28 Tasty Acai Bowl Toppings (Upgrade Your Acai Bowls)

As a fan of healthy and delicious food, acai bowls have become a staple in my diet.

For those unfamiliar, acai bowls are a blended mixture of acai berries, fruit, and other ingredients, typically served in a bowl and topped with a variety of nutritious ingredients.

In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 28 favorite acai bowl toppings, divided into categories like grains, fruits, berries, nuts and seeds, sweeteners, dairy and dairy alternatives, and extras.

Whether you’re a seasoned acai bowl lover or just looking for new topping ideas, I hope you’ll find this article helpful.

So, let’s dive in!

Why Upgrade Your Acai Bowl with Toppings?

There are several reasons why upgrading your acai bowl with toppings can be a great idea. Here are five detailed reasons why:

1. Boost the Nutritional Value

Acai berries are a superfood that is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. However, acai puree on its own may not provide all the nutrients that your body needs. Adding toppings like frozen fruit, such as frozen strawberries or other frozen fruits, can increase the nutritional value of your acai bowl. These fruits are also packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

2. Add More Flavor and Texture

While acai puree is delicious on its own, adding toppings can make your recipe more interesting and enjoyable. Frozen fruit like frozen strawberries can add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the acai berry’s earthy taste. The texture of the toppings, such as crunchy granola or smooth nut butter, can also enhance the overall eating experience.

3. Satisfy Cravings

Acai bowls can be a great healthy alternative to satisfy your sweet cravings. Adding toppings can make your recipe more filling and satisfying, helping you avoid snacking on unhealthy foods. For example, adding granola can give your acai bowl a satisfying crunch that will keep you full for longer.

4. Experiment with Healthy Recipes

Acai bowls are very versatile and can be customized with various toppings to create different flavors and textures. You can experiment with different healthy recipes and find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Adding frozen fruit or granola is just the beginning, and the possibilities are endless.

5. Make a Smoothie

If you have extra acai puree and toppings, you can easily turn them into a smoothie. Simply add the acai puree, frozen fruit, and any other toppings into a blender, and blend until smooth. You can enjoy your delicious and healthy smoothie on the go or as a meal replacement.

In conclusion, adding toppings to your acai bowl can enhance its nutritional value, flavor, and texture, satisfy your cravings, allow for experimentation with healthy recipes, and create a delicious and healthy smoothie. So, get creative and try different toppings to take your acai bowl to the next level!

28 Tasty Acai Bowl Toppings

Grains

Granola

Granola is a type of cereal made from rolled oats, nuts, and other ingredients such as honey or dried fruit.

It is usually eaten as a breakfast cereal or snack food.

Granola is often used as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, and acai bowls.

It can also be added to salads for crunch and flavor.

Granola can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

For an extra crunchy texture, try baking the granola in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned and crisp.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple made from oats that have been rolled, crushed, or steel-cut.

It’s often cooked with water or milk and can be flavored with ingredients like honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruit.

Oats are a great source of fiber and protein and are known to help lower cholesterol levels.

Oatmeal can be enjoyed in many different ways.

It’s often served as a hot cereal for breakfast but can also be used to make oatcakes, granola bars, muffins, pancakes or even smoothies!

You can also add oatmeal to soups or stews for extra texture and flavor.

Oats are also an excellent addition to acai bowls as they provide a nice crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the acai base.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious grain-like seed that has become popular in recent years.

It is gluten-free and high in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Quinoa also contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.

Quinoa can be enjoyed hot or cold and can be used as a substitute for rice, couscous, or bulgur wheat. It is often served with vegetables and herbs as part of a salad or side dish.

Quinoa can also be cooked into porridge for breakfast or added to soups and stews for extra nutrition. Additionally, quinoa flakes can be used to make pancakes or waffles.

For an acai bowl topping, try toasting some quinoa in the oven until lightly golden brown before sprinkling over your bowl!

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a small, round seed that is native to Mexico and Guatemala.

They are packed with nutrients and have a mild nutty flavor.

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, antioxidants and vitamins.

Chia seeds can be used as a topping for acai bowls or other smoothie bowls.

They can also be added to oatmeal or yogurt for extra crunch and nutrition.

Chia pudding is another popular way to enjoy chia seeds – simply soak them overnight in milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative and top with your favorite fruits or nuts.

You can also add them to baked goods such as muffins or cookies for an extra boost of nutrition!

Fruits & Berries

Bananas

Bananas are a type of fruit that grows in tropical climates.

They come in many different varieties, from small, sweet bananas to large and starchy plantains.

Bananas are usually curved or curved-like with yellow skin when ripe, though they can also be green or red depending on the variety.

Bananas are popular as a snack food but can also be used in baking and cooking.

