I took a trip to Brazil recently and had the most delicious bowl of natural acai. It was filling, healthy, and one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. As you can tell, I still think about that bowl of acai, and have been figuring out the best way to buy it ever since. I put together the ultimate guide to buying acai berries for you, like what to look for and where to buy it, along with the necessary information you should know about this amazing, yummy superfood. And if you want to try some, check out my 5 favorite brands!
What is acai? |
The acai berry is a small red-purplish fruit that comes from the acai palm which primarily grow in Brazil and other countries in South America. It looks like a mix of a red grape and a cherry. |
How do I even pronounce acai? |
Good question! It’s pronounced ah-sigh-ee. |
How do I eat acai? |
One of the most popular ways to eat acai is to blend frozen acai and add a little milk and honey to it in a bowl. You can also use acai powder to make a smoothie. If you want to try a smoothie or bowl, here is my favorite acai powder to get started. |
Is acai good for you? |
Acai berries are very healthy for you! Acai berries contain powerful antioxidants, believed to surpass even cranberries, blueberries and raspberries in abundance. Acai berries are eaten to promote overall health, as incorporating berries and other similar foods into one’s diet have similarly beneficial results.
In Brazil I discovered that many restaurants serve acai berry bowls and smoothies loaded with extra sugar – you should be careful of this and eat such treats in moderation. I highly recommend searching for the natural stuff though since it’s just as delicious (or more delicious in my opinion)! |
What are the health benefits of acai? |
Acai berries are extremely rich in antioxidants, an aphrodisiac, good for your brain, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Check out our top 5 health benefits of acai to learn more. |
What kind of acai should I buy? |
You can only get fresh acai in rainforest countries like Brazil because unfortunately acai berries go rancid within a day of being picked.
Customers in the US and other countries can buy freeze dried acai in either capsule or powder form. What does freeze dried mean you ask? Acai is fresh picked and the pulp is frozen and de-hydrated within a day. What you end up with is freeze dried Acai powder that maintains all the health benefits of fresh Acai. This powder can then be put into capsules or sold in powder form. |
Should I only buy organic acai? |
Like any supplement or food, we recommend buying an organic supplement because you can have a little more trust that the producer is taking care to produce a quality product, but non-organic acai powder could also be a high-quality product. Take the time to research the brand of acai you buy or pick from our favorite acai brands. |
Is acai safe? |
Freeze dried acai is considered safe so don’t worry about eating it. It’s no different than eating raspberries or blueberries.
However, you should be wary of diet plans or weight loss supplements. These unhealthy drinks and supplements add unnecessary ingredients, like caffeine, to the acai berries. We do not recommend taking any supplements that promise dramatic weight loss. Finally, talk to your doctor if you have any health risks, potential allergies, or are interested in taking large amounts of acai for long periods of time. |
Can pregnant women consume acai? |
Yes! Acai berries are just like other fruits you eat. Just make sure you are using a quality brand that uses freeze dried acai berries. |
Should kids consume acai? |
Yes, again! Acai berries are just like other fruits you eat. Just make sure you are using a quality brand that uses freeze dried acai berries. |
Is acai vegan? |
Yes! Acai berry powders and capsules are a vegetarian/vegan superfood! Check the label if you are concerned that non-vegan ingredients are being added. |
Where can I buy acai berries? |
You can buy acai powder and capsuels at grocery stores and health food stores. You also research and buy acai berries on Amazon (our preferred way because of course who doesn’t love 2-day shipping). |