Acai: The Super Berry

 

What is Acai

Acai is a Brazilian berry that has gained popularity in America not only because of its health-giving properties, but also because of its fantastic flavor! Some describe the taste of the acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) berry as a mixture of raspberries and blackberries with just a touch of chocolate. Yet, as with most fruits the acai berry has its own unique flavor. The acai berry is a grapelike fruit harvested from acai palm trees, which are native to the rainforests of South America. The native people of the Brazilian rain forest depend on the acai berries as a major food source.

Ubatuba Acai wants to introduce everyone to this healthy and tasty berry.  You have no idea what you have been missing.

Low in Sugar, High in Protein

The acai berries are incredibly healthy. They are relatively low in sugar, yet high in protein. Acai berries contain antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by toxins and stress. Some people use acai extracts as a nutritional supplement,but we feel that it is healthier and more delicious to just eat the whole fruit.

According to the Mayo clinic let your doctor know that you've been eating acai berries if you are scheduled to have a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test. Very large doses of acai might affect the results of MRI scans. Likewise, if you are taking amounts of acai in the form of dietary supplements which would probably be higher than you'd normally eat as food, check with your physician. This is especially important for people taking medications for high cholesterol or diabetes, and for people with kidney disease. Large amounts of acai might affect the management of these conditions.

At Ubatuba Açai....

We serve acai in an acai bowl, which is the most popular way to eat acai in Brazil. A dollop of frozen acai in the bottom of the bowl with a delicious topping of granola, bananas, strawberries + a fourth topping of your choice makes a refreshing and energizing snack or light meal that some say is positively addicting. Extra fruit toppings include blueberries, passion fruit, pineapple among other tasty selections. Want to add more protein to the mix? Add a scoop of Greek yogurt, peanut butter or nuts to your bowl. Or if you prefer your acai just by itself you can have it in a cone or bowl.

If you are looking for a savory snack or side dish, try our selection of beef, corn, veggie plus other choices of empanadas with fresh-squeezed orange juice or an acai smoothie.

For dessert?? A cone or cup of acai, of course.

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Reviews

Doesn’t seem to matter what store you go to, the Yelp reviews says it all from their earliest days right up to the present!

I Always Leave Happy
Every acai smoothie or bowl I get is great. Addicting and fun for dessert. You will be hooked. I am. So many varieties and pretty healthy. All the people that work at the two Ubatuba I frequent are amazing.
Yelp 6/12/2015

 

My Oh My!
Oh boy place got me hooked on acai bowls!
My usual toppings include pineapple, bananas, granola, condensed milk, and honey.
You may wonder about the condensed milk, but it's just sooo good with it.
The empanadas are ok. My favorites are the beef jalapeno and corn empanadas.
But their acai bowls really shine and are the stars of the food they offer.!
Yelp 2/18/2014

 

Techies are Hooked on Acai Bowls
A team of us from RTSLabs, the company I work for, was in California recently working with a large company helping them with their Salesforce CRM. I admit we are all techies. Our task was to customize Salesforce functionality by coding new modules for both their business logic and other front-end components. We had just finished the initial stage of the job, looking at their objectives are and becoming acquainted with the company and its business challenges and wanted to take a break. One of the company's IT guys suggested Ubatuba. He asked if we had ever had acai berries. We had heard of acai as a supplement but never had the real fruit,  so we were all in for this new treat. While we gobbled up these amazing acai bowls heaped with yummy topping, we discussed the ins and outs of Salesforce's programming language, APEX we use to create custom code which will perform functions to update their data fields, create records, perform calculations etc.  OK I know we should have just been savoring our acai bowls, but we are techies.  I think we all became addicted to that little berry and can’t wait to drop by after work tomorrow!
Yelp 7/22/2014

My Newest Addiction: an Acai Bowl
My first time trying an acai bowl and I'm pretty sure it'll be my newest addiction. Went to Ubatuba because my best friend has been raving about it for the past two weeks. Don’t know why I waited so long.  The girl at the counter seemed pretty excited to help me choose my first bowl. I was pumped. I only ordered a small acai bowl. I topped with granola, bananas, strawberries and dragon fruit drizzled with honey. Simple and delicious. Next time it will be a bigger bowl
Yelp 10/21/2014

THE Place to Go to for Acai Bowls
The saying goes, "If you build it, they will come." And that is my hope for Ubatuba. Ubatuba is named after an actual city in Brazil. This is THE place to go to for acai treats.  Acai is a dark, healthy, purple, bold, Brazilian berry, Acai. The menu itself is simple. Honestly, I had my doubts walking in as so many other places that make Acai bowls seem all the same. Much to my surprise when I ordered the bowl, the first thing I noticed was how very deep in color the Acai actually was. You could almost compare it to a very boldly colored glass of wine. The servings are great for a snack or even breakfast. I’m so happy.  I finally found a place close to home where I can go to enjoy this healthy treat. I will most definitely be coming here…. often.
Yelp 7/14/2013

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Do yourself and your health a favor and explore this fantastic new berry sensation!

