Over the years, beer has attracted great attention for its nutritional value and for its particular taste; in line with the growing interest in foods and beverages capable of combining nutritional value and healing properties, improvements in the composition of beer, through the addition (e.g., microalgae, plant extracts, fungi, probiotics, etc.) or removal (e.g., alcohol, gluten, or carbohydrates) of some compounds, have been obtained, thus leading to the production of “functional beverages”[1].
In the United States, the FDA has classified spirulina extract as a certification-exempt color additive and approved its use in confectionery and other foods, while currently, in the European Union, spirulina extract is classified as a food colorant.
The Rising Trend of Blue Colored Beer: Health Benefits, Taste Profiles, and Cultural Impact
Blue colored beer, a vibrant and innovative addition to the world of functional beverages, is sweeping across the globe. This unique brew gets its stunning hue from spirulina, a blue-green algae known for its rich nutrient profile and health benefits. Let's delve into the world of blue beer, exploring its health advantages, taste experiences, brewing challenges, and cultural significance.
Health Benefits of Spirulina in Blue Beer
Spirulina, the key ingredient in blue colored beer, is a nutritional powerhouse. It is packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Studies have shown that spirulina can boost the immune system, support heart health, and even have anti-inflammatory effects. The addition of spirulina to beer not only gives it a distinctive blue color but also enriches the beverage with these valuable health-promoting properties. As consumers increasingly seek functional beverages that offer both taste and therapeutic benefits, blue beer stands out as a refreshing and healthy choice.
Taste Profiles of Blue Beers
Each blue beer offers a unique taste experience, reflecting the creativity and expertise of the brewers. Line, a French craft brew, is described as "hoppy, light, and with fruity notes," appealing to a wide range of palates. The US-based Voodoo Brewing Co.'s Wildberry Lime with Blue Spirulina delivers a fruity and zesty flavor profile, designed to delight health-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, Abashiri Beer's Okhotsk Blue Draft, a famous drink from Japan, is made with natural ingredients, including drift ice and blue spirulina, offering a cool and refreshing taste. These diverse taste profiles demonstrate the versatility of blue beer and its ability to cater to different preferences.
Challenges of Brewing Blue Beer
Brewing blue beer presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining the color stability and achieving the desired flavor profile. The use of spirulina extract must be carefully controlled to ensure the beer's vibrant blue hue without compromising the taste. Additionally, consumer perception plays a significant role in the success of blue beer. Brewers must balance innovation with familiarity to encourage consumers to try this novel beverage. Overcoming these challenges requires a deep understanding of both the scientific and artistic aspects of brewing.
Cultural Significance of Blue Beer
Blue beer has gained cultural significance in various countries, reflecting the diverse ways in which it is embraced and enjoyed. In Japan, Abashiri Okhotsk Blue Draft has become a subject of intrigue in "Weird Japan" articles, highlighting the country's penchant for unique and innovative food and drink offerings. In Mexico, Bacalar beer stands as the only blue beer in the country, celebrating the use of blue spirulina as a superfood with multiple health benefits. This cultural exploration of blue beer consumption adds depth to our understanding of this trend and its impact on global beverage culture.
Quotes from Brewers and Consumers
Brewers and consumers alike share their enthusiasm for blue beer, offering firsthand perspectives on this emerging trend. Sebastien Verbeke from Hoppy Urban Brew notes, "It's getting an enormous amount of interest and curiosity on the part of the public." Consumers have expressed their delight in the unique taste and health benefits of blue beer, with some praising its "vibrant colors and taste" as well as its "multiple beneficial properties for the human body." These quotes underscore the appeal and potential of blue beer in the ever-evolving landscape of functional beverages.
In conclusion, blue colored beer, with its captivating appearance and health benefits derived from spirulina, is becoming a popular choice for consumers seeking both nutrition and enjoyment in their drinks. The diverse taste profiles, brewing challenges, cultural significance, and firsthand experiences of brewers and consumers all contribute to the growing appeal of this innovative beverage. As the trend continues to spread, blue beer is likely to become an even more prominent feature in the global market for functional drinks.
French “Line”
French craft brewer Hoppy Urban Brew is working with Etika Spirulina – the company that grows the algae – to make the beer it’s calling “Line.” One employee told the outlet that the beer has been a success. “It’s getting an enormous amount of interest and curiosity on the part of the public,” Sebastien Verbeke told Reuters. Another employee described the beer’s taste as “hoppy, light, and with fruity notes,” Reuters reported.
The US “Wildberry Lime with Blue Spirulina”
Wildberry Lime with Blue Spirulina Powder. 5.4% ABV. The Team of VOODOO BREWING CO. about Wild Berry Lime wanted to deliver customers something very unique that’s infused with ingredients that their body will actually appreciate. These seltzers deliver vibrant colors and taste all while infusing healthy ingredients for those health-conscious consumers.
Japanese “Abashiri Beer’s Okhotsk Blue Draft “
Abashiri Okhotsk Blue Ryuhyo Draft is Abashiri Brewery’s most famous drink and is supposedly made using drift ice and natural ingredients such as blue spirulina to give it its blue color. It’s been the subject of many “Weird Japan” articles since being made available overseas in 2014.
México “Bacalar”
Bacalar beer is the only blue beer in Mexico! This formula is made from a superfood called Blue Spirulina, a blue-green color with multiple beneficial properties for the human body, so you can confidently take it as a 100% natural product, containing 4.0% alcohol.
Binmei Biotechnology: Spirulina Extract for Blue Beer
Spirulina extract for beer is a product customized for beer, brewing, and alcoholic beverages, and as a professional manufacturer of spirulina extract, Binmei has developed spirulina extract suitable for beer for the production process and product characteristics of beer and alcoholic beverage brewing. It can be fused with yellow beer to make blue liquor and has good stability and a high coloring rate.
Can be combined with yellow beer to make a blue beer
It has good stability and a high coloring rate
Does not affect the taste and flavor of the beer
Specially formulated for the product characteristics and production processes of beer and alcoholic beverages
Natural, healthy, and free of any artificial and chemical additives
[1]Habschied K., Živković A., Krstanović V., Mastanjević K. Functional Beer—A Review on Possibilities. Beverages. 2020;6:51. doi: 10.3390/beverages6030051.