Introducing, Natural blues from Spirulina

Blue spirulina is a pigment, phycocyanin, extracted from the green algae spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), which grows in lakes, springs and ponds. It is a very rare pigment found only in spirulina and a few other blue-green algae species. Other green plants such as chlorella, wheat and barley grass do not contain phycocyanin. Phycocyanin gives spirulina its slightly bluish hue. Due to its strong pigmentation, phycocyanin also acts as a natural blue food coloring. However, in addition to its beautiful pigmentation, phycocyanin also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and a rich antioxidant content, which makes blue spirulina not only an attractive colorant but also a truly nutritious superfood, perfect for supporting your health and preparing delicious dishes without the addition of chemicals.

What is Blue spirulina?

Our Natural Food Coloring, Blue (Spirulina) uses spirulina extract to add vibrant color without adding flavor or aroma. This water-soluble, plant-based liquid colorant will be most effective in cold and no-bake applications such as ice cream, frozen desserts, shakes, smoothies, fillings, and frostings. Our blue natural food dye for icing created blue shades that are more on the pastel, muted, and "dusty" palettes, which is ideal for sky and ocean-themed baked goods, frosting, icing, and fillings. This plant-based liquid color is water-soluble and uses the natural coloring of spirulina to provide the most vibrant hues in low-temperature process or cold applications that have more acidic ingredients. Bulk natural blue food dye for home or commercial bakery and foodservice use is great for coloring decorating sugar, frosting, icing, and creamy beverages for maximum visual appeal. Because this spirulina based ingredient uses no artificial colors, the final shades can fade significantly during high-heat applications such as baking or when left in bright sunlight for extended time periods.

Main applications

It is used as a natural coloring agent for ice creams, sugar coatings, gums, gummies, powdered juice, rice cakes, noodles, wasabi paste, frozen confectionery, jelly, capsules, and hard candies.

Physical properties of Spi-Blue

 

Production of Phycocyanin for reagent

We also manufacture Phycocyanin for reagent to use for photo sensor and cell labeling.
C-phycocyanin for reagent is a chromoprotein extracted from blue-green algae Spirulina, and its chromophore, phycocyanobilin, has a ring-opened tetrapyrrole structure. It is soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is blue and has red fluorescence.
Phycocyanin also forms a high aggregation in concentrated aqueous solution, and trimer or hexamer is the main constituent in dilute solution.

Characteristics

·Origin: Spirulina sp (Cyanobacterium spirulina)
·Maximum absorption wavelength: 618 nm
·Maximum fluorescence wavelength: 635 nm
·Isoelectric point: 4.3
·Molecular weight: about 110 thousands for trimer, about 220 thousands for hexamer.
 

Health Benefits Beyond Color

What makes spirulina blue truly unique is that it’s not just a colorant—it also offers potential health-promoting properties:

• Antioxidant Activity: Phycocyanin helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, supporting cellular protection.

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Research suggests phycocyanin may lower markers of inflammation, contributing to general wellness.

• Immune Support: Spirulina extracts, including phycocyanin, are linked to enhanced immune responses.

• Neuroprotective Effects: Emerging studies indicate phycocyanin may help protect neurons from oxidative damage.

This dual functionality—as both a vivid natural color and a functional bioactive compound—sets spirulina apart from most other natural dyes.

Applications of Spirulina Blue

The versatility of spirulina blue is driving its adoption across a wide range of industries.

1. Food & Beverages

Spirulina blue is used to create visually appealing products without the concerns associated with artificial colors. Popular applications include:

• Ice creams and frozen desserts

• Confections such as gummies, candies, and marshmallows

• Bakery icings and fillings

• Dairy products and yogurts

• Beverages including smoothies, energy drinks, and plant-based lattes

The color stability of spirulina blue is particularly effective in refrigerated or frozen applications, making it a go-to natural dye for cold desserts and beverages.

 

2. Nutraceuticals & Supplements

Spirulina extracts are already popular in the supplement market, but adding phycocyanin for its antioxidant benefits allows brands to market colorful superfood powders and functional gummies that combine visual appeal with wellness benefits.

3. Cosmetics & Personal Care

In cosmetics, spirulina-derived blue is increasingly used as a natural alternative to synthetic pigments in lip balms, eye shadows, face masks, and soaps. Its antioxidant activity also contributes to skin care, positioning it as both a functional and aesthetic ingredient.

4. Pharmaceuticals

Spirulina phycocyanin is being explored for pharmaceutical use due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its natural blue coloring ability also makes it suitable for coating tablets and capsules, combining functionality with consumer-friendly appeal.

Conclusion

The introduction of natural blues from Spirulina marks a turning point in the food colorant industry. No longer do manufacturers have to rely on artificial blue dyes to achieve brilliant shades in their products. Spirulina blue provides a safe, natural, functional, and sustainable alternative that appeals to modern consumers. Beyond its striking visual qualities, spirulina’s phycocyanin offers real health benefits, giving brands a chance to create products that are not only beautiful but also better for people and the planet.

At Yangge Biotech, we are dedicated to supplying high-purity Spirulina extracts and natural phycocyanin powders that meet the growing demand for clean-label colorants.

📩 Contact Yangge Biotech today to discover how our natural spirulina blue can transform your product line with vibrant, safe, and health-enhancing color.