There has been a lot of buzz recently about so-called superfoods. You can find list after list online about what they are and what they claim to do for your body and health. A super food is classified, basically, as a food that offers exceptional nutritional value for the per serving calories that it contains.
One of those super foods is the acai berry which is found to grow in Amazonian rain forests. These berries grow near the tops of pine trees in clusters and is not the easiest of fruits to harvest. The berries are believed to provide a burst of energy and has long been a popular addition to smoothies and juices. The fruit has a flavor that has been described as a combination of a fruity red wine with chocolate overtones, and much like some wines it is believed that those tiny berries contain powerful antioxidants, perhaps double that of blueberries and ten times what is found in grapes.
If you are looking to add acai berries into your dietary rotation, there are some great spots in your neighborhood serving up this super fruit in some delightful combinations So gather up the energy you do have and seek out these acai bowls when you feel you are in need of an extra boost!
5 Great Acai Bowls in Scottsdale
Grabbagreen
15689 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
480.991.9901
Grabbagreen covers pretty much any food craving you could have and makes sure that however you choose to indulge you’re getting serious quality ingredients with the most nutritional value. Their entire menu is based on superfood ingredients and covers all your needs; breakfast, lunch and dinner all the while ensuring that all customers are taken care of despite their dietary needs.
What to Order: Amazonia Acai Cup
If you are on the go and in need of some quick energy, the Amazonia cup is just what your doctor ordered! The combination of acai, banana, cacao, granola and a touch of honey will get you moving in no time. The addition of cacao in this cup really brings out the chocolate undertones of the acai berry and it’s no surprise that banana and chocolate marry well together. The cup is topped with fresh sliced bananas, granola and the perfect drizzle of honey.
Kale & Clover
20511 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
480.568.8707
Kale & Clover cares about your health and wants to make getting a healthy start, boost of finish to your day quick and accessible. Although some menu descriptions might read as so decadent they can’t possibly be healthy, the entire menu is based on healthy ingredients and preparation with leads to healthy choices.
What to Order: Acai Bowl from Breakfast Menu
This beautiful bowl is a tantalizing combination of acai puree, soy milk, banana, blueberries, housemade granola and agave for natural sweetness. The refined flavors, unadulterated by chemicals or complicated concoctions allow their purity and essence to truly shine leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
Kaleidoscope Juice
7119 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale
480.980.8677
Kaleidoscope Juice was built on the principle that the quality of our lives are based on the quality of the energy that we hold within our thoughts and the foods that we take into our bodies. Every ingredient that goes into the menu offerings is selected with thoughtfulness to their potential enrichment to your body. They offer baked goods, smoothies, salads, bulletproof coffee, sandwiches, burritos, bowls and more. If you’re overwhelmed or looking for some direction, the staff are all highly educated and happy to guide you to the best choice.
What to Order: Acai Bowl
There is a lot going on in this bowl, and reading the list of ingredients you may think that all of the individual flavors would get lost, but this bowl is a little dish straight from heaven. The bowl is made up of (ready?) acai, bananas, raspberry, almond butter, brazil nuts, maca, coconut oil, cinnamon, liquid vitamins, hemp seeds and coconut water. After all of that is blended and made smooth it is then topped with bananas, a dragon fruit drizzle, house made hemp granola and shaved coconut. One bite and you will get transported to a tropical island; instantly relaxed, refreshed and ready to conquer your day!
The Neighborhood Treatery
20851 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480.419.7878
Whether you are looking to be a little good or a little bad, The Neighborhood Treatery has you covered. They serve a variety of smoothies, ice cream concoctions and other decadent dessert items like a dessert panini and pizookie. If you find yourself looking for a little healthy indulgence they also have 5 phenomenal acai bowls to choose from ranging from super healthy to a little sinful.
What to Order: Yin & Yang
This acai bowl is so unexpected and only a little naughty – that is if you think bacon is naughty. The bowl combines a tart acai sorbet combined with peanut butter, bananas, and almond milk. Its crown glory is a healthy mix of peanuts, banana and bacon. The sweet and salty combination tones down the tart flavors, leaving you with a hearty and comforting bowl of deliciousness.
Nekter Juice Bar
20553 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
480.771.3405
There are so many reasons to make a trip to Nekter, from the 3 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables you’ll find in each of their juices, to the excellent anti-inflammatory properties in each glass and the passion and dedication that all of their employees have to ensure that your experience is a great one. Any questions that you throw at them will be answered with a friendly smile and you’ll leave with a great product and an education on what you are taking into your body.
What to Order: PB Bowl
Nekter boasts three separate acai bowls, all highly addictive and delicious, making it close to impossible to choose a favorite. We selected the PB Bowl based on the added punch of, you guessed it, peanut butter. This bowl is jam packed with flavor and nutrition combining acai, banana, strawberries, dates, peanut butter along with a house made vanilla cashew milk. If that weren’t enough, the top it all off with a hemp seed granola, more bananas, strawberries and agave_wp_link_placeholder nectar for an additional touch of sweetness.
This article was originally featured in the April 2016 issue of So Scottsdale Magazine.