How Many Calories in Acai? Nutrition Facts & Macros
100 grams of frozen unsweetened acai puree has 70 calories
Protein 1g · Carbs 4g · Fat 5g
Acai (ah-sah-EE) berries from the Brazilian Amazon are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits on Earth. At just 70 calories per 100g of frozen unsweetened puree, they provide 5g of heart-healthy fats (mostly oleic acid, like olive oil), 2g fiber, and a remarkable concentration of anthocyanins — the purple pigments that give acai its deep color and potent antioxidant properties.
293 kJ · per 100g · Water: 88 g
Calorie Calculator: Acai
100 g Acai contains 70 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 frozen packet (100g) | 70 kcal | 1g | 4g | 5g |
| ½ packet (50g) | 35 kcal | 0.5g | 2g | 2.5g |
| 100 grams | 70 kcal | 1g | 4g | 5g |
Acai — Nutrition Facts
| Acai | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbs | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 7 mg |
| Potassium | 105 mg |
| Magnesium | 0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 0 mg |
| Vitamin C | 9.7 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0 mg |
| Folate | 0 mcg |
| Water | 88 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 173175) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Acai bowl (with toppings)
A typical acai bowl from a cafe or at home ranges from 300-600 calories depending on toppings. The acai base (100-200g puree + banana + liquid) is about 150-200 kcal. Toppings add the rest: granola (50g = 220 kcal), banana (100 kcal), honey (60 kcal), peanut butter (95 kcal). For a lighter version: skip granola, use fresh berries and a tablespoon of seeds instead. The puree itself is the healthy part — most of the sugar comes from toppings.
Acai powder (freeze-dried)
Freeze-dried acai powder is about 8× more concentrated than frozen puree: ~534 kcal, 8g protein, 33g fat, 52g carbs (44g fiber!) per 100g. A typical serving is 5-10g (1-2 teaspoons) added to smoothies, yogurt, or overnight oats — at those amounts it's about 27-54 calories. The freeze-drying preserves the anthocyanins well. Look for 100% pure acai powder without added sugars or fillers. Store in a cool, dark place — anthocyanins degrade with light and heat.
Acai juice (blended drink)
Acai juice blends typically have 45-62 kcal per 100ml, significantly less concentrated than frozen puree or powder. Most commercial acai juices are diluted with apple, grape, or pomegranate juice and may contain added sugars. USDA lists a fortified acai berry drink at 62 kcal with 12.8g carbs per 100ml — much higher carbs and lower fat than pure acai puree. Read labels carefully — pure acai juice is rare and expensive. For maximum nutritional benefit, frozen puree or powder is preferable.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
At 70 kcal per 100g, frozen unsweetened acai puree is surprisingly low-calorie for something that tastes rich and creamy. The 5g fat content promotes satiety — you feel full longer. The trap is toppings: a homemade acai bowl with just berries and a teaspoon of seeds can stay under 150 kcal, while a cafe acai bowl with granola, peanut butter, and honey easily hits 500+. Stick to unsweetened puree and control your toppings.
For Athletic Performance
Acai is popular among athletes for its antioxidant profile — the anthocyanins may help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially aiding recovery. The monounsaturated fats provide sustained energy without sugar spikes. Best used in pre-training smoothie bowls (2-3 hours before) or as a post-workout recovery base with added protein powder. The low sugar content means acai alone won't provide quick energy during exercise — pair with banana or dates for that purpose.
For Keto
Frozen unsweetened acai puree is one of the most keto-friendly fruits: only 2g net carbs per 100g (4g total minus 2g fiber) with 5g fat — a rare combination for fruit. Use as a base for keto smoothie bowls: blend with coconut cream, add MCT oil, top with unsweetened coconut flakes and a few berries. Avoid: sweetened acai packets, granola, banana, honey, and agave — these turn a keto-friendly base into a 50g+ carb disaster. Acai powder is even better for keto: ~8g net carbs per 100g but you only use 5-10g.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in acai?
100g of frozen unsweetened acai puree has 70 calories with 5g fat, 4g carbs (2g fiber), and 1g protein. Most acai bowls with toppings (granola, banana, honey) reach 400-600 calories — the toppings add far more than the acai itself. A typical 100g frozen acai packet as a smoothie base stays at 70 calories. Watch out for sweetened acai products — they can have 3-4× the sugar.
What nutrients does acai have?
Acai is unique among fruits for its fat content (5g/100g) — mostly monounsaturated oleic acid (same as olive oil) and palmitic acid. Contains anthocyanins at levels 10-30× higher than red wine per serving. Provides iron (1.1mg), calcium (20mg), and some vitamin C (9.7mg). The deep purple color indicates extremely high polyphenol content. Low in sugar (0-1g unsweetened) compared to most fruits.
Is acai actually a superfood?
Acai has among the highest ORAC (antioxidant) scores of any food — roughly 10× blueberries per gram of dry weight (Schauss 2006). The anthocyanins have shown anti-inflammatory properties in studies. But it's not magic: claims about weight loss or disease prevention are exaggerated by marketing. Acai is genuinely nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich, but it works best as part of a varied diet, not as a cure-all.
What's the best way to eat acai?
Frozen unsweetened acai packets blended into smoothie bowls are the most popular form. Blend with a small banana and a splash of liquid. Top with fresh berries, seeds, or nuts — go light on granola and honey to keep calories reasonable. Acai powder (freeze-dried) works in smoothies, yogurt, or overnight oats. Avoid pre-sweetened acai bowls from cafes — they often contain 50-80g sugar.
Acai vs blueberries — which has more antioxidants?
Acai has significantly more antioxidants per gram. Freeze-dried acai scored 102,700 ORAC vs blueberries at ~9,621 (Schauss 2006). Acai also has more fat (5g vs 0.3g) and less sugar (0-1g vs 10g per 100g fresh). But blueberries are more affordable, widely available, and still excellent. For daily antioxidant intake, blueberries are more practical; acai is the premium option.
Is acai keto-friendly?
Unsweetened acai puree is moderately keto-compatible: 4g total carbs minus 2g fiber = 2g net carbs per 100g. The 5g fat content is a bonus for keto. A 100g serving in a smoothie with coconut milk and MCT oil makes a solid keto-friendly bowl. Avoid sweetened acai products, granola, banana, and honey toppings — those push a bowl well over 50g net carbs.