They’re fresh, they’re flavorful and oh-so Instagram-worthy. Smoothie bowls and acai bowls have been a trend for some time now. The nutrient-packed foods can be found on the menu at many local juice bars and eateries. Smooth and creamy, yet thick enough to enjoy with a spoon, these blended dishes are packed with produce and topped with dazzling garnishes of sliced fruits, nut butters, seeds and more. Here are five beautiful bowls worth digging into.
Written by Victoria Hubley and Maria Allen
The low sugar, high fat ratio of this acai-based bowl is perfect for anyone following a KETO diet. The dish also contains avocado, coconut meat, Brain Octane MCT (an energizing nutritional supplement extracted from 100 percent pure coconut oil), raw cacao, stevia, alkaline H2O and almond butter. Customers can top their smoothie bowl with toppings like seasonal fruit, coconut, cacao nibs, goji berries and raw cashews and a choice of chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or hemp seeds. Coconut Cult yogurt is also available upon request. “Our KETO bowl is our second-most popular selling bowl behind our Nutty Professor Acai bowl,” says owner Brian Murphy.
Photo: Jack Foley
Organic activated charcoal is the ingredient that gives this smoothie bowl it’s signature dark color. This bowl also contains strawberries, kiwi, coconut flakes and homemade granola.
“Our charcoal bowl is one of our most popular items and very unique for our area,” says owner Rachel Latta. “The charcoal itself has no flavor or texture. It’s a great detoxifier, is anti-inflammatory and aids in digestion. Our charcoal bowl is so refreshing once you try it you’ll be hooked.”
The hero of this dish is the ever-popular acai (ah-sigh-EE) berry, which is native to South America that is high in antioxidants. The acai is blended with blueberries, strawberries or bananas as well as almond milk and a choice of either whey or plant protein powder. Toppings include gluten-free granola, fresh berries, bananas, homemade peanut butter and agave. “Our Protein Acai Bowl is packed with protein that will keep you full for several hours,” says owner Ana Dabrowski. “People can have it for breakfast or lunch and it’s made from whole foods with no preservatives.”
Photo: Kris Hughes
One of the most popular “Barn Bowls” on the menu, this delightfully green smoothie bowl contains Matcha powdered green tea, which is high in antioxidants and will boost your energy, as well as pineapple, spinach, banana, almond milk, blueberries, goji berries, coconut, granola and honey. “We are 100 percent organic, which is extremely important when it comes to soft-skinned fruit and veggies,” says owner Allison Barnes. In addition to healthy food and drink, the Organic Juice Barn also offers nutrition and wellness coaching.
Photo: Jack Foley
As beautiful as it is delicious, this acai bowl is prepared with coffee granola, rich Belgian chocolate shards, fresh raspberries, unsweetened coconut cream, coconut chips and mint. “The coconut cream is made from unsweetened coconut milk. We refrigerate the coconut milk for 24 hours and take the solid portion and whip it,” says Tami Guiney. “The result is a dense but light cream that just melts in your mouth.”