Oakberry – Açai and Smoothie Place – Opens First Upper East Side Location

Oakberry, a Brazilian-born smoothie and açai bowl brand, has opened its doors at 1371 Third Avenue (between 78th and 79th streets), the space previously occupied by Always Fresh Juice Bar (first h/t @uesthings).

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With over 500 locations in nearly 40 countries around the world, the Upper East Side location is the first in the neighborhood and the fourth in New York City. The other NYC outposts are in Greenwich Village, NoMad and on the Upper West Side (the last of which also just opened).

For readers unfamiliar with açai, it’s a small reddish-purple berry from the Euterpe palm, a tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Some studies have demonstrated that açai berry pulp is a rich source of antioxidants, perhaps more so than cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Açai berry pulp also contains nutrients like magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Açai berries have been promoted in the United States for weight loss and anti-aging, though there does not appear to be any scientific evidence for these claims. Açai berries are usually safe when eaten in moderate amounts but should be avoided by people with pollen allergies or berry sensitivities.

READ MORE: Cult-Favorite Korean Supermarket H Mart Finds a Home on the UES

OakBerry, according to its website, was founded to meet the demand for healthy fast food and to address consumers’ pain point of not having enough time to east healthy. OakBerry’s açai is 100% natural, and the smoothie and bowl recipes contain no food colorings, artificial preservatives, trans fats, or cholesterol. The company’s açai formula includes organic açai pulp, water, organic brown sugar, organic blue agave syrup, sodium alginate stabilizer, guarana essence, and citric acid acidulant.

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Bowls and smoothies come in 12-, 16-, and 24-ounce portions (which contain 5, 6, and 7 toppings respectively), as well as peanut butter bites, protein bars, La Colombe coffee, tea, and coconut water.

Oakberry’s new Upper East Side location is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.