Acai Banana Smoothie (With Frozen Acai Packs)
This acai banana smoothie blends a packet of frozen acai with a ripe banana, mixed berries and a splash of plant milk into a thick, deep purple drink in about 5 minutes. The banana does the sweetening, so there’s no added sugar, and it’s dairy-free and vegan.
Acai had a big moment a few years ago, and then everyone forgot it’s just a really nice frozen berry. This smoothie is how I actually use it: blended with banana for creaminess, as something good to drink before a busy morning. Use frozen acai packs rather than powder if you can find them; the texture is night and day. Banana does the sweetening, so you don’t need to add anything else.
Frozen Acai Packs vs. Acai Powder
Frozen acai comes in flat 3.5 oz (100 g) packets of unsweetened puree, usually in the freezer aisle next to the frozen berries. Run the packet under warm water for a few seconds, break it into chunks and drop it straight into the blender. It gives the smoothie its body and the deepest color.
Freeze-dried acai powder is the backup: 1 tablespoon replaces one packet. The flavor is there, but the smoothie comes out thinner, so add an extra handful of frozen berries. Check the label either way; some packs are sweetened, and then you really don’t need the maple syrup.
Getting the Texture Right
Frozen fruit is what makes it thick without ice, which only waters it down. If your banana is fresh, use frozen berries; if both are fresh, add a few ice cubes or chill the smoothie before serving. Start with ¾ cup (175 ml) of liquid and add more only if the blender struggles.
- Drinkable: the full ¾ cup of plant milk, juice or water, as in the photos.
- Smoothie bowl: half the liquid, a frozen banana, and granola, sliced fruit and seeds on top.
- More filling: a spoon of nut butter, a scoop of protein powder, or a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds.
- Greens: a small handful of baby spinach disappears into the purple.
Make-Ahead Freezer Packs
Smoothies taste best right after blending, but the prep can be done days ahead. Put the sliced banana, the berries and the acai packet in a freezer bag; in the morning, tip everything into the blender with the liquid. Leftover smoothie keeps in a closed jar in the fridge for up to a day; shake it before drinking.
For more blended drinks, see the green smoothie recipe collection, try the banana breakfast smoothie, or learn how to make smoothie bowls.
Acai Banana Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
- Glass
Ingredients
- 1 packet acai puree frozen, unsweetened, 3.5 oz (100 g), or 1 tbsp acai powder
- 1 banana ripe, frozen for a thicker smoothie
- 1 cup mixed berries frozen
- ¾ cup plant milk or juice or water
- 1 tsp maple syrup optional, or agave
Instructions
- Add the acai, banana, berries, and liquid to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and thick, scraping down as needed.
- Taste and add a little maple syrup only if needed.
- Add more liquid for a drinkable smoothie or less for a thick smoothie bowl.
- Pour into a glass or bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
Acai Smoothie Questions
Acai tastes like a mild, earthy berry, somewhere between a blackberry and unsweetened dark chocolate. It is not very sweet on its own, which is why it pairs so well with a ripe banana.
Yes. Use a tablespoon of freeze-dried acai powder in place of a puree packet, and add extra frozen berries for color and thickness. Adjust the liquid to reach the consistency you like.
Yes. Use ½ cup (80 g) of frozen mango or a few soaked cashews for creaminess, and add a little maple syrup, since the banana is what sweetens it.
Yes, as long as you use plant milk, juice or water and sweeten it, if needed, with maple syrup or agave rather than honey. It is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Use a frozen banana and frozen berries, and add just a small splash of liquid. Blend until thick and scoopable, then top with granola, fruit and seeds.
It is best fresh, but you can keep freezer packs of banana, berries and acai ready so it blends in seconds. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to a day; shake or re-blend before drinking.
