Acai is one of those superfoods that, besides being delicious and “Instagrammable”, is widely lauded by for its multiple health benefits. Jam-packed with antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals with supposedly anti-cancer and brain-boosting effects, acai bowls are hugely popular among both the hipster and fitness community.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Singapore Botanic Gardens, JUJU is a takeaway kiosk that serves a myriad of healthy, wholesome food on-the-go. Their acai bowls, in particular, stand out for being 100% plant-based without the use of any refined sugars and whatnot.

Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert after sweating it out at Singapore Botanic Gardens the entire morning or just a rejuvenating, ice-cold dessert to enjoy as you explore the park, JUJU—located over at the Visitor Services Kiosk—will surely have you well sorted.

This small kiosk serves a wide variety of wholesome foods ranging from smoothies, shakes and juices to grilled sandwiches and baked goods, all of which are convenient to eat on-the-go.

Their speciality would be the JUJU bowls—essentially acai bowls, these desserts are all 100% plant-based, vegan and refined sugar-free. Available in several flavours such as the classic Acai, Dragon and Chocolate Oat, there’s surely something for everyone.

We opted for a regular Acai JUJU bowl (S$8.50 for regular, S$9.50 for large). Their rendition of the classic Acai bowl consists of a generous helping of Acai which is complemented by house-made chia seed pudding, Medjool dates and a variety of fruits.

Their acai has an icy texture similar to that of a sorbet, as compared to other acai bowls that possess a thicker consistency. However, the acai impressed us with the intensity of flavours despite its texture—neither diluted nor overly sweet, their JUJU bowls surely make for an ideal, cooling treat.

Depending on the season and time of the year, JUJU sometimes crafts out festive flavours for their acai bowls. To usher in the Lunar New Year, the café has come up an all-new flavour, Mandarin Orange Acai Bowl to entice their guests.

Priced the same as the usual acai bowls on the menu, the Mandarin Orange JUJU bowl was one we thoroughly enjoyed. Topped with a bunch of healthful ingredients including bananas, blueberries, granola and mulberries, their Mandarin Orange had a refreshing tangy taste which we felt was a great representation of the fruit itself.

This festive flavour would be around until the end of Chinese New Year. Considering that they nailed this festive flavour, we’d definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for their next seasonal flavour!

JUJU
1 Cluny Road #01-K1
Botanic Gardens Bukit Timah Visitor Services Kiosk
Singapore 259569
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

Most of us give no second thought before digging into foods that are high in gluten, such as pasta, bread, pastries and of course, beer. For the uninitiated, gluten is essentially a mix of proteins that can be found in wheat and its related grains, which includes barley and rye.

Granted, gluten can be found almost everywhere as it is found in many of our staples. Though gluten is not explicitly detrimental to our health, a gluten-free diet comes packed with multiple health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting of healthy weight loss.

The idea of cutting out an ingredient so common just seems too repelling and troublesome, especially on days when you’re out and about looking for a treat to cure your sweet tooth. Fret not, for here are 7 places in Singapore where you can find gluten-free desserts to indulge in without feeling like a glutton.

Photo Credit: 25 Grams

25 GRAMS

For those with an incurable sweet tooth but wish to cut out the gluten, 25 Grams should be your next go-to. A humble bakery, this store specialises in serving freshly-baked bespoke cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.

Their treats come in a variety of unique flavours and you’d also be glad to know that they offer customisation services which are perfect if you are hosting any party or event.

25 Grams
12 Kallang Avenue
Aperia Mall #01-14
Singapore 339511
Tel: +65 9236 0448
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 7.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Lavender

Photo Credit: Beriwell

BERIWELL

Situated along East Coast Road, Beriwell is one dessert joint that even your fitspo friends would approve of.

Not only were they the first to bring the concept of acai softserve to Singapore, their antioxidant-packed treats are also dairy-free, vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Though prices here are a tad higher than usual dessert joints, what you get here is a guilt-free indulgence that tastes as good (or even better) than gluten-laden ones!

Beriwell
19 East Coast Road #01-01
Singapore 428746
Tel: +65 9182 0747
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

Photo Credit: Carrotsticks & Cravings

CARROTSTICKS & CRAVINGS

Carrotsticks & Cravings is a cafe cum cooking school in the Dempsey neighbourhood that is helmed by Terri-Anne, a Melbourne expat who is passionate about creating healthy recipes that do not compromise on taste for her family and friends.

On the menu, you’d find desserts in the likes of Banana Blueberry Cupcakes, Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies as well as Nut Fudge Squares.

Carrotsticks & Cravings
75E Loewen Road
Singapore 248845
Tel: +65 8356 0634
Mon to Sat: 8am – 3pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Queenstown

CEDELE

Recognised by their signature slogan “Eat Well. Be Well.”, Cedele aims to serve honest and wholesome food that is good for your health.

Boasting close to 30 outlets islandwide, you can surely count on Cedele for a guilt-free yet indulgent meal as they have thoughtfully included several gluten-free options in their menu.

4 Hillview Rise
Hill V2 #01-12/13
Singapore 667979*
Tel: +65 6710 7174
Mon to Fri: 10am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Hillview
(*Cedele has multiple locations islandwide)

Photo Credit: Delcie’s Desserts and Cakes

DELCIE’S DESSERTS AND CAKES

Helmed by Delcie Lam, a Singaporean pastry chef who specialises in healthy, vegan, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and allergy-free baking, Delcie’s Desserts and Cakes is a humble bakery that serves low-calorie treats without compromising on taste.

Here you can savour a range of baked delights including cupcakes, cookies and sliced cakes. Gluten-free cake flavours include Mud Fudge, Chocolate Truffle and Banana Hot Fudge.

Photo Credit: Peace Cafe

PEACE CAFE

This cafe at Little India serves wholesome food from hearty mains to bite-sized sweet treats. For those simply looking for just desserts, you’d be glad to know that they offer a huge selection of vegan, eggless, dairy-free and gluten-free desserts in the likes of cakes, muffins, cookies and ice cream.

This is also the place to go if you are looking for customisable, adorable cakes and desserts for parties or events.

4 Dalhousie Lane
Singapore 209673
Tel: +65 6291 1687
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 7pm
Sat: 12pm – 8.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Little India

Photo Credit: Shake Farm

SHAKE FARM

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Shake Farm is a hidden gem that uses only the freshest of ingredients in the preparation of their dishes.

Having thoughtfully crafted several plans such as the ‘Muscle Gain Plan’ and the ‘Detox Diet Plan’, you know they take their food very seriously for this is where gym junkies and those who wish to lose some weight turn to for meal plans. Head over and treat yourself to some of their acai bowls, which start from S$9 for a medium portion.

Shake Farm
126 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068595
Tel: +65 9027 0177
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer