Sea Moss Colors Explained: Gold, Purple, Green, and Full Spectrum
Sea moss is often talked about as one product, but it naturally grows in a variety of different colours. At The Sea Moss Guy, we work specifically with Caribbean sea moss, and during our time sourcing from and visiting St. Lucia, we learned just how much environment and drying methods influence colour, taste, and availability.
This guide explains what the different colours mean, what actually matters, and how to choose whatโs right for you.
What Is Caribbean Sea Moss?
Caribbean sea moss belongs primarily to the Gracilaria family and has been used across Caribbean cultures for generations. It is commonly blended into gels, drinks, food, and used topically in self care routines like face masks and soaps.
Although sea moss is scientifically classified as a red algae, it naturally appears in gold, green, and purple depending on growing conditions and how it is dried.
Why Sea Moss Comes in Different Colours
Caribbean sea moss naturally grows in green and purple. Over time, when exposed to consistent sunlight, those colours gradually fade and the sea moss turns gold. This colour change can begin while the sea moss is still in the ocean, even before drying starts.
The key difference comes down to drying methods:
Gold sea moss is sun dried, which allows it to dry faster and develop a milder taste.
Green and purple sea moss grow deeper in the water and and must be carefully shade-dried to reduce sun exposure and preserve their natural colour. This process takes more time and requires additional care, which makes these varieties harder to come by and slightly more expensive.
Nothing is added at any stage. The colour differences are completely natural.
Does Colour Affect Texture or How You Use It?
No. The texture of sea moss is not affected by colour.
All colours prepare and blend the same way, whether you are making gel, adding it to drinks or food, or using it topically. The way you use sea moss does not change based on colour.
The only noticeable differences are taste and naturally occurring plant compounds.
Because green and purple sea moss are dried with less sun exposure, they tend to retain more natural sea salt. This is naturally occurring ocean salt, not added or processed in any way. Gold sea moss generally has a milder taste and less surface salt due to sun drying.
Nutrients and Natural Plant Compounds
All sea moss colours contain essential minerals such as iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, along with vitamins including A, C, E, and K.
Where they differ slightly is in plant compounds:
Green sea moss contains chlorophyll, which gives it its fresh green colour.
Purple sea moss contains antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are commly found in darker fruits and vegetables.
Gold sea moss retains the essential minerals and vitamins but contains fewer of these additional plant compounds due to sun exposure.
Choosing the Right Sea Moss for You
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Gold Sea Moss
Best for everyday use, beginners, and those who prefer a mild taste. -
Purple Sea Moss
Best for those who want higher levels of antioxidants and are comfortable with a more seaweed-forward taste.
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Green Sea Moss
Best for those who prefer a chlorophyll-rich option and are comfortable with a more seaweed-forward taste.
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Full Spectrum Sea Moss
A blend of gold, green, and purple for those who want variety in one option.
Built on Real Experience and Education
We believe sea moss education should be simple, honest, and based on real experience. The differences between colours are natural, not marketing driven, and choosing one over another comes down to taste preference and how it fits into your routine.
All of our sea moss is responsibly sourced from the Caribbean and prepared with care, just as it has been used across Caribbean households for generations.
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