If it weren’t for my husband I would probably have continued to ignore spirulina although I have known about for more than 20 years. It has been touted as a superfood but blueberries are too, and I like them much better because they taste great.
.Yet my husband read the literature on spirulina, got convinced about its nutritional value and asked me to add it to his morning smoothie (known as The Veggie Queen’s Husband’s Green Smoothie), which I did starting a few years ago. Don’t know what spirulina is? It is gluten-free, non-GMO and a natural blue-green algae powder. I discovered that all brands of spirulina are not the same.
Rick likes a particular brand but a few times I have been unable to purchase it. When that happened in the past, I went to my local natural food store where they sell it in bulk. (It’s expensive but the powder is light.)
That spirulina was pricier than the kind I was buying for $50 a container so, I just bought a small bit. I noticed that this bulk version smelled fishy, not clean and green like what I had been buying. That surprised me. As soon as I could I went back to using the spirulina Rick liked.
What I really want to talk about here is Spiral Springs spirulina. In full disclosure, I was given a sample of the Spiral Springs spirulina powder to try. I was skeptical after my fishy experience but I was pleasantly surprised. I did a small taste test, side by side, with the usual brand and they are comparable. Although Spiral Springs states that their product is more nutritionally complete (which I have yet to verify).
The Spiral Springs comes in an 8.8 ounce bag which retails for $29.99. (However you can get 10% off just for following them on social media and signing up for their newsletter).
The bag says that it has 50 5 gram (the size of the scoop) servings. I like to add a bit more than 1 scoop to the smoothie so it didn’t last quite that long. The taste is clean and pure. It adds a greenness to the smoothie that can be off putting to some people but my husband likes it and thinks that it adds to his overall health. I can’t disagree so I continue to add spirulina to his smoothie.
Have you tried spirulina? This is chance to enter to win either a package of spirulina or, if you don’t want to have a green drink, you can win a bottle of 500 tablets instead. If you have tried spirulina and like it, then you can try this brand and see what you think.
To enter to win, please post a comment about why you want to try spirulina. I will a winner by random number (in the U.S. only but not Hawaii) on June 13th at 12 am, PST. Be sure to include your email in your comment so I can contact you if you win. If you live outside the continental U.S. but would like to comment, please do.
I don’t make smoothies for myself (I just drink the leftover of my husband’s drink), I prefer eating my food. If you want to make a tasty green smoothie, here is my recipe:
The Veggie Queen's Husband's Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 soaked almonds
- 2 tablespoons rehydrated chia
- 1 cup or more water
- 1 cup packed kale stems included
- 1 to 2 teaspoons spirulina powder optional
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hemp seeds or hemp protein powder optional
- 1 cup frozen fruit - seasonal when I can
- 1 cup frozen berries
- ½ medium banana
Instructions
- Add ingredients in the order listed. Blend in a high speed blender until smooth and creamy. Serve right away.
- If you have any leftover, put into ice cube trays to make “smoothie cubes” and blend later. Some people have also taken the blended smoothie and turned it into “smoothiesicles”.
Jill Nussinow says
Thank you all for your comments. A random winner has been chosen. It is Mindy.
Keep on watching my blog for more giveaways, recipes and musings.
Jan Staszewski says
I love green smoothies! Usually add a handful of parsley which makes any other green ingredients taste fresh & good. Spirulina is something I have been wanting to try. Your recipe sounds great. Thanks!
michelle says
I have wanted to try spirulina because of the health benefits bur have been hesitant of the taste.
Karin Claus says
I eat a whole foods plant based diet, but haven’t tried smoothies. This sounds like a great product.