Trader Joe’s is one of the most popular places to buy groceries, in terms of reliable chains, in the United States. That said, they are so full of marketplace personality that it can be tricky to nail down whether or not they have specific products. Many have asked the question: “Does Trader Joe’s Have Blue Spirulina?”
According to both their product page and research conducted by calling professionals associated with Trader Joe’s, the popular U.S. grocery provider does not sell blue spirulina. Customers looking for the nutritious algae, which is sometimes sold as a supplement, will need to shop in other places besides Trader Joe’s.
In this article, we will provide a clear and definite answer determining whether or not Trader Joe’s sells blue spirulina. We’ll do this by remembering the exact product range of Trader Joe’s, noting what makes Blue Spirulina so popular among consumers, and concluding with some alternatives offered by the store. Let’s get started!
Understanding Blue Spirulina
Maybe you’re interested in the many unique products Trader Joe’s is famous for delighting it’s customers with, but you have never specifically heard of Blue Spirulina. If this is the case, we’ve got you covered!
Blue Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in alkaline waterways, in addition to growing in lakes or ponds. It is different in a variety of ways, not the least of which is color, from it’s cousin, Green Spirulina algae.
The pigment that gives blue spirulina it’s name comes from something called phycocyanin. Green Spirulina is used to color many recipes, but it has a distinct fish-like taste.
Blue spirulina is popular because it does not have this same taste, but has many of the same health benefits.
Spirulina is noted for bonding with heavy metals that the body has collected and improving chances of detox by removing those metals as it passes through the body. Spirulina is also full of protein, and great for vegetarian or vegan diets.
Because Spirulina is so rich in protein, it can fill a person up when ingested so that they have the energy they need, but don’t feel hungry for more fattening foods.
This often leads to weight loss! Besides, it is an easy ingredient to take in because it dissolves in water, making it much more easy to ingest than meat or other protein sources.
Spirulina has been placed primarily in products that are marketed as dietary supplements for the above reasons. It has also been linked to higher levels of energy in those who eat it, as well as bowel health improvement.
Because of it’s blue color, those who are looking for a natural way to color fun foods like icing or even yogurt sometimes purchase these blue spirulina supplements powders and mix them in to their recipes to create a blue pigment.
To check the current price and availability of Organic Blue Spirulina, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Trader Joe’s Product Range
Now that we know what spirulina is and why it might be looked for by Trader Joe’s customers, let’s go over what Trader Joe’s usually sells. Trader Joe’s is well-known for having plenty of products to offer when it comes to dietary needs.
Being primarily a grocery store, Trader Joe’s has everything from milk, cheese, snacks, meat, fruits, vegetables, and even candy.
It usually offers each of these categories of food in a wide variety of dietary niches, such as vegan options, vegetarian options, and gluten-free options.
Additionally, Trader Joe’s has plenty of other products to let customers take advantage of. They are famous for their pretty and fresh flower offerings. In addition to this, Trader Joe’s has made forays into skincare products and soaps.
Finally, though Trader Joe’s has begun branching out into nutritional supplements in their categories of product offerings, this is limited to just two types of candy-like supplements. Neither of these includes blue spirulina as an ingredient.
Researching Trader Joe’s Blue Spirulina Availability
The truth of the matter is, Trader Joe’s does not have blue spirulina. However, if you’re hoping to be absolutely sure of this fact on your own, we have some tips when it comes to researching product availability.
The first is to make use of Trader Joe’s website. Their website is not only helpful, but fun to read thanks to their joyful and infectious corporate personality.
After heading to the Product Page, simply type whatever you’re looking for into the convenient search bar. The website will then use your zip code to determine if stores near you have the product itself.
If this method isn’t solid enough for you, the fastest way to get the most current, accurate information is to simply call your nearest Trader Joe’s and speak to a representative.
They will often be more than willing to check the shelves personally for the item you’re looking for and give you an easy, straight answer!
If all else fails, you can always see what other customers are saying. Chances are, with it’s growing popularity both as a healthy alternative to blue food coloring and a dietary supplement, others have looked to Trader Joe’s for blue spirulina before you.
We recommend checking online forums and social media pages, such as blogs, where customers may have already answered your question.
Alternative Blue Coloring Agents or Superfood Powders
If you were really counting on blue spirulina products to color your food, or enhance your nutrition through it’s superfood qualities, have no fear.
There are some alternatives to Blue spirulina for both of these needs, though it may not be easy to find them at Trader Joe’s. Check the list below to find what you’re looking for.
- Blueberry Powder – If you are looking for something that can turn your food a different, blue-like color, and you want it to remain as natural and free of preservatives as blue spirulina, we recommend blueberry powder. The powder might change everything to a slightly less saturated color, but it will still check most of the blue spirulina boxes!
- Chlorella – Though you won’t be able to find it at Trader Joe’s currently, Chlorella is another algae with great benefits to the body’s nutrition. It is also made from algae and can offer many vitamins and minerals to boost the production of cells in the human body.
- Cranberry & Herb Supplement Drops – Trader Joe’s only offers two supplements, but if you really need them, they’re in delicious herb and cranberry flavors. These “drops” are technically sucking candies, and they can boost the immune system through Vitamin C intake and throat-soothing properties.
Final Thoughts
To sum it all up, Trader Joe’s does not have blue spirulina. Customers may love the popular chain for it’s wide variety of products and friendly customer service, but they won’t find the blue-colored, immune-system boosting agent here.
Still, try visiting Trader Joe’s often to see what else they may have, as well as to check out the nutritional supplements they have begun producing.
