To some, acai is the world’s number one superfruit.
To others, it’s yet another consumer marketing scam.
The question is: how does such a nutritious, antioxidant-packed berry earn such mixed reviews?
Like usual, you can blame those trying to make a quick buck.
While acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is advertised all over your supplements, protein drinks, power bars and even liquor like any quick-to-die trend, the berry has been used by native Amazonians for hundreds of years. Eventually, surfer dudes along the Brazilian shoreline caught on to its benefits, fútbol players started touting it as a natural energy booster, and studies revealed that acai berries were higher in antioxidants than any other fruit.
Soon, in traditional fashion, followed all the marketing claims.
Depending on where you’re looking, marketing claims may suggest that acai can improve digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, clear up your skin, and protect against heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Some products even make the claim that you can lose 20 pounds in one week through the “Acai Berry Diet”!
The proliferation of fake news sites promoting the amazing weight loss benefits of the “Acai Berry Diet” finally caused the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to get involved. The FTC contends that by using the logos of major news outlets, the fake sites mislead consumers into believing they are reading actual news reports. Even worse, the sites offer a “Free Trial,” but collect consumer’s credit card information for continuous billing. Some of these bogus Web sites have been taken down, but many more still exist. Even Oprah and Dr. Oz got involved, coming out strongly against acai product manufacturers who used their names as implied endorsements in their advertising campaigns.
How do you know you’re getting pure acai and not some bottle of corn starch? You have to know your stuff.
Be An Acai-Savvy Bitch
Here are a few tips to make sure you’re buying top-quality acai:
Don’t fall for a scam. It’s easy, princess. Don’t buy from a company that offers free trials or looks more like an infomercial than a legit brand. Some of these jerks have even gotten around tricking consumers by warning you to “Beware of Free Trial Scams” on their Web sites. A quick solution is to avoid buying from brands that are exclusively sold online.
Bitchworthy: What are you getting with these free trial offers? Chances are it’s spray dried acai powder that is approx. 75 to 95 percent dried corn starch. Um, gross.
Long distances, less product. Acai berries do not transport well, which means that most food products sold commercially contain only a small amount of pure acai.
Read labels. Many acai drinks contain large amounts of added sugars and calories that can cause your blood sugar to spike, not to mention pack on the pounds. Read the label to make sure you’re not buying an acai juice blend that is packed with fillers and artificial sugar and preservatives.
Look for the USDA certified organic symbol. This fun little stamp of approval from the USDA assures you that the acai product has been produced and processed without harmful pesticides or toxins. Those products that are chemical and preservative free will offer the maximum benefits.
Go for the pulp. Our bodies are designed to absorb the nutrients they need from what we eat and drink, which means you will absorb more of the acai berry’s benefits if you drink its pulp rather than take it in capsule or powder form. That said, a capsule made with quality acai extract will always be better than one filled with crap (See “Read the Label” tip above).
Prepare for sticker shock. Make sure you compare prices, because acai products tend to be pretty expensive since the good stuff incorporates the entire berry into the drink, including the skin. Authentic acai juice is thick due to the skin, so if it has the same consistency as a normal grape juice, there’s a good chance you’re not getting a high-quality product.
Be penny wise. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries in their natural form are less expensive and provide similar health benefits. Don’t count them out.
Powders & Pills
If you don’t have time to make an acai smoothie every day, here are a few tips to follow when buying acai in powder or capsule form:
Look for acai powders that were “freeze dried.” In order for the berries to be turned into a powder, they have to be dried. But high temperatures can destroy the antioxidant content. Some manufacturers avoid this issue by incorporating a process called freeze drying. Unfortunately, many companies use a process called spray drying that leaves the powder a bright pink hue that is void of any nutritional benefit. If you prefer acai powders, check to make sure you are buying one that was freeze dried.
Make sure the manufacturer doesn’t only sell in capsule form. Acai pills are the cheapest way to produce an acai product, which unfortunately means that just about any Joe Schmo can make and sell them. In fact, the “Acai Berry Diet” hoax is sold in pill form. To ensure you’re getting something of quality, we recommend only buying from a manufacturer that also sells a high-quality acai pulp or powder.
Brands We Trust
Amazon Thunder. Amazon Thunder offers 100 percent organic and undiluted acai with zero preservatives, additives or sugar. Pulp purées, purée pouches, freeze dried capsules and powders are available at Whole Foods and online at amazonthunder.com.
Acai Roots. Wild harvested and USDA certified organic natural acai from the northern Brazilian region of Para. Juices, frozen pouches, sorbets, energy shots and supplements are available online at acairoots.com.
Sambazon. Certified organic acai juice, sorbet, supplements, smoothie packs and energy drinks that are affordable and easy to get your hands on. Available at major grocers and specialty health retailers, or online at sambazon.com.
Genesis Today Acai Berry Juice. Pure acai purée with a blend of pear, apple, pineapple, grape, blueberry, pomegranate, cranberry and cherry juices. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Available at Whole Foods, Vons, Albertsons or online at superfoods.genesistoday.com.
Susan Emmer, FOOD Feature Editor
Susan is a certified whole health educator and coach treading on both wellness and green terrain. Earning an environmental studies degree before green was the new black, Susan is the owner of the sustainability marketing and PR firm, Farmacy Agency. Follow her on Twitter at@wellnewsnetwork.
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