Natural coconut water is gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to carbonated drinks. Due to the high electrolyte content, it’s considered a good choice for refreshment after a vigorous workout or excessive sweating. When unsweetened, it also has low sugar content and fewer calories than most sports drinks.
Ideally, you should look for organic, GMO-free, sustainably sourced coconut water to ensure you make a healthier and more ethical choice.
With a variety of options in the market, it may be hard to select the best brands. In this article, we compare several manufacturers to help you decide what is the best coconut water for you.
Best coconut water: a shortlist
We have looked at several companies and compiled a list of the best coconut water brands available on the market with the aim of helping you pick the one that meets your needs best.
- Vita Coco — best coconut water with flavor and bottling options
- Harmless Harvest — best sustainability-oriented coconut water
- 100 Coconuts — best small business brand
- ZICO — best-tasting coconut water
- C2O Coconut Water — best coconut water with added sugar
- BulkSupplements.com — best coconut water according to customer ratings
Best coconut water 2024 : comparison
| Brand | Price | Commitment to sustainability | Customer rating on Amazon | Sugar content |
| Vita Coco | A 12 x 500 ml pack costs $20.23 | Climate-Pledge friendly | 4.7 stars out of 5 | Has added sugar |
| Harmless Harvest | A 12 x 340 ml costs $48 | Organic sourcing, Fair for Life certification | 4.5 stars out of 5 | No added sugar |
| 100 Coconuts | A 12 x 325 ml pack costs $23.99 | No information regarding sustainability policy | 4.5 stars out of 5 | No added sugar |
| ZICO | A 12 x 500 ml pack costs $29.94 | No information regarding sustainability policy | 4.6 stars out of 5 | No added sugar |
| C2O Coconut Water | An 8 x 485 ml pack costs $21.99. | The brand claims it uses sustainable, environment-friendly sourcing methods | 4.4 stars out of 5 | Has added sugar |
| BulkSupplements.com | A 500 g pack costs $33.95 | No information regarding sustainability policy | 4.9 stars out of 5 | No added sugar |
Best coconut water 2024: overview
In this section, we examine our top picks according to the criteria mentioned above. We highlight their key features and explore what makes them a good option for hydration.
We look into customer feedback and product price and try to determine the brand's ethical values and commitment to sustainability. By summing up every product’s pros and cons, our intent is to help you choose the best natural coconut water for hydration.
1. Vita Coco — best coconut water with flavor and bottling options
According to the company, the product contains naturally occurring electrolytes, minerals, and nutrients. The manufacturer claims that the only ingredient is natural coconut water, not derived from concentrate.
Vita Coco says the beverage is naturally sweet, however, the label indicates that this coconut water contains a small amount of added sugar (2% RDV per serving).
The brand suggests their organic coconut water can be consumed as an everyday refreshment, post-workout replenishment, post-party recovery drink, or used as an ingredient in a smoothie.
It has a USDA Organic certificate, meaning that it’s processed according to the USDA Organic standards that consider soil and water quality, among other factors.
The average customer rating gives this coconut water 4.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
The product is sold in packs, a set of twelve 500 ml cartons costs $20.23. Other options include packs of 330 ml cartons and 500 ml bottles. The brand also offers coconut water blended with coconut puree as well as pineapple and peach & mango-flavored options.
2. Harmless Harvest — best sustainability-oriented coconut water
According to the company, their organic coconut water drink is a convenient choice as an on-the-go refreshment and a source of electrolytes that help replenish and hydrate the body during workouts.
The brand puts a strong emphasis on commitment to ethical practices and positive impact. The company says it partners with organic farms that use sustainable methods. It has Fair for Life certification, meaning that part of the money and resources are put aside to support the coconut-growing community in Thailand.
The manufacturer explains that some bottles may turn pink due to varying levels of antioxidants and interaction with light. This happens because the coconut water is not thermally pasteurized, and no additives are used to regulate its acidity. Instead of pasteurization, a proprietary multi-step micro-filtration is used. The color change does not impact the drink's nutritional quality.
