Açai ice cream is refreshing on a hot summer day! It’s also packed with antioxidants that support healthy aging.
It’s lower in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free alternative to traditional ice cream.
Check out the recipe below!
What is Açai?
Pronounced “Ah-sah-ee”, you can find this deep-colored purple berry in the palm açai trees in South and Central America.
Açai contains several nutrients, furthermore, it has more antioxidants than any other berry!
Harvested in large bunches, açai looks similar to grapes.
Remove the large pit inside the açai before eating. Soaking the fruit to soften the flesh and skin makes it easier to remove the pit.
Açai Taste
Açai has an earthy, bitter taste which doesn’t make for great-tasting ice cream.
Therefore, to achieve a sweet flavor and creamy texture, other frozen fruits are added
Health Benefits of Açai
Açai is an anti-aging superfood! Packed with antioxidants, açai protects our cells from “Inflammageing“.
“Inflammageing” describes the chronic, low-grade inflammation that occurs in the body as we age.
Chronic inflammation contributes to a variety of health conditions including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Include foods rich in antioxidants to reduce your risk of chronic disease, protect your brain, and promote healthier skin.
Where to Buy Frozen Açai
As mentioned above, this berry has a large pit and requires soaking to remove it.
Given this, in the United States, you will mainly find frozen or powdered Açai. I use these Sambozan Pure Unsweetened Frozen Açaí Packets.
Ready-to-Eat Açai Products
We may not always have the time to prepare our own açai ice cream. Thankfully there are some quick and easy options available too!
Costco carries this Acai Roots Organic Acai Sorbet.
Sam’s has these Member’s Mark Organic Acai Smoothie Bowls. These smoothie bowls contain a frozen açai mixture, plus an amazing nut & seed topping.
They’re a convenient option for a healthy breakfast or snack. Moreover, they’re packed with nutrients including fiber!
Ingredients in Açai Ice Cream
- Bananas. Peel your bananas, cut them into slices or chunks, and freeze them in a freezer bag.
- Blueberries. Freeze these antioxidant-rich berries in a freezer bag for ice cream, smoothies, and muffins.
- Strawberries. Cut the tops off these nutrient-dense berries and freeze them in a freezer bag.
- Almond milk. This is a dairy-free milk option. Use the milk you prefer. You will use very minimal milk for this recipe.
- Frozen açai packet. I’ve found frozen açai in most of the grocery stores in my area. Additionally, açai is available in powdered form. I prefer frozen packets for this ice cream.
Freezing Fruit Cuts Down on Food Waste
I love this recipe for a number of reasons! One is it’s a great way to cut down on fruit waste.
In my family, for one week everyone is eating blueberries. The next week, the blueberries are rotting in the fruit drawer.
Freezing fruit is a great way to use those neglected fruits in your fridge drawer!
How to Prepare Açai Ice Cream
To make this simple recipe, you’ll need a food processor or heavy-duty blender.
Add your ingredients and blend to your desired consistency.
If you blend too long, no problem! You can place the concoction in the freezer to get that ice cream texture.
A smoother consistency also makes for a great smoothie bowl. Top your smoothie bowl with nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit for a delicious breakfast!
Açai Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 food processor or heavy duty blender
Ingredients
- 1.5 Frozen Bananas
- One packet Acai Frozen Pulp 100 gram packs
- 1 cup Strawberries
- .25 cup Almond Milk Substitute with milk of choice
- 1 cup Frozen Blueberries
Instructions
- Gather ingredients
- Add all ingredients to food processor or heavy duty blender
- Blend or pulse until desired consistency is achieved
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information for Açai Ice Cream
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 105, Fat 3.5 grams, Carbohydrates 18 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 1 gram.
This recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free. Top with nuts, seeds, or nut butter for added protein!
Hungry for More?
Interested in more information on how your diet can support healthy aging?
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Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management. She has 20+ years of nutrition experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. Her passion is to provide evidence-based nutrition information that supports vitality and longevity!