Thank you Naked Nutrition for sponsoring this post. Make sure to read all the way to the bottom to learn how to enter this awesome giveaway!
I am on a major acai kick right now! Acai bowls are nothing new, and they’ve been incredibly popular here in LA for the last 5 years or so. I’ve had them at juice shops around here, but I usually find them to be way too sweet, and I never felt like I was truly eating something that healthy. It wasn’t until recently, per the great recommendation of my friend Kelly, that I started buying frozen acai from Whole Foods and making my own Protein Acai Bowls at home.
So, you might wondering, what the heck is acai anyway? You can think of it as a cross between a blueberry and a grape, and they grow on skinny palm trees in South America. Acai is so popular to eat because it’s very high in antioxidants (which keep us healthy and prevent illness), while being extremely low in sugar.
You can find acai packets in the frozen section of your grocery store. Make sure to check the ingredients, though, because some contain added sugar. I really like these organic smoothie pouches from Acai Roots and they contain 0g of sugar.
I love adding Naked Nutrition’s Pea Protein Powder to my acai bowls. Their products are called “naked” for a reason. There are no added colors, sweeteners, or anything artificial in their protein powders. In fact, the only ingredient in the pea protein powder is pea protein. I add just one tablespoon of it to my acai bowl, and that contains 6-7 grams of pure protein. Because their protein powders are unsweetened (and unflavored), I always mix it with natural sweeteners like frozen bananas and dates.
I’ve been looking for a good non-dairy protein powder for a long time because I can’t digest whey or casein, but most vegan protein powders I’ve tried tasted so earthy. When you blend this Naked Nutrition Pea Protein with the right ingredients in a high-speed blender, you’d barely know it’s there. You guys know I’m all about eating natural, whole foods, and this protein powder fits the bill.
If you’re interested in trying a Naked Nutrition product, you can use the code LILCHEF for 10% off your order.
Plus, Naked Nutrition is giving away a $100 credit to one lucky reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post letting me know your favorite way to use protein powder. I will randomly select one winner on Thursday, June 8th at 5PM ET. Good luck!

Try this delicious Protein Acai Bowl with blueberries and spinach. It's packed with fresh fruit and protein, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
- 1 packet frozen acai
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 2/3 cup frozen banana chunks (about 3/4 of a banana)
- 1/2 cup fresh kale or spinach
- 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 2-3 Tablespoons Naked Nutrition Pea Protein
- Granola and Nut Butter for Topping
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Run the frozen acai packet under hot water for 10 seconds. Cut the packet open and break the frozen acai into chunks.
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In a high speed blender, combine the acai pieces, almond milk, frozen banana, spinach, frozen blueberries, and protein powder. Blend for 1 minute, scraping down the sides and adding additional almond milk as needed. The consistency should be smooth, like a very thick smoothie.
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Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite granola and nut butter.
Pin this recipe for later:
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Courtney Henderson
I love acai bowls!! What a great giveaway! ?
Amalia
I love acai and this recipe looks some yummy! I will give it a try, Amalia
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Thanks for entering!
Maya Maceka
Okay, why have I not tried acai bowls yet? I’m always drooling over them. I usually use protein powder in my smoothies but next time I’m making this!! 🙂
Janice Glassman
This looks fantastic! I’ve never made an Acai bowl, but you’ve inspired me to do so! My favorite way to use protein powder is through baking. I make a “protein cake” and utilize different combinations of fruits and veggies, cocoa powder, nut butters, chia seeds, greek yogurt, protein powder flavors, etc. It’s great because it’s completely customized to your liking and dietary needs! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
That sounds so delicious, Janice!
Richie
Love just adding it to my post-workout shakes. This looks yummy!
Kendel
I remember the world going nuts about acai bowls! I’m a huge health nut (or rediscovering my love of healthy food), so I think ‘acai bowl’ should be on my list of things to try!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Yes, yes! Then you should definitely try this!
