AFA Blue Green Algae vs Spirulina

You may have heard the term "blue green algae" thrown around and are wondering what the difference is between AFA blue green algae vs spirulina. Although both are technically blue green algae, they are two different species with different histories and different benefits. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what those differences are and which one you should choose.

Man-Made Ponds vs Natural Lake

The first difference between AFA blue green algae vs spirlina is where and how they are grown. AFA algae grows wild in Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon. The lake is fed from mountain spring water, which is the best form of water. The only interaction humans have with AFA algae in the Lake is to harvest it.

On the other hand, spirulina is grown in man-made ponds. Similarly to how a farmer plants seeds in the ground to grow a crop, "algae farmers" grow algae in ponds and have control over many aspects of its growth and harvesting. Since the ponds did not spring up naturally, sometimes nutrients need to be added to the water to make a healthy environment for the algae. Some people think that growing algae is not as good as harvesting it wild.

My intention is not to make spirulina sound bad, because it is not. In fact, it is a very healthy algae that I myself have consumed from time to time. AFA algae is just a little bit better, in my opinion. It's kind of like comparing lettuce to kale. Both are very healthy foods, but kale is healthier. But of course, you shouldn't avoid eating lettuce just because it's not as good as kale.

The same is true with algae. Just because AFA algae is better than spirulina, it does not mean that you shouldn't consume spirulina.

Harvesting And Processing

The only way to drink algae in its original state is to slurp it up from the pond or lake. That, however, is a bad idea, because if you don't get it from the proper place, there could also be pathogens in the water mixed in with the algae. So a bit of research, testing, and some processing procedures must be followed in order to find and harvest algae properly.

Obviously, both AFA algae and spirulina have to be harvested and processed (how else could you get it in powder or pill form?), but spirulina tends to be processed more heavily than AFA algae. There are several different methods used for harvesting algae, but it is not my intention in this article to list those or to say which I think is better than the other.

If you want the full scoop, ask the company you buy algae from how they harvest their algae. A popular AFA algae source shares their algae harvesting procedures on this page.


There are differences in the way AFA algae and spirulina are grown and harvested. However, do not let the differences between AFA blue green algae vs spirulina cause you to see either as "bad." They are just different. Now that you know these differences, you are better equipped to decide which algae you prefer to consume.

Ready to start drinking AFA algae? Buy AFA blue green algae here.

Next: Health Benefits Of Chlorella And Spirulina