The acai aesthetic

Acai bowls have been on our radar for the last 25 years, gaining popularity in the early 2000’s and experiencing a resurgence in popularity more recently in 2023. But, what makes this superfruit so viral that everyone was posting about it?

It’s through this decorative, artistic license that the consumer, the creator, and the person consuming the content posted begin to desire their pretty-fied breakfast which will keep them full of nutrients

The acai berry fruit comes from the Amazonian region of Brazil. It contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants, is rich in healthy fats, and is a source of fibre. The acai bowl trend then popularised the berry pulp frozen in a smooth texture similar to a soft scoop or frozen yoghurt. The trend then capitalised on the health benefits, and with fitness influencers promoting the aesthetic bowls and toppings, the acai bowl became an Instagrammable must-have. It became an aesthetic. It was a way for influencers and other users alike to almost boast about their beautifully healthy breakfasts, while also having people drool over having and creating one of their own.

What makes it so aesthetic, then? The pinkish purpleness of the berry pulp instantly gives the acai bowl an elevated, pretty quality, combined with the vibrant array of fruits, which creates a tropical-holiday vibe. There’s also an art to the shaping and lines made in the way the seeds and various toppings decorate the bowl with symmetry and artistry. It’s through this decorative, artistic license that the consumer, the creator, and the person consuming the content posted begin to desire their pretty-fied breakfast which will keep them full of nutrients. And there you have the acai aesthetic ready to post on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. You could even film a ‘build my acai bowl with me’ style of content, which can bring followers in the process.

It was in 2016 that we saw the rise of brands like Oakberry expanding internationally, offering acai bowls and smoothies on the menu with a build-your-own factor, allowing customers to choose from a variety of sauces, fruits, granola, cereal, seeds, and a vast array of toppings. These days, you can choose from varying sizes and opt for a bowl or smoothie, which in turn offers selective choices of toppings.

In Leamington Spa, you can order one at the likes of Grounded Kitchen, as well as many other brunch locations, whilst London is full of them, from Oakberry to Acai Girls

In Lisbon, on my year abroad, I did not shy away from the acai culture and leaned in headfirst. I tried and mixed up variations of topping from healthy to the unhealthiest. My go-to order became: an acai bowl with dulce de leche or condensed milk as the sauce, frozen mango, lemon and honey granola, and strawberries, but I also occasionally switched out the granola for Oreo chunks. If I were to go unhealthy, I added no fruit and included Oreo chunks, KitKat cereal (which was a firm favourite of mine in Lisbon), and chocolate granola, which could be considered healthy but is undermined by the first two.

I also liked that you always got your acai portable in a bowl or smoothie, which you could eat or sip as you go about town. Especially this summer season, it’s also nice to know that supermarkets like Sainsbury’s are also selling frozen acai tubs near your favourite ice creams so that you can buy and build your bowl at home. In Leamington Spa, you can order one at the likes of Grounded Kitchen, as well as many other brunch locations, whilst London is full of them, from Oakberry to Acai Girls.

Speaking of acai girls, many famous faces such as Meghan Markle, Camila Mendes (of Riverdale), Kim Kardashian, and Gwenyth Paltrow have reviewed and made content around the acai aesthetic as they make and taste different variations of the acai bowl curations. Athletes such as Usain Bolt, David Beckham, and tennis champion Aryna Sabalenka also endorse acai as a pre-workout power-up.