Green Superfoods: Spirulina and Wheatgrass Compared
Updated:
Green whole food supplements — principally spirulina and wheatgrass — are among the most nutritionally concentrated natural foods available. Both have a long history of use and both have attracted significant research interest over recent decades. This post covers what they are, how they differ, and which suits different everyday uses.
What they have in common
Both spirulina and wheatgrass are green foods that deliver a high concentration of micronutrients in a small serving. Both are available as powder — which can be mixed into smoothies or juices — or in capsule and tablet form for daily supplementation without dealing with the flavour.
Both are high in chlorophyll, the green pigment that gives them their colour. Both contain a broad range of vitamins and minerals in concentrated form. And both are best thought of as nutritionally dense whole foods rather than single-nutrient supplements.
How they differ
Spirulina is a cyanobacterium — a microscopic blue-green organism that grows in water. It is exceptionally high in protein, containing around 55–70% by dry weight, and includes all essential amino acids. It is also notable for its phycocyanin content, the blue pigment responsible for its distinctive colour and high antioxidant activity in laboratory testing. Spirulina’s protein density makes it stand out within the green foods category.
Wheatgrass is the young shoot of the wheat plant, harvested at an early stage before the grain develops. It is particularly high in chlorophyll, vitamins A, C and E, and minerals including iron and magnesium. Its chlorophyll concentration is among the highest of any green food powder.
In practical terms: if protein and amino acid content is the priority, spirulina is the stronger choice. If chlorophyll density and a broad vitamin and mineral profile is the focus, wheatgrass is the relevant option. Many people use both as part of a varied routine.
Which format to choose
Both ingredients are available in three formats, each with a practical trade-off.
Powder is the most economical and versatile. It blends into smoothies, juices and other drinks, allows precise dosing, and is the closest to the whole ingredient. The flavour of both is strong and distinctly ‘green’ — most people mix with fruit-forward drinks.
Tablets and capsules are the practical choice for consistent daily use without dealing with the flavour. Our capsules use a plant-based HPMC shell with no fillers, binders or flowing agents.
Our green supplement range
For spirulina, we stock both Hawaiian spirulina — grown in purpose-built ponds on the Kona coast of Hawaii using Pacific seawater — and Soil Association certified organic spirulina. Both are available as tablets and capsules.
For wheatgrass, we stock New Zealand wheatgrass powder — grown outdoors in the South Island — and EU origin wheatgrass powder, both also available as capsules.
All products are Soil Association certified organic where applicable, packaged plastic-free, and part of our organic supplements range. Made in-house at our SALSA-accredited facility in Leicestershire.
For detailed posts on each ingredient, our guides to spirulina and wheatgrass cover the nutritional profile, sourcing and practical use of each in full.