They can be mashed into banana breads and cakes, pureed for sauces and smoothies, sliced onto oatmeal or cereal, or even fried with butter for a delicious breakfast dish.

Bananas are also often enjoyed fresh as is – simply peeled and eaten!

Strawberries

Strawberries are a sweet and juicy fruit that is enjoyed all over the world.

They are small, red berries with seeds on the outside, and they have a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart.

Strawberries can be used in a variety of ways in cooking and baking.

They are often eaten fresh as a snack or dessert, added to salads for an extra burst of flavor, or cooked into jams and jellies.

Strawberries also make great toppings for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, ice cream sundaes and acai bowls!

They can also be blended into smoothies or juices for an extra boost of sweetness.

Blueberries

Blueberries are small, round fruits that range in color from light blue to deep purple.

They have a sweet flavor and a juicy texture, making them an excellent addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Blueberries can be enjoyed fresh or frozen, as well as cooked into sauces and jams.

They are often used in baking recipes such as muffins, pancakes, pies, cakes, and cobblers.

Blueberries also make a great topping for oatmeal or yogurt bowls.

The berries can also be added to salads for extra flavor and crunch.

For more savory dishes like pork chops or chicken breasts, try adding blueberry sauce for sweetness and depth of flavor.

Mangoes

Mangoes are a sweet and juicy tropical fruit with a unique flavor.

They have an oblong shape, yellow-orange skin, and bright orange flesh.

The flesh is soft and creamy, with a large pit in the center.

Mangoes are often eaten fresh as a snack or dessert, but they can also be used in cooking to add sweetness and flavor to savory dishes.

Mangoes can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

When eaten raw, mangoes can be peeled and sliced into wedges for snacking or added to salads for extra sweetness.

Cooked mangoes are often used in chutneys, salsas, sauces, jams and marmalades.

They can also be pureed for use in smoothies or frozen desserts like sorbet or ice cream.

In addition to being used as an ingredient in recipes, mangoes make a delicious topping for smoothie bowls or acai bowls!

Raspberries

Raspberries are an aggregate fruit, meaning they are made up of many small drupelets that grow on a single core.

They are sweet and tart in flavor, with a juicy texture.

Raspberries come in several varieties, including black, purple and golden raspberries.

Raspberries can be enjoyed fresh or frozen.

They make a great addition to smoothies and yogurt bowls, as well as desserts such as pies and tarts.

They also pair nicely with other fruits like blueberries in salads or parfaits.

In savory dishes, raspberries can add balance to the dish by providing sweetness to contrast salty flavors.

Try them atop grilled meats or fish for a unique twist!

Blackberries

Blackberries are dark purple, juicy and sweet berries that belong to the Rubus genus of plants.

They have a unique flavor that is both tart and sweet, making them popular for use in desserts like pies and cobblers.

Blackberries are also highly nutritious.

Blackberries can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

They make a great addition to smoothies, salads, fruit salads, jams, jellies and sauces.

For baking purposes they can be used in muffins, cakes, tarts or crumbles.

Roasting blackberries brings out their natural sweetness and makes them perfect for topping ice cream or yogurt bowls.

Additionally, they can be used to make syrups or cordials which can then be added to cocktails or mocktails for extra flavor.

Goji berries

Goji berries are small, red-orange fruits that have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine.

They are native to the Himalayas and Tibet and have a sweet, tangy flavor.

Goji berries can be eaten raw or cooked as part of many dishes.

They can be added to smoothies or oatmeal for a nutritious start to your day.

You can also sprinkle them on salads or mix them into yogurt or granola for a delicious snack.

For dinner, try adding goji berries to stir fries or soups for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.

Goji berries can also be dried and enjoyed as a snack on their own; they make great additions to trail mixes too!

Cranberries

Cranberries are a type of tart, red berry that grow on low-lying shrubs or vines.

They are native to North America and have been used for centuries by Native Americans for their medicinal properties.

The berries are harvested in the fall and can be eaten fresh or dried, sweetened or unsweetened.

Cranberries can be enjoyed raw, cooked, juiced, preserved as jam or jelly, added to sauces and salads, baked in breads and muffins, made into juice drinks and smoothies, mixed into oatmeal and yogurt bowls.

Dried cranberries add flavor to trail mix recipes as well as granola bars.

You can also use them to make a delicious cranberry sauce for your holiday meals.

Nuts & Seeds

Almonds

Almonds are a type of tree nut that is widely consumed around the world.

They have a crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor.

Almonds can be eaten raw or roasted and are used in many dishes as an ingredient, topping, or garnish.

Almonds can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or chopped up and added to salads for extra crunch.

They also make great toppings for oatmeal or yogurt bowls, smoothie bowls, and acai bowls.

Toasted almonds add flavor to stir-fries and other savory dishes, while almond flour is often used in baking recipes such as muffins and cakes.

