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Superfood Insight: What Does Spirulina Taste Like?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is often used as a dietary supplement.

It has been shown to improve health in many ways, such as boosting the immune system, strengthening muscles, and lowering blood pressure.

It can be found in tablet, powder, or flake form and has many health benefits for both people and animals.

If you think about buying spirulina but don’t want the taste to get in your way – here’s what it tastes like.

What is Spirulina?

what is spirulina

Spirulina is a type of algae that has blue-green coloration and taste.

It can be found in the ocean, freshwater bodies like ponds or lakes, but it’s also grown by people to harvest as food for animals.

Spirulina was initially harvested from shallows coastal waters near Lake Chad in Africa.

Spirulina is rich in protein and other nutrients like vitamins A, B12, iron, manganese, copper etc.

The Algae’s name comes from the Latin word “Spira”, which means tube or spiral as some spirals of algae resemble corkscrews.

The singular form of these blue-green seaweeds are called either a species (i.e., Spirulina platensis) or an isolate (i.e., spirulina maxima).

Spirulina became popular after NASA used it to keep their astronauts healthy while they were in space during the 1970s and 1980s because there was no access to anything more complex than what could be grown on Earth at that period.

What Does Spirulina Do? Health and Nutritional Benefits of Spirulina

what does spirulina do health and nutritional benefits of spirulina

Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in warm freshwater.

Humans have consumed it for centuries, and even today, it’s used as an essential food source all over the world because it contains vital nutrients like protein and minerals.

The main ingredient in spirulina is protein, which helps your body make new cells and builds muscle.

A lack of protein can cause anemia or osteoporosis, so it’s essential to get enough from all sources, including food and supplements.

Spirulina has many other minerals that keep you healthy, too, like iron for transporting oxygen around the body and calcium for strong bones and teeth.

It also contains omega fatty acids, which are good fats that help fight diseases such as cancer.

There are some things to remember before taking any supplement: you should talk with a health professional about the best option for you personally.

Take only when needed rather than every day because they’re not meant to replace food and get nutrients from various sources.

It’s rich in many nutrients and amino acids and being low on the food chain.

The following are some of the benefits to take into consideration:

  • It helps with skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis.
  • Improves allergies due to its high levels of vitamin C.
  • It helps decrease the risk of chronic disease from poor nutrition, including obesity and heart disease, because it’s so nutrient-rich.
  • It can be used to fight fatigue and increase energy levels.
  • Improves mood by aiding in the production of serotonin (the “happy hormone”).
  • It may have benefits for those with diabetes because it helps control blood sugar levels.
  • It helps regulate digestion, often relieving symptoms such as gas or bloating. It also aids in elimination which may improve skin condition like acne or eczema due to fewer toxins held inside your body.

What Does Spirulina Smell Like?

what does spirulina smell like

Do you have a very keen sense of smell? If so, then be warned: spirulina can stink.

The scent often accompanies the algae in its natural habitat – freshwater lakes and ponds with thick sludge at their bottoms.

It smells like ocean water and grass but fishier than seaweed-like in smell.

Some people say it has pleasant algae or seaweed aroma, while others find the odour unpleasant.

But don’t let that scare you away from this healthy food; as long as it’s been washed thoroughly before cooking or consumption, it will leave no taste behind.

What Does Spirulina Taste Like? Does Spirulina Taste Fishy?

what does spirulina taste like does spirulina taste fishy

Spirulina can be found in both tablet and capsule form or mixed into foods such as cereal during breakfast to give the morning meal some extra nutrients.

It is a type of blue-green algae that tastes like fresh spinach.

Spirulina can be described as having the same consistency as mashed potato with a slight saltiness that comes across on your tongue more when chewing it.

This texture could easily be mistaken for well-cooked fresh spinach.

Some people have said that the taste could be a little bitter, but this is only for those not used to it.

Others say that there’s no noticeable flavour and instead give an earthy aroma when you chew on them or smell them in their raw form.

It has been an integral part of the diets in many developing countries for centuries, and it’s back on menus today as people seek out more natural foods to supplement their diet.

“If you’re tasting chlorella powder and it tastes fishy, then most likely there’s a problem with either how they were grown (in an area polluted by heavy metals) or harvested.” – Dr Daniel Bolnick.

The taste may vary depending on what kind of spirulina you use; some batches are more bitter than others.

What Does Blue Spirulina Taste Like?

what does blue spirulina taste like

Compared to the common spirulina, blue spirulina has a more robust taste.

It is not unpleasant and can be taken as an alternative to other flavouring agents like fish sauce or soy sauce.

A few people who tried the supplement found it to have a salty flavour with a hint of sweetness or an earthy aftertaste.

Some said they could drink it without issue, but others had difficulty tolerating its strong taste even when mixed well in water or soup.

For those sensitive to too spicy foods, you may want to avoid this one for now because there are some complaints about the saltiness overpowering anything else in your meal.

Can You Taste Spirulina in Smoothies?

can you taste spirulina in smoothies

Whether you stir a spoonful of spirulina powder into your drink or prefer to put it in a smoothie, the unusual flavour is hard to contend with for those who don’t enjoy pockets of earthiness and bitterness.

If you’re looking for a way to introduce spirulina into your diet, there are other ways of doing so without leaving that noticeable taste in your mouth or on the back of your throat.

The most popular is probably mixing it with milk and fruit; add banana, strawberries and blueberries to create a delicious tasting smoothie.

You can also mix it with some yogurt, which will make it more palatable and add all sorts of health benefits from protein content in the yogurt.

Spirulina tastes best when consumed fresh but if using dry powder form, be sure not to leave any clumps at the bottom of the container because this will alter its flavour when mixed into drinks.

What is the Best Way to Eat Spirulina?

what is the best way to eat spirulina

People use spirulina to improve their health or increase physical stamina by taking capsules filled with the nutrient powder every day; it’s also mixed into smoothies for an energy boost after exercise or eaten raw on salads like other vegetables.

The best way to eat spirulina depends on what you want from your diet: do you need more iron? You could try sprinkling some power over toast.

If protein intake is essential, then adding them to dishes containing meat will help meet that goal – make sure not to over-heat the spirulina as it will lose some of its nutritional value.

You can also use spirulina to make pesto sauce, which tastes great with pasta or served alongside a meat dish.

Another option is to add it to fruit salads or desserts for a burst of colour and nutrients.

One way that’s becoming increasingly popular with people looking for an energy boost first thing is that spirulina can be added to oatmeal.

If you’re less keen on having green food colouring in your dishes, then try adding them dry – as long as there’s some liquid used too, they should turn out just fine.

Conclusion

The taste of spirulina depends on what you mix it with.

Spirulina can be incorporated into a shake or even eaten by itself if that’s your preference.

We recommend starting slow and adding more spirulina to the recipe each time you make it until you get used to how much tastes right for you.

Have any tips about mixing up this superfood? Let us know in the comments below.

what does spirulina taste like

What Does Spirulina Taste Like? Does Spirulina Taste Good?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Food Taste
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Spirulina
  • Ingredients from your favorite recipes

Instructions
 

  • Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
  • For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
  • Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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