a step closer to getting its health benefits.
Spirulina supplements may help reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, achieve healthy cholesterol levels, flush out heavy metals, and fight harmful bacteria. Several studies and research back these up. So if you want to take spirulina, only look out for supplements made with pure ingredients. This way, you get the right amount of amino acids, fatty acids, and essential vitamins with just a few grams of this powder.
Now, if powdered spirulina’s taste and odor are too strong for your liking, you can also take spirulina tablets so you won’t miss out on its amazing health benefits!
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