Fruitive Review (Food)

Image credit: Fruitive

Of all the smoothie/acai bowl places I have found in Washington DC, Fruitive holds a special place in my heart because they have a 100% plant-based menu and their smoothie bowls (my review) are always swoon-worthy. 

Staying overnight in Washington DC one weekend, I woke up wanting to find some place to find "breakfast" food. Usually I opt for a piece of fruit and a protein bar as my preferred breakfast when traveling, but on that occasion I just wanted something more substantial. I decided to head out to Fruitive for an acai bowl, but realized when reading their menu that they have new gluten-free offerings- waffles, soups, and collard tacos. 

Although Fruitive is 100% plant-based (egg free, dairy-free, vegan), many of their food items do contain gluten. However, on my recent visit, I spotted several gluten-free options that I had not noticed before. If you are gluten-free and vegan, or just want to work more plant-based foods into your day, Fruitive's offerings are all tempting! 

I decided to order the ABC Waffles, which come with almond butter (A), banana (B), and whipped coconut cream and carob nibs (C). The waffles are thick and strike a balance between dense and fluffy. Taste-wise, the waffles have a nice whole grain flavor, and are not sweet, which is where the toppings provide a perfect flavor compliment. Fresh bananas  bring sweetness while almond butter adds a thick, nutty, "stick-to-your-ribs" quality to the waffles. Normally I am not a fan of coconut-milk, but the whipped coconut milk topping the waffles had just the right creaminess and sweetness to put a smile on my face and earn my wholehearted approval. Rounding out the toppings were the crunchy cacao nibs and maple syrup, which added a drizzle of sweetness that tied all the flavors together. 

The effect was sheer perfection, and these waffles are officially my favorite breakfast fare in DC. They've combined my favorite foods into a true treat that not only satisfies but kept me full for a busy morning of sightseeing. As cold temperatures crush my cravings for acai bowls, these waffles are a more than welcome solution for chilly mornings. 

Now that I know Fruitive has more gluten-free offerings on their menu, I definitely will be back to try out their savory soups and collard tacos. Everything I have ordered from Fruitive  has been excellent, and I am so glad they are a haven for plant-based clean eating in the heart of downtown DC. 

The Basics

Address: 11th St and Palmer Alley (City Center), Washington, DC 20001 (See their other DC & Virginia locations right here. 

Website: fruitive.com

Cuisine: Bowls, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches

Ideal For: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch

Price: See menu prices above

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Disclaimer: This review is based upon the information I have at the time of the review and does not reflect changes in ingredients or availability of items. Please contact the restaurant directly for up-to-date information and feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I was not compensated for this review and it is a reflection of my personal opinion.