…and Do You Actually “Need” Both?

By VegandPepper | Updated on 13th August 2025| About VegandPepper

If you’ve ever browsed a health food aisle (online or off) and paused at the green powders, wondering what exactly spirulina and chlorella are — and whether one is “better” than the other — you’re not alone.

At VegandPepper, we believe that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. So here’s a clear, no-hype breakdown of these two microalgae, what makes them different, and how they might fit into your routine — if at all.

First things first: what are they?

Spirulina and chlorella are both forms of freshwater algae. They’re rich in nutrients, naturally plant-based, and often found in powders or blended into functional food products like green superfood blends.

But they’re not interchangeable.

Spirulina at a glance:

Spirulina is a blue-green microalga with a long history of use — even the Aztecs reportedly consumed it from natural lakes. It’s known for being:

• High in plant-based protein (up to 60% by weight)
• A source of iron, B vitamins (especially B1), and copper
• Rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with antioxidant properties¹

Because spirulina has a soft cell structure, it’s easily digested and often used in green powders and smoothies. The flavour is grassy but relatively mild compared to other greens.

Chlorella at a glance:

Chlorella is a green single-celled alga that’s quite different in structure. It has:

• A tougher outer cell wall (which must be broken during processing for absorption)
• A high chlorophyll content
• Naturally occurring iron and vitamin B12 in some strains²

Chlorella is often considered a good option for those looking to support iron intake or seeking a non-animal source of B12, especially within plant-based diets. The taste is stronger — slightly bitter and earthy.

So, what’s the actual difference?

Do you need both?

You don’t need either — they’re not essential nutrients — but both can be helpful additions to a plant-based or nutrient-aware lifestyle.

Spirulina is often chosen for its:

• Mild flavour
• Digestibility
• Protein content

Some people use both, alternating based on preference or how their body feels. Others use blends that combine them — like our Vibrant Greens Powder, which includes both alongside matcha, wheatgrass, pineapple powder, and barley grass.

Chlorella is often favoured for:

• B12 (particularly for vegans and vegetarians)
• Higher chlorophyll
• Supporting overall nutrient intake

How to use them

Both spirulina and chlorella can be added to:

• Smoothies or shakes
• Stirred into citrus juice (for better flavour balance)
• Mixed into overnight oats or energy balls

They don’t need to be taken in large quantities — often 1–2 teaspoons (or 3–5g) is enough to start with. As always, consistency tends to matter more than quantity.