If you go nuts for coconuts, you need to add some of the best coconut water to your daily diet. This healthy, all-natural beverage is made from the liquid inside young, green coconuts, and many of the most popular coconut water brands farm their coconuts in Southeast Asia and, in particular, Thailand and Vietnam.
In recent years, coconut water has become an increasingly popular beverage. That’s because the water sourced from coconuts is very low in fat yet contains fiber, vitamin C and more potassium than a banana. In fact, some people have found great success in swapping their sports drink, soda and juice habits for coconut water.
Not only is the beverage an all-natural product that tastes great, but it’s also healthy for you. Below, we’ll discuss some of the health benefits of coconut water, and then we’ll introduce you to the best coconut water brands you can order online right now.
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
In an article discussing the best coconut water, the health benefits of the beverage cannot be ignored. As people have been drinking coconut water for hundreds of years, there is a good amount of scientific research concerning this natural elixir.
- Hydration: For the average person, the consumption of coconut water is most beneficial in terms of hydration (and as a home remedy for hangovers). The liquid contains natural versions of many electrolytes found in sports recovery drinks, and regularly consuming coconut water post-workout resulted in higher hydration levels in endurance athletes when compared to water.
- Heart Health: Some studies also show that coconut water may have antioxidant properties and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lower Blood Sugar Levels: Studies suggest that consumption of coconut water can lead to lower blood sugar levels. In addition, diabetic animals may maintain more stable blood sugar levels when they drink coconut water regularly.
- Prevent Kidney Stones: Staying hydrated (even with plain water) is essential to preventing kidney stones. However, one study suggests that coconut water may prevent the crystals that form kidney stones from sticking together, making it a more effective prevention for the painful stones.
Altogether, the health benefits of coconut water cannot be ignored. In addition, the average glass of coconut water contains fewer calories and sugars than juice or soda. Unfortunately, we can’t call coconut water a diet beverage, as it does usually contain 50 calories per serving or more. Still, if you like the taste, then it’s worth replacing sports drinks, sodas and high-sugar juice with coconut water.
Related Stories
If you’re ready to give this natural drink a try, take a look through the fifteen best brands of coconut water available for online purchase.
1. Vita Coco Coconut Water
BEST OVERALL
As one of the most trusted names in coconut water, Vita Coco takes our number one spot. This pack contains 12 single servings of coconut water. Each one contains only 60 calories and is completely fat-free, gluten-free and non-GMO. In addition, this coconut water is packed full of vitamins and electrolytes, making it a great alternative to sports drinks and fruit juice. Plus, this product is packaged in cartons rather than bottles, ensuring your on-the-go hydration is environmentally friendly.
2. Coconut Beach 100% Coconut Water
BEST SINGLE CAN BUY
The Coconut Beach 100% Coconut Water is like a vacation in a can. This straight-from-nature beverage is made from pure Thai coconut water. Plus, the coconuts sourced to create such refreshing liquid are non-GMO, so you can be sure your drink is as good for the environment as it is for your body. And, as an added bonus, each can has 16 ounces of liquid versus the standard 12, and you can buy a single can from Drizly to see if you like it before investing in an entire case.
3. Harmless Harvest Raw Coconut Water
BEST RAW COCONUT WATER
Most canned coconut water brands heat or pasteurize their drinks in order to extend shelf life. Some scientists believe this might diminish the health benefits of coconut water. Therefore, if you’re looking to get the most out of your drink, always ensure your coconut water is “raw,” like the Harmless Harvest Raw Coconut Water. This pure, organic drink is made from responsibly harvested coconuts akin to the fragrant varieties found in Thailand. Because this coconut drink is raw, it’s also more expensive than other options on this list.
4. Cococoast Passionfruit Coconut Water
BEST FLAVORED
If you don’t enjoy the taste of coconut water yet you want to reap the health benefits, consider purchasing a flavored version, like the Cococoast Passionfruit Coconut Water. This can contains all the vitamins and nutrients of coconut water but tastes like tangy passion fruit instead. Created in New Zealand, Cococoast puts 90% pure coconut water and 10% natural passion fruit juice inside each serving. As an added bonus, this coconut water contains no added sugar and is cholesterol free.
5. Earth Circle Organics Pure Coconut Water Powder
BEST POWDER
Sometimes the best coconut water is the kind you make at home. Whether you don’t want to store a dozen bottles in your pantry, are worried you won’t use all of your coconut water before it goes bad or are concerned about the environment, there may be a hundred reasons why you don’t want to buy bottled or canned coconut water. Thankfully, canned or bottled liquid isn’t the only option. Coconut water can also be powdered in a concentrated form, like this Earth Circle Organics Pure Coconut Water Powder. Add a teaspoon of powder to a cup of water, and you can enjoy a delicious glass of coconut water. Alternatively, add the powder to juice or a smoothie for the benefits of coconut water without the taste.
