Premium water-extracted colorant for clean-label food & beverage applications
Blue Spirulina Phycocyanin E18 is a natural blue pigment made from complete Spirulina platensis cells. The "E18" marking indicates strong tinctorial strength with a color value of E1%1cm ≥180 at 618nm wavelength.
Specifications of note:
This ingredient enhances functional nutrition and provides brilliant natural coloring in premium formulations.

| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Spirulina Platensis Whole Cell |
| Solvent Used | Water |
| Appearance | Dark Blue Fine Powder |
| Plant Part Used | Cell |
| Color Value | E1% 180-190 |
| Package | 25kgs/drum |
| MOQ | 25kgs |
| Sample | Free Sample Available |
| Lead Time | In stock, 2nd day pickup |
| Certificates | NSF GMP, Kosher, Halal, ISO, FSSC22000, Organic |
Each production batch undergoes four-stage quality verification:
1. Color Value Testing
· Method: HPLC + Spectrophotometry
· Ensures E1%1cm ≥180 to guarantee consistent coloring strength
2. Purity Analysis
· A618/A280 ratio measurement
· Confirms food-grade purity with minimal non-pigment proteins
3. Heavy Metals Testing
· Lead: <2 ppm
· Arsenic: <2 ppm
· Mercury: <0.1 ppm
· Cadmium: <1 ppm
4. Microbiological Safety
· Total Plate Count: <1,000 CFU/g
· Negative for Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus
· NSF GMP Registered
· Kosher Certified (certification body available upon request)
· Halal Certified
· ISO 22000:2018 (Food Safety Management)
· FSSC 22000 v5.1
· USDA Organic (certificate # available with COA)
Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with every shipment.
Suggestions for Use
Sweets that are frozen (0.02-0.1%)
Yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream. The color stays stable when processed cold. Is good for grids with a lot of fat.
0.05 to 0.2 percent low-heat candy
There are gummies, marshmallows, and fondant involved. To stop thermal damage, add during the cooling part (}50°C).
0.01-0.15 % of beverage powders
Drinks with electrolytes, smoothie powders, and latte mixes. Deposition is stopped by high water solubility.
(0.03-0.1%) Protein Supplements
Recovery drinks and protein powders. Users who care about their health will like natural placement.
0.5% to 0.3% for bakery glazes and icings
For best color preservation, apply after baking.
Products made from milk and cheese (0.02-0. 08%)
Ice cream, yogurt, and kefir. Good for dairy systems with a neutral pH.
How to Process
When adding Blue Spirulina Phycocyanin E18, ensure the temperature is below 45°C before adding the ingredients. Heat shock treatment (HTST) or post-heat treatment should be applied to prepared foods containing this ingredient.
pH Range: Between 4.5 and 8.0 is the best for performance. Heavy drinks with a pH below 4.0 may cause precipitation.
To keep finished goods from breaking down in light, put them in cases that are opaque or stop UV rays.
Before adding to the mixture, mix it in cold water to make a stock solution with a concentration of 1% to 5%.

United States
Approved as "Spirulina Extract" under FDA 21 CFR §73.530 (exempt from certification).
European Union
Classified as "Coloring Foodstuff" when used as aqueous extract (not E-number additive). Complies with guidance on food ingredients with coloring properties.
Other Markets
Generally recognized as food ingredient derived from Spirulina. Check specific country regulations for import requirements.


Q: Why is my product's color fading?
A: Heat >60°C, pH outside 4.5-8.0, UV radiation, or oxidizing chemicals are main causes. Buffer and light-protect package.
Q: Will this product impact taste?
A: Extraction deodorizes food-grade E18. Most formulations have minor taste influence at 0.01-0.3% dose.
Q: How does E18 compare to E6 or E10?
A: E18 has three times the color intensity of E6 (E1%1cm ≥60). This reduces product use to achieve the same shade, saving money.
Q: Can I use this with acidic drinks?
A: Avoid for pH <4.0 (e.g., cola, lemonade). Strong acid destabilizes protein structure, precipitating and discoloring.
Q: How is it different from Spirulina powder?
A: Chlorophyll, proteins, and fiber make up whole Spirulina powder. Phycocyanin E18, the derived blue pigment, is pure blue without green overtones or strong taste.
Q: Does this match "Blue Majik"?
A: Phycocyanin brand Blue Majik. Our E18 is chemically identical to other phycocyanin extracts with similar color values, however we sell directly to manufacturers.
Established in 2018 and based in California, Earth Made Nutritions operates a GMP-certified production facility specializing in botanical extracts and natural colorants.
Our Capabilities:
· In-house extraction equipment with water-based processing systems
· Quality control laboratory with HPLC, spectrophotometry, and microbiological testing
· Four distribution centers across the United States for faster delivery
· R&D team experienced in natural pigment stabilization
Supply Chain Advantage:
We maintain consistent inventory of E18 grade with typical lead times of 2-5 business days for in-stock products to major U.S. metro areas.
Sample Policy:
Complimentary 100g samples available for qualified formulators and product developers. Sample requests typically ship within 48 hours.
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