Ground almonds can also be used to thicken sauces such as pesto sauce or béchamel sauce.

Peanuts

Peanuts are a type of legume, related to beans and lentils.

They are small and round with a thin brown skin and creamy white interior.

Peanuts can be eaten raw or roasted and have a nutty flavor that is popular in many cuisines around the world.

Peanuts are often used as an ingredient in sauces, dressings, soups, stir-fries, curries, desserts, salads, snacks and more.

They can also be added to baked goods such as cookies or muffins for extra crunchiness.

Peanuts can also be ground into peanut butter or roasted and salted for snacking on their own.

For acai bowls specifically, peanuts provide a great crunchy topping with their nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet fruits like bananas or strawberries.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are the edible seed of the sunflower plant, which is native to North America.

They have a hard shell and a soft white kernel inside.

Sunflower seeds are high in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Sunflower seeds can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or sprinkled over salads or yogurt for an added crunch.

They can also be used to make pesto or hummus for a flavorful dip.

Roasted and salted sunflower seeds are popularly used as toppings on breads, muffins, cupcakes and other baked goods.

They can also be added to granola bars or trail mix for an extra crunchy texture.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are the edible seeds of a pumpkin or other squash-like fruits.

They are flat and oval in shape with a white hull surrounding a green inner seed.

Pumpkin seeds have a mild nutty flavor and crunchy texture that makes them popular for snacking and adding to recipes.

Pumpkin seeds can be used whole, chopped, ground into flour, or pressed for oil.

They can be eaten raw or roasted for added flavor and crunch.

Roasted pumpkin seeds make an excellent snack on their own or mixed with dried fruit and nuts.

They can also be added to salads, soups, oatmeal, yogurt bowls, smoothies, granola bars, energy balls and trail mix.

Ground pumpkin seed flour is great for baking breads and muffins as well as making sauces like pesto or dressings like tahini sauce.

Sweeteners

Honey

Honey is a sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees and some related insects.

It is composed mostly of sugars and water, with trace amounts of proteins, minerals, vitamins and enzymes.

The flavor of honey depends on the types of flowers from which the bees collected nectar.

Honey can be used as a sweetener for foods such as oatmeal or yogurt, added to baked goods such as cakes or cookies for sweetness and moistness, or drizzled over toast or pancakes.

It can also be used in sauces or dressings to add sweetness and depth of flavor.

Honey can also be heated slightly to make it easier to pour over desserts like ice cream or cheesecake.

Agave nectar

Agave nectar is a sweetener made from the agave plant, which is native to Mexico.

It has a mild and slightly fruity flavor and it is often used as an alternative to sugar or honey in recipes.

Agave nectar can be used in place of sugar or honey in many recipes such as cakes, cookies, pies, muffins, and other baked goods.

It can also be used to sweeten beverages such as coffee and tea.

Additionally, agave nectar can be added to smoothies for extra sweetness without adding too much sugar.

It can also be drizzled over oatmeal or yogurt for added sweetness without the additional calories of refined sugars.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup is a thick, sweet syrup made from the sap of maple trees.

It ranges in color from light amber to dark brown, and has a distinct flavor with notes of caramel and molasses.

Maple syrup is most commonly used as a topping for pancakes and waffles, but it can also be used to sweeten other breakfast dishes such as oatmeal or French toast.

It can also be added to recipes for baked goods like muffins or cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.

In savory dishes, maple syrup adds depth of flavor when glazing meats or vegetables.

It is often mixed with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to create flavorful sauces or marinades.

Maple syrup can also be used in cocktails and mocktails for a unique twist on classic drinks like margaritas and mojitos.

Coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener made from the sap of coconut palm trees.

It has a light brown color, similar to that of brown sugar, and a mild caramel flavor.

It is much lower in calories than white sugar and contains some nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.

Coconut sugar can be used as an alternative to regular white or brown sugar in baking recipes.

Its distinct flavor makes it ideal for adding sweetness to desserts like cookies and cakes.

It can also be used to make syrups or sauces with a hint of sweetness.

Additionally, coconut sugar can be added to coffee or tea for a delicious treat without all the calories of traditional sugars.

Dairy & Dairy Alternatives

Yogurt

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacteria.

It has a thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor.

The bacteria used to make yogurt are called “yogurt cultures,” which convert the lactose in the milk into lactic acid.

This process creates the distinctive sour taste of yogurt while also preserving it for longer periods of time.

Yogurt can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal.

It’s often used as an ingredient in sauces, dips, dressings, soups and stews.

In baking, it can be used to replace some or all of the butter or oil in recipes for cakes, muffins and other treats.

It’s also a great topping for acai bowls – just mix plain Greek yogurt with honey and your favorite fruit!

Coconut yogurt

Coconut yogurt is a dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt.