6. MOJO Pure Coconut Water
BEST CANNED
With only one ingredient in each can, you can be sure the MOJO Pure Coconut Water is as pure as it comes. This non-GMO drink is not made from concentrate yet is sweeter than many competitors thanks to the variety of coconuts used. It also only has 50 calories per serving, making MOJO slightly healthier than many other brands on our list. Grab this pack of 12 cans so you have enough for on-the-go hydration, cocktail mixing and post-workout electrolyte boosting.
7. ZICO Natural 100% Coconut Water Drink
BEST BOTTLED
For the most portable coconut water, look no further than ZICO Natural 100% Coconut Water Drink. This liquid comes in 16.9 fluid-ounce, PET bottles that easily fit in cup holders and mini-fridges, making this the best option for consumption on the go. The coconut water itself is non-GMO and bottled in Thailand. It also contains no added sugar and is naturally fat- and gluten-free.
8. NutriVsta Pink Coconut Water
BEST PINK COCONUT WATER
For something a little more unusual, try the NutriVsta Pink Coconut Water. The “pink” in this water actually comes from the Nam-Hom coconuts used to make this water. The flesh of those particular coconuts is pink when the young specimens are cracked open for their water. The pink in the actual water, though, comes from a high level of polyphenol oxidase, which is a natural antioxidant. These factors make this non-GMO, gluten-free and sugar-free coconut water delicious, refreshing and good for you at the same time.
9. Amy & Brian Non-GMO Coconut Water
BEST NON-GMO
Amy and Brian of Amy & Brian Non-GMO Coconut Water pride themselves on their family-run business which has been selling coconut water from Thailand’s freshest young coconuts since 2001. The resulting beverage has no fat or added sugar and is packed full of potassium, magnesium and calcium. This coconut water is a great alternative to Gatorade, soda or juice. And, if you don’t like plain coconut water, Amy and Brian also make coconut water with pulp, with lime or with cinnamon.
10. Taste Nirvana Real Coconut Water
BEST WITH PULP
Much like orange juice, coconut water can be enjoyed with or without pulp. For people who love the taste of coconut and occasionally enjoy a coconut dessert, a bottle of coconut water with pulp is highly recommended. The bits and pieces of coconut give the drink a slightly more substantial feel. Taste Nirvana makes one of the best coconut waters with pulp. Their product is created from premium nam hom coconuts grown in Thailand’s Nakhon Pathom Province. These large and sweet coconuts are harvested at peak ripeness and bottled within a few hours. The result is a delicious coconut water that’s as addicting as it is healthy.
11. CocoGoodsCo Single-Origin Natural Coconut Water
BEST VALUE
The CocoGoodsCo Natural Coconut Water is one of the best value coconut waters on the market. This coconut water comes in a pack of 12 16.9-fluid-ounce cartons, meaning it costs less than $0.14 per ounce. The drink itself, which is best served chilled, is all natural with no added sugar. And, as an added bonus, CocoGoodsCo. reinvests 2.5% of their profits back in local farmers, employees and communities near their Vietnamese coconut farms as a part of their “2.5% All Good Promise.”
12. Zola Coconut Water with Espresso
BEST CAFFEINATED
If you want to switch to a healthier beverage but you still need the caffeine hit that comes with your daily coffee or soda, consider the Zola Coconut Water with Espresso. Each can boasts two shots of dark-roasted espresso blended with coconut water sourced from Thai coconuts. That means there’s 150mg of caffeine to keep you going in each can in addition to the impressive 260mg of potassium provided by the coconut water. Furthermore, Zola also produces five other well-reviewed types of coconut water, from plain with pulp to pineapple.
13. C2O Pure Coconut Water
MOST ECO-FRIENDLY
Are you concerned about GMOs taking over your diet? Get the Non-GMO project verified C2O Pure Coconut Water. This brand makes all their coconut water in Thailand from young, green coconuts using sustainable sourcing methods. The result is 100% pure coconut water containing five essential electrolytes. Plus, if coconut water doesn’t taste good to you, C2O also makes delicious flavors using 100% juices. And since it comes in a can, you don’t have to worry about plastic waste.
14. Goya Unsweetened Coconut Water
BEST FOR COOKING
While raw, natural coconut water is always the best option, you may not intend to use your coconut water in the next couple of weeks. If that’s the case, you’ll need coconut water that’s built to be shelf stable, like the Goya Unsweetened Coconut Water. These cans contain 98% coconut water along with citric acid and acidity regulators to give it a longer shelf life. Beyond the preservatives, Goya’s version of this liquid is just as good for you as any other, and it’s ideal for cooking or baking.
15. Harvest Bay Coconut Water
BEST SPLURGE
If you need a large quantity of coconut water, the Harvest Bay Coconut Water could be the choice for you. This all-natural liquid comes in 12 cartons of 33.8 fluid ounces, giving you enough coconut water for a party. The non-GMO coconut water is not made from concentrate and contains merely 40 calories per serving. Packaged in Thailand, this drink can help you hydrate and recover post-workout or can be used as a mixer for plenty of delicious concoctions.
Coconut Milk Powder Is The New Health Hack: Here’s How To Use It