From Brazil to India: Instagram favourite acai debuts in Mumbai

The acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) berry, found in rainforests of South America (primarily the Brazilian Amazon), is known for its nutritional prowess. Since this berry is very perishable, it is available across the globe in the forms of puree and powder which is then used to make the very trendy acai bowls. How trendy is it? With over 3.6 million posts on Instagram, it is safe to say #acai has an ever-growing appeal as it expands its presence across global menus. We asked experts to help us chart the growing popularity of this superfood, and to weigh in on the nutritional aspect separating marketing from fact.

Bringing acai to Mumbai
The increasing popularity of acai berry and its incorporation into acai bowls has garnered widespread attention in the health and wellness sphere worldwide. While acai bowls have been featured on city menus, they have often used different powders that have not felt close to the real deal. Tropicool Cafe, Mumbai's first exclusive Brazilian cafe, aims to capitalise on this trend by introducing authentic acai to Indian audiences. "The acai trend is very popular globally and India seemed to lag, so it was a perfect opportunity for us to fill that gap. The Indian consumer today is very well travelled and is very up-to-date with the latest global health trends, so being able to offer them the best acai that is available right from Brazil was an opportunity we couldn't miss," says Randall Fernandes, co-founder of Tropicool Cafe.

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The Indian palate, while diverse, may take time to accept new flavour profiles. Fernandes agrees that while the taste may have to be acquired for some, he is confident that it is a small price to pay for its nutritional benefits. "Mumbaikars love trying new things, and so far, they have been devouring it. The acai is generally served as a base for blended smoothies or healthy bowls that can also be customised making it a hit amongst the health-conscious. We have also introduced acai into our savoury items, including the acai balsamic reduction, which has been very well received," says Fernandes.

Travel blogger Kaushal Karkhanis was ecstatic to find acai in Mumbai. He tells us animatedly, "I first encountered acai in Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro in Brazil. It was instant love because it's an anytime snack that is healthy, full of antioxidants, tastes divine even without any toppings and made for the perfect street food in the tropical climate. Tropicool acai is the closest to the original that I've had in Brazil and I make sure I have it at least once a month if not once a week!"
When asked what makes their acai different, Fernandesexplains, "Tropicool Cafe is a part of Tropicool, which is the only brand worldwide that serves 50% acai pulp that is packaged in a tetra pack, which does not require a cold chain. Our acai is the strongest you will get across India which is not like the dehydrated powdered version that some establishments have been using."

Instagram friendly aesthetic
What is common between sourdough bread, and bulletproof coffee? They are food trends that came and went, much like most fads. Acai went mainstream in the US with many celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Meghan Markle posting their recipes, it has been years since and the craze does not seem to die down.
"Delectable images of healthy bowls garnished with freshly cut fruits and smoothies started grabbing eyeballs, turning acai into an IG sensation which catapulted when celebrities also took to their social media handles to post about it," says Fernandes.

To paint a vivid picture, acai bowls are deep purple, and are served with a variety of toppings from strawberries to chia seeds. With over 3.6 million photographs on Instagram with the #acai, these bowls are also seen as healthy, and exotic, and are often not the cheapest option on the menu. The exclusivity of it all, combined with the aesthetic has struck a deep chord in times when social appeal is as important as the taste.

"The vibrant hues and refreshing flavour of acai bowls not only make them visually appealing but also deeply satisfying. Moreover, acai's versatility allows for endless creativity in bowl variations, catering to diverse taste preferences and dietary needs. The rise of social media platforms has significantly contributed to the widespread popularity of acai bowls, with numerous influencers and health enthusiasts sharing captivating images and innovative recipes, further propelling the trend. As society increasingly prioritises health and well-being, the demand for acai berries and acai bowls is expected to endure, solidifying their status as essential superfoods in modern diets. With their nutritional richness and delectable taste, acai bowls are poised to maintain their position as a beloved choice for health-conscious consumers globally, offering a delightful and nourishing way to kick off or conclude the day," explains Nitin Pal Singh, founder of NPS Hospitality Services, and co-founder of Cook and Bake Academy.

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What makes acai a superfood?
Superfood is a label that is attached to many food groups including acai. It can be quite puzzling for common folk to comprehend the actual nutritional benefits of superfoods. "The term superfood is not officially recognised by most nutritional experts or dietitians but is widely used in marketing and media to describe foods that are particularly rich in nutrients and beneficial to one's health. These foods are thought to offer additional health benefits beyond those of a standard healthy diet, primarily due to their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals," explains Dr Archana Batra, a dietician, and a certified diabetes educator.

What makes acai a superfood? "Acai berries are often labelled as superfoods owing to their impressive nutritional profile. Acai is rich in antioxidants (notably anthocyanins), fibre, heart-healthy fats, and calcium, among other essential nutrients. These components make acai a beneficial addition to a balanced diet, promoting overall health and potentially warding off certain diseases," shares Batra.

Benefits of acai in a balanced diet
She further states that acai berries offer numerous health benefits, primarily attributed to their high antioxidant content."Acai berries have an incredibly high antioxidant content, with one of the highest values of any fruit, measured by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). This means acai is excellent for combating oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Secondly, the vast range of antioxidants in acai could potentially slow down the aging process by mitigating the damage from free radicals and reducing the effects of oxidative stress on the skin. Thirdly, the strong antioxidant and vitamin content in acai could help boost the immune system and fight off infections."

Beyond antioxidants, there are a few other benefits Batra tells us, "When it comes to cardiovascular health, the anthocyanins found in acai may help to lower cholesterol levels by improving blood cholesterol profiles. Additionally, the high levels of monounsaturated fats similar to those in olive oil can support cardiovascular health. Also, many people report a boost in energy and stamina after consuming acai berries,which might be due to its potent nutritional profile, offering a healthy blend of carbs, fats, and proteins, along with a considerable micronutrient content. Lastly, the high fibre content in acai helps to aid digestion and regular bowel movements."

It is worth noting that commercially available acai may have added ingredients such as sugar, and to be cautious of the toppings consumed along with acai bowls. "It's important to approach superfoods with a practical mindset, recognising that no single food holds the key to good health, but rather it is the combination of a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle that provides the most significant health benefits. While acai berries can be a nutritious part of the diet, they are best consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet rather than relying solely on them for health benefits," concludes Batra.

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