How to Make A Naturally Turquoise Smoothie Bowl

Want to learn how to make a naturally turquoise smoothie bowl (a nutrient dense spirulina smoothie bowl)?  This aqua smoothie is delicious, nutritious and honestly just so pretty.  While others search for the meaning of life, I search for new ways to make my entire life turquoise – and that’s why I’ve focused my energy on learning how to create the perfect turquoise smoothie bowl (with no artificial colors)!

What is the Blue Stuff They Put in Smoothies?

After spotting some gorgeous turquoise blue smoothies and turquoise smoothie bowls on Pinterest my curiosity was piqued, but I’m not a big fan of adding food coloring so I kept my enthusiasm in check – until I realized those turquoise smoothies and turquoise smoothie bowls were naturally colored blue!  Turns out they get their aqua hue from Blue Majik, an algae powder.  Of course I needed to try this magic blue powder out for myself and whip up a delicious blue smoothie bowl for myself.

How to Make a Vibrant Turquoise Smoothie Bowl

I did a little experimenting with Blue Majik and realized that the key to getting a turquoise smoothie is to limit the ingredients.  My usual go-to smoothie ingredients (greens, scoop of peanut butter, frozen peaches, chocolate protein powder) turned the smoothie murky.  Blueberries plus Blue Majik made a crazy blue-grey hue that looked kinda like drinking concrete.  To get the best color in this turquoise smoothie, I used only white(ish) or clear ingredients: almond milk, vanilla protein powder, sliced banana, ice and Greek yogurt for a creamy and delicious protein smoothie that tasted great, but didn’t muddy the color.  A few scoops of Blue Majik created a soft turquoise hue – I have no idea how some people get those VIVID teal smoothies.  That’s either a whole bottle of Blue Majik or some generous photo-shopping because this pale turquoise was the richest color I could achieve while still maintaining a yummy taste in my spirulina smoothie bowl.

I rarely measure a smoothie – I just add my frozen fruit, some peanut butter, some almond milk, some yogurt (if I have it), some greens and then whirl in my blender until it’s the right consistency, adjusting as a I go.  But for this turquoise smoothie, I put together some super scientific measurements 😉 to make two blue spirulina smoothie bowls.

Turquoise Smoothie Bowl Ingredients:

• 1 sliced banana
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
• 2 generous dollops of Greek yogurt
• A handful of ice cubes
• 1 cup-ish of almond milk
• 1-3 scoops of Blue Majik (the scoop it comes with)

How Much Spirulina Should You Put in a Smoothie?

Up to three little scoops of spirulina into a pair of smoothies is a good amount and won’t taste fishy or odd.  But your taste preference may vary so start by adding one scoop at a time and taste test!

Blend the above smoothie ingredients until creamy (I used my Magic Bullet for this so it’s a magic smoothie through and through, haha).  Smoothie bowls are so good for using up random odds and ends from the fridge and freezer – and pantry!  Along with some fresh fruit, I topped mine with some leftover unsweetened shredded coconut, the tiniest bit of chocolate granola I had left (purchased in a moment of weakness), and cocoa nibs.

What is Blue Majik?

Blue Majik is an extract of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), a natural algae.  If you’re curious about this magic powder, just note that the spirulina I linked to is the exact one I used and it has a blue tint.  There are others that are green, so if you’re shopping for this at local health food stores, double check that it’s blue.

Is Spirulina Good For You in Smoothies?

According to research, spirulina helps support healthy joints and prevent inflammation, so it’s a great addition to smoothies.  It’s nutrient dense and so it’s all the rage as a superfood.  It contains: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.  Spirulina also has protein (4-8 grams per tablespoon) and the special thing about spirulina as a source of protein is that it includes all of the essential amino acids we need.  There are additional health benefits related to cholesterol and blood sugar, but I’m just in it for the turquoise, if I’m being honest!

Does Blue Majik Taste Weird?

I read some reviews that said it can taste fishy if used in high doses.  I tested up to three little scoops into a pair of smoothies with no funny taste but that’s likely because I use a vanilla flavored protein powder and there was a whole banana in there too.  I don’t recommend drinking it in water because then it will really taste gross, but blended into a delicious smoothie you can’t taste it – just don’t add too much more than what I’m recommending here.

So pretty, right?  You know I love a good looking smoothie and I’m still really enjoying making these pretty smoothie bowls because they make me slow down and savor.  Now that I’ve learned the secret to the magic turquoise smoothie, I feel that my smoothie repertoire is complete.  But I still have lots of magic blue powder left, so I am seriously tempted to add this Blue Majik to everything – turquoise cheesecake, turquoise poppy seed loaf, turquoise icing…  I can’t wait until the next dinner party I host or potluck I’m invited to.  Turquoise everything!!!

How to Make a Blue Smoothie Bowl without Spirulina

If you want to make a blue smoothie bowl without spirulina, your best bet is frozen blueberries!  In the layered smoothie trick I shared, the bottom layer is quite blue thanks to frozen blueberries!