The saying “this looks too good to eat” is usually meant as a compliment—sometimes cliché, but a compliment nonetheless. Presentation has always played a key role in food, and in today’s social media age, where sharing meals on Instagram is routine, appearance often takes center stage.
But what happens when a dish works better as decoration than as food? When presentation becomes the main event?
Rainbowls is a small chain that recently opened its second location in Bath less than a year ago. They specialize in acai bowls—vibrant, colorful, and highly photogenic meals built around a base of mashed frozen acai fruit.
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This fruit creates a deep purple canvas that’s perfect for an array of toppings. During the first major heatwave of 2026, I ordered their “Totally Tropical” bowl, which included strawberries, kiwis, bananas, pineapple juice, honey, granola, coconut flakes, chia seeds, spirulina, and yoghurt (£9.90).
With so many ingredients packed in, £9.90 seemed reasonable—if executed well. So, how did it measure up?
First, there were no strawberries—perhaps they had run out. Next, the pieces of kiwi still had their skins on. While kiwi skin is safe to eat and rich in fiber and antioxidants, its rough, furry texture is off-putting for most and doesn’t pair well in a smoothie bowl.
The bananas were overripe and mushy—some may like that, but I am not in that camp. At least they were peeled. The pineapple chunks were hard and pale, especially surprising since it’s currently pineapple season.
That said, the coconut flakes added a nice crunch, the granola was hearty, and the acai base itself was refreshingly cooling in the 30-degree heat. The spirulina, a type of blue-green algae packed with vitamin B, iron, and antioxidants, gave the bowl a striking ultramarine burst, enhancing its visual appeal. Spirulina also boasts health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and supporting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure.
Rainbowls clearly aims for an Insta-worthy, vibrant bowl with a splash of spirulina to brighten it up. Yet, despite its visual flair, the bowl left much to be desired in taste and texture.
I wanted to like Rainbowls more than I did. Frozen acai offers a promising, healthy alternative to ice cream during summer, but this ambitious brand hasn’t quite nailed its vision yet.
That doesn’t mean they can’t improve. After all, after every storm comes a rainbowl.
Rainbowls is open daily on Old Bond Street, Bath—from 9am to 4pm Sunday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.