Acai bowls have become all the rage, but what, exactly, do they consist of?
Acai does not contain milk, but acai bowls usually mix different ingredients to create the desired consistency and flavor. There is no set way to create an acai bowl, which means it may or may not contain milk, depending on how the bowl is made.
Let’s dive into what ingredients acai bowls may contain, when they have milk, and whether or not they can be considered vegan or dairy free.
Do Acai Bowls Contain Milk?
Many acai bowls are made with milk to achieve the smooth consistency customers look for. This milk could be from animals or plants.
Alternatively, acai puree could be mixed with coconut water or regular water.
The chosen liquid depends on the store, restaurant, or individual making the bowl.
Your best bet is to make your own acai bowl at home or to ask the store employee whether or not the bowl contains milk.
If you want to make your own acaii bowl, there are plenty of recipes online. One of my favorites is this one from FullyRawKristina!
What Ingredients Do Acai Bowls Have?
At the center of every acai bowl is an acai puree.
The acai berry comes from Brazil and has a tropical, sweet taste. Since the berry ripens quickly, most acai is sold as a frozen fruit puree.
The acai puree is then blended with a liquid – usually milk or water – to achieve the consistency of a thick smoothie.
This is the base of the acai bowl.
Then, you can add your preferred ingredients to make an acai bowl to your liking.
Some popular additions to acai bowls are berries, fruit, nuts, granola, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and more.
Do Acai Bowls Contain Dairy?
If your acai bowl has been mixed with cow’s milk, it will contain dairy.
You can avoid dairy if you opt for plant-based milk or water instead (I use almond milk).
Many additions to an acai bowl can also contain dairy.
Look out for toppings like chocolate, yogurt bites mixed in granola, and chocolate-based spreads like Nutella.
When Do Acai Bowls Contain Dairy?
Acai bowls contain dairy if one or more ingredients come from milk.
Just because you hear the word “milk” doesn’t automatically mean it has dairy.
Plenty of plant-based milk like oat, almond, and coconut are not dairy products and make excellent substitutes in acai bowls.
Are Acai Bowls Vegan?
Acai itself is vegan, as it’s made only from one type of berry.
On the other hand, Acai bowls can include many different ingredients and will only be vegan if the toppings are fruit-based.
You can make acai bowls at home and choose vegan and dairy-free ingredients. Many acai bowl shops will also offer vegan options.
Final Thoughts
Acai bowls are a trend that here’s to stay. With a strong tropical flavor and plenty of nutritional benefits, you can create your acai bowl with plenty of topping options to meet your preferences.
Are you avoiding animal-based milk? No problem! Make an acai bowl with or without dairy to create the right flavor for you.
