The phrase “too good to eat” usually serves as praise for beautifully presented food. While presentation has always played a role in culinary delight, social media has elevated its importance to new heights. Instagram feeds brim with impeccably styled meals, making appearance sometimes the star of the show.
But what if a meal functions better as decor than a satisfying dish? What happens when visual appeal overshadows flavor and freshness?
Rainbowls, a small acai bowl chain, recently opened a second location in Bath. Specializing in vibrant, colorful acai bowls—creations resting on a base of mashed frozen acai berry—they promise a refreshing, nutrient-packed treat.
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During the early heatwave of 2026, I ordered their “Totally Tropical” bowl (£9.90), featuring strawberries, kiwis, bananas, pineapple juice, honey, granola, coconut flakes, chia seeds, spirulina, and yoghurt. The ingredient list is impressive, suggesting a complex flavor profile and texture. If food is art, then Rainbowls’ bowls aim for a Pollock-esque explosion of color.
However, the reality was disappointing. First off, the strawberries were completely missing—likely out of stock but not communicated. Next, the kiwi slices were served with their fuzzy skin on, which is edible but unappealing to most due to the rough texture.
The bananas felt overly ripe and mushy, which is a divisive preference I personally don’t share. On the flip side, they were at least peeled. To top it off, the pineapple chunks were hard and pale, surprising given that pineapple is in season and should be at its juiciest.
Despite these shortcomings, not everything was bleak. The granola provided satisfying crunch and substance, the coconut flakes added a pleasant texture, and the acai base itself was refreshingly cool for a hot day. The addition of spirulina—a nutrient-rich algae pulled from the superfood trend—served as a vibrant burst of ultramarine blue, visually brightening the bowl and adding health benefits like antioxidants and vitamins.
Rainbowls clearly aims for an Instagram-ready aesthetic with their neon splashes of spirulina and artful toppings. Unfortunately, their execution fell short, letting inconsistent freshness and missing ingredients tarnish the overall experience.
I wanted to like Rainbowls more—after all, acai bowls offer a healthier, cooling alternative to ice cream during summer’s peak. But for now, this ambitious brand hasn’t quite matched its vision with quality on the plate.
That said, there’s room for growth: with a few improvements, Rainbowls could turn their colorful concept into a truly satisfying snack. Until then, the promise of a “rainbowl” remains just that—a promise.
Rainbowls is open seven days a week on Old Bond Street, Bath. Their hours are 9am to 4pm Sunday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.