Where were you when Australia was introduced to the acai berry? Suddenly, cafes all over the country were stocking this brand new kind of breakfast. Social media blew up with pictures of influencers holding colourful bowls of granola and fruit that looked incredibly healthy and utterly delicious. It was being touted as a superfood that you just had to try.
This craze has seemingly come from nowhere. But, believe it or not, there is an answer to the question “Why is acai on every breakfast menu?”. In fact, there are several, and we’re going to go into them below.
Why is acai on every breakfast menu right now?
There are many different reasons for acai becoming the breakfast phenomenon that it is, ranging from:
- Its rich and tropical taste, which is often cited as a blend of dark chocolate and berries.
- The sheer number of foods that acai perfectly complements, such as granola, fruit and peanut butter.
- Its many antioxidants that neutralise harmful free radicals.
- Its ability to look delicious in a smoothie bowl.
Its sudden rise in popularity has led to it becoming a staple in many breakfasts. Not only is it popular with customers for cafes and eateries, but many are finding it a fun and healthy way to make their own breakfast at home.
Four benefits of eating acai bowls for breakfast
Acai bowls offer a huge amount of control
One of the difficulties of any diet is portion control, which many people make the mistake of believing ends at not having too much of any single ingredient. However, everybody’s diets are different, and it is important to not only moderate ingredients, but make sure they are combined in a manner that is optimal for one’s diet specifically.
To this end, Acai bowls offer a degree of customisation that other breakfast dishes do not have. Given that the only hard rule of acai bowls is that they need to contain acai, the number of possible combinations for an acai bowl is practically endless. This means that it can accommodate almost any diet.
Acai comes in many different forms
Not only do acai bowls offer many different combinations, but acai itself comes in many forms. At Purple Foods, we stock several different kinds of acai; including powder sachets, a frozen puree and even a soft serve sorbet. There really is something for everyone, meaning everybody can enjoy the taste and benefits of acai.
Acai complements many different tastes
One of the more well known benefits of acai is that it has an earthy flavour that goes well with the many different kinds of fruits, grain and spreads that are typically used in acai bowls. This is an attribute that contributes heavily to the large variety of possible acai bowl combinations, particularly as acai pairs with both sweet and savoury foods. This is evidenced by the original acai bowls that were native to Brazil and contained fish and vegetables, unlike their more contemporary breakfast counterparts.
There is no right or wrong way to enjoy acai bowls
Acai bowls are a versatile breakfast that can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Whether it’s to meet specific dietary requirements or just to suit one’s personal taste, it is easy to make changes to acai bowls without compromising their quality. It is easy to lose interest in breakfast and even skip it due to how routine it is, so the ability to change a breakfast dish on a whim and know that it will still be enjoyable is a huge benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Is acai powder or frozen better?
Whether acai is better as a powder or a frozen pulp is a matter of personal preference. Both versions contain similar nutritional value, however they offer slight differences in taste and texture. At Purple Foods, we stock various kinds of Acai, so you can find out which works best for you.
Are acai bowls a fad?
While acai bowls are a relatively recent phenomenon in Australia, they have been steadily growing in popularity as more and more people are made aware of their nutritional properties and their rich taste. It’s safe to say that acai is not just a fad, which is why we continue to stock it proudly.
What is an acai berry?
The acai berry is a fruit that is extracted from the acai palm. It is similar to a grape, only smaller and with less pulp. In order to be eaten, the fruit has to be soaked in water and have its pulp removed, at which point the pulp must either be frozen or consumed within 24 hours. Because it has a relatively bitter taste, it is ideally paired with sweet fruits making acai bowls a perfect way to eat acai.
How to make acai bowls at home?
The best part about making acai bowls is that there isn’t really a right or wrong way to do it. Sure, if you look on Instagram, you’ll see elaborately crafted smoothie bowls that clearly took a long time to make because they look so immaculate. But the process is as simple as putting your favourite fruit and toppings with some acai in a bowl.
If you’re looking for inspiration on making the best acai bowls, we have covered that previously.
Did you know we have a range of frozen fruit & berries too?
If you’re looking for the perfect frozen fruits to add to your next acai bowl, Purple Foods has got you covered. Contact us and you’ll be one step closer to making your next delicious and healthy breakfast.