Acai is a great fruit with an earthy and tropical taste that perfectly complements all kinds of healthy foods with its rich, deep and complex taste described as a delectable mix of berry and chocolate.
One of the reasons why the taste of acai is so great is that it is incredibly versatile. Acai can be enjoyed in a variety of forms, from smoothie bowls and juices to frozen desserts and even cocktails. Its flavour pairs well with a range of other ingredients, including bananas, strawberries, nuts, and seeds, making it a great addition to all kinds of recipes.
While acai is a popular mainstay of all kinds of cafes and restaurants, you might have recently seen soft serve acai appearing on the menu. You’re probably thinking ‘is soft serve acai worth it, or should I stick with blended acai bowls?
We’re here to tell you that we think blended acai is still the best way to enjoy acai and, in this article, we’re going to tell you why!
What is Traditional Acai?
Traditional acai sachets are made from the fruit pulp of the acai berry that has been harvested, processed, and frozen either without any additives or with cane sugar and guarana to sweeten. It is typically sold as frozen packets or powder and can be used in a variety of ways; such as a base for smoothie and acai bowls, mixed with other fruits and toppings, or added to smoothies, yoghurt, or oatmeal.
This form of acai can also be used as an ingredient in baked goods or other recipes.
What is Soft Serve Acai?
Soft serve specific acai is a frozen dessert that is made from the pulp of the acai berry.
The pulp is often blended with other ingredients such as:
- Artificial sweeteners;
- Artificial syrups;
- Sugars
- Gums and,
- Colourings
The pulp is blended to help create a smooth, creamy texture that is similar to soft serve ice cream to be able to be used in a machine. The dessert is typically served in a cone or cup and may be topped with a variety of toppings such as granola, fresh fruit, and honey. Although soft serve acai can be convenient for businesses, it does not have the traditional flavouring of blended acai pulp.
What is the Difference Between Soft Serve Acai and Pure Acai (and why is pure acai better)?
The main difference between soft serve acai and pure acai is their consistency and ingredients. Acai from a sachets is often preferred to soft serve acai because it is a more natural form of the fruit. Pure acai is unprocessed and free from additives, making it a more wholesome option.
Soft serve acai can often contain added sugars, syrups, and other sweeteners, and sometimes milk and other ingredients to create a creamy texture. These added ingredients can detract from the nutritional value of acai and make it a less healthy option than pure acai.
Commonly sugars are highly prevalent in the soft serve option to allow it to flow smoothly through the soft serve machine. Pure acai freezes solid and therefore is not suitable for a soft serve machine. These added sugar or sugar alternatives can create a sickly sweet product which is inconsistent with the traditional flavour of Acai bowls.
Additionally, some brands of soft serve acai may use lower-quality acai pulp or add fillers to stretch the product, further reducing its quality.
Should cafes, juice bars, and restaurants use Soft Serve or Pure Acai?
Ultimately, the choice between Soft Serve and Pure Acai will depend on the goals of the business and the preferences of their target customer.
If the establishment’s focus is on offering authentic, healthy and nutritious menu items that cater to health-conscious customers, then traditional Acai is the better option.
How do I incorporate acai into my menu?
One of the best things about acai is that there are so many ways to use acai in your foods, including;
Acai bowls
Acai bowls are the most popular way to enjoy acai. You make them by blending frozen acai pulp with other frozen fruits, such as banana or berries, and a liquid such as coconut water or almond milk. The mixture is then topped with fresh fruit, granola, nuts, and other toppings. Not only do they look good, they also taste amazing.
Smoothies
Acai can also be added to smoothies for a boost of flavour. Simply blend frozen acai pulp with other fruits, vegetables, and a liquid such as coconut water or almond milk.
Acai juice
Acai juice is another way to enjoy the benefits of acai. Like with regular acai, it’s strongly recommended that you look for 100% pure acai juice without added sugars or preservatives.
How can an acai machine help me incorporate acai in my menu?
An acai machine (also known as an acai blender or acai mixer) is a type of blender designed to blend and puree frozen acai pulp into a smooth, creamy consistency that is ideal for use in smoothie bowls, smoothies, and other frozen desserts.
Acai machines are typically equipped with powerful motors and heavy-duty blades that can easily break down frozen acai pulp and other ingredients, such as frozen fruits and nuts. They often feature multiple speed settings and blending options.
They can be used in the home, as well as cafes, juice bars, and restaurants that have acai-related dishes on their menu. If you’re looking for an acai machine, it is important to choose a high-quality, durable model that can handle frequent use and heavy blending.
Where can I find the best acai products?
At Purple Foods, we provide high quality acai products that make for the perfect addition to your diet, including;
- Frozen acai sachets
- Scoopable sorbets
Not only do we stock high quality acai for home use, we also provide acai to the best cafes and restaurants around.
Contact us so you can start incorporating pure acai into your diet.