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If you’ve ever been curious (or scared!) about spirulina, you’re not alone! This nutrient-packed algae is a potent energy booster, detoxifier, and immunity enhancer. But let’s be real, it doesn’t taste great on its own. That’s why this spirulina smoothie recipe is a game-changer.
By blending spirulina with naturally sweet fruits and a creamy base, we mask its strong, earthy taste while keeping all the incredible health benefits intact. Whether you’re new to superfoods or a smoothie pro, this easy spirulina smoothie recipe is a great way to add more plant-based superfoods to your diet.
Why This Spirulina Smoothie Rawks
This spirulina smoothie is the perfect blend of nutrition, superfoods and flavor! It’s packed with superfoods, naturally energizing, and incredibly easy to make. What makes spirulina so special? Let’s break it down:
- Protein-rich: Spirulina is 60-70% protein, making it an excellent plant-based protein source for muscle recovery and sustained energy.
- Detoxifying & alkalizing: Helps remove toxins from the body while supporting gut health and maintaining a balanced pH level.
- Natural energy boost: No caffeine needed! The iron and B vitamins in spirulina help combat fatigue and keep you feeling energized all day.
- Immune-boosting: Loaded with antioxidants, this smoothie helps fight inflammation and supports a strong immune system.
- Gut-friendly goodness: Spirulina contains prebiotics that nourish healthy gut bacteria, promoting better digestion and overall wellness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this nutrient-rich spirulina smoothie is simple. Aside for the spirulina, the recipe just calls for a few wholesome, healthy ingredients you can find at most grocery stores, ensuring a simple and nutritious blend:
- Spirulina Powder: The superfood star of this smoothie! This is the brand of organic spirulina powder that I purchase. You can also find it at health stores, or Whole Foods for the best purity and flavor.
- Baby spinach: A dose of this mild leafy green adds fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Plus, it blends seamlessly without affecting the flavor.
- Coconut Water: A hydrating base that enhances texture. Coconut water provides electrolytes.
- Frozen Pineapple: The perfect natural sweeteners that help mask spirulina’s strong taste. Use frozen fruit for a thicker, more refreshing smoothie. Or, if you’re using a whole fresh pineapple, check out my guide on how to cut pineapple.
- Orange: Adds a citrusy brightness and extra vitamin C, balancing spirulina powder’s earthy notes. I like to use fresh or frozen orange segments.
- Mango: A tropical twist that enhances sweetness and creaminess. Frozen mango makes the smoothie smoother and naturally sweet. If you want to cut your own fresh mango, learn how to cut a mango.
How to Make a Spirulina Smoothie
Making a spirulina smoothie is quick, easy, and only takes a few minutes! The key to a great-tasting smoothie is layering your ingredients properly and balancing the flavors. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, nutrient-packed spirulina smoothie:
- Peel the orange and remove any seeds. Measure out the frozen mango, frozen pineapple, spinach, spirulina, and coconut water.
- Pour the coconut water into the blender first, followed by the spinach, orange, frozen mango, frozen pineapple, and spirulina.
- Start on a low setting, then gradually increase to high speed.
- Blend for about 30–60 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy and well combined.
- Add a little more coconut water if the smoothie is too thick and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few ice cubes and blend until smooth.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and drink immediately for a refreshing, nutrient-packed start to your day.
Prevent Spirulina From Clumping
Spirulina powder can be tricky to mix smoothly, but there’s a simple fix: blend it with a small amount of liquid before adding the rest of your ingredients. This helps it dissolve evenly and gives your smoothie a consistent, creamy texture.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
Want to customize your spirulina smoothie? Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Some simple substitutions can easily transform this smoothie to perfectly suit your personal preferences.
- Swap coconut water: Swap it for almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or regular water for a different flavor and texture. Check out my blog on the best almond milk brands to buy or my tutorial on how to make oat milk at home.
- Swap fresh spinach: Kale, Swiss chard, or romaine lettuce work just as well. My leafy greens guide goes into detail on all these leafy green goodies.
- Add sweetness: Add half a banana, a few dates, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Add homemade protein powder: Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or a tablespoon of nut butter for extra sustenance.
