Those preparing the Functional Matcha Complex for the first time are often in for a little surprise: The powder dissolves — and the drink takes on an intense petrol blue color. No filter, no artificial colors. The reason lies in the ingredients — more specifically, in the spirulina extract.
Spirulina — one of the world’s oldest food sources
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a microalgae that has been used as a source of nutrition by indigenous peoples for centuries. It is best known for its natural composition and intense color.
Phycocyanin — a natural pigment found in algae — is primarily responsible for the blue color. It gives the drink its distinctive appearance, without any synthetic dyes.
What is phycocyanin?
Phycocyanin is a water-soluble pigment-protein complex found in blue-green algae. As a natural plant substance, it has been the focus of scientific research for years.
Why does the color change?
Phycocyanin reacts to temperature, liquid, and acidity. This explains why the drink varies slightly depending on how it’s prepared: it’s an intense blue with cold water, more of a petrol-greenish hue with oat milk, and can take on a reddish tint with lemon. This isn’t a quality issue — it’s a typical characteristic of natural plant pigments.
Blue vs. Green: The Difference
Traditional spirulina products are often green because they contain the entire algae powder — including chlorophyll. Blue spirulina extract is isolated phycocyanin: more concentrated, clearer in color, and without the intense algae taste. In Functional Matcha Complex, it provides the characteristic color without overpowering the matcha flavor.
Color as an integral part of the product
The petrol blue color is not merely a stylistic choice, but a defining characteristic of the formula. And it offers a sensory experience — the way the color unfolds as you stir it in is part of the ritual.
Would you like a personal consultation?
Our pharmacists at the Saint Charles pharmacies in Vienna and Berlin will be happy to advise you on ingredients, effects, and usage.
