What is spirulina powder? While the name may sound unfamiliar-and many people know little about it-it is actually an ingredient found in a variety of everyday products. It consists of the dried powder of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). According to research from the Cleveland Clinic and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spirulina is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals; it is commonly used as a nutritional supplement to help regulate blood lipids and boost the immune system.
With a crude protein content reaching 60–68%, spirulina is packed with phycocyanin, beta-carotene, B vitamins, various minerals, and essential amino acids. Thanks to its antioxidant properties and high nutritional value, it is now widely used in areas such as dietary supplements, functional foods, and animal or aquaculture feed.
Now, let's look at its functions across various fields:
Dietary Supplement Industry: Phycocyanin is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements. It possesses antioxidant activity, helping to combat oxidative stress while providing a balanced array of essential nutrients.
Typically processed into forms such as spirulina tablets, capsules, or effervescent tablets, it can be manufactured via direct compression without the need for synthetic binders. This ensures the products disintegrate and are absorbed easily. Targeted at consumers seeking daily nutritional support, it serves as a key ingredient in immune-modulating health products.
Functional Food and Beverage Industry: As a natural food ingredient, spirulina powder serves both as a source of plant-based protein and as a natural green coloring agent. It is widely used in products such as plant-based protein powders, meal-replacement shakes, nutritional beverages, energy bars, and pasta, helping to increase the nutritional density of food while imparting a natural color.
Produced using a low-temperature spray-drying process, the powder retains heat-sensitive amino acids and active substances to the greatest extent possible. It is well-suited for industrial production lines-including high-speed mixing and extrusion processes-and is characterized by its excellent processability and resistance to clumping.
Livestock and Aquaculture Feed Industry: Feed-grade spirulina contains 60–70% protein, with amino acids that are easily digested and absorbed. It also provides natural pigments, such as carotenoids. In aquaculture, it is used in feed for shrimp and ornamental fish to enhance coloration and promote growth. It is also incorporated into feed formulations for poultry, livestock (cattle and sheep), and pets as a high-quality protein additive, helping to improve animal health and boost farming profitability. Furthermore, dust-free spirulina granules are available, which are compatible with automated feed dispensing systems, offering greater convenience in use.
High-quality spirulina powder requires rigorous standards for cultivation, processing, and testing. Production sites must be located far from industrial pollution, with continuous monitoring of water quality and light exposure throughout the process. Every batch undergoes third-party testing for heavy metals, microorganisms, and microcystins.
As a major global producer and supplier of microalgae, C.B.N. is committed to providing high-quality products. Our offerings meet a wide range of international standards and certifications, including Kosher, Halal, EU Organic, USDA NOP Organic, BRC, IFS, ISO 22000:2018, HACCP, and FSMA. We also hold certifications such as ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, and organic status.
Our annual sales volume reaches 4,000 tons for spirulina, 500 tons for chlorella, and 50 tons for phycocyanin (a spirulina extract). Our products are primarily exported to North America, Europe, Australia, and South Asia. We offer bulk supply as well as OEM/ODM customization services, including the ability to adjust the ratios of protein and phycocyanin to meet specific requirements, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for various industries.