Common Questions
For those new to spirulina powder, it is best to start with a small amount and gradually increase intake as the taste becomes more familiar. Start with ½ teaspoon per smoothie to introduce your taste buds to spirulina’s earthy flavor. Once you’re comfortable with the taste, increase to 1 teaspoon per serving for a stronger nutrient boost. Most people stick to 1–2 teaspoons per day, as spirulina is highly concentrated in nutrients.
Spirulina has a distinct earthy, slightly seaweed-like flavor, but its presence in a smoothie depends on the quantity used and the ingredients paired with it. In mild amounts, such as ½ teaspoon, the taste is barely noticeable when blended with naturally sweet fruits like pineapple, mango, or banana. At higher amounts, around 1–2 teaspoons, the flavor becomes more pronounced, but it can be balanced with citrus juice, coconut water, or vanilla. For the best flavor balance, combining spirulina powder with tropical and sweet ingredients helps create a delicious and refreshing smoothie while masking its strong taste.
Spirulina has a very distinct flavor, often described as earthy, slightly grassy, and a bit like the ocean. Some people pick up a mild fishy or seaweed-like taste, while others notice a hint of sulfur. It’s definitely an acquired taste, which is why many prefer to blend it into smoothies or mix it with flavorful ingredients to mask the intensity.
Mixing spirulina into your diet can be achieved by blending it into smoothies or juices along with sweet fruits to counteract its earthy flavor. Alternatively, you might try sprinkling it onto various dishes such as salads, popcorn, or yogurt.
More Recipes to Add Spirulina
Try these delicious and nutrient-packed options you can use with spirulina powder. They’re bursting with flavor (which helps mask the spirulina taste) and will leave you feeling energized.
If you make this Tropical Spirulina Smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Tropical Spirulina Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 1 cup mango frozen
- ½ cup spinach
- ½ cup pineapple frozen
- 1 ½ tsp spirulina
- 1 cup coconut water
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients – Peel the orange and remove any seeds. Measure out the frozen mango, frozen pineapple, spinach, spirulina, and coconut water.
- Add to the blender – Pour the coconut water into the blender first, followed by the spinach, orange, frozen mango, frozen pineapple, and spirulina.
- Blend until smooth – Start on a low setting, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for about 30–60 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy and well combined.
- Adjust consistency – If it’s too thick, add a little more coconut water and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few ice cubes and blend until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy – Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for a refreshing, nutrient-packed start to your day!
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- measuring cups
Notes
- New to spirulina? Start with ½ teaspoon and gradually increase as you get used to the taste.
- Still taste the spirulina? Add 1–2 teaspoons of lemon juice to cut the earthy spirulina flavor.
- For a thicker smoothie, add a frozen banana or ½ cup ice.
- Need more protein? Blend in a scoop of plant-based protein powder or try making my homemade protein powder recipe
I wanted to give this a try without a trip to the store, so made a few substitutions. Subbed 1/2 cup almond milk and 1/2 cup orange juice for the coconut water & orange. Also added 1/3 of a banana and 1 T of flaxseed. I’m a spirulina newbie but used the full 1-1/2 tsp called for in the recipe and had no problem at all with the flavor. Smoothie was delicious!
I definitely think the spirulina “hides” in this one! Sounds like you made one delicious smoothie, Jennifer!
I bought spirulina for your red, white, and blue smoothie last year, so I am glad to have another smoothie recipe that is delicious using spirulina. I added a full lemon and banana to this recipe and loved the flavor. Thank you!
Yes! Such a great use for spirulina for sure, so glad you loved this one, Kimberly!
I am happy to see a pineapple smoothie. I like pineapples. Had to put a little less Spirulina in it.
Pineapples are one of my faves in smoothies too, Liz! Glad you liked this one!
I’ve wanted to give spirulina a try, yet always been too scared. I heard it tasted like “pond scum” once and was like: no thank you! Well, I got brave and gave this one a go because your recipes are always so good. And wow— I’m so glad I did! It was SUPER refreshing and I seriously feel healthier. Could be all mental, but I don’t think so. I’ve made it twice now because I actually crave it! Thanks Jen for another winning smoothie recipe.
So glad you decided to branch out and give spirulina a try, Tracy! So glad you loved this smoothie!