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Best Spirulina Powder Supplements 2024: Top 5 Products Review
Updated on
- Written by Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by
Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
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KOS Organic Spirulina Powder
- 100% organic
- Suitable for vegans
- No genetically modified organisms (GMO) or heavy metals
Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina Powder
- Pure Hawaiian Spirulina
- Suitable for vegans
- Certified gluten and glyphosate residue-free
Terrasoul Spirulina Powder
- High-quality
- Pure spirulina powder with no additional ingredients
- Affordable
Spirulina seems to be one of the newest superfoods that have grown in popularity in recent years. The best spirulina supplements are usually found in pill or powder form, and they’re used in everything from superfood drinks and acai bowls to lattes from your favorite coffee shop.
In addition to many other green powders, spirulina is used for helping you flush out toxins and support your body with high levels of antioxidants that have an important role in fighting free radicals and their oxidative damage as well as protection from diseases and infections.
It’s one of the most sought-after health-boosting supplements on the market with many brands trying to outcompete one another.
5 Best Spirulina Powder Supplements On The Market In (April. 2024)
- KOS Organic Spirulina Powder – Best Organic
- Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina Powder – Editor’s Choice
- Terrasoul Spirulina Powder – Best Budget-Friendly
- NOW Foods Organic Spirulina – Best Spirulina Tablets
- Micro Ingredients Organic Spirulina Supplement – Best Immune-Boosting
What Is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, that has been known and used for its health-boosting benefits for thousands of years.
The Aztecs as well as tribes of African countries have been using this powerful superfood[1] for its healing properties but it wasn’t until the 1970s that it became known to people in the United States.
Spirulina is packed with a variety of micronutrients like vitamins B1, B2, and B3, as well as iron, magnesium, and copper.
It also contains high levels of protein and all essential amino acids, which makes it an excellent protein source for vegans[2] and those following a predominantly plant-based diet.
5 Best Organic Spirulina Powders & Tablets In 2024
KOS Organic Spirulina Powder
If you’re looking for one of the best spirulina powders on the market, this KOS supplement will be a great choice.
- 100% organic
- Suitable for vegans
- No GMO or heavy metals
- Tastes very earthy
When food is labeled organic, it says a lot about the way it’s processed, handled, and produced. KOS Organic Spirulina Powder is made with 100% organic spirulina, and it’s free of any artificial sweeteners, fillers, thickeners, dairy, gluten, GMO, or other unnecessary ingredients.
Such an excellent source of plant protein, this organic supplement is suitable for everyone who’s looking to increase their protein intake and add more of the powerful superfood greens into their meals while avoiding animal products.
Easily mixed into smoothies, dressings, sauces, juices, or even broths, this organic supplement will help support your immune function and protect you from harmful oxidative damaging effects of free radicals.
Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina Powder
If you’re looking for pure Hawaiian spirulina, this popular product from Nutrex is one of the best spirulina supplements on the market.
- Pure Hawaiian spirulina
- Suitable for vegans
- Certified gluten and glyphosate residue-free
- Slightly on the expensive side
- Not organic
Existing in both powder and pill form, Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina is one of the most popular and best spirulina brands on the market. The trusted brand provides high-quality, potency, and powerful health-boosting benefits.
The serving size is three grams (g) which falls under the recommended dose and helps deliver all important nutrients ready to be absorbed by your system.
The powder might have a strong taste that isn’t necessarily delicious, so if you find yourself having trouble taking it in this form, the brand offers pills. They are more compact so you won’t taste the earthy flavor.
Made without any artificial ingredients, glyphosate, gluten, dairy, or other allergens, this pure spirulina supplement is clean and suitable for everyone who wants to add it to their diet.
It helps support your immune system, increases your energy levels, lowers your cholesterol, and improves overall cellular health with its high antioxidant profile.
Additionally, Nutrex is a brand that utilizes a unique, patented drying system that eliminates the oxidation of fatty acids, carotenes, and enzymes which is known to occur in standard dryers. This results in high-quality spirulina supplements in both forms.
Terrasoul Spirulina Powder
Those who are looking to get a great, high-quality spirulina supplement without breaking the bank will be satisfied with the Terrasoul brand.
