This chocolate açai protein bowl packs loads of nutrients and is both refreshing and satisfying for any time of day. Ready in just 5 minutes, all you need is a blender and your favorite toppings! Vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Yields two bowls.
Smoothies are an obsession of mine and I honestly can't remember the last time I didn't have one at some point during the day. I just love the idea of getting in a bunch of fruits and veggies right off the bat - so much so that I even have my own smoothie cookbook!
There are many times where I'm looking for added protein, especially after a long run or intense gym session when I crave a post-workout meal. I love a thick smoothie bowl where I can add a bunch of toppings and enjoy it leisurely with a spoon.
Açai bowls are a fun and beautiful way to cram in loads of nutrients into one filling meal. I love to decorate mine with toppings that provide different textures. Anything crunchy is great with the creamy, silky smoothie underneath.
I also have a vanilla açai bowl, but the chocolate flavor in this recipe is seriously next level. Add in the fact that it's got over 20 grams of protein (in just the smoothie without the toppings) along with many other vitamins and minerals, it's no wonder I find myself making this chocolate açai bowl so often!
Ingredients
These ingredients are for the base of the açai bowl, but there are no limits to the toppings!
I love this pumpkin protein powder but use a scoop of your favorite protein powder!
Topping Suggestions:
- Cacao nibs
- Hemp seeds
- Fresh fruit (mixed berries, cherries or bananas)
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Granola (try my easy homemade granola)
- Shredded coconut or coconut flakes
Instructions
1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. I like to add the ice at the end.
2. Adjust to taste and pour into bowls. Then add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
What Makes this Açai Bowl so Healthy?
Despite popular claims that consuming açai has health benefits of aiding with weight loss or anti-aging, there is no definitive scientific evidence based on studies in people to support the use of açai for these purpose (source). Açai is, however, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as benefits to cardiovascular health (specifically cholesterol levels) (source). Açai powder does provide some fiber (source), but the bulk of the nutrients in this smoothie bowl comes from the oats, hemp seeds, raw almond butter, chia seeds, cacao nibs and cacao powder (and fresh berries if added as a topping).
Add in a scoop of protein powder and altogether this healthy açai bowl offers plant-based protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats. It is naturally sweetened from dates which means it is refined sugar-free despite tasting incredibly decadent.
This recipe is vegan, gluten-free and soy-free. If you give it a try, please snap a pic and tag @eatingbyelaine so I can see your beautiful smoothie bowl creations.
Print
5-Minute Chocolate Açai Protein Bowl
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This chocolate açai protein bowl packs loads of nutrients and is both refreshing and satisfying for any time of day. Ready in just 5 minutes, all you need is a blender and your favorite toppings! Vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Yields two bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 frozen unsweetened açai packet
- 1 scoop of unsweetened, unflavored protein powder
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons raw almond butter
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free rolled oats
- 4-6 Medjool dates, pitted (depending on level of desired sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 cups ice
- Optional: 1-2 handfuls of fresh spinach
- Topping suggestions: cacao nibs, hemp seeds, fresh fruit, chocolate covered cherries, shaved dark chocolate, granola, shredded coconut
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. This makes a thick smoothie so you may need to scrape down the sides occasionally to get it started or use a tamper. You may want to add the ice at the very end.
- Adjust to taste. Taste and add more dates until it is your desired sweetness. Add more ice or frozen fruit if you want a thicker, frostier smoothie.
- Serve. Pour into two small bowls and decorate with your desired toppings. Enjoy immediately with a spoon.
Equipment
Buy Now → - Prep Time: 5
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blender
dana says
Delicious! Great way to start the day and get a hefty amount of protein in. The flavors are incredible!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you Dana!