Adrienne Gordon
I use it to make smoothies
Shannon
I actually haven’t tried acai yet, and I feel like I really need to get on this bandwagon! Looks super delicious and healthy!
Denise S
I haven’t tried these yet, but it sounds really healthy. I’d love to try it!
Gabriela Abrishamian-Garcia
protein powder + frozen banana + spinach + cocoa powder + coconut flakes on top!!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Yum!!
Jade
My favorite way way would definitely be in smoothies! But I’ve also made some Nut milk and Nut butters recently which I’ve added the protein powder too for an extra kick and even flavor boost!! It’s been grand!! Love this giveaway would be thrilled to win!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Thanks for entering, Jade!
Shannon Baas
I haven’t tried protein powder but would probably use it in a smoothie.
Liz Stephenson
I’ve literally never had an acai bowl. I don’t know what is wrong with me. They are right up my alley. Love protein powder tho… use it almost every day.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
You would love them, I’m sure!
Prerna Garg
I love adding protein powders to smoothies. Heck, I even add them to my flavored greek yogurt sometimes! Next time, I am trying them in Acai bowls!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Oh cool! I’ve never tried that.
Katie R
My favorite way to use protein powder is in smoothies! I especially love using chocolate protein powder to make chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie.
Closet Confections
I love chocolate protein powders made with almond or coconut milk and a spoonful of peanut or almond butter. So delicious!
Kimmy Ripley
I like to blend protein powder with a banana!
Tari Lawson
We use protein powder in smoothies with seasonal fruits.
Julie Murphy
I like to drink it straight up.
Richard Hicks
I use it in all of my smoothies.
heather s
In my morning smoothie
Ashley C
I love protein powder in smoothies!
Kaila @ Healthy Helper Blog
This looks SO good. I love Naked!!
Brittney House
I like mixing them in my protein shakes.
Azeem
I add it to my smoothies and shakes
Dana
I put protein powder in my smoothies along with fruit and veggies.
laura g
I’ve never made an Acai bowl! Looks yummy!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Thanks Laura!
Danielle
We use protein powder in our breakfast shakes every morning!!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Yum! Thanks for entering!
Michelle Coles
I usually use Protein in shakes but this Acai Bowl looks tasty and must try it!
Angela Berry
so many new superfoods pop up everyday. Acai is still the best.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
I agree, I love it!
kayla sheehan
i love using protein powder, to make protein muffins, in smoothies and in pancakes!
Wendy R.
To be totally honest, I have never used protein powder. I’m finding out as I get older that I have disorders because my stomach will not absorb vitamins and nutrients the way it should. So, I have had to learn about supplements in order to try to heal myself.
jeremy mclaughlin
Like to add in my workout shakes.
fran
I’ve never used protein powders before, but as a vegetarian, I’m always concerned about getting enough protein so this is something I should try.
susan smoaks
i like to use the protein in my smoothies. yum.
jacqueline viera
i like protein powder in my smoothies. it’s the only way to fill me up for breakfast to get me through until lunch!
elcane desir
my favorite way to use protein powders would be by sneaking them into meals that i make throughout the week. I have a hard time being disciplined to make shakes every morning and to add to it I have a hard time following a strict diet. By adding them to my meals I remind myself to portion everything out.
Lindsay A.
With the warm weather, I’m loving protein ice cream (referred to by some folks as “nice cream”). Two cups chopped frozen bananas, some peanut butter, & one scoop chocolate protein powder. Whiz up in a food processor, & it comes out the perfect soft serve consistency!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Nice cream is delicious!
Jordan D.
I’ve never tried an acai bowl, but this recipe sounds awesome. I love using protein powder to make protein ice cream (aka super thick protein shakes lol).
Thomas Gibson
I like using protein powder in various smoothies I make. Thanks.
Cheryl
My favorite way to use protein powder is in an after-workout smoothie.
shannon
acai bowls are my favorite!!!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
They’re so delicious!!
