Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is the hottest new wonderfood, grown deep in the Amazonian rainforest and brought to us health-hungry Americans via companies like Sambazon, Bossa Nova and Monavie. 

You probably already know that the purple berry contains a greater concentration of anti-oxidants (they help prevent cancer, ’nuff said) than blueberries or red wine, that it’s an energy booster and that because it must be shade-grown, its cultivation actually helps preserve the rainforest. But Monavie takes a different spin on the ancient fruit, serving their acai in small supplemental shots, rather than as a smoothie or a juice. 

Abel Villacorta of Monavie stopped by the elephant offices last March, and presented our staff with four elegant, wine-sized bottles of the supplement, instructing us to take 1-2 shots per day. It’s tasty, so at first I had to stop myself from pouring a full glass (and at the price of $40 per bottle, you’ll want to conserve). But I soon found that a few tablespoons was more than enough: I usually downed a shot when my tummy started rumbling at 11am, and then I’d find myself too juiced up to eat lunch. Great for an early morning pick-me-up or a 4pm boost. The individual squeeze packs, while far from eco, are perfect for on-the-go snacking or on the way to the gym. 

Order Monavie online, or become a distributor yourself.