Acai powder is growing in popularity due to its superfood properties and associated health benefits. However, not all acai powder products are created equal.
In this article, we offer you a comprehensive guide to distinguishing quality acai powder from cheaper options. We look at important clues such as the color of the powder, the manufacturing process, organic farming and the origin of the berries.
But what you recognize the real superfood quality ACAI powder?
To distinguish high-quality acai powder from inferior variants, note the following characteristics:
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The dark color as a first clue:
High-quality acai powder has a deep, dark purple color that appears almost black. Acai powder in other colors such as bright pink or neon purple certainly does not come from the freeze-dried process, but was obtained using the spray-dry process.
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The high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids :
As a superfood, the unsaturated fatty acids are particularly important. Look at the nutritional information for your acai powder. A high number of unsaturated fatty acids is a sign of high nutritional value. Inferior acai powder contains only a few calories and, accordingly, significantly fewer unsaturated fatty acids.
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The consistency of the powder :
High-quality acai powder, obtained using the freeze-dry process, has a high proportion of natural fibers and roughage. Its consistency is more like that of ground coffee and is not finely powdery. In addition, it does not completely dissolve in water. Other spray-dry acai powder is water soluble because it contains fewer natural fibers and unsaturated fatty acids. Maltodextrin is also often added in the spray-dry process.
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Organic or not organic?
Another important factor when choosing acai powder is whether it is organic or not. Organic acai berries are grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals, leaving them free of harmful residues. They are also more sustainable as they have less impact on the environment.
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Wild collection or plantation cultivation?
The increased demand for acai has led to the cultivation of acai monocultures in some regions of the Amazon. This destroys the natural diversity and habitat in these regions. Wild-harvested acai relies on preserving the existing rainforest and means the berries are harvested in their natural habitat. This form of wild collection creates income opportunities for many indigenous communities in the region, which are particularly hard hit by poverty.
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Price differences :
Due to the differences in quality and manufacturing processes mentioned, there are also different prices for acai powder. High-quality acai powder that is freeze-dried is usually more expensive than inferior spray-dry variants.
Our conclusion on the qualitative differences between acai powders
The quality of acai powder varies significantly and is affected by various factors. The color, the manufacturing process, the cultivation (organic or conventional) and the origin of the berries are decisive criteria. High-quality acai powder is characterized by its dark colour, high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and fibrous consistency. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are getting high quality acai powder and getting the most of its health benefits.
Incidentally, with us you only get the high-quality and organically certified acai powder from the freeze-dry process and thus even bring peace to Colombia by securing legal jobs, for example for former coca farmers. If that isn't worth it twice!
