Acai bowls made the acai berry famous. Aronia berries look similar and share the deep purple colour, but they could hardly come from more different places. Here is how the two compare.
At a glance
| Aronia berries | Acai berries | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant | Aronia melanocarpa, a hardy shrub | Euterpe oleracea, a tropical palm |
| Native to | Eastern North America | Amazon region of South America |
| Where it grows today | North America and Europe, including cold climates | Mainly Brazil |
| Taste | Tart, dry and astringent | Earthy, mild, a bit like berries with unsweetened cocoa |
| Fresh fruit | Keeps for days to weeks when cool | Spoils within a day or so after harvest |
| Common forms | Juice, powder, dried berries, jam | Frozen pulp, freeze-dried powder, blends |
Origin and availability
Acai grows on palms in the Amazon and is almost always sold frozen or freeze-dried because the fresh fruit spoils so quickly. Aronia grows on a cold-hardy shrub that thrives in much of Canada and is farmed across Europe. That makes aronia a North American alternative for anyone who likes dark berries but prefers a shorter supply chain. Our aronia products come from organic farms in Germany.
Taste
Acai has a mild, earthy flavour and is usually sweetened, often with banana, granola and honey in an acai bowl. Aronia is much more tart and dry, with a flavour between blackcurrant and unsweetened cranberry. In a smoothie bowl, aronia adds a bolder colour and a sharper, fruitier edge.
How to use aronia like acai
- Purple smoothie bowl: blend one frozen banana, a cup of frozen berries, a tablespoon of aronia powder and a little yogourt or plant milk until thick. Top with granola, sliced fruit and a drizzle of honey.
- Smoothie: add a splash of aronia juice instead of acai pulp.
- Topping: sprinkle dried aronia berries over your bowl for chew and tartness.
Frequently asked questions
Is aronia related to acai?
No. Aronia is a shrub in the rose family; acai is the fruit of a palm tree.
Can I replace acai with aronia in recipes?
Yes. Use less, since aronia is more tart, and add some sweet fruit such as banana or mango.
Where can I buy aronia in Canada?
We ship organic aronia juice, powder and dried berries across Canada. See all aronia products.
More comparisons: aronia vs blueberries, aronia vs elderberries and 5 Berries Worth Knowing.
