Spirulina & Chlorella – nature's primal powers in a modern form

In a time when sustainability and natural ingredients are center stage, two microscopic plants have found new life on plates & in glasses – spirulina and chlorella.

These microalgae are not only among the oldest life forms on Earth, but also some of the most nutritious. They grew in clear lakes long before the first civilizations emerged – and have since accompanied humans as a source of plant power and balance.

From primeval times to the present – the history of algae

Already over 1,000 years ago the Aztecs used spirulina from Lake Texcoco as part of their diet, while the people around Lake Chad in Africa dried algae into cakes for energy during hot days.

What was once a local natural resource has today become a global ingredient in modern superfood blends, protein shakes and green juices.

Our return to these tiny organisms says a lot about our time – we seek simple, plant-based and pure sources of nutrition that come directly from nature.

Spirulina – the blue-green power of the sun

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a microscopic cyanobacterium, often called a blue-green algae. It thrives in sunny, mineral-rich freshwater and grows naturally in alkaline lakes.

Its color comes from phycocyanin, a blue pigment that captures sunlight – and together with chlorophyll gives spirulina its characteristic blue-green hue.

Spirulina is known for its high protein content – up to 63%, making it one of nature’s most concentrated plant-based protein sources. It also contains iron, vitamin K and beta-carotene (provitamin A).

Because it lacks a hard cell wall the nutrients are naturally readily available, making spirulina popular in everything from green blends to plant-based sports nutrition.

Chlorella – the wonder of the green micro-world

Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) is a single-celled freshwater alga that grew already 2.5 billion years ago. Its name comes from the Greek word chloros, meaning green – and it shows.

Chlorella is one of the most chlorophyll-rich plants on Earth and is cultivated under controlled conditions to ensure purity and quality.

Unlike spirulina, chlorella has a hard cell wall that must be broken during processing for the nutrients to become available.

It contains vitamin B12, vitamin A, manganese and fiber, and its intense green pigment makes it a valued ingredient in plant-based nutrition concepts and green blends.

Sustainable nutrition – plant power in its purest form

There is something poetic about how two microscopic plants can symbolize the sustainable food of the future.

Both spirulina and chlorella are cultivated in closed systems with minimal environmental impact – they require neither farmland nor pesticides, and grow quickly with the help of sunlight and clean water.

This makes them a naturally circular food, in line with the plant-based development that more and more people choose – out of care for both body and planet.

Versatile ingredients with future potential

Spirulina and chlorella are not only nutritious – they are also incredibly versatile.

Their natural color, texture and composition make them popular ingredients in everything from smoothies and cold-pressed juices to green blends and plant-based energy shots.

Chlorella, with its chlorophyll-rich content, is often used in detox-inspired superfood mixes alongside plants like wheatgrass.

Spirulina is often combined with natural energy sources and adaptogens such as maca, matcha or ginseng – a popular combination in plant-based sports nutrition and energy products.

A natural part of Superfood Detox Deluxe

At Superfood & berries we believe in combining nature’s primordial power with modern needs.

That is why we have chosen to include spirulina and chlorella in our product Superfood Detox Deluxe – a carefully composed blend of green superfoods, fruits and plants that complement each other in a natural way.

It is designed for those who want to give their body a break from the pace of everyday life while adding plant-based variety in a simple and balanced way.

Green, pure and future-proof

Spirulina and chlorella remind us of nature’s simplicity – that even the smallest can make a difference.

From primeval lakes to today’s smoothies, these algae are proof of how ancient wisdom and modern lifestyle can meet in something as natural as a green powder.

At Superfood & berries superfood is not about trends, but about reconnecting with nature’s intelligence – where sustainability, quality and plant power go hand in hand.

Sources

• Livsmedelsverket (Sweden) – Nutritional content and food data for algae

• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) – Spirulina as a sustainable source of protein and micronutrients

• Journal of Applied Phycology and Frontiers in Nutrition – scientific articles on cultivation and nutritional profile for Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris