Galdieria extract blue
Galdieria extract blue suppliers and sourcing guide
Galdieria extract blue is a blue color made by fermenting the red microalga Galdieria sulphuraria in tanks, drying the biomass and extracting it with water, then filtering. Its main coloring component is C-phycocyanin, the same type of pigment found in spirulina extract, which suppliers describe as more stable in acidic products than spirulina extract. It is sold as a liquid or powder for drinks, dairy, candy and frozen desserts.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Galdieria sulphuraria · C-phycocyanin · Galdieria blue
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of galdieria extract blue
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Liquid
Aqueous extract at a stated phycocyanin content or color value.
Powder
Dried extract, often on a carrier such as trehalose or maltodextrin, for dry mixes.
Blends
Combined with yellow colors to make greens.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Phycocyanin content
- C-phycocyanin by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, often reported with a purity ratio (A620/A280).
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the low limits in 21 CFR 73.167.
- Moisture or solids
- Loss on drying for powders and dry solids for liquids.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, and pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.
- Strain identity
- Statement of the production strain and fermentation process, as the regulation requires a non-pathogenic, non-toxigenic strain.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store liquids refrigerated and powders sealed, cool and dry, away from light; phycocyanin is a protein and loses color with heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, with color value retested on aged stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Color value varies between fermentation batches, so record phycocyanin content for each lot and adjust dose. Rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.167 describes galdieria extract blue as an aqueous extract of dried Galdieria sulphuraria biomass grown by heterotrophic fermentation, with C-phycocyanin as the principal coloring component.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.167 permits galdieria extract blue in listed foods including non-alcoholic beverages, candy, chewing gum, ice cream and yogurt, but not in standardized foods unless their standards allow added color.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.167 limits lead, arsenic and cadmium to 0.5 mg/kg each and mercury to 0.05 mg/kg.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Galdieria extract blue is exempt from FDA certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Galdieria extract blue suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking galdieria extract blue suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell galdieria extract blue? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of galdieria extract blue can brands buy?
Common forms include liquid, powder and blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for galdieria extract blue include?
Expect phycocyanin content, heavy metals, moisture or solids, microbiology and strain identity, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should galdieria extract blue be stored?
Store liquids refrigerated and powders sealed, cool and dry, away from light; phycocyanin is a protein and loses color with heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, with color value retested on aged stock.
What is the regulatory status of galdieria extract blue?
21 CFR 73.167 describes galdieria extract blue as an aqueous extract of dried Galdieria sulphuraria biomass grown by heterotrophic fermentation, with C-phycocyanin as the principal coloring component. 21 CFR 73.167 permits galdieria extract blue in listed foods including non-alcoholic beverages, candy, chewing gum, ice cream and yogurt, but not in standardized foods unless their standards allow added color. 21 CFR 73.167 limits lead, arsenic and cadmium to 0.5 mg/kg each and mercury to 0.05 mg/kg. Galdieria extract blue is exempt from FDA certification.
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