My diet:

Spirulina extract

No E-numberColorsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

Made from algae.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Spirulina extract is a natural blue color from algae and the main swap for Blue 1 in candy and frosting. It's safe, vegan and fits every diet we check.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberNone
Comes fromPlant
What it doesColors
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledSpirulina extract, Spirulina

Make blue food without dyes

For your pantry
Pantry staple

Blue spirulina powder

A pinch turns frosting, smoothies and lattes sky blue.

Shop blue spirulina Opens your country’s Amazon store
Clean substitute

Plant-based food coloring set

Blue from spirulina, plus colors from beets and turmeric.

Shop natural food coloring Opens your country’s Amazon store
Health store

Butterfly pea flower tea

Brews deep blue and turns purple with a squeeze of lemon.

Shop butterfly pea tea Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionNot evaluated as an additive
🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive
CaliforniaNo extra rules

The FDA approved spirulina extract as a color in 2013, the first natural blue in the US, and exempts it from batch certification. In the EU it's treated as a coloring food, not an additive, so it has no E-number.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Spirulina extract is the blue pigment of spirulina algae, filtered from the green chlorophyll. It gives a bright sky-blue, and mixed with turmeric or safflower it makes natural greens.

Where it comes from: Extracted with water from spirulina, a blue-green alga farmed in ponds. The blue pigment is phycocyanin.

Why it’s in food

  • Colors candy, gum and frosting blue
  • Makes natural green when mixed with yellow
  • Replaces Blue 1 on clean labels
  • Colors ice cream and smoothie bowls

Often found in

Candy and gumFrosting and sprinklesIce creamCerealSmoothie bowlsSports drinks

Also listed as: Spirulina extract, Spirulina, Blue spirulina, Phycocyanin, Spirulina concentrate, Spirulina color, Arthrospira platensis extract

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

The FDA found it safe as a color, and the amounts used are far below what people take as spirulina supplements.

21 CFR 73.530

Heat and acidUnder study

Not a health risk, but it fades with heat and in acidic drinks, so products may look duller over time.

Newsome et al., J. Agric. Food Chem. (2014)

What can I use instead?

Butterfly pea flower

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Drinks and baking

Red cabbage extract

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Blue in neutral, low-acid foods

Related

Spirulina extract vs Brilliant Blue FCF

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoidAnnatto E160bAnnatto (E160b) is a natural orange color from achiote seeds. It's what makes cheddar orange. It's safe and vegan, though it's one of the few natural colors that can trigger allergies.Generally safeAnthocyanins E163Anthocyanins (E163) are the natural red, purple and blue pigments of grapes, berries and purple carrots. They're one of the safest food colors and fit every diet we check.Generally safeBeetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Spirulina extract safe?

Generally safe (92/100). The FDA approved spirulina extract as a color in 2013, the first natural blue in the US, and exempts it from batch certification. In the EU it's treated as a coloring food, not an additive, so it has no E-number.

Is Spirulina extract vegan?

Yes. Made from algae.

Is Spirulina extract gluten-free?

Yes.

Does spirulina extract taste like algae?

No. The blue extract is filtered and has almost no taste, unlike green spirulina powder.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 73.530 (US FDA)
  • 21 CFR 73.530
  • Newsome et al., J. Agric. Food Chem. (2014)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026