Acai smoothie bowls are one of the MOST delicious inventions in the smoothie world. If you’re reading this you’ve probably had one already and are looking to make your own homemade acai bowl…Or, if you’re me, you’re trying to save some money because buying a $14 smoothie bowl every day can be expensiveeee. Okay, I don’t actually eat one every day, but…
Before we get into the best açaí bowl recipe, let me first explain what açaí actually is.
Acai is a small fruit in the berry category, best known for its deep purple color and high polyphenol/anthocyanin content. (the same general family of antioxidant pigments found in blueberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants). Fresh açaí is rarely sold outside Brazil/the Amazon because the raw fruit degrades very quickly after harvest, so it is usually processed right away.
Açaí thrives in the warm, humid conditions of the Amazon rainforest, growing best at average daytime temperatures between 22°C and 28°C (72°F and 82°F). They require consistently moist, nutrient-rich soil, abundant rainfall and a frost-free tropical climate, and can even tolerate the seasonally flooded conditions common along the Amazon River.
What Kind of Açaí Should You Buy for Smoothie Bowls?
The best form of açaí to buy for smoothie bowls is unsweetened frozen açaí pulp or purée packets. This gives your bowl the thick, creamy, frozen texture that makes an açaí bowl feel like a smoothie you can eat with a spoon.
Açaí powder is another option, but it is better for convenience than texture. It is shelf-stable and easy to add to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or protein shakes, but it will not create the same thick smoothie bowl base on its own. For the lowest-added-sugar option, choose unsweetened açaí and add your own toppings, such as berries.
Sweetened frozen açaí packets can work, but check the ingredient list first. Many contain added sugar, fruit juice, or preservatives, which can make your bowl taste great but also turn it into more of a dessert. For the healthiest option, choose unsweetened açaí and add your own toppings like berries, banana, chia seeds, coconut, granola, or nut butter.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
Smoothie Bowl Base
- Frozen Acai Puree Packet (I buy these at Ambrosia or a local health food store) Or 4 Tbsp Acai Powder
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 1/2 Cup Almond Milk
- 1/2 Cup Frozen Wild Blueberries (optional)
Toppings
- The Original: Sliced Bananas, Diced Strawberries, Homemade Granola (Recipe Here), Flaked Coconut, Almond Butter Drizzle
- Coco Date: Add a scoop of chocolate protein powder to the base. Top with: Sliced Banana, Chopped Dates, Cocoa Powder, Homemade Granola, Hazelnut Spread Drizzle.
- Tropical Bowl: Sliced Kiwi, Coconut Flakes, Homemade Granola, Diced Dragon Fruit, honey drizzle.
Steps
1
Add all of the smoothie bowl base ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until thick and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
2
Divide the açaí mixture between two bowls and add all of your favourite toppings!
Check out my recipe for Healthy Homemade Granola HERE!
Pro Tip: Always use frozen fruit and as little liquid as possible to create a thicker açaí bowl base. If your blender is struggling, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture blends.
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