Protein-Packed Acai Bowl Recipe

This protein-packed acai bowl recipe is flavorful and antioxidant-rich. A delicious breakfast or afternoon snack⎯ made with acai berries, frozen mixed berries, spinach, nut butter, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and unsweetened almond milk.  

What is an acai bowl?

Acai bowls (pronounced aa-saa-EE), typically eaten as a dessert in Brazil, contain acai berries and other mixed fruit. Acai berries are grape-like fruit that grow on acai palm trees in the rainforests of South America. Compared to many other berries, acai berries have a more earthy taste. 

Are acai bowls healthy?

Acai bowls are full of antioxidant-rich berries. Using real, whole food ingredients without added sugar keeps these bowls healthy. The sugars in this recipe occur naturally in berries.

Acai berries contain iron, potassium, and calcium. The other mixed berries are also mineral and vitamin-rich. Frozen spinach is full of vitamin A and K, calcium, magnesium, and more. Hemp hearts and chia seeds are good sources of plant protein and omega-3 fatty acids. 

What goes in this Protein-Packed Acai Bowl Recipe?

A combination of delicious real, whole food ingredients brings this acai bowl recipe together to create a protein-packed, breakfast or healthy dessert. 

• Acai berries- You can find acai berries in the frozen section of most grocery stores. You’ll need two 100-gram packets. 
• Mixed berries- This recipe calls for half of a cup of frozen mixed berries. 
• Hemp hearts- You can find these protein and omega-rich seeds in the health food aisle of your grocery store. One tablespoon is all you need.
• Chia seeds- Another great source of plant protein and omega-3s, chia seeds are added to the acai bowl mix and can also be added as a topping. You’ll need one and a half teaspoons. 
• Nut butter- Whether you choose to use peanut or almond butter be sure to check the nutrition label. Select a brand that does not have added sugar. I use Adam’s Natural Peanut Butter. One tablespoon will add additional protein to the acai bowl. 
• Unsweetened almond milk- You will use 1/2 cup of almond (or oat) milk. This is a little less than what you would use to make a smoothie, for instance. Acai bowls are meant to be thick and creamy and not too liquidy. 
• Optional Ingredients: 
  • Raw, natural honey- If you like your acai bowl a little sweeter you can add one to three teaspoons of honey. 
  • Frozen banana– Adding half of a frozen banana adds extra creaminess and natural sweetness. 

HOW TO MAKE A CREAMY ACAI BOWL?

Acai bowls look like ice cream and almost taste like ice cream. They are thicker than smoothies. This thick, creamy texture makes them perfect to serve in a bowl with a spoon.  

The key to making an acai bowl thick and creamy is to use frozen fruits and spinach and a little less liquid than is used in a smoothie. Simply follow these two simple steps. 

STEP ONE: ADD INGREDIENTS TO A BLENDER

Add acai berries, mixed fruits, frozen spinach, hemp hearts, chia seeds, nut butter, and unsweetened almond milk to a high-powered blender. You may need to stop occasionally to stir and break up the ingredients as they may be a little thick. Remember you want a thick and creamy final product. 

STEP TWO: SERVE IN A BOWL AND ADD TOPPINGS

Once blended, add the acai mix into a bowl and add toppings. 

Topping ideas include:

• Chia seeds
• Hemp hearts
• Strawberries
• Banana slices
• Blueberries
• Nut butter
• Honey
• Nuts
• Cacao nibs

Serve with a spoon and enjoy!

Looking For Other Healthy Breakfast Ideas?

Check out these other recipes for additional healthy breakfast ideas. 

• Healthy Lemon Raspberry Muffins
• Lemon Blueberry Muffins
• Breakfast Egg Muffins {Freezable & Quick Go-Tos}
• Recipe for Oatmeal Bars (Strawberry Filled)