Thick, creamy, & subtly sweet, this Sunflower Seed Butter Açaí Smoothie recipe is the perfect treat. Featuring antioxidant-rich açaí, potassium-packed banana, plant protein, and sunflower seed butter, all blended up in non-dairy milk. It’s the perfect healthy açaí protein smoothie recipe to nourish yourself with on a hot summer day!

Sunflower Seed Butter Açaí Smoothie recipe in a glass, with a straw in it.

I’m sure you’ve seen, enjoyed, or at the very least heard of acai bowls. If not, no worries, as I’ve listed details below!

For those of you who know açaí, you know it’s pricey when you order one from a smoothie shop. However, my Sunflower Seed Butter Açaí Smoothie version is just as tasty, if not better if I do say so myself.

There are two main differences in my version. First, we’re pouring it in a glass vs. a bowl. Second, we’re incorporating sunflower seed butter, which is my new favorite butter. It tastes like nut butter, but is allergy friendly, and it takes this recipe to the next level!

While my take on the typical açaí bowl is a little untraditional, it sure is delicious. It’s an açaí recipe that only requires 5 ingredients. 5 ingredients?! Yes, but don’t let that fool you.

So whether you’re an acai addict or a newbie, it’s time to experience a smoothie version at the comfort of your own, at a fraction of the price.

Why You’ll Love This Sunflower Seed Butter Açaí Smoothie

Nutrient Packed: Thanks to the addition of sunflower seed butter, this açaí smoothie has an abundant amount of benefits for optimal health.
Perfect Protein Smoothie: Whether you’re making it post workout or breakfast, this Sunflower Seed Butter Açaí Smoothie features over 25 grams of plant based protein, to keep you full and satisfied.
Loaded with Nutrition: The combination of healthy fats, plant-protein, and organic ingredients found in this smoothie will have you fully nourished.
Fully Customizable: I have listed options further down in the post to add even more wholesome ingredients to elevate your açaí protein smoothie.

Açaí Protein Smoothie recipe in a glass, with a straw in it.

Açaí Health Benefits

It goes without saying, but açaí is the main star of this sunflower butter smoothie! And if you’re new to açaí, let me fill you! Açaí berries are a dark purple fruit that’s native to the Amazon region. These berries are naturally low in sugar and have a decent amount of fat. You can find açaí packets in the freezer section of your local health foods store. However, I usually grab them at Trader Joe’s, which are the cleanest on the market if you ask me. Here are just a few health benefits of açaí.

Boost Immune System
Decreased Inflammation
Supported Digestion
Improves Brain Function
Natural Energy Enhancer

Ingredients

Organic Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works in this recipe, but I love organic unsweetend almond milk! Just be sure to use trusted brands – I like MALK Organics or Three Trees.
Organic Sunflower Seed Butter: It is a sunflower seed butter smoothie after all! Be sure that they’re organic, raw, and unsalted please!
Organic Unflavored Plant Protein: Adding a scoop of protein powder helps to keep you full and satisfied longer. For this recipe, I love Four Sigmatic’s Unflavored Plant Protein. It’s made with real organic ingredients with no grains, gums or fillers. Oh & it’s super delicious. Nevertheless, if you have yet to try Four Sigmatic’s Unflavored Plant Protein, add your favorite unflavored plant protein.
Organic Frozen Açaí: The key ingredient for this recipe. Be sure to get pure unsweetened açaí purée in the freezer section of your grocery store.
Organic Frozen Banana: It’s best to use a frozen banana to create that super thick & creamy texture.

How To Make

Blend the Liquids & Powders. First, add the non-dairy milk, seed butter, and plant protein, to a high-speed blender. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
Blend the Frozen Ingredients. Next, add in the frozen banana and the açaí. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, and scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated. You may need to add a little more non-dairy milk depending on how thick/thin you like your smoothies
Serve. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately.

