Acai Protein Bowls

What is a acai bowl?

If you’ve never had a acai bowl, it’s a smoothie bowl with the smoothie made from acai berries. The bowl is loaded with toppings like sliced fruit and berries, granola, chai seeds and nuts. Restaurants serve them all over America but they are actually very easy to make at home with this acai protein bowl recipe.

Are you using acai berries?

For these protein bowls, we’re using a packaged acai blend for our base. I am using the Sambazon Açaí Pure Unsweetened Superfruit Frozen Smoothie Packs which can be found in your local store freezer section and even at some Targets. 

What makes this a protein bowl?

To add protein to these acai bowls we’re using a combination of nonfat Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder. You can use your favorite brand of Greek yogurt; I like the 0% nonfat unflavored Greek Yogurt by Fage. My husband likes the 5% unflavored Fage. Use your favorite vanilla protein powder for this recipe but I recommend using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Vanilla Ice Cream. It is my preferred vanilla for baking and cooking with and blends nicely in these bowls.

Can I add more things to the base?

Definitely! The base for these acai protein bowls are basic with only 3 main ingredients. This makes it not only delicious but easy to prep. For a thicker bowl add frozen fruit like banana or strawberries. You could also add frozen avocado for added creaminess. All of these things will change the nutrition facts of your base. 

Is this gluten and dairy free?

Greek yogurt is not dairy free but you could use your favorite dairy free alternative for this acai protein bowl. For protein powder I would suggest using a certified gluten free option.

What kind of toppings go on acai bowls?

Anything you want! These acai protein bowls are great with homemade granola or storebought, fresh fruit, chia seeds or even bee pollen. Add whatever sounds good to you! 

Ingredients and Substitutes:

These are the main ingredients and substitutions. See recipe card below for full ingredients list and instructions for these acai protein bowls.

Açaí Pure: this recipe uses 1 pack of Sambazon Açaí Pure Unsweetened Superfruit Frozen Smoothie Packs. You can use any other brand you’d like but I have found these are easy to find and have minimal added ingredients. 

Greek Yogurt: I am using 0% Nonfat Unflavored Greek Yogurt. You can use any Greek yogurt, regular yogurt or a dairy free alternative. 

Protein Powder: as previously mentioned I like baking and cooking with Optimum Nutrition, Gold Standard 100% Whey, Protein Powder, Vanilla Ice Cream flavor. Use your favorite vanilla protein powder for this recipe. My other ultimate favorite is PEScience Gourmet Vanilla.

Toppings: these acai protein bowls are great with homemade granola or storebought, fresh fruit, chia seeds or even bee pollen. Add whatever sounds good to you! Nutrition facts are for the base only. 

How to make these acai protein bowls:

Make your base

In a high speed blender add the acai blend, greek yogurt and protein powder and blend until smooth. Pour in a bowl. 

Add toppings

Add whatever toppings you’d like. Some of my favorites are:

• fresh berries
• shredded coconut
• chia seeds
• bee pollen
• granola 
• creamy peanut butter
• PB2 mixed with water
• chopped nuts

Logging notes!

The nutrition facts are for one acai protein bowl without any toppings. If you’re tracking log al; added toppings as you add them. This makes these bowls completely customizable to not only what fits your calorie goals but to the season and what’s fresh! 

If you like this recipe be sure to check out some of our other easy recipes!

• Instant Pot Fried Rice 
• Ground Turkey Bowls
• Breakfast Burrito Bowls
• Teriyaki Beef Bowls
• Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl