Production geographies diverge
Spirulina farms cluster in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh — open ponds with 8–10g/m²/day yield. Chlorella requires closed photobioreactors and is dominated by Taiwan and Korea.
B12 claims on either are scientifically contested — the form present is largely an analogue, not bioactive cobalamin. Use carefully.
§ KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 01Indian spirulina is cost-competitive vs imported
- 02Chlorella supply remains tight — long-lead contracts essential
- 03B12 claims are regulatorily exposed — avoid or use cobalamin fortification
- 04Heavy-metal panel mandatory per batch for both
§ GLOSSARY
Technical jargon, acronyms and scientific terms used in this file — decoded.
- Spirulina
- Cyanobacterium (Arthrospira platensis) cultivated as a protein-rich nutraceutical and food colouring.
- Chlorella
- Green microalga grown for chlorophyll, protein and detox positioning; production typically Taiwan/Korea.
- Photobioreactor
- Enclosed transparent system for algae cultivation; higher cost than open pond but cleaner output.
- Cobalamin
- Bioactive form of vitamin B12; the form found in algae is largely an inactive analogue.
- Phycocyanin
- Blue pigment from spirulina; FSSAI-permitted natural colour for foods.