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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.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
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.
- Bright tropical flavor: Sweet mango, pineapple, and orange balance spirulina’s earthy taste, creating a refreshing, easy-to-love smoothie.
- Quick and beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients blend in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or a fast afternoon boost.
- Naturally energizing: Coconut water and fruit create a light, hydrating smoothie that feels refreshing instead of heavy.
- A fun way to use superfoods: Spirulina adds vibrant color and blends smoothly into this tropical mix, making it an easy way to try something new.
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Spirulina Smoothie Ingredients
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 stores for the best purity and flavor.
- Baby spinach: A dose of this mild leafy green vegetables 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.
Recipe Tips
- Blend in the right order: Start with soft ingredients and liquids near the blades, then add frozen fruit and spirulina last. This helps everything blend smoothly. (Learn more in my how to make a smoothie guide.)
- Use a high-powered blender if possible: Spirulina is very fine, yet frozen fruit needs strong blades to create a smooth texture. A quality blender helps prevent chunks and creates a creamier result. (Check out my blenders for smoothies recommendations.)
- Start with less spirulina: If you are new to spirulina, begin with ½ to 1 teaspoon, then increase as you get used to the flavor.
- Prep smoothie packs ahead: Measure and freeze the mango, pineapple, and spinach together. When ready to blend, just add the orange, coconut water, and spirulina for a quick smoothie. (See my frozen meal prep smoothie packs tips.)
- Adjust thickness easily: For a thicker smoothie, add more frozen fruit. For a thinner, more drinkable smoothie, add extra coconut water.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
Want to customize your spirulina smoothie recipe? 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.
- 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.
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 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
Jen HansardIngredients
- 1 orange
- 1 cup mango frozen
- ½ cup spinach
- ½ cup pineapple frozen
- 1 ½ teaspoon 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!
Recipe 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
Nutrition
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.
This one was great! It was tropical and creamy. I added the homemade protein powder blend and used 1/2 cup canned coconut milk and 1 cup water. I also used blue spirulina powder because that’s all I had. My 2 older boys and I enjoyed it!
Yummy! Tropical fruits and spirulina for the win!
I love the summer vibe of the coconut water. Makes the smoothie feel like a treat. Love the flavors.
Yes. Coconut water is so refreshing! So glad you enjoyed it.
Delicious
Yay!
It was pretty good. I put just a little Spirulina so it wouldn’t be too strong.
Thank you for the review and trying something new.
Very refreshing!
Yes. I love the tropical flavors! Glad you enjoyed it.