How to Make an Acai Bowl

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In summers past, you’d find my frantically Googling on a hot day where to find a local acai bowl. But not anymore! Because my homemade acai bowls are better than the local shops. They are just as lucious and loaded BUT half the price. This fruity, feel-good bowl has the perfect balance of sweetness. My bowls use NO lackluster acai powders but instead blend a flavor-packed acai packet (you can find these in the local grocery store!) with the ideal balance of frozen berries, banana and milk. I’ll give you all the tips on how to create that luscious soft-serve consistency right at home. You’ll be so proud you made this gorgeous, vibrant bowl right in your own kitchen!

Acai Bowl Ingredients

  • 1 packet pure açaí (unsweetened or sweetened)*
  • Frozen mixed berries
  • 1 frozen banana (medium)
  • Liquid of choice*
  • Toppings

*See below for more information.

See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.

Where do I find açaí packets?

A lot of grocery stores carry açaí packets in the frozen fruit section. My local grocery store carries the Sambazon brand which you can also find on Amazon. Some are sweetened, while others are not. You do not need to add sweetener to the bowl, as the fruits are naturally sweetened, but I’ll give you some options if you’d like!

What type of milk or liquid works for an açaí bowl?

I personally love the addition of milk, specifically soy, to make it creamier and higher in protein. You could also use fruit juices, coconut water, or another plant-based milk like oat or almonds.

How to Make an Acai Bowl at Home

1. Blend ingredients

Add your ingredients to a high speed blender. Stop occasionally to mix. If you have a tamper, this can help blend it more easily into a smooth “soft serve” like consistency.

Tip: If your consistency is too thick or you’re having trouble blending, add small splashes of milk (1 tbsp) at a time

2. Spoon into a bowl

3. Add toppings

Top with whatever toppings you prefer – enjoy right away!

Topping Ideas for Acai Bowl

  • Granola – an acai bowl of course needs granola! Use a store bought one (lower in sugar if possible) or make your own homemade granola!
  • Fresh fruit – berries, mango, sliced banana – whatever you’re craving!
  • Seeds or coconut – I like chia seeds and coconut flakes on top… yum

Overall, I recommend you don’t overdo it with the toppings. Focus on 3–5 toppings for best flavor and texture balance!

Tips for 5-Star Acai Bowl

  • Use a tamper in your high speed blender during the blending process (A tamper is a tool used with a blender to push the ingredients closer to the blade).
  • Use a powerful blender such as a Vitamix so you can obtain a thick consistency without needing to add more water or milk.
  • Use only frozen fruit to get the perfect texture.
  • Avoid adding too much liquid.
  • Don’t rush it! A thick smoothie bowl takes time. You will have to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times.
  • Chill the Bowl: Use a chilled bowl to help your açaí stay cold and thick longer.

Common Questions

Are acai bowls healthy?

Acai bowls can be a healthy option. They are made from nutrient-rich acai berries along with other healthy antioxidant rich fruits like berries and bananas. However, the healthiness can depend on the toppings and added ingredients, such as sweeteners and granola, which can increase calorie and sugar content.

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How to Make an Acai Bowl

Allie Petersen
This homemade acai bowl is lucious and loaded BUT half the price of the local shops. It's a fruity, feel-good bowl that has the perfect balance of sweetness. My bowls use NO lackluster acai powders but instead blend a flavor-packed acai packet (you can find these in the local grocery store!) with the ideal balance of frozen berries, banana and milk. I'll give you all the tips on how to create that luscious soft-serve consistency right at home. You'll be so proud you made this gorgeous, vibrant bowl right in your own kitchen!
5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 1
Calories 233 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g frozen acai packet* see notes
  • 1 frozen banana sliced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1/2 cup soy milk or milk of choice

Topping Ideas

Instructions
 

  • Add your ingredients to a high speed blender. Stop occasionally to mix. If you have a tamper, this can help blend it more easily into a smooth "soft serve" like consistency.
    Tip: If your consistency is too thick or you're having trouble blending, add small splashes of milk (1 tbsp) at a time
  • Spoon into a bowl. Top with whatever toppings you prefer – enjoy right away!

Notes

Notes about Acai:
  • You can find these in the frozen section of your grocery store. I used the Sambazon brand (sweetened) 100g packet. 
  • You can also use unsweetened acai packets. The bowl is already naturally sweet from fresh fruit, but if you want it sweeter, consider adding in a small amount of maple syrup, date syrup, or honey to taste.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 61mgPotassium: 254mgFiber: 8gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 536IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 178mgIron: 1mg
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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