Summary of Raw Living Spirulina Shelf Life and Usage Guidelines

Optimum Best-By Date: You should use Raw Living Spirulina within seven days of receiving it for optimum nutrient potency.

Use-By Date: The product should ideally be consumed 14 days after receipt. While still safe, the nutrient potency and cellular integrity may diminish beyond this period.

Safe Consumption Period: USDA/FDA Kappa Labs states that Raw Living Spirulina can be consumed for up to 61 days when stored in the refrigerator. However, it is not recommended to wait this long as the cellular structure begins to break down before then.

Freezing Recommendation: To preserve its nutritional value, if the spirulina is not consumed within 14 days, it is advisable to freeze it immediately upon receiving it.

Shelf-Life Explanation: The term “shelf life” often implies a product’s longevity on store shelves; however, for living foods like Spirulina, it refers more accurately to “shelf death.” Unlike processed foods that are essentially inert upon arrival (e.g., cereals with a microbiological count of 0-6), living foods have higher counts due to active enzymes and life force activity.

Microbiological Count: Fresh Spirulina has an initial microbiological aerobic plate count of 3000.

Microbiological Count: Powdered Spirulina has a microbiological aerobic plate count of  1 – 3.