With the rise of superfood snacks as a healthy, tasty treat, açai bowls have become a popular go-to as an antioxidant-rich substitute. Though it can initially seem like just another obsessively healthy sorbet, açai has built up a positive reputation for being reminiscent of a fruity froyo. Plenty of açai options have been popping up around the Westwood area; so look no further. If you ever get a craving for something fresh, this list compiles seven açai locations situated close to UCLA campus.
Bruin Cafe
Located on the Hill, Bruin Cafe is a convenient spot to mobile order build-your-own açai bowls from the comfort of your dorm. After paying one meal swipe, you can pick four toppings of choice upon arrival. The menu includes standard fruit options such as strawberries, blueberries and bananas, along with tropical delights such as mango and pineapple. It’s often paired with crunchy toppings ranging from granola to chia seeds and even sweet ones like chocolate chips.
Depending on how the machine is working that day, the texture of the açai can be rather icy. However, it’s optimally creamy with just a hint of sweetness and not overpowering at all. I personally recommend a balance of strawberries, blueberries, granola and chocolate chips.
360 De Neve Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Sambazon
Across from Wetzel’s Pretzels inside Ackerman Union, Sambazon remains a popular açai spot for students to grab a quick bite between classes. With topping varieties more expansive than BCafe, I’ve noticed a drizzle of honey and a scoop of peanut butter are popular go-tos among their customers. Lines can get rather long, especially at peak lunch hours; it’s honestly not worth waiting twenty minutes for a half-melted bowl of purple soup and saturated fruits, especially when it costs two meal swipes.
However, if you happen to have the time to stick around and are too lazy to go back to the Hill, I recommend getting a large build-your-own bowl with four toppings to maximize your money’s worth. And if they’re not overcrowded, maybe you’ll get some açai; on these rare occasions, it leaves your stomach feeling pretty fulfilled.
308 Westwood Plaza, Level-1, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Salpicon Food Truck
Every time the Salpicon Food Truck makes an appearance during late night dining at UCLA, there’s always an insane line which wraps its way around the courtyard. Personally, I don’t get the hype–the açai lacks any distinct flavor except sugar, which was so strong to the point my teeth hurt after five bites. Even the strawberries and bananas didn’t do much to offset this pointed taste.
The all-you-can-eat toppings stand was a neat addition that offered granola, coconut shavings, peanut butter and Nutella to pair with your bowl. I’d say the granola is the best topping as it offers a crunchy and somewhat less sweet addition, which was a blessed relief. A friend told me that the coconut adds a nice touch, but the toppings stand is always so crowded with students I feel rushed and don’t have the time to try some.
Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies
Just off the hill on Le Conte, Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies is another superfood location in Westwood. Although best known for their smoothies and wellness shots, they offer three açai options: the strawnana berry, tropical mango and nutty açai, each priced at $13.49.
Despite being pre-made, you can customize your açai experience through the addition of different proteins, probiotics and electrolytes for only $1.49 more. Even without the add-ons, one unique topping worthy of notice in the tropical mango and nutty açai is bee pollen sprinkled sporadically throughout the bowl. However, if you’re going for a classic, I’d stick to the strawnana berry–can’t go wrong with good ol’ fruit, granola and açai.
10910 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Dipnmix
Located on Gayley, Dipnmix offers a variety of treats including smoothies, crepes, waffles and of course, açai bowls. They’re priced at $15.99 for a medium, but you could also get a large for three extra dollars.
Structured as a build-your-own, Dipnmix offers a unique variety of unlimited toppings that ranges from puffed brown rice to Oreos. The base options are equally expansive, of which you can pick up to three out of nine which includes every flavor under the sun–matcha, Oreo, coffee, you name it. Lastly, the choices of having up to nine drizzles makes for quite the loaded açai bowl.
964 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Kreation Juicery & Avoholic Bar
Kreation Juicery & Alcoholic Bar is your classic superfood spot located on Westwood Boulevard. Titled under “Amazebowls” on their menu, there are three açai options: the Amazon, the Purple Forest and the Choco. Each bowl costs $11.90 for a regular and $13.60 for a large.
The Amazon is your standard açai bowl with noteworthy toppings such as raspberries and bee pollen, the latter similar to Robeks. Next up, the Purple Forest includes an interesting blend of almond milk and charcoal in its base to entice unique flavor alluded to in its creative name. For those of you with a healthy sweet tooth, the Choco Amazebowl contains a blend of banana, cacao and almond butter paired with apples, in addition to the typical açai toppings.
1134 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Ministry of Coffee
It seems unlikely that a popular coffee spot would have açai on their menu, but Ministry of Coffee is anything but restricted by its name. For $15.00, customers can get an açai bowl containing mixed berries, granola and coconut flakes. It’s pretty inclusive when it comes to dietary restrictions because of its vegan nature. And since the granola contains nuts, they are more than willing to customize your bowl if allergies (or even just a taste preference) are a concern.
1010 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Açai bowls have it all: unique flavors, healthy alternatives, vitamin boosters and natural sweeteners that aren’t just from fruit. Whether it’s a quick walk on campus or down to Westwood, UCLA students are in no shortage of açai bowls when seeking out a superfood snack.