Optional Smoothie Add-Ins

Feel free to truly make this smoothie your own! Here are a few suggestions to amp-up this açaí protein smoothie recipe:

Organic Chia Seeds: Add a scoop of organic chia seeds for some omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, etc. + it helps thicken this açaí smoothie.
Organic Ground Flax Seeds: Incorporate a tablespoon of organic ground flax seeds to boost the fiber & minerals in this smoothie.
Organic Hemp Seeds: Add a tablespoon of organic hemp seeds to provide this smoothie with even more healthy fats, protein, omegas & minerals.
Organic Cacao Nibs: Wanting a little crunch to your smoothie? Add anywhere between 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of organic cacao nibs. Simply add organic cacao nibs at the last minute to your smoothie, then blend once more.
Organic Greens: You can get your greens in too in this açaí protein smoothie recipe. They blend easily & you can’t taste them. Plus, greens are packed with so many minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Spinach, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, or mixed greens all work. WARNING: it will change the color!

Tips for Making the Perfect Smoothie

Interested in how to make the absolute perfect açaí protein smoothie recipe? As someone who makes smoothies daily, here are my TOP tips:

Use Frozen Fruit: Adding a frozen to this smoothie is the only way to go! The ice from the frozen fruits adds thickness to the smoothie.
Frozen Açaí: I suggest running the unopened packet under hot water for 15 seconds. This helps to loosen the puree.
Adjust Liquid Amount: If you find that your smoothie is too thick to blend, not to worry! Just add a bit more milk, blend, open the cover, scrape down the sides if needed, and blend again. And when possible, always use a larger high-speed blender instead, as it will blend the ingredients much better.
How To Make: Add your liquid first & blend your powders first, before adding your frozen ingredients. This is my personal favorite way of preparing my smoothies. By blending the liquid & powders first, it ensures that your powders blend completely.
Smoothie Blending Tip: Start your blender on low to medium speed. If you blend the smoothie too quickly from the beginning, it’s really hard for the blender to properly blend the frozen ingredients – so start lower and then gradually increase the speed.
Chill Your Glass: There’s nothing better than a cold smoothie, in this case, an açaí milkshake. OMG – new idea. Put your serving glass in the fridge or freezer while you’re making your smoothie to ensure a chilled smoothie with every sip.

Smoothie FAQ’s

Do I have to use a frozen banana?

The frozen banana in this recipe gives the smoothie a thick & creamy texture. If using a fresh banana, be to add a handful of ice cubes to achieve a cold, thick smoothie. However, if you’re looking to remove the banana altogether, because you’re allergic or simply don’t like them, you can replace it with ½ cup of frozen zucchini, frozen cauliflower, or frozen avocado chunks.

Is it healthy to have a smoothie?

Duh! I wouldn’t post something that was unhealthy. Having a smoothie full of protein, healthy fats, & superfoods for a post workout breakfast is great because you’ll be getting essential vitamins, nutrients, & protein, first thing. However, some smoothies on the market or on the web can be loaded with tons of fruit, added sugar, & nonsense, making them a less healthy option.

What is the best protein powder to use?

For this particular açaí protein smoothie recipe, I love using Four Sigmatic’s Unflavored Protein Powder. It’s made with real organic ingredients with no grains, gums, or fillers. If you don’t have Four Sigmatic’s Unflavored Plant Protein on hand, you can use your favorite unflavored protein powder. When selecting a plant protein, it’s crucial to look at the protein content and most importantly, the ingredients.

How can I add protein without using protein powder?

If you don’t have unflavored plant protein on hand, no worries! To increase the protein content, you can add a tablespoon of organic chia seeds, organic ground flax seeds, or organic hemp hearts, without changing the taste too much.

What if I can’t find organic frozen açaí?

While you can find frozen açaí in the majority of health foods stores, if it’s not available you can substitute for organic açaí powder. I would recommend starting with 1 teaspoon and add more, if necessary.

Can I make this into an açaí bowl?

While this is a smoothie recipe, it can be transformed into an açaí bowl. No hard feelings! Simply decrease the organic unsweetened non-dairy milk to a ¼ cup. When transforming this smoothie to a smoothie bowl, you’ll definitely need a high-speed blender, along with a plunger to get things blended. Oh & don’t forget to add some toppings!

Can I make this smoothie recipe in advance?

Yes! Feel free to make the smoothie as is or double it for later. Check out this “How to Prepare Smoothies in Advance” post to achieve the best results.

Sunflower Seed Butter Smoothie recipe in a glass, with a straw in it.

More Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

If you make this recipe, please leave a review & rating below! I love hearing from you and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Lastly, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more deliciousness & wellness tips!

Xoxo.

Christin.