One is a dark purple berry nicknamed “purple gold” and the other looks like a bright pink pineapple with soft bristles — but it’s actually a species of cactus! They are acai and pitaya, the Beyonce and Rihanna of the exotic fruit world, and they are here to reinvigorate your health and jumpstart your diet with a splash of flavor unlike anything you’ve tried before.
Whether it’s your first time breaking into a fresh pitaya bowl or your hundredth time indulging on a decadent acai bowl, you’ve probably heard the rumors about the nutritional benefits of eating these unique fruits and wondered: what’s healthier, acai or pitaya? As the most down-to-earth and fun-loving purveyors of acai bowls in Clearwater, we know a great deal about both of these fruits. Here’s the absolute, unerring truth…
Give Me Those Nutrition Facts!
Let’s get right to it. There’s no better way to find out which of these superfruits is more super than to compare them side by side. Below are the nutrition facts for 100 grams of acai and pitaya.
Acai
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Protein: 1.75 g
- Total Fat: 5.2 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.88 g
- Carbs: 5.26 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Sugars: 0 g
Pitaya (dragon fruit)
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbs: 13 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Sugars: 7.7 g
The Differences
At first glance, pitaya seems to scooch out a lead. Pitaya has high amounts of vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. These are essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your body to repair from injury (vitamin C), transport oxygen throughout the body (iron), and keep your heart and bones in tip-top shape (magnesium).
Acai’s nutrition facts are nothing to sneeze at, though. 100 grams of acai contains 15% of your daily value of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps out with a wide assortment of bodily functions and systems, including the immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Acai also has less sugar, which leads to the most noticeable difference between the two fruits. With its higher sugar content, pitaya is going to be a little sweeter and is comparable to kiwi in taste and texture. Acai, on the other hand, has a flavor profile reminiscent of blackberries. Of course, both are delicious, especially when served in a bowl with bananas, strawberries, coconut flakes, and Nutella.
The Similarities
You don’t just get called a superfruit for nothing. Both acai and pitaya are packed with antioxidants that help fight cancer-causing free radicals in the body. The antioxidants found in our delicious pitaya and acai bowls aid in the prevention of cell damage, inflammation, and heart disease. Both fruits contain an incredible amount of nutrients that can easily be added to any diet.
So, which is healthier? That depends entirely on which of the above benefits you value most, but when you’re facing down our robust menu and trying to decide between a hono lulu acai bowl and a hella berry pitaya bowl, either bowl will satisfy your health food craving. At Kaia Bowls, we have the best pitaya and acai bowls in Clearwater. Come for a visit and grab a delectable and portable bowl of pure bliss.
Are you interested in visiting the best acai bowl restaurant Clearwater? Discover a healthy taste of paradise at Kaia Bowls! For more information, please call (727) 223-3073 or submit our contact request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute health advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dietary counsel.