- High-quality
- Pure spirulina powder with no additional ingredients
- Affordable
- Packaged in a facility that also processes tree nuts so might not be suitable for those with tree nut allergies
- Not organic
A trusted and well-known supplement brand, Terrasoul has come out with their potent spirulina powder that’s grown in a special environment in which it is put into tanks in an environmentally pristine area, completely isolated from industrial, human, and agricultural development.
Additionally, it’s produced and dried at very low temperatures to successfully preserve its high nutritional value.
It’s an affordable brand for those who are looking for a cheaper option without compromising on the quality, and you can choose between three package sizes. Those who have tree nut allergies have to be careful, as the label says it’s been packaged in a facility that also processes tree nuts.
NOW Foods Organic Spirulina
For those who can’t stand the taste of spirulina powder, these high-quality spirulina pills from NOW Foods are one of the best dietary supplements on the market.
- Pure spirulina pills
- Naturally occurring GLA and chlorophyll
- Affordable
- Pills might not be the best option for everyone as you need to take plenty pills to reach the recommended dosage.
NOW Foods is one of the most popular supplement brands on the market, known for their high-quality products and wide selection of supplements.
Their Organic Spirulina comes in pill form, providing naturally occurring GLA[3] and chlorophyll which have powerful effects on your overall health and longevity.
This spirulina supplement is free from any allergens, gluten, dairy, corn, and any artificial ingredients or GMOs.
It comes in three package sizes of 100, 200, and 500 tablets. The 100-tablet packaging contains 16 servings which calls for taking plenty of pills, so if you’re someone who dislikes swallowing pills, you might be better of with their other products that also fall under the best spirulina powders.
Micro Ingredients Organic Spirulina Supplement
This affordable spirulina powder comes from Micro Ingredients and it supports your immune system with its high quality, potency, and purity.
- 100% organic raw spirulina
- Free from any artificial ingredients, gluten, dairy, or other allergens
- Comes with a scoop to help you get the same measurement every time
- Tastes very earthy
If you’re looking for the best organic spirulina powder that’s affordable and easy to digest, Micro Ingredients is a great brand to try.
Their high-quality and potent powder is gentle on the stomach and easy to blend into your favorite foods. It’s also free of any allergens, gluten, dairy, GMO, or artificial ingredients.
It’s rich in a variety of immune-boosting micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin K, and biotin.
They proudly state how their spirulina contains all essential nutrients and it’s only been treated with heat so it doesn’t contain any of the toxic ingredients that are sometimes used to treat and dry spirulina and other dietary supplements.
Health Benefits Of Spirulina
Spirulina is known for a variety of health benefits that can significantly affect your well-being. Some of the most important include the following:
Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Spirulina contains an active antioxidant compound called phycocyanin[4]. Responsible for giving spirulina powder its signature blue-green color, phycocyanin is a clinically powerful antioxidant[5] that helps fight free radicals and oxidative damage.
Oxidative damage has been linked[6] to chronic inflammation and the development of many serious diseases such as autoimmune conditions and cancer.
Spirulina supplements contain very high levels of phycocyanin, actively helping support your immune system with even the smallest dose.
Reduce Blood Pressure
High blood pressure has been linked to a variety of cardiovascular and other diseases, such as strokes, heart attacks, and even kidney failure[7].
Studies show[8] how supplementing with spirulina powder might help reduce your blood pressure levels and avoid hypertension.
Reduce Bad LDL Cholesterol And Triglycerides
Another driver of many serious diseases is high LDL cholesterol[9] and triglycerides, causing chronic inflammation all throughout your body and narrowing your blood vessels. This increases the risk[10] of heart attacks and other heart conditions.
Spirulina supplements have shown great[11] potential in reducing bad LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetics, helping them fight inflammation and respond better to therapy.
This is doubly important with diabetes; if diabetic patients have elevated LDL cholesterol, they have double the risk of blood vessel disease (diabetes + bad lipids).
There have been numerous studies[12] that prove the same potential of spirulina supplements which only justifies their growing popularity.
Increase Iron Levels
People with low levels of iron have a serious condition of anemia which might severely impact their day-to-day life and cause further health complications like thyroid[13] disease.
