Acai Smoothie
This thick, vibrant acai smoothie combines frozen acai puree, banana, and mixed berries for a drink that's packed with antioxidants and ready in under five minutes.
Equipment
- High-speed blender - such as Vitamix or Ninja
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Tall drinking glass
- Rubber spatula - to scrape down the blender
- Reusable wide-mouth smoothie straw - optional but helpful for thick smoothies
- Bowl - for softening acai packet
Ingredients
- 1 packet frozen unsweetened acai puree - 3.5 oz / 100g, such as Sambazon
- 1 medium frozen banana - sliced, about 4 oz / 115g
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries - 5 oz / 140g, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- 0.75 cup unsweetened almond milk - 180ml, or oat milk, coconut milk, or regular milk
- 1 tablespoon honey - or maple syrup, optional, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds - optional, for added fiber and omega-3s
For Serving (Optional Toppings)
- fresh berries
- granola
- sliced banana
- hemp seeds - or hemp hearts
Instructions
- Soften the frozen acai puree packet by submerging it in warm water for 30 to 60 seconds until pliable.
- Measure out the frozen banana, frozen mixed berries, milk, and any optional ingredients like chia seeds or honey.
- Pour the milk into the blender first, then add the frozen banana, frozen berries, and the softened acai puree.
- Blend on low speed for 10 seconds, then increase to high and blend for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth.
- Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula and blend for another 10 to 15 seconds if needed. Adjust thickness with extra milk if desired.
- Pour immediately into a tall glass, add desired toppings like fresh berries or granola, and serve cold.
Notes
- Freeze ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor and creamiest texture. Peel and slice before freezing.
- Start with 3/4 cup of milk and add more in small increments to avoid thinning the smoothie too much.
- Use unsweetened acai packets for full control over sweetness. Sweetened packets can overpower the fruit flavors.
- If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, let ingredients thaw for 5 minutes before blending or add an extra splash of milk.
- Pre-portion freezer bags with the banana, berries, and acai for grab-and-blend smoothies on busy mornings.
- For an acai bowl, reduce milk to 1/2 cup for a thicker, spoonable consistency and serve in a bowl with toppings.
- Swap almond milk for oat milk for a creamier texture, or coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Leftover smoothie can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours in an airtight jar; shake well before drinking as it will separate.
- Freeze leftover smoothie in ice cube trays, then blend with a splash of milk for a fresh-tasting smoothie later.
- For a protein boost, add 1 scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder along with 1 tablespoon of almond butter.