The 10 Best Acai Bowl Chains, Ranked
Acai bowls have been around for a long time (per IBISWorld) — but the cold treat didn't truly rise to stardom in the United States until the last decade. And interestingly, many of the acai establishments that have popped up around the country are franchisable chains (and not one-off, mom-and-pop shops).
However, with so many options available, it can be hard to determine which is the best acai bowl chain. Are they all equally delicious or does one outshine the others? That's why we're ranking the best acai bowl chains in the U.S.
For reference, we only selected chains with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of currently-franchised locations. Additionally, we determined that each of our picks must have a traditional acai bowl on their menu to be considered (so that means no Smoothie King). We also considered factors like the variety of offerings, price, number of locations and, of course, overall taste.
Let's get into it!
10. Rush Bowls
Although this acai bowl chain even has frosty treats for your pup, Rush Bowls isn't anything too special. You'll find more traditional toppings and bases versus fun, outside-the-box options. Additionally, we were not impressed with the topping selection (or the pre-added toppings included with each bowl).
Most acai bowl shops have a variety of delicious toppings to choose from like cookie butter, exotic fruit pieces, and even nuts. However, Rush Bowls' bowls mostly include toppings like honey and granola to already yawn-worthy bases. Wondering about other toppings offered? You can add kale and avocado (but, uh, why do that?) — or toppings like strawberries, graham crackers, and flax seeds for an additional charge.
"Super expensive for what is," reviewer one reviewer complained in a review on Rush Bowl's website. "The worst acai bowls that I have had and it has a horrible selection of fruits and smoothies." While we wouldn't go as far as this reviewer, we do think Rush Bowls has a few things to improve upon.
9. Sweetberry
Sweetberry offers bowls with bases made of acai, pitaya, coconut, or greens. Although we are fond of the pitaya base, the greens fall flat for us. However, we can see it being a favorite for our plant-based and vegan readers: some of the bowls are friendly for both!
Unfortunately, the prices make this acai bowl trip almost as expensive as a sit-down lunch with a friend. You'll pay between $13 or $15 per bowl depending on the base and toppings. Although we understand inflation is hitting everyone hard, this seems like an unreasonably high price for the majority of Americans.
Even verified reviewers weren't pleased with their Sweetberry experience. "The food is decent, and can be hit or miss. A small coconut bowl is $12," a reviewer griped in a Google review.
Additionally, we think some of the bowls are rather icy. Instead of a smooth base, the blended concoction has had small (but still noticeable) chunks of ice in it. Yuck!
8. Playa Bowls
Playa Bowls has so many combos and options on their menu that it is honestly overwhelming. Although we appreciate the Nutella drizzle on many of the bowls, this establishment might not be the healthy, organic vibe most acai lovers tend to go for.
"Not the best Acai bowl," a reviewer complained. "Strawberries were obviously quickly defrosted but bananas were good. The Acai base was very sweetened (take that as you will) and I really liked the granola in it."
If you're looking for a truly authentic bowl, you really won't find it here. Instead, you'll find many bowls with bases made of mango, coconut, and kale. The toppings vary greatly and can range from sweet toppings (like Nutella) to more nutrient-dense additions like pecans or walnuts. We also agree with the reviewer: These bowls have extremely sweet bases. If you prefer lightly-sweetened food items to more sickly sweet, these may not be your favorite.
7. Everbowl
Although reasonably priced, the bowls at Everbowl seem a bit random. The menu lacks cohesion (and inspiration), so unless you want to make your own combo, you might have some trouble choosing a pre-made option. We've previously ordered the "Medium Whatever Bowl," and were slightly confused.
When you order a medium, you pick four bases that are stacked on top of each other parfait style. Although this sounds like a nice idea in theory, a layer of pitaya sandwiched in between matcha or butterfly pea cocoa limone doesn't taste the greatest. The flavors don't have enough cohesion to warrant combining bases as the bowls do on this menu.
However, if you're looking for wacky toppings, Everbowl has you covered. Enjoy things like cut up grapes, cinnamon apples, hemp seeds, and dried mango atop your smoothie bowl. If you don't want a bowl, grab one of four smoothies or a cup of coffee from the rest of the menu.
6. Bahia Bowls
A South Florida favorite, Bahia Bowls offers the usual bases including regular acai, pitaya, oatmeal, and greens. Nothing too special to write home about, but we do like the seasonal Tidal Wave Bowl. Sweetened condensed milk is drizzled over the top of the cut-up pineapples, and spirulina is blended with fruit to make the base. Here, you have a beautifully blue (yes, it is because of the blue spirulina) and refreshing bowl to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the experience can be hit or miss. "I felt like the açaí bowls weren't thoroughly blended; parts of the berries were there and kind of chunky," one reviewer explains in a review. Sometimes the bowls can be a little unblended if they're rushed behind the counter, but we haven't found that to be the overarching experience. So feel free to give the location in your area a try — we've had great bowls at certain locations and bad ones at others.
