Super creamy Acai Smoothie made from frozen acai pulp, which can be enjoyed both for breakfast and at snack time. Plus, tips for the perfect smoothie!
Smoothies? These, along with fresh fruit juices are what we drink a lot of in Brazil.
All on account of its hot climate and natural abundance of a wide array of fruits -- some of which I bet you have never heard of!
Lately the healthy and creamy Acai Smoothie has become all the rage. Smoothies are easy to make, I know!
The question is, do you know how to make the perfect one?
If not, then today we will learn what are the perfect ingredients, ratios, and latest trends, among other things.
I can still remember that as a child growing up in Brazil the most popular smoothies were banana, papaya, guava, and avocado.
And I enjoyed all of them both at breakfast and at snack time.
Although one can use many other fruits as a base for smoothies, acai smoothie in a bowl is the latest craze. This is because acai berry is a superfruit (fights free radicals).
As if that weren't enough, boosters (i.e. guaraná powder) and plant-based proteins such as wheat germ and nuts have been added into the mixture.
Even leafy veggies have become more common as additives to smoothies in the last 3 to 5 years.
Milk still provides the base for most smoothies, although it isn't the only one anymore.
Fresh coconut water and yogurt are great as subs in the smoothie blends.
Well, we'll find out what really makes a perfect smoothie below.
How To Make The Perfect Smoothie, Such As Acai Smoothie
1) LIQUID(S) -- Milk, dairy-free subs such as soy/almond milk, fruit juices, low-fat coconut milk, coconut water, tea, and yogurt, either used alone or in combination (e.g. milk and yogurt or fruit juice and coconut water).
To start, add liquids to the blender before the fruits/veggies in order to avoid damage to the blade.
Although cream cheese is of course not a liquid, it adds extra creaminess.
A delicious example is our Piña Colada Cheesecake Smoothie!!!
2) FRUIT(S) & LEAFY VEGETABLE(S) -- bananas, açaí and other berries, mangoes, avocados, peaches, papayas, guavas, pineapples, plums, grated apples or pears, and melons provide the creamiest textures.
Although the ratio depends on the used fruit, the general rule of thumb for the best ratio is 1 part fruit to 1 part liquid.
However, the most important thing is for the final texture to be creamy and smooth. FROZEN fruits such as bananas and avocado help with creaminess!
Since fresh acai berries are not available in the US, we used frozen acai pulp/frozen puree/acai packets to make our açaí smoothie, also blending in bananas for a creamier texture.
But give preference to unsweetened acai, though. Please see our acai bowl.
3) SWEETENER -- sugar, honey, maple syrup, sugar substitute, or agave syrup.
The correct ratio varies according to each person's own taste and also according to which type of sweetener.
For instance, since honey has a slightly higher amount of fructose than sugar, it tastes sweeter, and requires less for similar sweetness.
The amount of various sugar subs will also depend on the type of sweetener, as each has a different sweetness profile.
4) FLAVORING -- These are optional components since the base -- which is the fruit/vegetable-- already contains flavor!
Cocoa powder, coffee, vanilla extract, a few drops or small amount of citrus juice such as lemon or orange, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices are some items that can really put a tasty spin on a smoothie.
However, take care to not let them overpower the fruit that you use.
There are also some flavorings that don't pair well with certain fruits... such as coffee with guava.
But almost all the mentioned above do go well with banana. Try our banana coffee chai smoothie!
5) BOOSTER(S) -- These are also optional add-ins, yet they seem to be a must for gym-goers!
Among them are peanut butter, boosters such as guaraná and açaí powder, and plant-based proteins such as wheat germ, chia seeds, oats, flax seeds, and nuts.
6) ICE --If frozen fruit is used, adding ice is not needed.
Well, enjoy our Healthy Acai Berry Smoothie and start making the perfect smoothie today!!!
xx
ALERT: The electric blender gave birth to the smoothie.
But did you know that health food stores on the West Coast of the U.S. began selling "puréed fruit drinks" in the 1930's, based on recipes that started in Brazil?
PIN & ENJOY!
