This recipe is a delicious blend of cacao, spinach, strawberries, and açai for the perfect, healthy açai smoothie.
Cacao açai smoothies are such a healthy breakfast option. I know that fresh açai berries are usually hard to find but the frozen fruit packs are so handy to have in the freezer.
Acai berries are such a nutrient-dense fruit. They have a high content of antioxidants and also deliver lots of fiber and healthy fats. They have a more earthy taste than other berries but you can always add them in a mix to make healthy acai bowl recipes.
Furthermore, I have even heard people describe the taste of açai berries as a mix between blackberry or raspberry and dark chocolate. That is why I add both strawberries and cacao powder to this smoothie. They perfectly complement açai flavor creating an all-around delicious smoothie.
Plus, strawberries, just like cacao, bring extra nutrients and antioxidants to the mix. I also add spinach since it brings extra fiber while remaining low in calories and does not bring a pronounced taste.
Finally, I add almond milk and almond butter to the smoothie. Certainly, almonds have lots of health benefits but they also bring a hint of sweetness and nuttiness to the smoothie. You can of course substitute for other plant-based milk and other nut butter (like peanut butter).
I have two blog posts where I discuss at length all the nut and seed milks and butters. You can read up all the different options and benefits from them here: The Ultimate Guide: Homemade seed & Nut butter recipes and A Comprehensive Guide To Vegan, Dairy Free Milk.
You can also do a more indulgent breakfast by serving in a bowl and topping the smoothie with some extra nutritious bits. I love adding coconut energy bites and dragonfruit balls. You could also add a spoonful of cacao nibs or some chia seeds.
If you love açai as much as I do, you will probably enjoy these breakfast ideas: Blueberry and Açai Smoothie Bowl, Simple Raspberry or Açai Smoothie Jars
Needed
- Banana, spinach, frozen açai (or açai powder), strawberries
- Cacao powder, protein powder, oat flour
- Almond mik and almond butter (both are easy to make at home and are perfect for this and other recipes)
How to make this Açai Smoothie
Meal Prep:
This is an optional step – it allows you pre-prepare one or more smoothies in advance and keep them in the freezer until ready to blend and drink. Check my other recipes so you make a variety of smoothies.
First, choose the freezer-safe container that you’d like to store your smoothie in. You can use glass containers, silicone bags, or even mason jars.
Measure the required amounts of the oat flour (optional) and protein powder and add it to the container.
Add the spinach and frozen banana. Make sure to slice the banana before it freezes.
Add the strawberry and frozen acai packet. You can use fresh strawberries or frozen berries.
Close the container tightly and freeze.
Please note that we are not freezing the almond milk and almond butter with the rest of the ingredients. We will add them directly to the blender when ready to make the smoothie.
Blending the smoothie:
Add the almond milk and almond butter in your blender/food processor.
Then, add the rest of the ingredients.
Blend till smooth. The smoothie is best consumed immediately.
You can add ice cubes to help keep it fresh for longer.
If you serve it in a bowl, you can add extra topping. I sometimes add dragon fruit balls and edible flowers.
If you have any leftover smoothie, you can freeze them in ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Then just let thaw and enjoy or add to your next smoothie.
Cacao Acai Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 2 tBsp açai powder or 1 frozen pack
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tBsp cacao powder
- 1 tBsp protein powder optional
- 1 cup almond milk Double the amount if making smoothie jar
- 1 tBsp almond butter
- 1 tBsp oat flour optional
Instructions
- Add the almond milk and almond butter in your blender/food processor.
- Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Blend till smooth. The smoothie is best consumed immediately.
- If making a smoothie bowl, you can add your choice of toppings.*
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Where do you find frozen acia packets from? Or do you make your own?
They are available in most major supermarkets here. However, you could also make your own and freeze them in an ice-cube tray to portion them 🙂
Acai!!! How could I not have known! Love this feature, Samira! Happy Morning!
Dee xx.