There are few plants in nature that contain blue pigment. This is why there is only a limited number of kinds of manufactured natural blue coloring. Spirulina pigment displays a blue color, one of the three primary colors, and is highly regarded as a valuable natural coloring.

Phycocyanin is a photosynthetic pigment found in blue-green algae. In addition to blue-green algae, it can also be found in some red algae. It is a bonded pigment consisting of phycocyanobilins and proteins, and therefore displays almost the same properties as proteins.

These are products made by adding the yellow pigment of gardenias to spirulina blue pigment. The aqueous solution displays a fresh melon color.

Ice cream, sugar coating, gum, gummy candy, powdered juice, rice cakes, noodles, wasabi, frozen desserts, jelly, capsules, candy and sweet beans.

Japan Algae Co., Ltd. also manufactures phycocyanin for testing purposes. This is used for photosensors and cell tagging.

Active ingredient phycocyanin in spirulina (There is an existing patent for phycocyanin for the recovery of renal functions.)

Phycocyanin has a very beautiful blue color so it is used as a coloring for confectionaries and other foods. You can also use it at home for adding color to homemade ice cream, jelly and juices.