Does Acai Have Caffeine?

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are looking for foods that contain energy-boosting ingredients, with caffeine being one of the most popular options.

Acai, the trendy and nutrient-packed fruit from the Amazon rainforest, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, but does it contain caffeine?

While pure acai does not have caffeine, some acai products do. Keep reading to learn more about which acai products have caffeine, and find out whether acai can give you the energy you need to make it through the day.

Does acai naturally have caffeine?

No, acai does not naturally contain any caffeine. 

However, acai products may include caffeine-containing ingredients, such as guarana, green tea, or yerba mate extracts.

Do any acai products have caffeine?

While acai is naturally caffeine-free, certain acai products may contain other ingredients that contain caffeine.

Here are some various acai products and whether or not they contain caffeine

1. Frozen acai {May contain caffeine}

Some frozen acai products may contain caffeine, while others are caffeine-free.

Most brands offer two main types of frozen acai — a traditional (or original) blend that may include caffeine-containing ingredients, and a pure, unsweetened version that does not contain caffeine.

The traditional blend is typically sweetened with sugar and may contain a small amount of caffeine from guarana extract. 

For example, Sambazon’s original blend frozen acai packets have 5 mg of caffeine per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving (1).

2. Acai powder {No caffeine}

Acai powder typically does not contain caffeine. Acai powders are typically made from freeze-dried acai berries and include no other ingredients.

Want to learn more about acai powder? Check out our article on acai powder benefits & uses.

3. Acai juice {May contain caffeine}

Certain brands of acai juice may include other ingredients, such as guarana or green tea extract, that contain caffeine.

For example, Organique Premium Blend Acai Juice Concentrate contains caffeine from guarana and green tea extracts.

4. Acai tea {May contain caffeine}

Acai teas sometimes include green tea, which is a natural source of caffeine. However, acai-flavored herbal teas are usually caffeine-free.

5. Acai bowls {May contain caffeine}

Most premade acai bowls found at grocery stores are caffeine-free. 

Homemade acai bowls may contain a small amount of caffeine if you use frozen acai packets that include guarana extract.

Acai bowls found at smoothie shops and other restaurants may contain caffeine depending on the ingredients. Check the menu item’s nutrition information to be sure.

Do any other acai products have caffeine?

It’s possible! Always check the ingredient label for caffeine-containing ingredients. 

For example, Sambazon offers an acai energy drink that contains about 120 mg of caffeine from yerba mate, green tea, and guaraná extracts.

Keep in mind that companies aren’t required to list the amount of caffeine on product labels, but some may include this information in product descriptions on their websites.

Does acai give you energy?

Acai does not have any unique energy-boosting properties, but it can provide energy in the form of calories (mostly from fat).

Here is the nutrition information for a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of frozen acai puree (2, 3, 4, 5, 6):

• Calories: 60-70
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Sugars: <0.5 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Saturated fat: 1.3 grams
• Monounsaturated fat: 3.1 grams
• Polyunsaturated fat: 0.6 grams
• Vitamin A: 1000 IU (20% DV)
• Vitamin C: 10 mg (11% DV)
• Iron: 1.1 mg (6% DV)
• Calcium: 40 mg (3% DV)
• Potassium: 105 mg (2% DV)

As you can see, acai provides around 60 to 70 calories per serving, which is similar to the amount found in other fruits. 

For a balanced, energizing meal or snack, try making an acai bowl or smoothie with nutrient-dense ingredients like Greek yogurt, blueberries, chia seeds, and nut butter.

Want to know more about acai’s nutritional benefits? Check out our post on the benefits of acai.

Final thoughts

Acai doesn’t naturally have caffeine, but many acai products include caffeine-containing ingredients, such as guarana and green tea extracts.

On its own, acai doesn’t have any unique energy-boosting properties. However, like other foods, acai provides energy in the form of calories (about 60-70 per serving).

If you’re looking for a caffeine-free energy boost, try an acai bowl made with pure, unsweetened acai puree and other nutrient-dense ingredients like Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and almond butter.