As if I need any more “green” on my plate, I found a new, natural, healthy and beautiful sea- green food coloring….
Why, spirulina, of course! Hawaiian spirulina, to be exact 
I’ve definitely had spirulina in products it was added to, such as protein powders, bottled smoothies, nutrition energy bars, cereals, etc. But I’ve never gotten around to using the powder on it’s own. I finally did, after seeing it sold at my local health food stores bulk aisle. I was pretty excited it was being sold bulk, but not at the $45.99/ lb price-tag
- “Spirulina has 2300% more iron than spinach
- Spirulina has 3900% more beta carotene than carrots
- Spirulina has 300% more calcium than whole milk
- Spirulina has 375% more protein than tofu
- Comparing phytonutrient levels, Spirulina is 31 times more potent than blueberries and 60 times more potent than spinach!” Source
I absolutely love the deep, potent, earthy color it has. When mixed with anything, it’ll dominate and turn the combination deep green. I like to call it my new natural green food coloring
Like with my Green coconut- avocado smoothie…
Sea- green Coconut Monster~
Serves one
- 1 cup almond milk (coconut milk would be even more yummy!)
- 1 scoop sun warrior (or protein powder of choice)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes
- 2 big handfuls spinach
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon spirulina powder (I used Hawaiian spirulina)
- 1 tsp maca powder (optional)
- Stevia, to taste, or sweetener of choice
Blend all ingredients till smooth and creamy, adding more liquid if you don’t have a high speed blender, such as my Vitamix. Add liquids firsts, then powders, then fruits and veggies.
Enjoy!
I also tried stirring spirulina into my greek yogurt for my morning yogurt parfait. Yes, I dig green- colored yogurt. I guess I’m just weird like that.
Beautiful, huh? The colors of the fruit, granola and yogurt all go so well together!
Yogurt parfait with ancient grains granola, spirulina, maca powder, cinnamon, organic blueberries and almond butter
*I forgot to announce I got a new parfait glass. Many thanks to Crate and Barrel
Crunchy. Sweet. Creamy. Yummy.
*I lied. I didn’t use ancient grain’s granola, rather I used a crumbled super charge me cookie leftover from ones I baked the previous day for a party. It was amazing!
Best yogurt parfait in awhile, I never knew spirulina could give such an amazing benefit not only taste wise, but color and nutrition, too!
Have you ever used ground, powered spirulina before? What do you like to use it in, and how much? Suggestions are recommended, as I’m quite new to this potent, super food.
Happy Wednesday, all! Let it be a good one….
XO
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
wowwww! never used that stuff before– never seen it!! the color is FAV- dang that is vibrant!!!! stir it into oatmeal!!!!!
That’s my plan tomorrow morning!
spirulena is so wonderful for you — and so brightly colored– makes me think of spring!
Those stats are amazing! Does it have a noticeable flavor? So often those super healthy powders add weird flavors.
If you add a lot of the powder, you can definitely taste it’s potent taste. But I don’t mind it; I actually like it, as I know it’s super good for you. Definitely add more banana and or other sweetener, as it can be hard to ease into the taste.e
That is some healthy stuff
This is such an awesome post! I have had spirulina in my cupboard for awhile now but have no idea how to use it! Does it have a very noticeable taste in the yogurt?? I am definitely going to start adding this to my smoothies!! xo
Use it- just found it at my local health food store bulk, as it was WAY too expensive to buy pre- packaged, and can’t stop adding it to everything
Great in smoothie, if you use other things to mask the flavor, and now love it in yogurt, too! You can definitely taste it, but I’m hardcore, so I like the taste 
To ease into it, definitely add more banana and or other sweetener 
YUM – this looks reallyyyyyy good
I’ve never tried it because the vitamins I take have spirulina in them. But that parfait looks so delicious! I love parfaits.
Btw, did you get the email I sent with my address? My email has been acting up lately so I just wanted to be sure
Thank you, I was definitely aiming for it to have the beauty part!
Yes, I did get your email- I sent it off to Chobani right after you sent me your address, so they should be getting you the package any day now!
I love spirulina! Strangely today was the first day in ages I didn’t add it to my morning smoothie as I fancied a non green colour this morning, but usually I dig that bright jade green goodness
Spirulina is like the most of super of super-foods, isn’t it?
My Mum bought some and used it a couple of times but I think the fact it turned everything green put her off. I think eventually she chucked it out which is a shame because I would love some but just can’t afford it!
The yogurt parfait is actually a work of art!
xxx
Hehe, your mom and I are quite different in that way- I love it when anything of mine is green, or turns green, as that means I’m eating healthier! Try buying spirulina in your heath food stores bulk section, or on Amazon, where it’s cheaper
I’m all about the greens. I looove broccoli. Your smoothie looks great.
Your parfait looks so awesome.
You’re brave to try spirulina! I had some Spiru-tein (or whatever that protein powder is called) and it was GROSS!
I like the natural green theme- perfect for St. Patti’s Day!!
BTW my fave source of ‘green protein’ is hemp protein powder!
You’re so blunt and straight out- I love it!
Wow, I seriously didn’t know all of the benefits of spirulina! I need to get my hands on some of that! How’s the taste? Is it earthy?
Definitely not great and yummy tasting- that’s why I only add about 1 tsp, and mix it with other things like banana, maple, protein power, oatmeal, etc. It takes some time getting used to, but I love the green color it gives and the health benefits! You can easily mask the taste with sweetener…
Found your blog via the amazing Gena (who has turned me on to a bunch of new blogs lately!). I have a bottle of spirulina languishing in my fridge. Never know what to do with it. Will be definitely be tying a version of this.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Katie! Good to have you on here
I love Gena’s blog as well, she has some great recipes and tips!
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