Can You Buy Acai Berries at the Grocery Store?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Sambazon, one of the largest suppliers, acai berries are not sold fresh in most major grocery stores outside of the Amazon due to their incredibly short shelf-life and high oil content. While you can't buy fresh acai berries, you can find them in the form of frozen puree packets and powder. This article will explore exactly where to find acai at the grocery store and what options are available.

Quick Summary

Acai products are widely available in grocery stores, typically in the frozen foods section as puree packets or in the supplement aisle as powder. Several major retailers carry well-known brands like Sambazon and Pitaya Foods, offering convenience for making homemade acai bowls and smoothies. Options range from pure, unsweetened versions to sweetened or pre-blended products for different uses.

Key Points

Not Fresh: Acai berries are not sold fresh in grocery stores due to their incredibly short shelf life outside the Amazon.
Look in the Freezer Aisle: The most common form of acai found in stores is frozen puree packets, located near other frozen fruits.
Check the Supplement Aisle: Acai powder, a shelf-stable alternative, is typically found in the health food or supplement section.
Choose Based on Use: Opt for frozen puree for creamy acai bowls and thick smoothies, or powder for adding a nutritional boost to various recipes.
Major Retailers Stock It: Popular stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Kroger widely carry acai products from brands like Sambazon.
Check Labels for Sweeteners: Be mindful of added sugars and other ingredients, as some frozen packs and acai juice blends contain high amounts.

The search for acai berries at the grocery store can be a bit of a hunt if you're not sure where to look. Unlike other common fruits, you won't find fresh acai berries in the produce section. The true acai berry, native to the Amazon, spoils just hours after being harvested, making global distribution of fresh berries impossible. Instead, you will find commercially processed and preserved versions that make this superfruit accessible worldwide. The primary forms available are frozen puree packets and freeze-dried powders, which can be found in a few key locations within most supermarkets.

Where to Find Acai at the Grocery Store

To successfully find acai on your next shopping trip, you need to navigate to the correct sections of the store. Here are the most common places to look:

The Frozen Foods Aisle: This is the most likely location for acai. Look for frozen acai puree packets from brands like Sambazon and Pitaya Foods. They are often stocked near other frozen fruits, smoothie ingredients, and sometimes in the specialty or natural foods freezer section. These packets are designed to be blended into thick, sorbet-like bowls or smoothies and offer a creamy texture. Some stores may also carry frozen pre-made acai bowls that just require thawing.
The Supplements or Health Foods Aisle: Acai powder is usually found in the aisle dedicated to dietary supplements, protein powders, and superfood blends. You might see it sold in pouches or tubs and marketed as a nutritional booster. Acai powder is a shelf-stable alternative that can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods, though it won't produce the same creamy texture as the frozen puree.
The Juice or Refrigerated Beverages Aisle: Less common but still possible, some grocery stores may carry acai juice blends. It's important to note that these are often diluted and can contain significant amounts of added sugar, so always check the label carefully. They are a less nutrient-dense option compared to the frozen or powdered forms.

Which Grocery Stores Carry Acai?

Major grocery chains are the most reliable places to find acai products. You'll likely have success at:

Whole Foods Market: Known for its extensive selection of organic and specialty products, Whole Foods regularly stocks a variety of Sambazon and Nativo acai products in its frozen foods section.
Trader Joe's: This chain carries its own brand of unsweetened organic acai puree packets, which are popular and often more affordable.
Target/Walmart: Many larger Target and Walmart locations carry acai products, often including Sambazon frozen packets. Check the natural and organic food sections.
Safeway/Kroger/Publix: These and other large supermarket chains are common distributors of major acai brands.

Frozen Acai Puree vs. Acai Powder

When buying acai at the grocery store, you will need to choose between frozen puree and powder. Each has its advantages depending on your intended use.


Feature	Frozen Acai Puree Packets	Acai Powder (Freeze-dried)
Best For	Acai bowls, thick smoothies	Smoothies (additive), oatmeal, baking
Texture	Produces a thick, creamy, sorbet-like consistency ideal for bowls.	Adds a nutritional boost but can be gritty if not blended well. Does not produce a thick texture.
Taste	Features a more vibrant, fresh, and slightly tart berry flavor.	Has a more concentrated, earthy, and cacao-like flavor.
Convenience	Less convenient due to frozen storage and need for thawing/high-powered blending.	Highly convenient due to its shelf-stable, room-temperature storage.
Nutritional Profile	Contains natural omegas and antioxidants, but processing can lead to some nutrient loss. Often has added sugars, so check the label.	Highly concentrated and nutrient-dense pound-for-pound since moisture is removed. Ensure it's pure acai without fillers.
Cost	Typically less expensive per ounce compared to powder.	Generally more expensive per ounce due to the freeze-drying process.

Conclusion

So, can you buy acai berries at the grocery store? Yes, but not in their fresh, raw form. Grocery stores provide a convenient and accessible way to enjoy this Amazonian superfood through frozen puree packets and freeze-dried powders. For a classic, creamy acai bowl, look for the frozen packets in the freezer aisle. If you need a shelf-stable booster for a smoothie or other recipes, the powder found with supplements is a better choice. With a clear understanding of what to look for and where to find it, you can easily incorporate acai into your diet and enjoy its nutritional benefits.

You can learn more about the nutritional science of acai at the official website for the National Institutes of Health: PMC9965320.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresh acai berries spoil within 72 hours of harvest due to their high content of healthy omega fats, making international transport of the raw fruit impossible. Processing them into frozen puree or freeze-dried powder is necessary for global distribution.

For an authentic, creamy acai bowl, frozen acai puree packets are the best option. They provide the thick, scoopable texture and vibrant flavor that is characteristic of a good acai bowl.

It varies by brand. Many popular brands offer unsweetened acai packets, but others may add sweeteners or blend the puree with other fruits. It is important to check the product label to find an option that fits your dietary needs.

At Trader Joe's, you can find their own brand of unsweetened organic acai puree packets in the frozen foods section, typically near other frozen fruits and breakfast items.

Acai powder is more concentrated and nutrient-dense by weight because the water has been removed. However, both forms are highly nutritious, and the best choice depends on whether you prioritize the texture of a bowl (frozen puree) or the convenience of a pantry staple (powder).

While you can use acai powder to make a bowl, it will not achieve the same thick, creamy, sorbet-like consistency as frozen acai puree. You will need to add more frozen fruits or other thickeners to build the desired texture.

Yes, some grocery stores do carry acai juice, but it is less common and often comes as a blend mixed with other juices. These blends frequently contain added sugar and are less concentrated in nutrients compared to frozen puree or powder.