In this article, we explore:
- What acai berries are and where to find them.
- How many calories are in an acai bowl.
- If acai bowls are good for you.
- Where to find the best acai bowls in your area.
What is an acai bowl, you ask? Well, if you’ve never tried one of these delicious, full-of-vitamin bowls, you’re in for a treat. Every acai-bowl maker has their own secret recipe, but we’ve researched the most common ingredients, their calories, the health benefits and, of course, some of the best #acaibowl photos on Instagram.
Grab your napkin because your mouth is about to water!
What is in an acai bowl?
The main ingredient in the bowl are acai berries, a grape-like fruit found in the rainforests of South America. You’ll often hear people say the berries taste like a combination of berry with a hint of chocolate and a slight metallic aftertaste.
Acai berries don’t have a very long shelf life, so you’ll most likely never get your hand on a fresh supply in Australia. Instead, you’ll need to substitute with a frozen puree, which is still as scrumptious as they are straight from the palm. Other common ingredients in the bowl include other berries, pineapple and bananas, as well as toppings like dried fruit, coconut and muesli.
And before you ask, there are two common pronunciations of acai. The first appears to be a British-English version, pronounce ah-sigh and the other an American pronunciation, ah-sigh-ee. Whichever version you prefer, people will know what you’re talking about.
What is an acai bowl’s calories like?
How many calories are in an acai bowl can be a little tricky to work out. Every recipe is different, but a quick search on MyFitnessPal shows the average calories range from around 350 to 700. The acai berries themselves only contain around 70–90 calories per 100g, but it’s the additional fruits, juices and toppings added to the bowl that hike up the calories.
Here are the average calories for the most common additions to an acai bowl:
1 medium banana: 89 calories
1 cup of blueberries: 57 calories
100g strawberries: 32 calories
100g pineapple: 50 calories
½ cup of muesli: 200–350 calories
½ cup fresh shredded coconut: 110 calories
Want to keep this calorie list handy for your next acai bowl order? Download our acai bowl calorie list here.
Are acai bowls good for you?
Fruits contain a plethora of vitamins. But what is it about acai berries that has them being categorised as a superfood? According to the Mayo Clinic, acai berries contain a high level of antioxidants and fiber, however should be avoided if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or are scheduled for an MRI.
It’s suggested acai berries can assist with general health, improving the appearance of skin, lowering high cholesterol and more. We say suggested as no studies have solidified these claims. Although acai berries are still delicious, either way!
Where is the best acai bowl in Australia?
You know what; most acai bowls are pretty darn delicious, and most cafés now have their own recipe, so why not try as many as possible? Find a full list of cafés near you on Localsearch and get taste testing!
Feature images source: Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash
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