This delicious green spirulina smoothie is loaded with nutrients and masks the unique taste of spirulina with whole food ingredients. It’s dairy free, gluten free, can easily be vegan, and is an absolute must-make!
The Best Green Spirulina Smoothie
I can’t believe in the years that I’ve been writing the blog I still haven’t posted a spirulina smoothie recipe, so today’s the day my friends!
I included a delicious spirulina smoothie in my 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse that many people who have tried the cleanse absolutely love so it was definitely time to bring a delicious, nutrient-dense spirulina smoothie to the blog. Also, my Lemon Ginger Detoxifying Smoothie and Easy Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie have been getting crazy amounts of love so it’s clear to me…you all love your smoothies!
This tasty, deep green smoothie combines a wonderful array of naturally sweet whole food ingredients that work together to mask the somewhat funky taste of spirulina powder. You might be wondering at this point…
What is Spirulina (& Spirulina Benefits)?
Spirulina or spirulina powder is made from a natural blue green algae and used primarily as a dietary supplement for humans (and even animals).
There are many benefits of spirulina including:
- Can help with regulation of blood sugar levels.
- Can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- May help improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Has been linked to improved allergy symptoms as an anti-inflammatory compound.
- Is linked to improved mental health because it is a source of tryptophan.
(source)
How To Make A Spirulina Smoothie:
There are many ways to make a delicious spirulina smoothie and you can find several variations on Pinterest or Google, but here is how I make my favourite (and what I think is the best…haha) green spirulina smoothie. There are only a few main ingredients needed and then liquid, added healthy fats, and protein which is optional! Here’s what you’ll need:
- banana, I used frozen to help give the smoothie a cold, creamy texture
- mango, frozen
- spinach, fresh or frozen
- spirulina powder
- natural orange juice, unsweetened and preferably organic
- plant milk of choice, I used oat milk for this recipe
- avocado or almond butter, both add a nice dose of healthy fats
- collagen peptides or vanilla plant-based protein powder of choice, optional, but recommended for nutritional balance!
Where To Buy Spirulina:
Spirulina can be found at most natural health food stores or organic grocery stores or can be found easily online on Amazon or other online health retailers such as iHerb or Well.
Can You Taste Spirulina in Smoothies?
To be totally honest, spirulina powder does have an interesting…kind of funky flavour and smell, so you might be turned off when you open the container and get a whiff, it’s been said to taste kind of like lake water which isn’t a surprise considering it is sourced from the sea. But don’t fret, here’s the good part – when you add it to a smoothie with an abundance of naturally sweet fruits, it masks the flavour completely, giving the spirulina smoothie just a slightly earthy flavour that’s barely noticeable among the sweet, delicious fruits.
How Much Spirulina Powder To Put In a Smoothie:
When it comes to amounts, a little goes a long way with spirulina powder. I used only 1 teaspoon for this recipe which makes two smoothie servings. A typical serving size might be around 2 teaspoons which to me seems like a lot, so really anywhere between 1/2 teaspoon to 2 full teaspoons would be the amount to add to a smoothie, although with the higher amount you’ll be more likely to taste the powder. The powder is so dense in nutrients and colour, sticking with a smaller amount is just fine and especially a good idea when you are just starting with spirulina.
If this green spirulina smoothie takes you a bit out of your comfort zone then that’s a great thing! It’s always nice to try new, healthy foods that can benefit the body, and what a better time than the new year! If you are a seasoned spirulina vet, then you’ll just love this recipe! I’d love to know… have you tried spirulina before? Do you use it all the time or are you a newbie? Tell me about it in the comments and be sure to pin the photo below the recipe to save this one for later!
Best Green Spirulina Smoothie
This delicious green spirulina smoothie is loaded with nutrients and masks the unique taste of spirulina with whole food ingredients. It's dairy free, gluten free, can easily be vegan, and is an absolute must-make!
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp spirulina powder
- 1/2 cup natural orange juice
- 1/2 cup plant milk of choice (I used oat milk, other options: almond, cashew, soy, rice, etc.)
- ½ avocado (pitted and peeled) OR 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 2 scoops collagen peptides OR vanilla plant based protein powder of choice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend for 30 seconds or so until completely smooth.
- Divide between two glasses and serve.
- Enjoy!
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Have a wonderful Sunday!
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes To Try:
Fresh Lemon Ginger Detoxifying Smoothie
Banana Almond Butter Date Smoothie Recipe
Great flavor! I was nervous because of the spirulina but I honestly didn’t notice a bad taste or smell! I added pineapple instead of mango and added hemp seeds and plain Greek yogurt instead of protein powder and a tsp of honey! Delicious!!
Is it possible for you the list the nutrition facts? thanks!
I can’t do thick drinks every day, so I brew black tea and add Himalayan salt and honey. When it’s cooled I add in the spirulina, it’s not thick, more like nutritious water.
Thats very unique Robert, thanks for sharing!
Yo! This is a super solid recipe to get started with Spirulina. I’ve been using it as a base and adding and experimenting with various adaptogenic herbs like Pine Pollen, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Ashwagandha.
I also I am curious about cultivating my own sprirulina! I have a friend that’s done it!
Hi Christal,
I tried your best green spirulina green smoothie, very nice!! I put coconut yoghurt, almond butter, collagen and more almond milk. I didn’t put orange juice but put vitamin c.
Thank you ?
Kind regards
Cynthia
So glad you liked it Cynthia!
Hi Christal
Single, Senior, aiming to adjust aspects of my living : Diet , Exercise, Nutrition.
Ongoing problems with the effort is making these recipes for one.
If I follow these smoothies can I make one at a time, or save second for later,
Hi Jim, thanks for visiting the blog. One of my favourite tips for fast single-serving smoothies, is to make freezer packs. Using ziplock bags, add all of the ingredients except for the liquid to a single ziplock bag, then freeze. When you are ready to make smoothie, simply empty the ziplock into your blender and add the liquid. For this recipe, divide the ingredients between two ziplock bags, or divide the ingredients by half to make a single serving fresh. I don’t recommend storing the blended smoothie in the fridge as it will not taste as good the next day and the texture will be more watery.
These smoothies are great! I have also found that if you take 1 tablespoon of black strap molasses and add it too any spiralina smoothie, it somehow counteracts the taste and tastes delicious. Black strap molasses is a great source of B12 and other minerals also.
Thanks Nancy – I’ve never heard of doing that with molasses but that’s worth a try for sure! Thanks for sharing 🙂
This smoothie is delicious!! Thank you ?
Thank yoU!
Can you substitute orange juice? I have a citrus allergy.
Yes, you can use apple juice or additional plant milk instead.