The Best Coconut Waters, According to Food Network Staffers
A sweeter way to hydrate, cook and play mixologist.
Photo By: Laura James
Whether you're looking for the best base for your smoothies, longing for a tropical cocktail or just want a flavorful drink to rehydrate with (because we all know that isn't water), it seems like everyone is stocking their fridges with coconut water these days — and for good reason. It's touted for its hydration benefits and nutrition facts, like being high in potassium, although it's an acquired taste for some. Since not all coconut waters are made the same, we reached out to our staffers to hear which bottles are their go-to's and the next best thing to sipping from the actual fruit.
"My favorite coconut water is Vita Coco’s Original. It’s perfect for post-workouts to replenish your electrolytes or simply to quench your thirst. It has a smooth texture as if drinking it straight from a coconut on a sunny tropical beach destination. I started drinking coconut water when I was pregnant (it’s pasteurized) and needed to drink a lot of water to keep myself hydrated. I found that Vita Coco’s original flavor tastes the best, and I could drink it straight from the carton or put it in smoothies for the added benefits and taste profile. Fast forward seven years, and it’s a staple on my grocery list." — Jennifer Cicatelli, Director, Commerce Analytics
“For those Vita Coco fans, the brand recently unveiled its line of Farmers Organic coconut water. The taste is smooth and mild, and the only ingredient is organic, hand-picked coconuts. This version has a slightly different electrolyte profile, including a touch more sodium.” — Dana Angelo White, Nutrition Expert and Writer
"For hot summer days by the pool or a post-workout pick-me-up, it doesn’t get more refreshing than this 100% pure coconut water from Koko & Karma. To me, it tastes sweeter and more flavorful than other brands, while still only containing 45 calories and 10 grams of sugar per serving. The smell also reminds me of one of my favorite sweet treats: mango sticky rice. This female-owned brand also sells other flavors like pineapple with vitamin C, which I’ve also tried and liked, mango with collagen, açai with collagen and lychee with prebiotic fiber." — Laura James, Editor
"Harmless Harvest's coconut water, which you can always spot because of its pink color (which happens naturally when the water's antioxidants interact with light), is the coconut water I go for whenever I want to treat myself. A lot of the common brands on the shelf, like Vita Coco, which I also love, are not as sweet. But sipping on Harmless Harvest feels like drinking the champagne of coconut water, and you can taste the difference in its freshness. The one upside (and downside) of Harmless Harvest is that it requires refrigeration even before opening and is priced at a slight premium, but the uptick in cost is well worth the quality. I always drink coconut water right before I get on a flight (airplane air can be so dry, and traveling can give me a headache!), and after a workout, late night out or a long day out in the sun. I prefer coconut water to sports drinks since it's not as sweet, but just as satisfying and hydrating." — Maggie Wong, Editor
"Chocolate coconut water may seem like a hard sell, but Zico’s chocolate coconut water is my favorite for a reason. As a lover of coconut and chocolate, I always encourage friends to get a little adventurous and give this coconut water a try. Most are surprised to find it tastes like a more refreshing version of chocolate milk. Think of it like a drinkable Almond Joy with less sugar and more electrolytes!" — Chelsea Collier, Editorial Commerce Intern
"If you’re looking for an option with real coconut taste, I recommend Vita Coco’s Pressed line. The Pressed line is the brand’s signature coconut water blended up with coconut cream to create a more creamy coconut water that’s more 'coconutty' than their signature flavors. I particularly love this variety blended up into tropical fruit smoothies, but it’s also great on its own." — Laura James, Editor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid found in young, green coconuts. This type of coconut liquid is not to be confused with coconut milk — which is made from a blend of coconut water and the flesh or “meat” of the coconut. As the popularity of this beverage continues to increase, many brands offer hybrid versions of coconut beverages which feature coconut water blended with small amounts of coconut meat or “pulp” for a creamier texture and more coconutty flavor.
Is Coconut Water Healthy?
An average one cup serving of plain coconut water contains about 45 calories, 11 grams of carbs and 450 milligrams of potassium. It’s free of fat, cholesterol and protein. Check labels on your favorite brand of coconut water; added flavorings and sweeteners can up the calorie count. Coconut drinks that include some of the coconut meat will also have a variable fat content.
What Does Coconut Water Taste Like?
Some might describe plain coconut water as pleasant and refreshing, while others might say it's an acquired taste. It has a mild coconut essence but lacks the robust coconut flavor of higher-fat coconut milk. Flavored varieties of coconut water are also available, but check ingredient lists for added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
How to Use Coconut Water
Coconut water can be consumed alone or blended into a smoothie, cocktail or mocktail. It can be mixed with peanut butter and Sriracha to make a quick peanut sauce, or with lime juice and olive oil for a salad dressing. You can also use it in place of stock or water to make coconut-flavored rice.
Our Favorite Recipes That Use Coconut Water
Coconut Water Smoothie with Mango, Banana and Strawberries
A hydrating combo by Bobby Flay that tastes like summer all year long.
Coconut Shrimp with Cilantro Rice
Your next go-to meal when plain white rice just isn't cutting it anymore.
Coconut Mojito
Whip up this refreshing take on the classic Cuban cocktail by simply adding chilled coconut water to the pitcher.
A Note to Athletes
Because it does contain some electrolytes, coconut water is often touted as a natural replacement for sports drinks even though it’s not an even swap. The most plentiful electrolyte lost in sweat is sodium, and coconut water contains very little. On the other hand, coconut water is loaded with potassium, which is also a substantial component of sweat loss. Athletes and those who participate in regular physical activity should work to replenish sweat losses from a combo of foods and beverages — so if coconut water is your workout drink of choice, reach for another healthy sodium-rich food along with it.
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. She is the author of four cookbooks First Bites: Superfoods for Babies and Toddlers, The Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook, The Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook and Healthy Quick and Easy Smoothies.
*This article was written and/or reviewed by an independent registered dietitian nutritionist.
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