The bright future of spirulina

FROM protein smoothies to tortilla wrappers to blue coloring, spirulina has become an important ingredient in food and beverage. Derived from blue-green algae, spirulina is nutrient dense and considered by many as a superfood whose protein, antioxidants and vitamins, including Omega 3 and Omega 6, are said to slow ageing and prevent certain diseases including cancer. Owing to its nutritive value, spirulina has been identified as food for the malnourished as well.  

(Photo: Dreamstime)

As a source of natural food color, spirulina has made headway in recent years. In the US, despite certain setbacks such as issues on stability and availability of raw material, the market will continue to grow since the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of spirulana extract in a wider range of food products.

Therefore, the market will stay afloat as demand from the food and beverage industry increases. In 2017, the spirulina extract market in particular was valued at USD140.5 million, according to Research and Markets. By 2025 this market will reach 289 million, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2017-2025.