I have never been a fan of spirulina simply because of its taste. Having worked in the health foods and natural beauty industries, I have been fully aware of the health benefits of spirulina and really wanted to love it for those reasons, especially given my anemia - as spirulina is very high in absorbable iron. But I could never move beyond the "dirty weeds" flavor of this blue-green algae superfood - even in tablet form.

Spirulina was an important food source for the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans through the Sixteenth Century and remains a popular nutritional supplement among natural health advocates today. It provides a rich combination of absorbable iron, protein, antioxidants, 10 of the 12 amino acids (all of the 8 essential aminos, making it a complete protein), chlorophyll, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals - including high leveles of B-12, which can be hard to come by. Spirulina is easily digestible and absorbable by the body - however, Phelylketonarics should be aware that Spirulina contains phenylalanine.

I was willing to give Spirulina Crunchies

® 

from Green Tara a try because of their claim that their spirulina product tastes more like munching on a popular, healthy breakfast cereal than eating weeds and dirt. While I wouldn't say that these savory little nuggets are my favorite snack, I will agree that they are far better tasting than any other spirulina pruduct I've tasted so far (and I've tried lots). I popped a small handful into my mouth and was pleasantly surprised that the dirty flavor of spirulina I'd disliked was replaced by a toasted, nutty, sage-like flavor. At last, I have a way to get spirulina into my diet! In fact, these toasty little granules have now become a regular addition to my morning health smoothie.

Kat's Favorite Smoothie recipe
(all foods are organic):  

1 peeled ripe banana
1 cup frozen mangos & strawberries
4 fresh pineapple wedges
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1 cup carrots
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup orange juice or water
4 tablespoons liquid daily vitamins
1/2 cup flaxseed
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup unflavored whey protein powder
2 tablespoons Spirulina Crunchies®

*provides 3-4 servings

Drink to your health!