If you’ve noticed a vibrant green color in some of our smoothies lately, that’s why. The color comes from the ingredient itself — not artificial coloring.

So what is green spirulina, and why did we add it to the menu?

What is green spirulina?

Spirulina is a nutrient-dense cyanobacterium, often called blue-green algae. It’s been eaten for centuries and shows up today in smoothies and functional foods.

It’s naturally rich in protein and contains phycocyanin, the pigment behind its blue-green color, along with minerals and other bioactive compounds — a concentrated ingredient that brings more than color to a smoothie.

Research is still developing, but early studies point to promising effects on antioxidant markers, blood lipids, and blood pressure. We find that interesting. We’re not calling it a miracle food, and it’s not a substitute for medical care.

Why we added it

At Aubergine, we look for ingredients that earn their place — not just what’s trendy. The question is simple: does this make the food better?

With spirulina, yes. It gives our smoothies a naturally vibrant color, adds a concentrated source of plant-based nutrients, and fits how we already think about food: real ingredients, made from scratch, with purpose.

We don’t need artificial color to make food beautiful. Sometimes the ingredient itself is enough. A smoothie shouldn’t have to taste like a supplement to do something for you — it can just taste good, and happen to contain things your body can use.

Why green, not blue?

You may have seen blue spirulina on other menus and wellness feeds. Blue spirulina is typically an extract, isolated for its phycocyanin. What we use is the whole ingredient, in its more complete, recognizable form — not a compound chosen for its color.

That’s the same philosophy behind everything on our menu: real ingredients, kept recognizable, left to speak for themselves.

Same standard, new ingredient

Adding something new to the kitchen was never about chasing a trend. It’s about finding ingredients that fit what we’ve always believed: food should be made from real ingredients, it should be delicious, and it should give you something back.

Green spirulina is our newest addition. We’re excited for you to taste it.

Real food. New ingredients. Same standard.