Blue spirulina is a concentrated extract made from traditional spirulina, a microscopic cyanobacterium also known as Arthrospira platensis. Unlike classic green spirulina, sold as a powder or tablets containing the whole organism, blue spirulina is a specific extract that isolates phycocyanin, the blue pigment naturally present in spirulina. This extraction process produces a powder with a vivid, intense blue colour, quite different from the usual dark green of whole spirulina, while retaining the antioxidant properties associated with phycocyanin and offering a unique colour palette for cooking and drinks.

Phycocyanin is the blue pigment found exclusively in cyanobacteria, of which spirulina is the best known, and is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It supports energy metabolism and the body’s natural defences, and traditionally, phycocyanin together with the iron naturally present in spirulina has been associated with helping reduce tiredness. Its molecular structure makes it a particularly effective free-radical scavenger. Bioptimal’s blue spirulina has a notably higher phycocyanin concentration than classic green spirulina, making it a good choice for anyone specifically seeking this antioxidant.

Bioptimal’s blue spirulina powder is certified organic, meeting European organic production standards, and undergoes strict quality control to ensure optimal food safety — the spirulina is completely free from heavy metals and pesticides, with every batch tested for purity and composition. It is grown in Asia, where the climate favours cultivation of this cyanobacterium, then checked and packed in a workshop in France, giving a double layer of quality control and traceability.

The 50 g powder is easy to use daily: simply stir one teaspoon, about 3 g, into 200 ml of water, dairy or plant milk — the most practical method, with good bioavailability. Blue spirulina has no strong taste or smell, so it blends easily into any drink, smoothie, fresh fruit juice or yoghurt bowl without altering the flavour. Beyond drinks, it also makes an excellent natural food colouring for cakes, pastries, ice cream or beverages — around 3 g gives a vivid turquoise-to-sky-blue tint depending on quantity and pH, with no added sugar or significant calories.

For a maintenance course, 15 to 20 days of daily use is recommended to observe the effects, repeatable after a short break.

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of children.

What is the difference between blue and green spirulina?

Classic green spirulina is the whole dried organism, containing all of its nutrients. Blue spirulina is a concentrated extract that isolates phycocyanin, the blue antioxidant pigment, giving a higher concentration of that specific active.

Is blue spirulina suitable for vegans?

Yes — blue spirulina is an entirely plant-based product, derived from a cyanobacterium, and is well suited to a vegan or vegetarian diet.

How long does the 50 g pouch last?

At one teaspoon a day, about 3 g, the 50 g pouch provides around 15 to 17 days of use.

Does blue spirulina have a particular taste?

No — blue spirulina has no strong taste or smell, making it very easy to blend into drinks and recipes without altering the flavour.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.