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With it’s vibrant color, smooth texture, and fruity taste, this Acai Smoothie makes a great breakfast or snack idea. To transform it into a proper meal-replacement idea, add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt and any of your favorite mix-ins like chia seeds, hemp seeds, or ground flax.
Meggan’s notes
I don’t get too excited about food trends, but I genuinely like the frozen packets of acai from the grocery store. They have an interesting flavor that I can’t find in anything else, and it’s a fun way to switch up my smoothie routine. I’ve developed 18 smoothie recipes for the site so far, and over that time I’ve tested and perfected the very best formula for smoothies.
In general, smoothies are a great way to diversify the plants you eat, sneak in extra greens, or just try new flavors. You can make them a minute or two in your blender, and you can easily take them on the go to work, school, or wherever life is taking you.
For extra protein, you can use either Greek yogurt or protein powder in this smoothie. Protein powder is never a one-size-fits-all solution, but I wrote extensively about the Best Protein Powders for Smoothies because it’s something I care about. If you don’t currently have a favorite, you might be able to find one in the list.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Milk: Use regular cow’s milk or your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk. From skim to whole, any fat level will do.
- Acai (ah-sigh-EE): Açaí berries are the fruit of a tropical palm tree and are dark purple in color. In the United States it is sold as frozen “smoothie packets” (that’s what you want for this recipe), freeze-dried, or as a powder. The flavor is a cross between a raspberry or blackberry and dark chocolate, without the sweetness.
- Berries: To substitute fresh berries, add ½ cup ice or more to the blender.
Step-by-step instructions
- In the bottom of a blender, add almond milk, frozen berries, banana, and acai packet.
- Blend until smooth.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of smoothie, enough for 2 servings, 2 cups each.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Some separation may occur, so shake or stir to combine before enjoying.
- Drink your greens: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to your blender. You won’t even know it’s there!
- Toppings: Fresh fruit, especially berries. Toasted walnuts, almonds, or coconut. Granola, chopped dates, edible flowers, cacao nibs, or fresh mint.
- For peak blender performance: Always put the liquids in the bottom of your blender. Next, add soft foods, and finally, add frozen or hard foods and ice on top (if applicable).
- Sweeteners: Taste the smoothie before adding any sweeteners, then start with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and add to your preferred sweetness. You probably won’t need anything if you use a vanilla-flavored protein powder.
- Flax or chia seeds: Add 2 tablespoons of flax seeds or chia seeds for an extra boost of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You can soak the chia seeds in water for 5 to 10 minutes if desired, but it’s not required. Bob’s Red Mill is my favorite brand for these.
- Caribbean Passion Smoothie: This Jamba Juice copycat is sweet, refreshing, and easy to make at home. It tastes EXACTLY like the real thing!
- Mango Smoothie: This simple smoothie is flavored with mangoes and bananas with Greek yogurt for protein and milk for creaminess.
- Peach Smoothie: Packed with protein and vitamins, this Peach Smoothie is a nourishing breakfast or snack idea anytime.
- Strawberry Smoothie: This 3-ingredient recipe is packed with protein and low-sugar berries for a quick and easy breakfast or snack anytime.
- Strawberry Citrus Ginger Smoothie: Quench your thirst with this refreshing and fruity treat perfect for crushing your sweet cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acai smoothies can be healthy depending on what you put in them. Look for recipes containing protein such as Greek yogurt or silken tofu. Avoid recipes with added sugar or lots of juice.
For a thicker smoothie, freeze ripe, peeled bananas ahead of time and use in place of the fresh banana.
Add a couple dates, honey, or maple syrup to the blender for a sweeter Acai smoothie.
For a vegan Acai smoothie, use plant-based milk such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk.
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Acai Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk or other milk (see note 1)
- 1 cup frozen berries (see note 2)
- 1 banana
- 1 packet frozen acai berry purée
Instructions
- In the bottom of a blender, add almond milk, frozen berries, banana, and acai packet. Blend until smooth.
Notes
- Milk: Use regular cow’s milk or your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk. From skim to whole, any fat level will do.
- Acai (ah-sigh-EE): Açaí berries are the fruit of a tropical palm tree and are dark purple in color. In the United States it is sold as frozen “smoothie packets” (that’s what you want for this recipe), freeze-dried, or as a powder.
- Berries: To substitute fresh berries, add ½ cup ice or more to the blender.
- Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of smoothie, enough for 2 servings, 2 cups each.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Some separation may occur, so shake or stir to combine before enjoying.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.