15 Spirulina Infused Nutrient-Dense Snacks and Desserts

Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in clean water. While it’s only just recently cropped up as a trendy superfood, it’s was actually used as a food by Aztecs and Mesoamericans, who made it into cakes. It wasn’t sold commercially in the U.S. until the 1970s, where you could likely only find it in specialty health food stores and local food co-ops. So, what’s so great about it? Spirulina is packed with tons of nutrients.

So, what’s so great about spirulina? For one thing, spirulina is packed with tons of nutrients — one tablespoon of spirulina contains 4 grams of protein, 11 percent of your daily recommended Iron, 21 percent of your daily recommended Copper, 11 percent of your daily recommended Thiamin, and 15 percent of your daily recommended Riboflavin. Wow.

We all know about spirulina in smoothies, but what if you want to get your daily dose of superfood in another way? For one, you can use as a natural food coloring for desserts. This Marshmallow Cream Cake uses spirulina to make a gorgeous minty green color. Or, if you want to keep things simple, try these Super Easy Spirulina Cashew Balls. We’ve got more ideas on how you can use this amazing aquatic superfood, too — try these 15 spirulina-packed recipes!

1. Raw Chocolate Mint Grasshopper Pie

This Raw Chocolate Mint Grasshopper Pie is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for a special occasion with family and friends. The creamy filling sits on a chewy crust of dates and nuts and is made from cashews, fresh mint, and spirulina, which gives it that gorgeous green color. When you bring this to the table, mouths will drop.

2. Blueberry Spirulina Chocolates

These little Blueberry Spirulina Chocolates are made from completely natural ingredients, are super creamy yet light, and are bursting with coconut and berry goodness. Their superfood boost comes from spirulina and maca. Keep these on hand for whenever that chocolate craving strikes!

3. Raw Punsch Rolls

A punsch roll is a Swedish pastry made from cookie crumbs, butter, and cacao that are rolled in a layer of green marzipan, then dipped in chocolate. If that sounds tasty to you, then rejoice! It’s easily veganized. These Raw Punsch Rolls get their bright green color from spirulina and spinach, but you’d never know from the way they taste. It’s soft, almondy, chocolatey, and it’ll be your new favorite dessert to make to parties.

4. Raw Chocmint Super Protein Bars

Spirulina is a great source of protein, but when you combine it with hemp protein powder, it packs a punch! These Raw Chocmint Super Protein Bars not only taste great but will fuel your body before or after a workout. They’ve got protein, dates to give you energy, and cacao nibs for a boost of antioxidants. Yum!

5. Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie Bowl

Normally, pumpkin pie isn’t green, but we’ll make an exception for this nutrient-packed Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie Bowl. It’s got bananas, spirulina, matcha, spinach, pumpkin (of course), and more to give you the best possible start to your day.  If you don’t have some of the superfoods listed below, feel free to omit them, but the pumpkin is mandatory!

6. Green Dream Popsicles

Super creamy and deliciously sweet, these Green Dream Popsicles are a cure-all for ice cream cravings. A touch of spirulina adds a fun green color, but their flavor is vanilla all the way. For the finishing touch, the tips of the popsicles are coated in a dark chocolate shell and crunchy chopped pistachios.

7. Nut-Free Spirulina Sesame Bars

These Nut-Free Spirulina Sesame Bars are all kinds of good. They’re made from sesame seeds, which are a good source of copper and manganese, bananas for potassium and Vitamin C, and spirulina for protein and eight essential amino acids. It’s dehydrated rather than baked, so you preserve all those wonderful vitamins and minerals!

8. Raw Spirulina Pie

Can’t decide between spirulina or pie? Well, now you don’t have to with this Raw Spirulina Pie! It’s creamy filling is made from young coconut meat with carob and spirulina for flavor. You can also make a non-raw version using coconut milk, so it’s versatile!

9. Raw Superfood Chocolate

The ingredients in this Raw Superfood Chocolate are pretty spectacular in their nutritional profiles. We’ve got spirulina, maca, reishi mushroom, goji berries, and obviously cacao. Spirulina naturally contains a lot of protein, iron, calcium, and amino acids. It is great for keeping your bones and muscles strong and detoxifying the body. Maca is rich in B12, manganese, calcium, iron, and potassium and works to balance hormones and give sustained energy. Reishi mushrooms are often used to strengthen the immune system and fight free radicals (cancer-causing cells). Goji berries have an insane amount of antioxidants and protein and can be used medicinally to treat disease. Cacao has a ton of iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and fiber. Chocolate never tasted so good.

10. Spirulina Sprinkle

Spirulina is a brilliant green powerhouse food! If you want to try it, but can’t decide what to do with it, make this Spirulina Sprinkle! It’s made from nutritional yeast, dried veggies, spirulina, and garlic powder. You can use it however you see fit — sprinkle on popcorn, veggies, toast, and anything savory.

11. 6-Ingredient Spirulina Snackies

Want to try adding some of the nutrient powerhouse spirulina into your life, but you’re not quite sure what to do with it outside of blending it in a smoothie? Well then, these little Six-Ingredient Spirulina Snackies are for you. They are quick and easy to make and you really can make them any way that you like – they are versatile tiny treats!

12. Mini Mint Chocolate Cheesecakes

If you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing, yet decadent dessert, make these Mini Mint Chocolate Cheesecakes your next mission in the kitchen! These mini cheesecakes are made with oats, almonds, cashews, mint extract, spirulina, and coconut oil, among other good-for-you ingredients. Talk about a superfood dessert!

13. Superfood Banana Bread

Don’t we all want sweets that nourish our bodies and our souls? Well, this Superfood Banana Bread really is super! It’s packed with oats, chia seeds, spirulina, dark chocolate chips, and other ingredients that are great for you. Plus, it’s gluten-free!

14. Deep Blue Sea Blend

Hawaii in a glass — that’s this Deep Blue Sea Blend. Brimming with manganese, thiamin, and vitamin C, this sweet, tropical island elixir supports a healthy immune system. Spirulina delivers the ocean within by providing potent detoxifying properties, phytonutrients and a high level of protein from the sea. Drink this blend and immerse yourself in the healing aqua waters of Hawaii. Aloha!

15. Matcha Protein Bars

These Matcha Protein Bars are soft and chewy with a pleasant crunch. The subtle earthy flavors of spirulina and matcha are balanced by the sweetness of bananas. These snacks are perfect for your pre-workout, post-workout, or anytime!

Looking for more? We don’t blame you. Find all our vegan spirulina recipes here!

Lead image source: Mini Mint Chocolate Cheesecakes