Brits are increasingly turning to social media for food inspiration, with colourful, visually appealing ingredients helping shape shopping baskets across the country. However, many are still unsure how to use some of social media’s most popular ingredients once they get them home.
New research commissioned by SAMBAZON found that 70% of consumers actively seek out foods that look visually appealing on Instagram and TikTok, highlighting the growing power of viral food trends.
Among the ingredients benefiting from this trend is açaí, the antioxidant-rich Amazonian berry that has become a fixture on café menus and supermarket shelves.
It’s clearly catching attention too, with 85% of consumers saying they’re drawn to açaí because of its visual appeal. But while the berry is winning fans online, the research suggests many shoppers still don’t know what to do with it once they get it home.
More than one in four consumers admit they are unsure what açaí is, how to use it or where to buy it, despite seeing it more often on café counters, in juice bars and on shelves.
And while açaí is still most commonly linked to breakfast, with 42% of consumers saying they use it in smoothies, many are missing out on its wider potential in snacks, desserts and drinks.
To help bridge the gap between a social trend and real-life use, SAMBAZON has teamed up with leading food creators to serve up easy, eye-catching recipes designed to make açaí simple to use at home.
Teresa Rizza, Strategy & Communications Director, Europe at SAMBAZON, said: “social media has introduced more consumers to açaí than ever before, and we’re seeing growing interest in how to enjoy it beyond the smoothie bowl. Our research shows people are looking for simple inspiration, so we’re excited to be working with these creators to help consumers discover just how versatile açaí can be.”
Recipe spotlight:
Açaí Chia Pudding by Lorna (@diceanddished)1: A fresh, easy upgrade to a classic breakfast staple, this chia pudding layers in a scoop of frozen açaí for a naturally fruity twist. Finished with fruit, nuts, seeds or nut butter, it transforms a simple pot into something that feels more vibrant, more satisfying and effortlessly delicious. As Lorna says, it makes mealtimes “way easier and more delicious”.
Açaí Iced Latte by Lorna (@diceanddished)2: A clever, berry-toned twist on the iced coffee trend, this recipe swaps flavoured syrups for a scoop of frozen açaí, adding a fruity depth while helping keep the drink beautifully chilled. Topped with sweet cold foam, it’s an eye-catching café-style serve with a refreshing twist.
Açaí Frozen Mocktail by Gee (@geeleighbee)3: A bright, tangy take on the frozen mocktail trend, this serve blends frozen raspberries, fresh lemon juice, scoopable açaí and a splash of 0% spirit, sugar syrup or lemonade for a punchy, refreshing result. Blended, shaken and poured over ice, it delivers a rich, vibrant drink with real summer appeal.
And shoppers have clearly been inspired, with comments including “Omg this is genius”, “Loving these unusual uses for your açaí4” and “I WILL be making this5” – showing just how much appetite there is for fresh, easy and unexpected ways to use açaí at home.
SAMBAZON Scoopable Frozen Açaí (RRP £4.70 / 500ml is designed to be served straight from the tub, with no blending or preparation required, it makes enjoying açaí quick, easy and completely foolproof.
SAMBAZON Scoopable Frozen Açaí (RRP £4.70 / 500ml) is available in stores and online at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado.
