# Spirulina vs Chlorella

Source page: https://www.vitamindbc.com/compare/spirulina-vs-chlorella · prices checked 2026-11-13

## Verdict

Both are algae sold as nutrient-dense greens, and neither has strong evidence for specific health benefits. Spirulina is a blue-green cyanobacterium that digests easily and is higher in protein; chlorella is a green alga with a tough cell wall (buy “broken cell wall”) and more chlorophyll. Choose on taste, digestion and testing — contamination is the real quality risk.

## Absorption

Spirulina has a soft cell wall and is easy to digest. Chlorella’s cellulose wall is hard for people to break down, so products are processed to crack it. Neither is a reliable vitamin B12 source — spirulina’s B12 is mostly an inactive form.

## Best for

- **Spirulina**: Plant protein and easy digestion.
- **Chlorella**: Those who want a chlorophyll-rich green alga.

## What each costs per dose

- **Spirulina**: cheapest $0.026 per gram (https://www.vitamindbc.com/best/spirulina)
- **Chlorella**: cheapest $0.034 per serving, median $0.064 across 12 products (https://www.vitamindbc.com/best/chlorella)

## Side by side

| | Spirulina | Chlorella |
|---|---|---|
| Organism | Cyanobacterium (blue-green) | Green alga |
| Protein by weight | ~60–70% | ~45–60% |
| Cell wall | Soft, easy to digest | Tough — buy broken-cell-wall |
| Main quality risk | Microcystin toxins | Heavy metals, contamination |

## FAQ

**Is spirulina or chlorella better?**

Neither is clearly better; they differ in protein, digestibility and taste. What matters most is buying a product tested for microcystins and heavy metals. Not medical advice.

**Can you take spirulina and chlorella together?**

Yes, many green blends contain both. Avoid spirulina if you have phenylketonuria (it contains phenylalanine), and ask a doctor if you have an autoimmune condition or take immune-suppressing drugs. Not medical advice.

Cite as "VitaminDB (vitamindbc.com)". Method: https://www.vitamindbc.com/methodology. Not medical advice.