Vegan Vanilla Blue Spirulina Smoothie

Mar 06, 2021 • Updated Jun 20, 2023

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Make a vibrant vegan blue spirulina smoothie with vanilla, coconut milk, plant-based protein, and banana for a creamy and healthy breakfast! All you need are a few ingredients and a blender to make this protein-packed smoothie.

blue spirulina smoothie in a clear glass with a white straw.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows both in fresh water and seawater. It is considered a nutrient-dense superfood and is typically sold in powder form, though fresh spirulina exists too.

It is typically green in colour with a hint of blue (think turquoise), but pure blue spirulina, which we’re using in this recipe, is a true blue, making smoothies a beautiful color!

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is a nutrient powerhouse. In just 1 tablespoon alone, blue spirulina powder boasts 4 grams of protein, B vitamins, copper, iron, and magnesium.

Additionally, the quality of the protein is comparable to animal protein sources, making it an amazing option for vegans and vegetarians alike. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free!

This spirulina protein smoothie is rich in plant protein, thanks to the added protein powder and spirulina! Spirulina has been linked to improved heart health and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities, strengthening the immune system and more!

What Makes This Recipe Great

We’re making a delicious Blue Spirulina Smoothie with vanilla, coconut, and plant protein. It’s a treat for the stomach and the eyes, and thanks to blue spirulina powder, it has the most gorgeous vibrant blue hue.

It tastes like vanilla coconut ice cream and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a post-workout smoothie. This spirulina smoothie recipe is simple and quick to make, requiring only a little bit of prep, and can be turned into a smoothie bowl as well.

Using blue spirulina in smoothies is one of my favourite tricks to achieve blue without any added food colouring. It’s 100% natural, really bold, and you only need to add a touch! I’ve used it in my Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl recipe and love adding it to chia puddings, lattes, baked goods, and more!

Ingredient Notes

banana: I use a frozen banana because it adds extra coldness without the need for ice which waters it down.
blue spirulina: Add more or less depending on preference.
coconut milk cubes: See below for how to make these! This is an amazing way to add creaminess and coldness without regular ice, which would water down the smoothie.
vanilla bean paste or extract
vanilla plant protein: Optional for extra protein. Omit if desired.
plant-based milk: Use your favorite, like almond milk, additional coconut milk, etc.

How to Make a Blue Spirulina Smoothie

Add all your ingredients into a high-speed, powerful blender and blend until smooth to make this coconut spirulina smoothie. Adjust with plant milk, adding more or less to achieve your desired texture, and voila!

The only prep step in this coconut smoothie recipe is making coconut milk ice cubes. Doing this helps to add thickness to the smoothie so that you don’t need to add additional frozen fruit.

Prepare your coconut milk ice cubes by pouring coconut milk into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid or overnight.
When ready to enjoy your vegan spirulina smoothie, blend all ingredients, including coconut milk ice cubes, in a high-speed blender. Enjoy immediately.

Secrets to Success

Spirulina Powder: When making this vegan spirulina smoothie, I recommend starting with less spirulina and adding more as desired. You can start with about 1/2 teaspoon, as the colour is quite vibrant, and add more for more colour. If you’d prefer to use green spirulina, feel free to add more, but do be aware the flavour can start to overwhelm the smoothie if you add too much.
Consistency: You can adjust the thickness by adding less or more plant milk. I always recommend starting with less and adding more, especially if you like a thicker smoothie texture, because it’s easier to add than it is to take away.
Additional Toppings/Mixins: As with all smoothies, it’s important to adjust to taste, so feel free to add more fruit, less fruit, and any toppings that you like.
Spirulina Alternative: Blue is rarely naturally occurring, so blue spirulina is a great natural way to add blue to food. It can be quite expensive, but another alternative would be butterfly pea powder, which comes from a blue flower commonly found and eaten in Thailand.

Storage Tips

This smoothie is best enjoyed when served immediately. Make and freeze extra coconut milk ice cubes so you can make a smoothie any time!

Recipe FAQs

What are the benefits of spirulina in smoothies?

This spirulina protein smoothie is rich in plant protein, B vitamins, copper, iron, and magnesium. It has also been linked to improved heart health and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities, strengthening the immune system and more!

What does spirulina taste like in smoothies?

It is an algae, so it can have a fishy taste in smoothies. Green spirulina smoothies have a stronger flavor, which is why I prefer blue spirulina powder for this recipe. The banana and other ingredients mask the flavor, making it very subtle.

Where can I buy blue spirulina?

You can find spirulina at most health food stores and some grocery stores that carry supplements. You can also buy it online through Amazon and other retailers.

More Colorful Vegan Smoothie Recipes

Healthy Shamrock Shake

Red Velvet Smoothie

Spiced Persimmon Smoothie

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie Bowl (No banana)

Almond Joy Smoothie Bowl

If you make this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!