Chances are, if you’ve stopped by your local juice bar recently, you’ve noticed an explosion of vibrant dark green or even green-blue smoothies and juices stealing the spotlight. What’s behind this bold, eye-catching hue that’s trending across socials? It’s likely spirulina, chlorella, or a powerhouse combo of the two.
These nutrient-packed microalgae are celebrated for their incredible benefits and versatility, often appearing in supplements, smoothies, and snacks.1 While spirulina and chlorella share some nutritional similarities, key differences set them apart. Today, we’re diving into the ultimate showdown: spirulina vs. chlorella—what makes them superfoods, and how they stack up!
Spirulina vs. Chlorella: Everything You Need to Know
Let’s start with the basics. Spirulina is a striking blue-green alga that thrives in nutrient-rich lakes, ponds, and rivers with plenty of sunlight. It can grow in both fresh and saltwater. Spirulina has been around for an astounding 2.4 billion years, earning its reputation as one of Earth’s oldest life forms and an important contributor to oxygen production. It’s loaded with protein, B vitamins, and copper, making it a superfood staple.2
Chlorella is a single-celled green algae native to freshwater environments, particularly in regions like Japan and Taiwan. Existing for almost 2 billion years, chlorella is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, making it a nutritional must-have.3 Unlike spirulina, humans can’t digest the cellular walls of chlorella, so it must be broken down in a supplement form.
Key Differences
Although there are several similarities regarding spirulina and chlorella, let’s examine the most notable differences.
Spirulina
- Blue-green in color
- Multicellular
- Can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater
- Easily digestible
- Moderate chlorophyll content (which can exhibit antioxidant properties)4
- Mildly earthy flavor
Chlorella
- Green algae
- Single-celled
- Thrives in freshwater environments
- Contains more chlorophyll than spirulina
- Higher in iron and omega-3 fatty acids
- More pungent flavor than spirulina
Shared Benefits
Both spirulina and chlorella share very similar nutritional profiles! Let’s dive into what these look like.
Fantastic Source of Plant-Based Protein
Even though spirulina contains a bit more protein than chlorella, both are considered complete proteins. For anyone trying to increase their daily protein intake or following a plant-based lifestyle, adding spirulina and/or chlorella to your daily diet can make an excellent way to hit individual goals.
Packed with Micronutrients
Adding both of these superfoods into your lifestyle can make a terrific way to optimize your micronutrient intake, which includes vitamins B-12, iron, and various antioxidants that can bolster overall wellness—including immune health and energy.
Extremely Versatile
In today’s world, it’s easy to incorporate both spirulina and chlorella into your daily routine. Each of these comes in various forms like powders, supplements, and cold-pressed juices (*hint, hint).
*Nutritional details are based on 100 grams.
| Spirulina | Chlorella | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 333 kcal | 300 kcal |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Carbs | 33.3 g | 40 g |
| Protein | 66.7 g | 60 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Iron | 32.5 mg | 240 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 250 µg | 300 µg |
| Vitamin D | 0 IU | 0 IU |
*Note that content may vary based on sourcing methods.
How Suja Organic Incorporates Spirulina and Chlorella
If you caught our hint, this section should be no surprise! Since spirulina and chlorella are some of the most powerful superfoods available, we believe both should be made accessible to everyone! Let’s delve into some of our best-selling products that feature one or both of these.
Organic Greens Powder
With over 40+ functional ingredients in just one scoop, our Organic Greens Powder delivers an array of powerhouse ingredients like kale, spinach, broccoli, plus chlorella and spirulina. Along with 15+ vitamins and minerals, we’ve included adaptogens and probiotics to support overall immunity, energy, and digestion!
“The Suja organic greens powder has become an indispensable part of my daily routine. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, spinach, and spirulina, it's a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. The convenient powder form makes it easy to incorporate into my busy schedule, whether mixed into smoothies or simply stirred into water. Plus, knowing that it's organic gives me peace of mind about the quality of the ingredients. Highly recommended for anyone looking to boost their daily intake of greens and support their health naturally.”
- jessya20
Green Delight
Craving a green juice with a splash of subtle sweetness? Green Delight is for you with ingredients like banana, mango, apple, cucumber, kale, spinach, spirulina, chlorella, and barley grass. The name speaks for itself!
“I was looking for a green juice that didn’t taste like grass. I found this and tried it and I’m hooked. Definitely a different taste but compared to some others where all your tasting is the greens I love this tasting more of the fruits.”
- Robin Rohwedder
Mighty Dozen
When you envision the quintessential green juice, think of Mighty Dozen — the ultimate greens blend with apple, cucumber, celery, kale, and more! You also get both organic chlorella and spirulina powder!
“I start every day with an 8 oz glass of Suja Mighty Dozen Cold Pressed Juice. When I first get up, within the first hour I drink 22 ounces of water, followed by my Suja juice. It is the best, most refreshing juice I've ever had.”
- Kitty Kat
Hydrate Tropical Aloe
If you’re in the mood for that vibrant, captivating blue hue of spirulina, our best-selling recovery drink, Hydrate Tropical Aloe, is the perfect pick. Packed with a refreshing blend of coconut water, tropical pineapple, and passion fruit, it’s a delicious way to recharge. Infused with essential electrolytes and energizing B vitamins, every sip is a rejuvenating escape that helps you power through your day with ease!
“This is by far one of my favorite ones! I do tons of fitness/sports training and am always on the go so this is perfect for me! The taste is amazing and you feel amazing after you drink it! On my Instagram story, the recovery juice was super popular among my followers! Everyone had amazing things to say!”
- T
Level Up Your Nutrition Game with Superfood Goodness
Sprinkling superfoods into your diet like spirulina and chlorella can be one of the best ways to level up your nutrition game, especially when it comes to protein intake, immunity, and energy. If you don’t want to experience the hassle of taking supplements, just opt for our cold-pressed superfood juices or Organic Greens Powder to reach the next level.
*Disclaimer: This blog contains promotional content about our products. The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While the nutritional information and health tips shared here are based on published studies and expert insights, they should not replace advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.
Endnotes
- Abreu, A. P., Martins, R., & Nunes, J. (2023). Emerging Applications of Chlorella sp. and Spirulina (Arthrospira) sp. Bioengineering, 10(8), 955. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10080955
- Karkos, P. D., Leong, S. C., Karkos, C. D., Sivaji, N., & Assimakopoulos, D. A. (2011). Spirulinain Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nen058
- Bito, T., Okumura, E., Fujishima, M., & Watanabe, F. (2020). Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients, 12(9), 2524. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092524
- Martins, T., Barros, A. N., Rosa, E., & Antunes, L. (2023). Enhancing Health Benefits through Chlorophylls and Chlorophyll-Rich Agro-Food: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules, 28(14), 5344. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145344
