Spirulina extract (color)
Spirulina extract is a blue color made by water extraction of dried Arthrospira platensis biomass, followed by filtration and concentration. Its color comes from phycocyanins, blue pigment-protein complexes that are sensitive to heat and low pH. Suppliers sell liquid concentrates and powders, often with sugar or trehalose carriers, standardized by color value, used in confectionery, frostings, dairy desserts and supplement coatings.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Aqueous phycocyanin solution at a stated color value, often with sugar or citric acid, for frozen desserts and confections.
Spray-dried phycocyanin on a carrier such as trehalose, maltodextrin or sugar for dry mixes and panned candy.
Spirulina blue combined with yellow colors such as safflower or turmeric to make greens.
Extract from organically grown spirulina, offered by some suppliers.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Phycocyanin loses color with heat, light and acid, so keep spirulina extract cool, dark and sealed; many liquid grades are shipped and stored refrigerated or frozen. Powders should be kept dry because moisture speeds color loss. Shelf life and storage temperature are set by the supplier specification.
Color value varies with biomass and processing, so record it for each lot and adjust dose. Keep the microcystin result with each lot, and rotate first-expired, first-out because the blue fades with age.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.530 lists spirulina extract, made by filtered aqueous extraction of dried Arthrospira platensis, as a color additive exempt from certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.530 permits spirulina extract only in listed foods, among them confections, frostings, beverages and coatings applied to dietary supplement tablets and capsules.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.530 requires spirulina extract to test negative for microcystin toxin and caps lead and arsenic at 2 mg/kg.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Colouring Agents includes spirulina extract (item S.5).
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Irvine, CA
Sells it as LINABLUE
Earthrise Nutritionals grows spirulina at a farm in Calipatria, California, and sells spirulina powder and a blue spirulina extract (phycocyanin) for use as a food color. It is part of the DIC group.
Manufacturer · Kalamazoo, MI
US maker of natural food colors, spice and herb extracts, hop products and rosemary extracts for shelf life, working from its own paprika supply through to finished extracts.
Manufacturer · Hellerup, Denmark
Sells it as Arctic Blue
Danish producer of natural food colors (formerly the Chr. Hansen natural colors division), with colors from spirulina, black carrot, red radish, sweet potato, red beet and jagua fruit for food and beverage makers.
Manufacturer · St. Louis, MO
Sells it as Blue Waze
North American food color business of Sensient Technologies, making certified FD&C dyes and lakes alongside natural colors from sources such as beet juice, carmine, annatto, spirulina and butterfly pea flower.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include liquid concentrate, powder, blended greens and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect color value, microcystin, heavy metals, moisture and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Phycocyanin loses color with heat, light and acid, so keep spirulina extract cool, dark and sealed; many liquid grades are shipped and stored refrigerated or frozen. Powders should be kept dry because moisture speeds color loss. Shelf life and storage temperature are set by the supplier specification.
21 CFR 73.530 lists spirulina extract, made by filtered aqueous extraction of dried Arthrospira platensis, as a color additive exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.530 permits spirulina extract only in listed foods, among them confections, frostings, beverages and coatings applied to dietary supplement tablets and capsules. 21 CFR 73.530 requires spirulina extract to test negative for microcystin toxin and caps lead and arsenic at 2 mg/kg. Health Canada's List of Permitted Colouring Agents includes spirulina extract (item S.5).
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