Forget a $12 smoothie bowl. You can make your own for a fraction of the price! This super easy recipe is nutritious, delicious and cost-efficient.

Breakfast bowls have become all the rage. From acai to green bowls, the smoothie bowl is a hot commodity. These delicious bowls are unfortunately not so great on the budget. The bowl itself, with all the fixings, can usually come out to about $12-15. As a college student, this is less than desirable.

So, the question is, how do you satisfy that craving for a creamy smoothie bowl with all your favorite granola, coconut and banana toppings? Make it yourself, of course!

Whole Foods carries packets of acai and pitaya (dragonfruit) for about $6.99. It comes as a pack of four or so – massive strides toward staying within your college budget. Get a little granola and coconut from the bulk section, purchase a banana or two for around 30 cents and if you’re feeling lavish, grab some berries to throw on there too.

Smoothie bowls are extremely forgiving, and you can add toppings to your personal taste. They’re a perfect way to get loads of antioxidants as well as healthy carbs in a 100% natural bowl. Smoothie bowls have become my go-to breakfast, allowing me to utilize any leftover greens, frozen fruit, nuts, berries, you name it.

So, take your blender or food processor out and get creative!

Ingredients

Serves 1

1-2 packets of pitaya (depending upon how hungry you are)

½ cup frozen banana

Handful of frozen raspberries (optional, but makes it quite yummy)

A splash or two of coconut water, almond milk, soy milk or orange juice (depending upon how thick you like it)

Topping suggestions

Granola

Coconut shreds

Banana slices

Berries

Chia seeds

Cacao nibs

Peanut or almond butter

Honey or agave

Break the pitaya packet(s) in half, and throw them in your blender or food processor. Add in your other frozen fruit and just enough liquid to get things blending. Blend until it’s smooth. Empty into a bowl and add all your favorite toppings. Enjoy!!