5. Vitality Bowls
Health is wealth, and Vitality Bowls definitely agrees. All of their acai bowls seem typical at face value, but upon closer examination, you'll see otherwise. You can choose one (or 12) of 33 offered toppings. And the toppings aren't like the regular nutella or peanut butter you may be used to seeing. Instead, you'll see extreme options like bee pollen, mint, maca, and pea protein.
Although the ingredients are a health food enthusiast's dream, they may not necessarily appeal to everyone. And if you're truly into eating nutritionally-dense foods, you can even check out the macro and micronutrients of each menu item on their nutritional guide.
Besides the focus on acai bowls, the establishment also sells smoothies, juices, grain bowls, salads, paninis, wraps, toasts, and kid's portions. Phew, we're tired just thinking about it all! So kids can enjoy their very own açaí bowl, or venture back into comfort with a basic grilled cheese.
4. SoBol
Want something a little different? SoBol has a variety of bases to choose from like acai, oats, pitaya, greens, and even mango pineapple! We love to order the Mango Pineapple bowl, as it has blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, honey, and coconut. Additionally, you can get any of the bowls in one of three sizes: Kids, Classic, and Super.
And if you're allergic to nuts, SoBol can accommodate you with delicious, nut-free granola! SoBol even has a portion on their website that details their commitment to providing allergen friendly bowls. Looking to spice up your bowl? Choose from 19 (yes, you read that right!) toppings and add-ins like goji berries, kiwi, chocolate chips, and even protein powder.
Want something other than a bowl? There are six smoothies to choose from in flavors similar to the offered bowls: Pitaya, strawberry peanut butter, greens, acai, very berry, and the aforementioned mango pineapple. This is the perfect pit stop to make when out on a shopping trip or running errands.
3. Clean Juice
Clean Juice is a staple for unique acai bowls with delicious, house-made granola. Choose from bases that include acai, coffee, banana, spinach, and strawberries. We've tried Clean Juice a time or two (okay, more than a time or two), and have tested everything from their seasonal offerings to their menu staples and we have to say: The Nutty Bowl reigns supreme.
What's in the Nutty Bowl? You'll enjoy a bowl with an acai, strawberry, and banana base topped with almond butter, strawberries, maple syrup, and granola. It's the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
Besides acai bowls, Clean Juice offers a variety of light bites, smoothies, and juices. These options range from regular food like "The Ultimate Grilled Cheese" to hard-core, health nut cleansing juices. Regardless of your vibe, you'll likely find something to enjoy.
Additionally, the establishment prides itself on being USDA-Certified Organic. For reference, the USDA considers a place USDA-Certified Organic if more than 70% of their produce is organic. Since Clean Juice is USDA-Certified Organic, you can feel good about where the produce you're enjoying came from.
2. Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice is a jack of all trades when it comes to high-quality bowls, juices, and smoothies. Enjoy acai bowls with interesting toppings like crispy Belgian waffle pieces, sweet coconut shreds, refreshing dragon fruit chunks and much more.
Our favorite bowl at Jamba Juice? The Acai Primo, which includes a delicious combination of soy milk, acai, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and granola. It's a classic, but it's well-executed (and a must-try if you like traditional bowls).
And if you're feeling more adventurous, there are also plenty of options for you. Enjoy acai bowls with blue spirulina, pineapple juice, vanilla coconut milk, almond butter, and more.
"One of my friends always buys the acai bowl," a reviewer explained on Yelp. "She is always encouraging me to try their bowls. I bought one and am hooked! Got the pitaya bowl which is dragon fruit. All of their bowls are 500 calories or less."
1. Frutta Bowls
Besides traditional acai, Frutta Bowls offers a variety of other bases for your bowl. Choose from options like an acai/banana combo, pitaya, and greens. We're partial to the pitaya base, which includes a delicious blend of banana, pineapple, almond milk, and of course, pitaya. Yum!
"I absolutely love Frutta Bowls," one reviewer explains. "It is my go-to weekend breakfast place! I always get the Classic bowl, and I'm certain everything else there is delicious, but I like the Classic too much to try anything else!"
Although the Classic bowl is excellent (and includes ingredients like honey, cocoa nibs, and peanut butter), there are eight other mouth-watering signature bowls and an unlimited number of customizable combos, toasts, smoothies, and even protein balls to choose from.
We like that Frutta Bowls has smoothie, bowl, and snack options that incorporate protein, as that can sometimes be lacking in the offerings at regular acai bowl shops. One thing is for sure: You won't run out of options anytime soon at Frutta Bowls.