Spirulina Ice Cream Recipe {Gluten-Free, Vegan}

This spirulina ice cream recipe was developed exclusively for Nuts.com and our customers by Miryam Quinn Doblas, Registered Dietitian (RD). Miryam inspires others with her passion for healthy eating, and shares delicious recipes on her website, Eat Good 4 Life.

This spirulina ice cream recipe is so creamy and delicious that even my kids devoured it without asking questions. I love that my family can get a protein and antioxidant boost from nourishing ingredients like spirulina, while satisfying a sweet craving. No ice cream maker required! The recipe uses coconut milk, so it’s also a perfect treat for anyone following gluten-free or vegan diets.

Spirulina is hailed as a superfood because it is truly a treasure trove of nutrients. Considered a complete protein, spirulina contains all 9 essential amino acids that our bodies need on a daily basis. These essential amino acids must be obtained through food since we cannot synthesize them ourselves. Spirulina is 55-77% protein by weight, which is even higher than that of meat or soy. A small one-ounce serving of spirulina powder provides a whopping 16 grams of protein per serving. Plus, spirulina’s cell walls have no cellulose, making it easy for our bodies to digest the protein.

Aside from being a protein powerhouse, spirulina is also rich in antioxidants, minerals and other nutrients. It’s a rare source of an essential fatty acid known as gamma linolenic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that spirulina may help lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and regulate blood sugar levels. Spirulina is also loaded with antioxidants, the protective compounds that fight free radicals linked to heart disease and other illnesses. The powder has four times the antioxidant concentration of blueberries. It’s also a highly bioavailable source of iron: the mineral that helps the body make oxygen-rich red blood cells. A serving of spirulina provides over 40 percent of the daily recommended intake for iron.

Now that we’ve delved into the health benefits of this mighty superfood, I’d also like to mention it’s easy to add to your diet in more ways than one. This spirulina ice cream could easily be my favorite way to use it, but you can also mix the powder in smoothies, salad dressings, or even guacamole. Sprinkling ½ a teaspoon over your morning bowl of oatmeal will provide a nice health kick without affecting taste.

For a nourishing vegan ice cream treat, I used coconut milk. Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative to the heavy cream used in traditional ice cream recipes. The lauric acid content may help boost metabolism and support the immune system. The fatty acids are also wonderful nutrients for the skin and hair. Coconut milk imparts a rich and creamy flavor to the ice cream that is irresistible.

I sprinkled the ice cream with cacao nibs right before serving for a delicious chocolate crunch. Cacao nibs are basically chocolate in its purest form, before any sugar or cream is added. That means it’s full of antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium. I love the natural green color the spirulina gave to the ice cream. Next time, I’ll consider adding some mint for a mint chocolate version.

If you’d like, you can also use the recipe to make ice pops instead of ice cream. Just add some nut milk to make the mixture less thick. My kids absolutely love ice pops so I always try to keep some natural frozen treats in the freezer, and this recipe would work well for making those.

I hope you get to make this unique gluten-free and vegan spirulina ice cream recipe. It is delicious, refreshing and I think everyone will be pleased with the flavor.

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This recipe was developed and photographed exclusively for Nuts.com by Miryam Quinn Doblas, RD, of Eat Good 4 Life.