The average customer's rating is 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
The coconut water drink comes in 3 pack sizes: 6, 12, and 24 bottles. A 340 ml 12-pack costs $48.
3. 100 Coconuts — best small business brand
100 Coconuts suggests its coconut water as the best alternative to soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices. Among the primary advantages are a natural sweet taste and the presence of electrolytes and other nutrients.
The product contains no preservatives, no added sugar, as well as no GMOs. The label indicated that one serving (11oz/312 ml) contains 70 calories.
The manufacturer emphasizes the fresh flavor, explaining that the coconut water comes from young coconuts, which are hand-picked from the tree before they ripen. The brand is a small business registered in the U.S.
Customers rate the product 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
The coconut water is sold in packs of 12 cans, costing $23.99.
4. ZICO — the best tasting coconut water
ZICO emphasizes that only high-quality coconuts are used for the product. It indicates that the beverage contains 5 naturally occurring electrolytes (magnesium, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium) and calls it a smarter hydrating alternative to sugary sports drinks.
The water is made of a coconut blend: naturally sweet Nam Hom coconuts, known for their pleasant aroma, are blended with mature coconuts to achieve the desired flavor and consistency. No sugar or other sweeteners are added.
The material is sourced mainly from Thailand. The average customer rating is 4.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
A pack of twelve 500 ml bottles costs $29.94. The product is also available in packs of 18 and 4 bottles.
5. C2O Coconut Water — the coconut water with added sugar
C2O Coconut Water is sourced from young green freshwater coconuts whose taste is said to be less salty than more commonly used coastal coconuts. This is why the product may appeal to those who prefer fragrant, fresh-tasting beverages.
The brand sources mainly from Thailand and claims its coconut water has a superior taste thanks to the type of coconuts used. The manufacturer points out that it uses sustainable, environment-friendly sourcing methods that are also good for the local communities.
The product contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is also verified by the Non-GMO Project. However, a small amount (4% of RDV) of sugar is added to the beverage.
Customers rate the drink 4.4 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
Sold in packs of 8 cans of 485 ml, one pack costs $21.99.
5. BulkSupplements.com — best coconut water according to customer rating
According to the manufacturer, the coconut water powder is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, iron, and potassium. The company suggests that because of the high electrolyte content, the powder could serve as an excellent hydrating sports drink ingredient. The supplement is sugar-free and contains no gluten.
BulkSupplements.com's coconut water powder originates from China. The company claims it only sources from the top manufacturers registered and inspected by the FDA. It emphasizes that every batch of raw material is fully tested. Tests include purity test, microbiology contamination test, and heavy metal test.
Based on 51 customer reviews, the supplement’s average score is 4.9 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
A package of 500 g costs $33.95 and $30.44 for subscribers. The product is also available in packages of 5 kg, 1 kg, 250 g, and 100 g.
How did we choose the best coconut water?
Our criteria for choosing the best coconut water for hydration include:
| Customer feedback | Ingredients | Price | Sugar content |
| Average rating according to customer reviews | Few or no additives | Price per package ($20.23—48) | How much sugar is added |
- Customer feedback. We checked customer reviews and compared average ratings: how many stars out of 5 the majority of customers give to the product. Additionally, we took into consideration consumers' comments regarding the coconut water's taste, consistency, and packaging.
- Ingredients. We favored natural coconut water that contains no additives. Naturally sourced, organic coconut water is our preferred choice.
- Price. Value often plays a role when choosing a product, and coconut water is no exception. We looked at the cost per package and included various options for you to compare and make your decision. Whatever your budget is, you will likely find a beverage that best meets your needs.
- Sugar content. For consumers who aim to control their sugar intake, coconut water with no added sugar is the best option. We selected products that only have naturally occurring sugar or less than 1% added sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
What are the benefits of coconut water?
Natural coconut water is made from the clear liquid extracted from green coconuts. It can contain various nutrients, such as electrolytes and vitamins, and is generally considered a healthier choice than carbonated, sweetened energy drinks. Where do the health benefits of coconut water come from?
