How to choose the best possible Spirulina?

March 31, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Powder, tablets, capsules, or fresh spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of algae, similar to vegetables and berries, and its fresh form is the most valuable. While some vegetables benefit from cooking for better digestion, spirulina has a very thin and easy-to-digest cell wall. Therefore, it does not require cooking, and doing so is not recommended.

What do you expect from consuming spirulina? Fresh spirulina undoubtedly contains more bioactive substances, such as vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants. These compounds are very sensitive and can easily degrade during drying processes, like conventional hot air drying. Therefore, spirulina in powder form contains fewer bioactive substances but retains more minerals and protein since these substances can withstand heat treatment. However, studies indicate that powdered spirulina can lose up to 80% of its bioavailability. It's essential to always check the recommended dosage (which can be as high as 20 tablets!) and to be aware of any additional substances that may be included, such as fillers for volume. Finally, be mindful of whether you personally feel any effects from using it.

How to recognize high-quality spirulina?

High-quality spirulina is deep blue-green and without a strong aroma. It has slight mushrooms or nut aftertaste.

The aroma of spirulina can develop during spoilage, heat treatment, or due to contaminants in the pond. Fresh lake air has no noticeable smell. Typically, any odor associated with spirulina comes from dead and decomposing algae left on the warm shore for a few days.

If spirulina is not deep blue-green, it may have been exposed to sunlight or bright light, or other greens could be mixed in.

Is the origin of spirulina known?

When choosing spirulina, the place of cultivation is crucial. Since spirulina mostly is cultivated in shallow ponds, it can easily absorb atmospheric pollutants. This tiny alga has a thin shell that cannot be washed or peeled off, so paying attention to where the spirulina was cultivated is essential.

Often, only the country of origin is specified. The prevalent spirulina powder in Europe is simply labeled with "origin - China." However, there are over 500 farms across various regions in China. Do you really trust products from a country with limited freedom of speech, especially when the farms are not named, and there is no way to learn more about their cultivation practices or the values of the companies behind them?

Note that when spirulina tablets or capsules are labeled as “produced in YYY,” the tablets or capsules are manufactured in YYY country, not the spirulina ingredient. Unfortunately, specifying the origin of the ingredients is not mandatory. Since China is the world's largest producer of spirulina, it is likely that the spirulina used in these products comes from there.

Spirulina production in Europe is primarily carried out by small and very small producers, which limits their distribution to local markets. In response to this, Latvian scientists K. Veģere and A. Stunda-Zujeva have established the first spirulina production site in Northern Europe. This facility features an innovative closed cultivation system that stands out globally (see video here). Located in the northernmost part of Europe, the farm is aptly named SpirulinaNord. Additionally, understanding European taste preferences, the SpirulinaNord team has developed spirulina drinks that taste nothing like algae.

Forget smelly spirulina powders from unknown farmers; enjoy fresh spirulina from SpirulinaNord!

Buy fresh & delicious spirulina here!