Spirulina Powder
Nutritional Enhancers
Colorants
20298-86-6
mixed biomass
$4.10 ~ $6.15
Food grade
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel 25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/barrel 25kg/bag
25 kg/drum
Product Info
What is Spirulina Powder?
Spirulina Powder is a dried biomass of *Arthrospira* cyanobacteria, primarily used in the food industry as a natural blue or green colorant and a highly nutritious protein-rich dietary supplement.
How is Spirulina Powder made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cultivation - Seeding | Inoculate a pure Spirulina strain (mother culture) into large, shallow, alkaline water ponds (raceway ponds). | Control Point: Purity of the mother culture and the sterility of the growth medium. Note: The water must be rich in bicarbonate and carbonate with a high pH (8.5-11) to naturally inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. |
| 2 | Cultivation - Growth | Manage the ponds by providing ample sunlight (photosynthesis), maintaining temperature, and agitating the water with paddlewheels. | Control Point: Monitor and control water temperature (30-35°C), nutrient levels, and pH. Note: Paddlewheels ensure all algae get sunlight exposure and prevent settling. |
| 3 | Harvesting | Pump the dense, green Spirulina-rich water from the ponds through a series of fine-mesh screens. | Control Point: The timing of the harvest is critical to ensure peak protein and nutrient content. Note: The screens capture the algae biomass, allowing the filtered water to be recycled back into the ponds. |
| 4 | Washing & Dewatering | Rinse the collected biomass with clean, potable water to remove any remaining salts or impurities. Further concentrate the slurry using filtration or centrifugation. | Control Point: Water used for washing must be of potable quality. Note: This stage transforms the wet biomass into a thick, paste-like consistency, similar to a puree or dough. |
| 5 | Drying | Feed the Spirulina paste into a spray dryer, which atomizes it into a chamber of hot air, instantly evaporating the water. | Control Point: Drying temperature and exposure time are the most critical parameters. Note: This rapid drying method preserves heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamins and phycocyanin (the blue pigment) and ensures low moisture content for stability. |
| 6 | Milling & Sieving | Mill the dried Spirulina particles into a fine powder. Sieve the powder to ensure a uniform, consistent particle size. | Control Point: Mesh size of the sieve. Note: This step ensures the final product has a desirable texture and is free from oversized particles. |
| 7 | Quality Control Testing | Take samples from the batch and conduct laboratory analysis for microbial contaminants, heavy metals, purity, and nutrient profile. | Control Point: Must meet all food-grade safety standards. Note: Key tests include checks for lead, arsenic, mercury, E. coli, Salmonella, and confirmation of protein content. |
| 8 | Packaging | Package the quality-approved powder into airtight, multi-layered, light-proof containers in a controlled environment. | Control Point: Integrity of the package seal. Note: Proper packaging is essential to protect the powder from moisture, oxygen, and UV light, which can degrade its nutritional quality and color. Nitrogen flushing may be used to displace oxygen. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 20298-86-6 |
| Chemical Formula | mixed biomass |
| Solubility | soluble in water |
| Storage Conditions | Store in a dry, light-avoiding area; do not freeze; keep away from toxic, harmful, or odorous products; protect from rain, moisture, and sun during transport. |
| Shelf Life | 18 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
food
beverage
cosmetics
pharmaceuticals
animal feed
health supplements
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Spirulina Powder |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Natural Colorant; Nutritional Supplement; Flavoring Agent |
| Key Ingredients | Phycocyanin (blue pigment); Chlorophyll (green pigment); Proteins (essential amino acids); Vitamins (e.g., B12); Minerals (e.g., Iron) |
| Mechanism of Action | Phycocyanin and chlorophyll pigments absorb specific light wavelengths, imparting a stable blue-green color. Provides bioavailable micronutrients and a complete protein source to fortify the food matrix. Glutamic acid and other amino acids contribute a natural umami flavor note. |
| Application Effect in Product | Imparts a vibrant green to blue-green color in beverages, smoothies, confectionery, and dairy alternatives. Boosts the nutritional value by increasing protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Adds a subtle savory or oceanic flavor complexity. Can act as an opacifying or clouding agent. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirulina Powder | Blue-Green Algae | Very high protein (60-70%), phycocyanin antioxidant, iron, B vitamins, GLA. | Highest protein content; easily digestible; unique antioxidant phycocyanin. | Strong, distinct marine flavor; lower in chlorophyll than chlorella. | Boosting protein, enhancing energy, immune support, athletic performance. | For maximum plant-based protein intake and its unique anti-inflammatory properties from phycocyanin. |
| Chlorella Powder | Green Algae | High chlorophyll content, Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), binds to heavy metals. | Superior for detoxification; higher in chlorophyll and nucleic acids. | Indigestible cell wall requires processing; lower protein content than spirulina. | Heavy metal detoxification, cleansing programs, digestive system support. | When the primary goal is detoxification and cleansing due to its unique binding capabilities. |
| Moringa Powder | Leaf Powder | Rich in vitamins A & C, calcium, potassium; complete amino acid profile. | Milder, more palatable flavor; broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Not an algae. | Significantly lower in protein and B12 compared to spirulina. | General daily nutrition, anti-inflammatory support, antioxidant boost. | For a balanced, vitamin-rich green supplement with a less intense flavor, suitable for daily wellness. |
| Wheatgrass Powder | Cereal Grass | High in chlorophyll, live enzymes, vitamins A, C, E. | Alkalizing effect on the body; rich in digestive enzymes; fresh grassy taste. | Lower in protein and minerals compared to algae; potential for gluten cross-contamination. | Alkalizing the diet, supporting digestion, a general green nutrient boost. | For its potent alkalizing properties and high concentration of digestive enzymes. |
| Kelp Powder | Brown Algae (Seaweed) | Extremely high natural iodine content; rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium. | Excellent natural source of iodine for thyroid support. | Very strong, salty sea flavor; iodine level can be excessively high for some; lower protein. | Supporting thyroid function, boosting mineral intake, adding umami flavor to foods. | Specifically to address iodine deficiency and support thyroid health, a function the others do not target. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, spec sheet
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications