Maqui Dreams: Berry Bars, Bowls and Cacao Smoothies

We’re so in love with Maqui Berry that we added it to our Luz de Sur Rejuvenating Face Oil and just launched 100% Cold Pressed Maqui oil straight from Chile.

Why Maqui? It’s a superfood full of antioxidants – so full that it’s packed with 3-4 times more antioxidants than acai. Imagine that! Antioxidants work to prevent cell damage and inflammation and as a result have been shown to work really well for folks with diabetes, cancer, heart disease and even arthritis. What’s more, some studies have even shown that maqui berries help redesign your gut microbiome by increasing “good” bacteria.

The Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a native berry that grows in the South of Chile, and has been consumed from ancient times to current times by indigenous peoples. It’s mainly harvested by the brilliant Mapuche Indians of Chile, who have used the leaves, stems and berries medicinally for thousands of years.

This “Super Power Antioxidant” has also made maqui a new favorite with the foodie crowd. Here are 3 of the most delicious recipes to make your summer days that much more delicious.

Eating Bird Food’s Maqui Berry Bowl

Acai who? Once you have had a taste of this bowl, by our favorite vegan blogger over at Eating Bird Food, you’ll never acai again. It’s low in sugar, is dairy-free and really packs a punch. Most smoothies in the wild are so full of sugar and so overloaded with loads of crazy toppings that they cause you to have a sugar crash at the end of the day. Brittany’s creation is simple, filling, and even has added cauliflower rice to give it a nice consistency.

No Bake Acai Berry Bar by Bakerita

This beautiful bar isn’t just an Instagram dream – it’s the real thing! With it’s purple hue and cake-like consistency, this paleo, gluten-free, vegan maqui bar by Rachel over at Bakerita needs no oven, which means it’s the perfect recipe for those hot summer days when you don’t feel like turning anything on in the kitchen. It includes lemon juice for a splash of tartness, alongside coconut cream and cashews for dreamy creaminess. Oh, how we love tart + sweet together in one dish.

Balanced Kitchen’s Chocolate, Maca & Maqui Smoothie

For an easy, straightforward – but chocolatey – way to have your maqui, try Joanne’s simple blender-approved smoothie over at Balanced Kitchen. All you need you probably already have in your cupboard – cacao, maca, maqui and banana. I might also add a spoonful of protein powder, and a splash of espresso to make this my morning power snack, or to keep my afternoon going strong.