I have been craving acai bowls since Josh and I got back from Hawaii. I had my first one there, and my second, and my third… (They were everywhere!)
When I got back to Omaha I was shocked to find not one place in Omaha makes or sells acai bowls. It was a pretty sad moment for me. This past weekend I finally got another acai bowl – I made it myself!
For a quick rundown: acai berries are native to Central and South America. Some studies have found them to have more antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
An acai bowl is when acai berries are blended like a smoothie and then topped with various toppings.
The acai bowls I had in Hawaii were delicious. They also had a ton of sugar. There was coconut milk, honey, coconut shavings, granola, and all the fruit. What there was not was a lot of protein. I decided I wanted to make mine a little bit healthier and a little more filling.
The traditional acai bowl ingredients. If you have fresh acai I am incredibly jealous. I picked up these frozen acai berry blends at Whole Foods and they work just as great.You can use whatever toppings taste good to you. It’s like topping froyo. I decided to get a coconut almond granola (also from Whole Foods) to combine flavors so I could shave some calories off the bowl.
My protein powder love. <3 I love hemp protein powder. It’s all hemp with no additives, flavorings, or any other ingredients.
Protein Packed Acai Bowl
(Makes 1 serving)
- 2 frozen acai smoothie packs
- 1 frozen banana, chopped
- 3 tablespoons hemp protein powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons coconut granola
- Handful of chopped strawberries
- Handful of blueberries
Blend the acai smoothie packs, frozen banana, hemp protein powder, and water together in a blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
Transfer to bowl.
Top with granola, strawberries, and blueberries.
Enjoy!
I love how the acai smoothie packs look like a big ice pop.
I’ve always been told you need to cut up a banana before freezing it. I’m here to tell you that’s not true. Simply get a good knife, cut off the ends of the banana, and make a cut down length of the banana through the skin. When you go to cut your banana into pieces the peels will literally start to pop right off. It’s like magic.
It took about 30 seconds to get my ideal acai bowl texture in a Vitamix. It was creamy and yummy.
I am so obsessed with how this turned out. I mix everything together and love that I don’t need to add any additional sweetness to make this taste delicious.
It’s a perfect summer meal, and is incredibly easy to make. I have a feeling I’m going to be eating a lot more of these while fruits are still fresh and in season.
Questions of the Day: Have you had an acai bowl before? Are you a fan of them? What toppings would you top this acai bowl with?
So yummy! I need yo find those acai packs! Or I’m pretty sure they just don’t sell them here in my region of NJ, haha!
Oh no I hope you find them! I know most Whole Foods carry them!
Does anyone know where I can buy these acai packs that will ship to the U.K.??? I had one on holiday and I need them!! X
Oh wow, that looks so good! Maybe I’d sprinkle a few hemp seeds or almonds on top too!
Mmm I love hemp seeds! Good idea!
Yummy yummy! Health packed in a bowl! Great runner foods too! Thanks for sharing!
It’s so good! I’m making another one tomorrow for breakfast. 😀
AMAZING! san diego and arizona have the best acai bowls!
I want to visit San Diego (and Arizona in the winter) so badly!
I’ve never tried an acai bowl, but it looks like healthy frozen yogurt! I’m definitely going to try out this recipe. Thanks!
Yay! It’s delicious. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
So pretty! I bet it tastes as good as it looks too!
It’s delicious! I was surprised at how easy it was to make!
Yum!!! It’s funny because I actually bought those same frozen acai smoothie packs last week at Whole Foods 😉 I am excited to try them!
You’re going to love them! I love how easy they are to use!
I loveeee acai bowls. I buy the Sambazon packs, too. They don’t compare to Hawaii but they’ll do!
Oh how I wish Hawaii was just a car ride away. I’d be there all.the.time.
I have never tried an acai bowl but this looks and sounds amazing! I need to see if they make these anywhere in NYC.
It looks like Juice Generation makes them! I’m so jealous! http://juicegeneration.com/menu/acai-bowls
That looks sooooo yummy!!!!
They taste so good! And are so easy to make!
This sounds delicious! I’ve never had acai berries before, but have wanted to try them.
You will love them! So yummy!
whats the calorie/protein count on a typical bowl like the ones you’ve featured?
I’m actually not sure. Sorry about that!