 

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More Background on Ubatuba Açai: A Fusion of Brazilian Tradition and California Health Trends

Ubatuba Açai is a well-established health food chain in Southern California that brings together the vibrant flavors of Brazil and the laid-back wellness culture of California. Specializing in açai bowls, smoothies, and savory Brazilian snacks like empanadas, Ubatuba Açai has built a loyal customer base by offering a fresh, customizable dining experience centered around the nutrient-rich açai berry. With multiple locations across the Los Angeles area, Ubatuba Açai is celebrated for both its authentic taste and its role in promoting healthy eating habits.

History and Expansion

Founded in California, Ubatuba Açai started with just two locations, one in Northridge and another in Tarzana. As demand for açai-based products grew, particularly in health-conscious communities, the chain expanded to include additional stores in Koreatown and Thousand Oaks. A pivotal moment for the brand came with the opening of Ubatuba X, a location in Woodland Hills that distinguished itself from the other stores by offering unlimited toppings and additional base options, including pitaya, matcha, activated coconut, oatmeal, and chia pudding.

The brand's name, Ubatuba, is a nod to a coastal city in Brazil, underscoring its commitment to authentic Brazilian flavors and ingredients. Açai, the star ingredient, is a small, dark purple berry harvested from the açai palm tree in the Amazon rainforest. Long a staple in Brazilian diets, the açai berry has only recently gained popularity in the United States due to its numerous health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.

What Makes Ubatuba Unique

While several restaurants in California offer açai bowls, Ubatuba Açai sets itself apart through its commitment to authenticity and quality. The açai bowls served here are thicker and more flavorful than those found at many competitors, and customers have the opportunity to customize their bowls with a wide range of fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and drizzles.

One of the key features that draws customers to Ubatuba Açai is the variety of options available. The açai bowl is the most popular item on the menu, but the chain also offers empanadas with fillings like beef, corn, and vegetables, as well as smoothies and other superfood-based items. Customers at the Ubatuba X location in Woodland Hills can choose from a larger variety of bases and toppings than at other locations, making it a favorite for those looking for more flexibility in their meal choices.

Ubatuba's Audience

Ubatuba Açai has carved out a niche for itself among a diverse array of customers, from health enthusiasts and fitness buffs to families and students. The brand's accessible price points make it appealing to younger audiences, particularly students, who are drawn to the fresh, delicious bowls that are both satisfying and nutritious.

Moreover, Ubatuba’s community-friendly atmosphere has helped foster a loyal customer base. Many of its locations feature laid-back seating areas where visitors can play board games or simply relax while enjoying their bowls or smoothies. This casual, welcoming vibe appeals to both families looking for a healthy snack option and professionals needing a quick, nutritious meal during a busy day.

Customer Reviews and Reception

Reviews of Ubatuba Açai are generally positive, with many customers praising the freshness of the ingredients and the flexibility of the menu. Customers appreciate the variety of topping choices, with fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, and blueberries being popular picks. Some reviews have highlighted the addictive nature of Ubatuba’s açai bowls, with many customers returning regularly to sample new combinations.

However, like any business, Ubatuba Açai has faced some criticism, particularly when it comes to the consistency of its other offerings. While the açai bowls are consistently praised, some customers have noted that the empanadas can be hit or miss, with certain batches being described as too dry. Despite these occasional complaints, Ubatuba Açai continues to receive high ratings, with an overall positive reception from its patrons.

Cultural Significance

Ubatuba Açai is more than just a health food shop; it serves as a cultural bridge between Brazil and California. Açai has long been a staple in Brazilian diets, especially in the Amazon region, where it is consumed for both its flavor and its health benefits. By introducing this superfood to the American market, Ubatuba Açai is playing a key role in popularizing Brazilian culinary traditions in the United States.

The açai berry, known for its deep purple color and rich flavor, is packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that have made it a favorite among health-conscious consumers. Ubatuba Açai’s commitment to using high-quality, fresh açai in their bowls helps to promote the berry’s health benefits, while also providing customers with a delicious and visually appealing meal option.

Press and Media Coverage

Ubatuba Açai has been featured in local media, including student publications and lifestyle blogs, which have praised its fresh, delicious offerings. The chain has been highlighted for its affordability compared to other health food shops in California, making it a popular choice for those seeking nutritious options without breaking the bank. In particular, Ubatuba X, the Woodland Hills location, has received attention for its innovative menu and wide variety of toppings and bases, setting it apart from other açai shops in the area.

 

Ubatuba Açai has successfully blended Brazilian tradition with California’s health-conscious food culture, creating a unique dining experience that appeals to a wide range of customers. From its açai bowls, which can be customized with a variety of fresh and healthy toppings, to its savory empanadas and other superfood offerings, Ubatuba Açai offers something for everyone. As the chain continues to expand, it remains committed to its roots, delivering authentic Brazilian flavors while promoting the health benefits of açai to a growing audience in California.