Starting Friday, April 25, the SHS School Government implemented açaí bowls in the school cafeteria. Açaí bowls have been made into digital-health-kick trends, and have made appearances in the history of our cafeteria menu, but have been previously removed for various reasons. They are a real hit with the student body, and sales have skyrocketed. It is the cafeteria’s and government’s dual hope that this new dish will be here to stay, and can become a healthy staple for students who want a fresh and sweet snack!

The açaí bowls come with a base, made of berries from South American palm trees, and two included topics, featuring: nut free granola, bananas, blueberries, mangos, strawberries, pineapples, sunbutter, carob chips, and honey. The plain açaí is $6.95, and with two toppings the price increases to $7.95. Each additional topping costs $0.50. The bowls are too plain for many students’ liking without the addition of toppings, so the starting cost is usually around eight dollars for lots of students.

The taste of the açaí base is the perfect mix between delicately sweet and tangy, and the natural sweetness does not overwhelm the palette. When eating it, I know that I am providing my body with nutrients, and it serves as a healthier alternative to getting a donut or ice cream–which I may have gotten in its stead. With the addition of fruits, the benefits skyrocket, providing vitamins along with its wonderful taste. The crunchy granola also goes very well with the chilled base, adding a snacky and crunchy feel to the meal. Still, the açaí bowls do lack protein, so the addition of a protein-based topping, or even the incorporation of organic protein powder, is something that the cafeteria may want to consider.

The price of the bowls is also a concern for some students. Although Scarsdale may be an affluent town, the bowl’s price is steep for students who may not be able to afford spending upwards of seven dollars on a breakfast-style meal on a daily basis. This also speaks to the idea that school lunch is still too expensive for some students, and that more affordable options should be implemented if possible. Nonetheless, ultimately, I believe that the price of this sweet treat is worth the taste, and I get them regardless. Açaí bowls aren’t something that need to be had every day, so as every once in a while indulgence, the price is understandable. By the amount of students I see lining up every day to get their hands on one, I can only imagine how much profit it has brought in for the district, and the pretty penny that has been taken from parents’ pockets.

The staff who craft the açaí bowls are all very kind and helpful, and give generous servings of toppings to students–as I have experienced myself. They also offer honey as a free add-on, which is a nice addition for students who prefer their açaí bowls on the sweeter side. It is another healthy alternative to processed sugars which students would have turned to otherwise. My personal order includes granola, strawberries, and mango, and I think they make the perfect combination! The sweetness of the strawberries and the mango compliment the berry-based açaí, and the textures of the mango and granola both contrast well with the half-frozen açaí. If you have a chance, check it out in the cafeteria!