Fresh acai berries provide the best nutritional benefits. But, because the berries are so highly perishable, unless you are in Central or South America where the acai palm trees grow, it simply isn’t possible to have the berries in their fresh state. Fortunately, manufacturers have found a way to produce acai berry pulp. This pulp has nearly the same benefits as the fresh berries, yet it can be exported anywhere in the world.

It is common these days to see acai as an ingredient in various juices, smoothies, and even energy bars and other foods. But, just like any other food, the more it is processed, the less nutrient dense it becomes. This is why it is best to look for acai berry pulp. It is sold raw and unprocessed (though it is either sold in powdered or frozen form), so it hasn’t lost any nutritional or health benefits.

You may also consider acai berry juice; in fact, juicing the acai berries is the most common way that they are manufactured and prepared for exporting out of the country. But, acai juice lacks at least one of the nutrients that the acai berry pulp contains—fiber. During the juicing process, most of the fiber in the acai berries is lost. And, since this fruit is a good source of fiber if it is consumed in either fresh or pulp form, it makes better sense to seek out the pulp if possible.

There are two types of acai berry pulp you can purchase—acai berry powder or frozen acai berry pulp. Both are equally nutrient rich, and both preserve nearly all of the advantages of the fresh fruit. There is a major difference between berry powder and frozen pulp, though—the taste. Frozen pulp keeps the unique chocolate berry flavor of the acai berries intact, whereas berry powder tends to lose a great deal of the flavor. So, if the taste is important to you, you may want to stick with the frozen pulp.

Frozen acai berry pulp is made by using a flash freezing process. The berries are picked from the tree, cleaned, de seeded, and frozen (sometimes all while still in the forest) within 18 to 24 hours. The frozen pulp can then be shipped out. Depending upon the company that is doing the manufacturing, the pulp may be either pure acai (which is preservative free and soy lethicin free) or the pulp may have something added to it. It is not uncommon for companies to add sweeteners like evaporated cane juice whole grape puree, for example. Or, they may supplement the pulp with an additive like guarana, which is known to increase stamina and suppress the appetite. Avoid companies that add caffeine or sugar, as these can work against some of the health benefits of the acai.

Powder made from the acai berry pulp is sold in two forms. It can be purchased either in pure powder form or in the form of capsules filled with powder. When purchasing either, look for a brand that is free of any fillers or additives—the powder should be 100% pure acai.