Our Top 5 Picks: Coconut Water
Coconut water is widely used in Asian and South America for its light taste and hydrating properties. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the United States. A 2014 report says that coconut water consumption in the USA jumped from 1 million liters to 200 million liters.
Interest in coconut water is not going to die down anytime soon. The market for coconut water is projected to increase by 15% in 2021-2025. The growing interest in coconut water resulted in numerous coconut water products in the USA.
Let’s take a look at different brands of coconut water and see how they compare with each other.
The coconut waters will be compared based on their nutrition per 8 fl oz or 1 cup serving.
Best Overall: Waiola Coconut Water
Nutrition per serving (8.5 oz)
Calories: 35 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: 9 g
Added Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 129 mg
Potassium: 730 mg
Magnesium: 18 mg
Calcium: 32 mg
Waiola coconut water was lowest in calories, carbohydrates and highest in potassium.
Best Value: Vita Coco Coconut Water
Nutrition per serving (11.1 oz)
Calories: 60 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
Added Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Potassium: 646 mg
Magnesium: 24 mg
Calcium: 53 mg
Vita Coco coconut water was the cheapest price on Amazon at $0.10 per fluid oz.
Highest in Carbohydrates: Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water
Nutrition per serving (12 oz)
Calories: 90 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: 23 g
Added Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 55 mg
Potassium: 812 mg
Magnesium: 28 mg
Calcium: 69 mg
Harmless Harvest coconut water was highest in calories (60 kcal) and in total carbohydrates (15 g) per 8 fluid oz. May be ideal during or after light to moderate exercise.
Rated Best Tasting: C2O Original Coconut Water
Nutrition per serving (16.3 oz/per can)
Calories: 80 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: 21 g
Added Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 90 mg
Potassium: 1010 mg
Calcium: 50 mg
C2O coconut water was rated as best tasting on Amazon. Raters attributed its good taste to the can packaging.
Best Alternative: Zico 100% Coconut Water
Nutrition per serving (16.9 oz/per container)
Calories: 90 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: 22 g
Added Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 135 mg
Potassium: 810 mg
Magnesium: 30 mg
Calcium: 60 mg
Zico coconut water did not rank high or low in nutrients. However, it’s similar in nutrient value to Vita Coco and cost $0.15 per fl oz.
Bottomline
Coconut water brand vary in their calories, carbohydrates, and electrolytes. Each brand may also have different tasting coconut water depending on how the coconut is processed and the amount and type of sugar in the product. Select products labeled as “100% coconut water” instead of “coconut flavored” or other flavored coconut waters.
