What Does Spirulina Taste Like?

What Does Spirulina Taste Like?

Call it a superfood, call it pond scum, call it what you like—this blue-green algae called spirulina is sweeping the health-food nation with its incredibly varied nutrition profile and wide array of health benefits.

But what does spirulina taste like?

People describe the taste of spirulina much like seaweed, but a little more “sulphury”. It’s been described as savory and funky. Some people tolerate the taste, while others can’t stomach the taste of spirulina powder.

But that’s why some choose to take spirulina in tablet form!

Now that we know what spirulina tastes like, let’s understand a bit more about what it is (and why it tastes like this).

Why Does Spirulina Taste Like this

Let’s not forget where it came from. Spirulina is, after all, algae. It grows among the fishes, and it sways among the ripples—it’s part of the underwater kingdom.

But that’s why choosing a reputable brand of spirulina is important. In order to ensure the best quality spirulina free from contaminants and with a pleasant taste, it’s important to do your due diligence and find a high quality provider.

Reputable providers grow in controlled conditions outside of freshwater ponds and lakes to control for contaminations and ensure a nutrient dense profile.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a resident of freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. It’s a blue-green algae—an ancient plant, thought to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth. It is the producer of much of the oxygen that allowed growth of the earliest life forms.

Why Would I Want to Take Spirulina?

Its superpowers go way back. Historically, it was consumed for its health benefits—and though people may not have understood why—it had strengthening, energizing, immune-boosting, and healing properties.

With recent scientific technology and understanding, we now know that spirulina is one of the healthiest, most nutritious foods on the planet. It boasts over 65 nutrients. It’s a complete protein, with all 8 essential amino acids, and 10 non-essential amino acids. Spirulina is crawling with antioxidant activity. It’s the perfect supplement for us mere mortals.

In Which Forms Is Spirulina Available?

Luckily, you can get all the benefits of spirulina with none of the taste. Or, you can improve the taste by adding your spirulina to a smoothie or a different recipe so that you could actually enjoy eating it.

Thinking of adding spirulina to your diet? These are the forms in which the superfood is available:

1. Spirulina Tablets

One of the most popular ways to “eat” spirulina is in tablet form. This is a good option if you want to reap the benefits but avoid the taste.

Since spirulina is wet by definition, it must be dried to convert it to tablet form. Once it is dried, it is made into a powder and then compressed into tablets. Compression of the tablets is an important step because it needs to be done just right. Too loose, and it runs the risk of falling apart. Too tight, and it may not disintegrate properly, reducing the bioavailability of the superfood’s nutrients.

Sometimes, manufacturers will add chemicals in order to make the tablets more digestible and readily available to the body once consumed. Some companies will add a coating on the outside of the tablet to make it easier to swallow and to maintain the structural integrity of the tablet. For these reasons, some people may choose not to go with the tablet option.

However, choosing a reputable company will ensure that no additional ingredients have been added.

Pros:

• skip the ick factor
• a quick way to get a LOT of nutrients
• convenient and easy-to-take
• doesn’t require much thought or creativity

Cons:

• may not fully disintegrate if coatings have been added
• extra chemicals may be added – read the packaging carefully and look for inulin, magnesium stearate, and other additives
• many tablets are coated with extra stuff to make them easier to swallow
• it’s another tablet to swallow

2. Spirulina Powder

Another common way to consume spirulina is in powder form. Since it is so versatile, there are many different ways people choose to eat it. Some may prefer to mix it with a little water and chug it down—and all the pow(d)er to them.

If you’re not into shots, though, a great option is to add spirulina powder to a juice, smoothie, or to incorporate it into a recipe. Eating spirulina doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. In fact, it’ll make your smoothie look like a unicorn.

Just don’t cook it, boil it, broil it, or fry it. When spirulina is exposed to high temperatures, most of its nutrients are lost.

Consuming spirulina in powder form is the best way to ensure optimum bioavailability. The nutrients are readily available and quickly absorbed so that you can experience its wealth of benefits sooner rather than later.

Pros:

• spirulina in powder form is the most affordable method of consumption
• high bioavailability
• versatile
• adds color to food
• no added chemicals or coatings

Cons:

• many people don’t enjoy the taste
• requires more time and effort than tablet form
• can be messy and stain clothing and countertops

Ok, so you’ve chosen your method of execution. You know that spirulina is incredibly nutritious. But what are its benefits to your body?

Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina may provide the following health benefits:

• One of the richest plant-based protein sources
• Good source of iron
• Boosts immunity
• Prevents inflammation and pain
• Encourages heavy metal detox
• Poison antidote
• Controls allergies
• Regulates blood pressure
• Regulates blood sugar levels
• Lowers ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels
• May prove beneficial for those suffering from some forms of cancer
• Memory and cognitive functions
• Increases muscle strength and endurance
• Encourages weight loss
• Fights PMS symptoms
• Protects bones

A Final Word From Energetic Lifestyle

There we have it. The two most popular forms of spirulina, and the benefits your body will receive. For optimum absorption, spirulina powder is your best bet. If you just can’t stomach the taste, tablets are the next-best-thing.

What does spirulina taste like to you? Do you prefer tablets or powder? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!