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Coconut Waters Review

Best Coconut Water? See Our Tests and Comparisons of Popular Brands Looking at Sugar, Electrolytes, Taste and Price.

Latest Update

Ulcerative Colitis

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated January 29, 2024 ⓘ

Coconut Waters Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

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Products tested in 2019

+— 12 sources

In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:

Summary

What is coconut water?
Coconut water is the clear to slightly cloudy liquid found in immature (green) coconuts. It is rich in potassium, contains a moderate amount of sugar, and modest amounts of sodium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and phosphorus. Unlike coconut milk and coconut oil, it contains very little fat — less than 1 gram per cup. See What It Is.
How is coconut water used?
Drinking coconut water is a pleasant way to hydrate and re-hydrate but has generally not been shown to be better than water in this regard. Although preliminary research suggested a possible role for coconut water in preventing kidney stone formation, this has not been proven in people. See How It's Used.
What did CL's tests of coconut water find?
Among six popular coconut water products tested by ConsumerLab, five were found to contain what they claimed with regard to sugar and key minerals and none was contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, or lead. One product was found to contain significantly less sugar than claimed. Based on a one cup serving, the products contained 6.7 to 11 grams of sugar, 284.7 to 490 mg of potassium, 20 to 112 mg of sodium, and 6.9 to 66.7 mg of magnesium -- although the higher amounts of sodium and magnesium were in a product in which these were added ingredients. The cost per cup ranged from 72 cents to $1.98. See What CL Found and How Products Were Evaluated.
Best coconut water?
ConsumerLab selected a Top Pick among coconut waters based on quality, nutrient levels, taste, and cost.
How to store coconut water?
Coconut water does not have to be refrigerated until the container is opened. See ConsumerTips.
Safety and side effects of coconut water:
Due to the large amount of potassium in coconut water, intake should be limited among people with severe kidney disease or on medications that affect potassium levels. Even healthy people should only consume coconut water in moderation, and be aware that natural coconut water will not adequately replace sodium after long, strenuous exercise (for electrolyte replacement see our Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review), and it can have a laxative effect. For details, see Concerns and Cautions.

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Coconut waters compared in this review:

Big Tree Farms Coco Hydro Instant Coconut Water

Naked Pure Coconut Water

Taste Nirvana Premium Coconut Water

Trader Joe's Coconut Water

Vita Coco Coconut Water - Organic

Zico Natural Pure Premium Coconut Water

You must be a member to get the full test results, along with ConsumerLab's recommendations. You'll get results for six products selected by ConsumerLab. In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:

Which coconut waters passed or failed our tests
ConsumerLab's Top Pick for the best coconut water
The evidence for or against coconut water for rehydration, muscle cramps and restless legs syndrome, and kidney stones
How coconut waters, including those in powder form, compare in nutrients, added ingredients, and taste
Cautions, potential side effects, and drug interactions with coconut water

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