Acai Smoothie and How to Make the Perfect Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup fat free milk (whole, fat-free, almond, soy, etc)
- 6 oz low fat Greek yogurt
- 7 oz frozen açaí pulp (available at Sprouts, Whole Foods, and some Latin Markets), 200 g
- 2-3 frozen bananas
- 2 tablespoon honey or sugar or other sweetener to taste
- 2 tablespoon wheat germ (optional) Skip if you are gluten-intolerant
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until the acai smoothie is creamy and smooth. Pour açaí smoothie into medium glasses and serve while still chilled. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
Ash-foodfashionparty says
A very nice and well thought out post my dear. We are big fans of smoothies and love acai. Well explained and lot of details.
I also enjoy maca powder for some thickness.
Denise Browning says
I will have to try the maca powder next time, Ash!!!!
Raymund says
I tried Acai once only in Hawaii and I love it, hopefully it would be easily available here in NZ
Denise Browning says
I hope so, Raymund! It is very good and versatile.
Shashi says
I love Acai juice - never tried the pulp though - and never had it in a smoothie before - this sounds perfect - I love adding oats to bulk up my smoothies - but I am waiting for warmer weather! Thanks for this recipe and all this info Denise!
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
I will search for acai pulp as I did not know it was even available! Great info Denise! Your posts are always informative with scrumptious recipes.
Coffee and Crumpets says
I started to type this comment waiting for a friend at a coffee shop, and then she arrived so I put my iPad away, and between me having coffee and coming home, you'd already visited me and left a comment 🙂
For some reason, I never make smoothies, my kids however make a lot and sometimes I get them to make me one too.
I've seen acai pulp at the store and this smoothie looks delicious! Now I know how to make a perfect one. Thanks Denise!
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
I have never heard of Acai juice before, but I love this post, so detailed and very handy. I love me a smoothie and yours sounds amazing. So different than anything I have been making lately. Got me a serious addiction to beetroot. Looking forward to trying!
Hope you are having a wonderful week.
Cheers,
Anna
francesca says
I'm making a breakfast smoothie as we speak! Banana, avocado, cinnamon, cardamom, tahini, splash of milk and chia. Giant fan of acai and indeed, super well explained 🙂
Little Cooking Tips says
Fantastic photography Denise! Amazing work. Really. And the smoothie looks also really, really good:)
Now we have to find fresh or frozen acai, so far we can only find dried or powdered acai :/
Perhaps if we add a bit powder we can make an alternative, but it won't be as great as yours:)
Love,
Panos and Mirella
xoxo
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Who doesn't like a smoothie? This looks perfect -- totally tasty, and just a bit different. And I think you've just written the definitive guide to smoothies!
Amira says
I've heard a lot about the many health benefits of Acai berries... this smoothie makes a perfect use for them. Loved your detailed guide.. so helpful.
marcela says
Thank you so much for this post! You explained everything sooo well!
I totally love acai pulp. I have to search for it a little bit:)
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
What a great post Denise. You've made smoothie making into a delicious science and it makes so much sense!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
What an informative post - I can only imagine how much time and effort you put into combining all this information in one place. And what a great healthy smoothie!
Raymund says
Had some of these when we were in Hawaii and we love it, I feel like I am giving my body a favour of drinking something healthy at the same time delicious
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
nice informative post, i used to add honey ot stevia as a swetener
marcela says
Thank you for sharing these tips with us, Denise. I love smoothies, so I'll definitely give your recipe a try! Sounds delicious!
guest says
1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons = 24 teaspoons of sugar !!
Thank you for sharing, however, please do not add half a cup of sugar to your drinks.
That is more than the total amount of sugar one should have in a whole week ! It is an unbelievable amount of sugar.
Denise Browning says
Guest:
Thank you for your advice but I leave that choice for each individual. The recipe itself suggests not only sugar but also honey and any other sweetener to taste. It leaves room for each person decides about the type of sweetener and its amount used. Of course, it is OK not to use any sweetener at all too. It's up to each individual's taste and purpose.
Have a nice day!
Ashley says
I love this recipe! I'm definitely going to add this to my list to make over this winter. Also, I’m loving this Brazilian Berry Smoothie recipe as well!
Hannah says
Acai bowl is one of my favorite breakfasts. I will be having as an afternoon snack too, especially after returning from the Gym. Thanks for the idea!