Acai craze comes to Adelaide as new outlets open across city

But the big question on every newbie’s minds as the new shops spring up across Adelaide is, “can they possibly taste as good as they look?”

Dale Brewster, with staff member Ellie Bennier, opened Bomdia Bowls, in Glenelg, after a surfing holiday in Hawaii, where he tried acai desserts for the first time. Picture: Dean Martin

Acai bowls are having a renewed rise in popularity on Instagram and TikTok thanks to their visual appeal and hidden health benefits, leading to more retailers opening across the city.

Ranging from $10 for a small to $19, the blended acai berries are poured from a soft-serve machine and topped with anything from fruit and muesli to peanut butter and Biscoff.

Just last month in Adelaide, Acaico opened a DIY acai shop on Jetty Rd, in Grange, while another brand is teasing fans it’ll open soon on Tapley’s Hill Rd, at Fulham Gardens.

Owners of popular Greek doughnut shop, Lukoumades, have reinvented their King William Rd shop into their second Toucan Tango acai and juice bar, which opened this week.

Manager Lily Mittiga previously told The Advertiser the change in focus was due to acai being “what’s trending now”.

Acai from Acaico.

Toucan Tango acai. Pictures: Instagram.

Acai juggernaut Oakberry announced earlier this year its intention to open 200 stores across Australia within five years such is the demand from young consumers for healthier fast food.

Acai berries are native to South America and boast health benefits, including having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dale Brewster opened Bomdia Bowls, in Glenelg, after a surfing holiday in Hawaii, where he tried acai for the first time.

His dedicated acai bar on Moseley St – believed to be one of the state’s first – is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend.

Acai from The Local Canteen

Acai bowl from AH-SAI-YEE in North Adelaide. Pictures: Instagram

“It does seem like there’s been a bit of a resurgence and I think it’s because a lot of people are becoming more health conscious ... I’ve noticed sales have been up on the last few years,” Mr Brewster says.

“We’ve had to compete against half a dozen opening up in Glenelg, but we’ve been able to hold our own and I’m really thankful to our customers who have been visiting us for so many years.”

Popular cafes to make it a staple on their menus, include at The Local Canteen in Henley Beach, Nutrition Republic in Goodwood, Argo on the Parade and city, and The Seller Door in Brighton.

Originally published as Acai craze comes to Adelaide as new outlets open across city