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It contains electrolytes. We lose essential minerals through urine and sweating, e.g., during an intense workout session or due to excessive heat. Electrolytes in coconut water include potassium, sodium, magnesium, and manganese. Drinking coconut water may help the body replenish lost electrolytes.
- It helps to stay hydrated. Natural coconut water is 95% water. Compared to sodas, fruit juices, and other drinks, it contains fewer carbohydrates, whereas coconut water's high electrolyte content may help restore mineral balance after profuse sweating.
- It may help maintain a healthy weight. Unlike most energy drinks, smoothies, and juices, natural coconut water with no added sugar is comparatively low in calories. It makes it a better choice for people who limit their calorie intake and avoid excessive sugar.
How to choose the best coconut water?
In order to get the maximum possible health benefits, you want to make sure you choose the best natural coconut water. Examine the label before purchasing the product. This way, you will know what the ingredients are and how they are sourced. If your coconut water is organic and the manufacturer follows ethical practices, even better! Here’s what to do to make sure you’re choosing a top-quality product:
- Go for options that are 100% coconut water and contain no added sugars or preservatives.
- Check the sources: where does the coconut water come from?
- Check if it’s tested and certified. You want to make sure the drink is safe and manufactured in a facility that follows strict hygiene standards.
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Look at the expiry date. A product past its shelf life date shouldn't be on sale. Never consume coconut water if you suspect it may be off, even if it still tastes good.
- Look at the packaging. Do not buy coconut water in a damaged or leaky package.
What types of coconut water should be avoided?
Flavored and sweetened beverages typically contain additives and have more calories. Coconut water is no exception.
With no sweet ingredients, it’s a low-calorie drink. However, if it's sweetened, it may spike your blood sugar levels and add to an overall day's sugar intake.
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are ingredients you want to avoid just to make sure there will be no side effects from consuming the beverage. These additives hardly contribute to the coconut water's nutritional value but may contribute to allergies or other undesired effects.
If you prefer to avoid GMOs in your diet, make sure your coconut water is sourced from genetically unmodified coconuts.
Best coconut water 2024: conclusion
Know you know that the best-tasting coconut water may not necessarily be the best for your health. If you aim to stay hydrated and look for natural refreshments, remember to check the label before buying the drink.
The best coconut water for hydration is natural, fresh, and unsweetened.
If you are also environment-conscious, you want to check whether your coconut water of choice is sourced sustainably and whether the brand respects environmental and ethical manufacturing standards.
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FAQ
Which coconut water is the healthiest?
The healthiest coconut water is the one that gives you exactly what you expect: hydration, electrolytes, and no harmful substances. This means it should be pure, with no artificial additives. If it's sourced from organic coconuts, even better!
Can you drink coconut water every day?
Yes. Natural coconut water is composed mostly of water, so it is unlikely to have any side effects, especially if consumed in moderation. However, if you prefer flavored coconut water, check its sugar content and other ingredients. If you have any preexisting health conditions, consult with your healthcare provider.
What are the pros and cons of coconut water?
Coconut water’s health benefits are mostly associated with its high levels of electrolytes. If you lack these important minerals, coconut water may be a potential option. However, for simple hydration plain water serves just as well. People with health conditions that require limited potassium or sodium intake should consume coconut water in moderation. Besides, coconut water is likely to be more expensive than regular water.
Which coconut water has the most electrolytes?
The amount of electrolytes coconut water contains depends on the brand and the product’s formula. If you want to know the precise amount, check the label - normally, the amounts of electrolytes and other nutrients are indicated. When you compare several brands, you’ll be able to decide which beverage meets your needs the best.
3 resources
- National Library of Medicine Electrolytes
- Laboratory Medicine, Volume 45, Issue 1 Electrolytes: The Salts of the Earth
- International Journal on Advanced Science Engineering and Information Technology Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Characteristics of Coconut Water from Different Varieties and Its Potential as Natural Isotonic Drink
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