An açai bowl (, ) is a sweet Brazilian snack food from Pará and Amazonas. It is a dish made with the frozen and mashed fruit of the açaàpalm, described as having an "earthy" or creamy taste. Its texture is granular before blending and it has a tartness from its acidity, creating a favorable taste. It is served as a smoothie in a bowl, sometimes mixed with guaraná syrup or other sweeteners, and is commonly topped with granola and banana.
Although açaàna tigela is commonly consumed in Brazil, it has become more regionalized mainly in Pará, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, São Paulo, Goiás, and along the northeastern coast, where it is sold in kiosks lining the beach promenade and in juice bars in many cities.
After a surge of scientific interest in the 1990s around the supposed health effects of açaàberries, starting around 2000, companies including Sambazon began importing açaàpulp to the United States and other countries. Initially consumed in Hawaii and Southern California, açaàbowls (as they are widely known outside Brazil) are available in many countries. Other variations, including açaàsoft serve and similar desserts, have been developed.
By 2023, açaàexports from Brazil had risen over 16,000% over the prior decade, largely driven by aggressive marketing and increased consumption of açaàbowls. Açai and derivative exports from Brazil grew from 60kg in 1999 to over 15,000 tonnes by 2021.
While marketing for açaàbowls purports health benefits, there is little clinical research to justify any health claims from consuming açaàbowls. While the berries are relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits, commercially available açaàbowls are often high in calories and added sugars, with sweeteners added to mask the natural bitter flavour of the berries.
In Australia during the 2010s, a local variety of açaàbowls became common in Sydney, particularly within the gym and fitness culture. Extending into the 2020s, açaàbowls are commonly consumed as street food, particularly among Lebanese-Australian communities, such as in Bankstown. The Australian açaàbowl is a thick, soft serve treat topped with fruit, granola, and sweet sauces, including Nutella or peanut butter. In Landsdowne, an açaàfood truck known as Acai Underworld became known for its gang culture-affiliated branding and controversial owner, stimulating further mainstream interest for the Australian variety of açaàbowls, with the food truck eventually expanding into a store in St Marys.