I am obsessed with Acai Bowls. I love the concept of a smoothie in a bowl and the flavor of Acai. However, they can get expensive. At our local Farmer's Market last Sunday, it was hot and the Acai bowls were looking delicious

Looking at the Acai Bowls and our post-workout stomachs growling, I got to thinking- what REALLY is in an acai bowl and how can I make my own?

I started by heading to the nearest grocery store (Sprouts) to hunt down frozen Acai and came up with this

Pretty cool, Sambazon makes an easy to use frozen acai smoothie pack that can be added directly to the smoothie portion of the Acai Bowl. But... what does it contain?

Ingredients:

Organic Fair Trade Acai Puree
Organic Evaporated Cane Juice
Less than 0.5% of the following: Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Guarana Extract, Citric Acid.

What does that translate into? Acai Puree (defined as XX), a little bit of sugar, Guarana, and some acid. Not bad- but certainly not 100% Acai berry.

So how does it taste?

In the mix:

Almond Milk
Vanilla Protein Powder
Plain Greek Yogurt
Frozen Mixed Berries
Sambazon Acai Pack

Topping: Granola (fresh from a recent trip to Hawaii?)

Blend all ingredients:

Pour into bowl and top with granola:

The verdict? A delicious Acai Bowl (or smoothie in a bowl). I love the tart taste of Acai, but this could have been just as tasty (and just as healthy! ) with additional frozen fruit and without the Acai Smoothie Pack.

There are many claims out there about the health benefits of Acai Health benefits of acai (see THIS article on the Dr. Oz website). BUT the researches who are part of the research study quoted in the Dr. Oz article clearly state, "'A lot of claims are being made, but most of them haven’t been tested scientifically... We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the acai berry and its health-promoting effects.” So, is it Acai or are all fruits just as good?

The Mayo Clinic states, "Acai berries may be a good source of antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats. But research on acai berries is limited, and claims about the health benefits of acai haven't been proved." WebMD comes to the same conclusion.

Bottom line?

Like Acai? Try the packs at home? Don't like Acai or want a less expensive option? Other berries are still great.

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Happy Eating!

Homemade Acai Bowl