Acai Bowls: The Hype & My Favorite Places

Ok let’s talk about a hot topic really quickly— Açaí Bowls. They have been a go-to breakfast or snack of mine for a while because you can pack so many nutrients into one beautiful bowl. The beauty of these bowls is the creativity in making them taste delicious. You get to decide whichever toppings you want and how much, it's complete customization to your liking regarding taste, texture, quantity, and quality. While I enjoy making them at home, I also have a few places that I love to treat myself to when I have a craving.

Usually when I’m making my own Açaí bowl, I have a couple of staple ingredients: Açaí, spinach, collagen, nut butter, and almond milk. I then add in either frozen cauliflower or zucchini if I want it thicker; those vegetables also add more fiber and nutrients, but without taste. I’ll throw in some berries if I want it sweeter, which are usually blueberries or strawberries. I’ll choose a tropical fruit to mix things up, such as pineapple, banana, or peach. For the nut butter it’s always a toss-up between almond butter and peanut butter, but sometimes it’s both :) Duh. As for the toppings, this can really depend too. My favorite ones and usually my staples are more nut butter (I'm a pb lover), coconut, and more berries. I’m not a huge granola person, but if I am feeling it then I'll add some Purely Elizabeth on top!

Now that you know I'm a hunter for thick, creamy, nutritious, fruity, and delicious Açaí bowls, I’ll give you some awesome places to get your own bowl. I understand that these places might not be accessible to some people because of their location or cost and if that’s the case, I personally think it’s more fun to recreate them in your own kitchen with the ingredients that you love! I totally understand that a good Açaí bowl can be pricey, but making them yourself can be very cost efficient with minimal ingredients— and just as tasty!

My two all time favorite places to get an açaí bowl are South Block in Northern Virginia and Franklin Juice Co. in Nashville, TN.

Both of these hot spots are only local to their hometown cities, which is a bummer. South Block is only located in the DC area, while Franklin Juice Co. is only located in TN however if you're ever in those locations— add this to your list of places to stop! My love for both places blossomed when I ordered my bowl and I realized how thick and fluffy they were. They also offer a great portion, which means you get the best bang for your buck. The toppings are also a huge factor in the ranking process because when those are good, the entire bowl is dreamy. I also love places that let you substitute certain toppings with what you prefer because customization is becoming a huge and needed thing these days.

South block is known for their mother load of toppings on their dense Açaí bowls. I love them. I try to stop in whenever I am home. I have tried almost all of their bowls, but my favorite one is the pb&j bowl, for obvious reasons. For a lighter taste I will go with either the Aqua bowl that is made with coconut water rather than a nut milk and has coconut shavings on top. For a tangier taste, I will get the Warrior bowl that is made with pineapple juice. Each of their bowls have different toppings ranging from fresh fruit to coconut shavings to house made granola (you can substitute for their power see grain-free mix), and nut butters.

They also have a wide range of smoothies— tons of green ones too! They give you the option to turn any smoothie into a bowl by choosing your own toppings. Whichever bowl I order, I almost always add a scoop of collagen and spinach to blend in. The pricing isn't terrible either, considering the size of the bowls that you get. They're huge! It's the most rewarding treat after a good Orange Theory session, usually with my mom. In fact, South Block just released a new "mini" bowl size for those that can't handle the big boys (I'm not one of those people).  I'm telling you, it's a magical place with superfood ingredients and you leave feeling refueled and refreshed.

Franklin Juice Company is another gem that I discovered when I visited one of my college friends who lives in Nashville. We went the morning I was heading back to Memphis after a long night of festivities. A smoothie bowl was the best sounding thing to give my life and refreshment for my drive home. AMAZING is more like it. Their menu is a little limited, but anything you order is just purely delicious. They offer a "recommended" superfood for each bowl, with an additional cost. They give you a good portion of smoothie, but also a healthy portion of toppings. And when I say healthy, I mean hearty. If you're the type that loves nut butter oozing out of your smoothie bowl and enough toppings to fill one spoonful, then this is your place!

I also try to stop here whenever I am in Nashville. They have two locations in the city, but if on they would expand! They're pricing is reasonable for the size you get. You can choose between S, M, and L. I've only ever gotten the Small, but I've found that a Medium gives you more bang for your buck, but also plenty to keep you full for a while after. I switch up my order every time I go. I'd say that The Big Island is the most popular, but they're all good. I personally really like the BomBom and the Standard because of the toppings. The base of all of the bowls are pretty much the same: Açaí, bananas, strawberries, and apple juice. There may be a few add-ins to make them different, but generally it's the toppings that get you to make your final decision.

Even if you make your own Açaí bowl, have fun with it! Make it nutrient dense, delicious, and pretty (or not because no one is watching). If you do get the chance to hit up my two fav spots for an Açaí fix, let me know! Can't wait to see your pics.

stay vibrant

Lindsay