Iron deficiency can pose a problem especially amongst women because blood loss during the menstrual cycle lowers their iron even more.
There have been many studies[14] that analyze the link between the menstrual cycle and anemia, especially in some populations that are more at risk for developing an iron deficiency. Spirulina naturally[15] contains high levels of iron which helps you maintain healthy levels throughout.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels have been linked to chronic inflammation, obesity, and a variety of serious health conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, and cancers.
A large body of research has linked[16] spirulina powders to help lower and regulate blood sugar levels in animal studies, showcasing its potential for having the same outcome in humans.
Anti-Cancer Properties
The high antioxidant levels of spirulina help lower oxidative damage in the body which is often linked to cancer.
Additionally, some animal studies[17] show its ability to reduce cancer size and occurrence. And even some human studies[18] confirm these incredible properties of spirulina, reducing precancerous lesions in 45% of participants.
How To Choose The Best Spirulina Supplement?
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the best spirulina supplements:
High Quality And Potency
The best dietary supplement you can choose must contain high-quality spirulina which will be potent and provide the nutrients to support your health and immune system.
Purity
The best supplements will contain pure spirulina that’s free of any additional ingredients or allergens. It should be gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, and treated with only heat or other natural agents.
Organic
If possible, choose brands that source natural organic spirulina as this improves their quality and potency.
Powder Or Tablets
If you don’t mind the taste of spirulina, you’ll probably do better with a high-quality powder form, but if you can’t seem to stomach the aftertaste, choose the tablet form.
Many brands create their supplement in gelatin capsules which are easier on the stomach and quick to absorb.
Additional Ingredients
Some brands create other dietary supplements with other green and powerful ingredients that support your immune system and help protect you from diseases and inflammation.
Recommended Dosage
The usual recommended dosage for specific conditions is between one to eight grams, but some people might need more than that. Also, specific doses might vary depending on the reason why you’re taking spirulina.
It’s a great vegan protein option if simply increasing protein intake is your goal, but it can also be helpful for muscle performance, lowering your cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and helping regulate your blood sugar levels.
Final Thought
Spirulina supplements are a popular and nutrient-rich superfood addition to your daily diet that might be helpful in a variety of health conditions.
Many people who follow a plant-based diet start taking spirulina regularly basis as it helps increase their overall protein intake. Still, it’s not exclusive for that reason only.
The best spirulina powders have been linked to a variety of potential health benefits, from helping you fight free radicals and supporting your immune system to protecting against cancer, lowering your bad LDL cholesterol levels, and promoting balanced blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to many different factors, including testimonials and reviews, the best brand of spirulina seems to be Nutrex.
When it comes to the type of supplements, spirulina powder is usually gentler on the stomach, faster to absorb, and easier to digest. Also, the powder form of the spirulina extract is almost always pure while tablets might contain other ingredients to stay in that form.
Look for potency, purity, sourcing, high-quality, no artificial ingredients or allergens, and positive reviews from satisfied customers. Price is also an important factor, but not if you’re compromising on the quality of the spirulina itself. If you can, choose organic and a brand with a vegan and organic certification.
The recommended dose is between one and eight grams per serving, depending on whether you’re merely supplementing or trying to address specific disease concerns.
Yes, what spirulina is good for is supporting your immune system with additional antioxidants and increasing your daily intake of protein without the help of animal sources.
+ 18 sources
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- Taufiqurrahmi, N., Religia, P., Mulyani, G., Suryana, D., Ichsan, Tanjung, F.A. and Arifin, Y. (2017). Phycocyanin extraction in Spirulina produced using agricultural waste. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, [online] 206, p.012097. doi:10.1088/1757-899x/206/1/012097.
- Karkos, P.D., Leong, S.C., Karkos, C.D., Sivaji, N. and Assimakopoulos, D.A. (2011). Spirulinain Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, [online] 2011, pp.1–4. doi:10.1093/ecam/nen058.
- Reuter, S., Gupta, S.C., Chaturvedi, M.M. and Aggarwal, B.B. (2010). Oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer: How are they linked? Free Radical Biology and Medicine, [online] 49(11), pp.1603–1616. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2010.09.006.
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Written by:
Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