Lisa Voyce
I like to add it to my smoothies.
MichelleS
I use protein powder in protein bits, as well as waffles/pancakes.
Joseph Gersch
i like to use it in smoothies
Aaron
My favorite way to use protein powder is mixed in cereal.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Oh really!? I’ve never tried that. Do you mix it into the milk?
Taryn T
I am just now learning how to use protein powder. My recipes have been very boring, mostly smoothies! Can’t wait to try some of the ideas on your site. Thanks for the chance to win.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Thanks for entering, Taryn!
AlinaKa
Iuse protein powders in fruit smoothies. Yumm
Jessica Padilla
I love to use protein powders in home made cookies.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
I’ve never tried that!
Audrey Stewart
I use it in my smoothies. My mornings are so rushed, no time for cooking. I make it the night before, ad grab it on my way out the door.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
It’s such a healthy on-the-go breakfast option!
Annamarie V
I mostly use protein powder to make protein drinks, I like that the pea protein is low in carbs and high in protein since I’m on a low carb diet.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Yes, it’s perfect for you then!
Trisha McKee
I love to put it in my smoothie bowls! Great start to the day.
Laurie Emerson
I like to put it in my smoothies and on my granola cereal every morning.
BRIAN E.
I like to sprinkle protein powder on my oatmeal & top with fresh fruit for breakfast !
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Putting it in oatmeal is a great idea.
Shane A
I use protein powder in my morning smoothie as well as after work-outs.
Anne Perry
I like to add protein powder to baked goods.
Kayla Klontz
I like to put protein powder in my smoothies.
Stephanie Phelps
I love to use protein in a smoothie for a quick and easy meal!
Chrissy
My favorite way to use protein powder is in smoothies. I know it’s not super original but I love it!
Lauren
I like to put protein powder in breakfast cookies.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
I still have to try that!
Peggy Nunn
I always put the protein additive in our morning smoothies. I also add it to food when I can.
Helga
I like to use protein powder in smoothies.
Pam C.
I am still old school. I love making protein fruit shakes, so that’s how I love to use my protein powder.
latanya
I like them in my protein shakes
Mechele M Johnson
i make a smoothie with a banana, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, a handful of blueberries and coconut milk. Yummy!!!!!!!!!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
That sounds so delicious!
Sharon Rooney
I use protein powder in my morning breakfast smoothies.
Char
Wow, I love using protein powder in my morning smoothies. Thank you so much!!
cyndi br
I put protein powder in my oatmeal in the mornings
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Always yummy!
amy guillaume linderman
i love it in a smoothie with fresh fruits from my garden: strawberries, rhubarb, and raspberries
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
That’s so awesome that you use fruit that you grow yourself!
angie w
I like mixing it into my baked oatmeal that I make and freeze to take to work! I also love it in good ol’ smoothies 🙂
wen budro
I like to add protein powder to smoothies and oatmeal. Sometimes, I add it to my baking- like adding it to banana bread.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
I want to try adding it to my banana bread next time, too!
Nancy
I like to use protein powder in vegetable and fruit smoothies.
Shanna
Oh yum!! Kale & pineapple smoothie with protein powder
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Yum! That sounds tropical!
Shakeia Rieux
I add protein powder to smoothies
Shakeia Rieux
I use protein powder in smoothies
Shakeia Rieux
Sorry for posting another comment, the first one didn’t show.
Elizabeth Brooks
This looks fantastic
rachel
I like to use it in smoothies and bars
Margaret S Porter
I sprinkle protein powder in my coffee and then in my oatmeal and in the smoothies I make at noon
Elizabeth Miller
My favorite way to use protein powder is to put it in my morning smoothie.
Missy Schutz
I like to add it in with fruit to smoothies!
Kim Reid
I usually use protein powder in my fruit smoothies, thanks!
Margaret Appel
I add protein powder to the chocolate chia seed pudding I make. The chocolate disguises the flavor of the protein powder.
Leela
In shakes.