It is made from coconut milk, which is blended with probiotic cultures to give it a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Coconut yogurt can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

It’s delicious as a topping for acai bowls, smoothie bowls, or oatmeal.

You can also use it as an alternative to sour cream on tacos or nachos.

For those looking for a healthier option, you can substitute coconut yogurt for mayonnaise in salads and other recipes.

It also makes a great dip for fruits and vegetables!

Almond milk

Almond milk is a plant-based beverage made from almonds that has been ground, soaked in water, and then strained.

It is creamy and slightly sweet in flavor with a nutty aroma.

Almond milk can be used as an alternative to dairy or other plant-based milks such as soy or coconut.

Almond milk can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, coffee, tea, and more.

It can also be used in baking recipes instead of cow’s milk for a vegan option.

Additionally, almond milk makes a great base for making homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Soy milk

Soy milk is a plant-based beverage made from soybeans.

It has a mild flavor and creamy texture, similar to dairy milk.

Soy milk is high in protein and calcium, and it can be used as an alternative to cow’s milk in many recipes.

Soy milk can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in smoothies, oatmeal, coffee drinks, soups, sauces, baked goods, and more.

It also makes a great topping for acai bowls!

For those looking for a dairy-free option without sacrificing taste or nutrition, soy milk is an excellent choice.

Extras

Chocolate chips

Chocolate chips are small chunks of chocolate, usually semi-sweet or dark, that are used to add flavor and texture to baked goods like cookies, cakes, muffins and breads.

They can also be added to other desserts such as ice cream sundaes or frozen yogurt.

Chocolate chips can be used in a variety of ways.

• They can be melted and drizzled over the top of an acai bowl for a sweet crunchy topping.
• They can also be mixed into the base for a delicious swirl of sweetness. Chocolate chips are great for adding texture to oatmeal or granola bowls too!
• You could even sprinkle them on top of pancakes or waffles for a special treat.

Cacao nibs

Cacao nibs are pieces of crushed cocoa beans, and they’re the purest form of chocolate you can get.

They have a crunchy texture and a bitter taste, but when added to other ingredients they provide an intense chocolate flavor.

Cacao nibs can be used in many different ways.

• They are often sprinkled on top of smoothie bowls or yogurt bowls for an extra crunch and boost of flavor.
• They can also be used as a topping for oatmeal or granola, stirred into trail mix, or added to homemade energy bars.
• For baking purposes, cacao nibs can be used as an alternative to chocolate chips – just add them in at the end of mixing so that their crunch is preserved.
• Finally, cacao nibs can be blended with liquid ingredients like milk or nut butter to make delicious hot chocolates and mochas!

Coconut flakes

Coconut flakes are made from the meat of dried coconut.

The flakes are thin, sweet and crunchy, making them a popular topping for desserts, salads and breakfast bowls.

Coconut flakes can be used to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.

• They can be used as a topping on oatmeal or yogurt parfaits, sprinkled over smoothie bowls or mixed into granola bars.
• They’re also great in baked goods like cookies, cakes and muffins.
• Coconut flakes can also be added to savory dishes such as curries or stir-fries for an extra nutty flavor.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a creamy spread made from ground roasted peanuts.

It has a nutty flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Peanut butter is high in protein and fat, making it an ideal topping for acai bowls.

• Peanut butter can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other ingredients such as honey, jam, or chocolate chips for added sweetness.
• It also makes a great addition to smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, toast, and ice cream.
• Peanut butter can also be used as an ingredient in sauces and dressings for salads or stir-fries.
• For those who are vegan or have allergies to dairy products, peanut butter can be used as a substitute for cheese in recipes such as macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches.

FAQ

What do you put on top of a Smoothie Bowl?

Smoothie bowls are very versatile, and you can put a variety of toppings on them. Here are some popular options:

• Fresh fruit slices such as bananas, strawberries, or blueberries
• Nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds
• Granola, muesli, or toasted oats for some crunch
• Nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter
• Coconut flakes, cacao nibs, or dark chocolate chips for some added sweetness

Does peanut butter go on acai bowls?

Yes, peanut butter is a popular topping for acai bowls. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, and it adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the acai bowl. However, if you have a nut allergy or are trying to avoid peanuts, you can substitute with other nut butter alternatives like almond butter or cashew butter.

Are acai bowls healthy for weight loss?

Acai bowls can be a healthy option for weight loss when consumed in moderation and with the right toppings. Acai berries are low in sugar and high in antioxidants, which can help with weight loss. However, some acai bowl recipes may contain added sugar or high-calorie toppings like granola or honey, which can make them less healthy for weight loss.

To make a healthy acai bowl for weight loss, choose toppings that are low in calories and sugar, such as fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds. It’s also important to be mindful of portion sizes and not consume too many calories in one sitting. Additionally, incorporating exercise and maintaining a balanced diet is essential for healthy weight loss.