It seems like acai bowls are available at almost every juice bar or café these days, and for good reason: the acai berry, which comes from the acai palm tree—a native of Central and South America—is one of the most potent superfoods on the planet. Like raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, it’s an antioxidant-rich food that matches up to, and sometimes even surpasses, its super fruit sisters in vitamins, trace minerals, and beneficial compounds. Even better, acai bowls are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients (acai puree is sold in many health food stores and even in major chains like Trader Joe’s) and a blender, so you can duplicate them at home for a fraction of the cost.
Because acai isn’t the most palatable fruit on its own, for this acai bowl recipe, we blend in strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries for sweetness; use frozen berries to make a slurry-style bowl, or fresh berries for a more souplike consistency. Top with more fresh berries and other sliced fruits and a bit of granola or chopped nuts, and you’ve got a nutrition-dense breakfast or an energy-boosting pick-me-up in the middle of the day.
Classic Acai Bowl with Mixed Berries
Makes 1 bowl
Ingredients
1 packet acai puree, thawed just until soft enough for blending
1 1/3 cup mixed strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries (use frozen and slightly thawed for a slurry-like texture, or fresh for a souplike texture)
1 banana
1/2–1 cup almond or coconut milk
1/3 cup sliced fresh banana, mango, melon, pineapple, or other favorite fruits
1/4 cup granola
Agave nectar (optional)
Instructions
1. In a blender, combine the acai puree with 1 cup berries. Add the milk, starting with the smallest quantity and adding as needed until the desired consistency is reached.
2. Pour the acai-berry blend into a bowl. Top with the remaining berries and sliced fruit, and a sprinkling of granola. Squeeze a small amount of agave nectar over the top, if desired for sweetness.