The protein content of C. vulgaris varies from 42 to 58% of its biomass dry weight.Becker, E. W. (1994). Microalgae: biotechnology and microbiology. Vol. 10. Cambridge University Press. These proteins are considered as having a good nutritional quality compared to the standard profile for human nutrition of the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization, as the algae synthesizes amino acids. The algae also contains lipids (5–40% of the dry mass), carbohydrates (12–55% dry weight), and pigments including chlorophyll, reaching 1–2 % of the dry weight.
