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    Home > Brazilian Recipes

    Published: Jan 26, 2015 · Modified: May 22, 2019 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 22 Comments

    Acai Smoothie and How to Make the Perfect Smoothie

    Gluten FreeVegetarian

    Jump to Recipe ↓

    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!

    acai smoothie in a glass with fruits on the side

    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

    ingredients for how to make the perfect 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!!!

    Pina Colada Cheesecake Smoothie in glasses

    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! 

    Banana Coffee Chai Smoothie in a glass with bananas on the side

    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

    close up image with 2 glasses of acai smoothie

    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!

    A close up of a bowl of acai smoothie

    A close up of a bowl of acai smoothie
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 9 votes

    Acai Smoothie and How to Make the Perfect Smoothie

    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!
    Course:Breakfast
    Cuisine:Brazilian
    Keywords:acai smoothie, how to make the perfect smoothie
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 5
    Calories141 kcal
    Author Denise Browning

    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

    If desired, you can add ¼ cup frozen strawberries. It makes this acai smoothie tastier and creamier!!!!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 277mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 4.8mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    ** 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.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

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    Filed Under: Brazilian Recipes, Easy And Delish, Easy Drink Recipes, Easy Gluten-Free Recipes, Easy Vegetarian Recipes, How-To, Quick & Easy Recipes Tagged With: healthy, How to make

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ash-foodfashionparty says

      January 26, 2015 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 27, 2015 at 7:24 am

        I will have to try the maca powder next time, Ash!!!!

        Reply
    2. Raymund says

      January 26, 2015 at 11:45 pm

      I tried Acai once only in Hawaii and I love it, hopefully it would be easily available here in NZ

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 27, 2015 at 7:24 am

        I hope so, Raymund! It is very good and versatile.

        Reply
    3. Shashi says

      January 27, 2015 at 11:46 am

      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!

      Reply
    4. Deb|EastofEdenCooking says

      January 27, 2015 at 2:47 pm

      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.

      Reply
    5. Coffee and Crumpets says

      January 27, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      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!

      Reply
    6. Anna @ shenANNAgans says

      January 27, 2015 at 11:22 pm

      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

      Reply
    7. francesca says

      January 28, 2015 at 12:28 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
    8. Little Cooking Tips says

      January 28, 2015 at 3:01 am

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    9. John@Kitchen Riffs says

      January 28, 2015 at 11:10 am

      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!

      Reply
    10. Amira says

      January 28, 2015 at 1:22 pm

      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.

      Reply
    11. marcela says

      January 29, 2015 at 2:54 am

      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:)

      Reply
    12. Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says

      January 29, 2015 at 1:16 pm

      What a great post Denise. You've made smoothie making into a delicious science and it makes so much sense!

      Reply
    13. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

      January 29, 2015 at 11:55 pm

      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!

      Reply
    14. Raymund says

      February 02, 2015 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    15. Dedy@Dentist Chef says

      February 02, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      nice informative post, i used to add honey ot stevia as a swetener

      Reply
    16. marcela says

      April 20, 2015 at 2:06 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing these tips with us, Denise. I love smoothies, so I'll definitely give your recipe a try! Sounds delicious!

      Reply
    17. guest says

      January 07, 2016 at 6:01 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 07, 2016 at 7:43 am

        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!

        Reply
    18. Ashley says

      November 10, 2017 at 3:38 pm

      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!

      Reply
    19. Hannah says

      January 31, 2019 at 10:46 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply

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