Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
If you're not able to stick a straw into a fresh-picked coconut, a bottle of coconut water is the next best thing. You might use it as the base for a tropical cocktail (spiked cherry limeade, anyone?) or sip an icy glassful of it to ease your hangover after a night of boozy indulgence. But before you start snapping up bottles of coconut water, here's what you need to know about the sweet stuff.
What is coconut water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside coconuts. This isn't to be confused with coconut milk, which is made from the flesh, blended, and strained. Nor is it the same as coconut cream, which is is made by simmering shredded coconut in water, or cream of coconut, which is sweetened coconut cream.
Is coconut water healthy?
Coconut water is considered a juice, although it's lower in calories and sugar than most—assuming it's unflavored and doesn't include added sweeteners, of course. It delivers a lot of electrolytes (think potassium, sodium, and manganese), which help your body maintain its proper fluid and blood volume levels. If you're drinking coconut water as a post-workout beverage, it's certainly better for you than a lot of sugary sports drinks, but it's no better hydrating than plain old water. It does, however, have more potassium than a banana: 16 ounces of coconut water has about 800 mg, a banana has 326 mg. The more you know!
What can I use coconut water for?
Other than just enjoying it straight out of the container, coconut water is great for cocktails like piña coladas, smoothies, salad dressings, and more.
What are the best coconut water brands?
We asked some talented chefs for their go-to bottle and dove headfirst into Amazon reviews to find the internet's favorite coconut water brands. We looked for coconut water that tastes fresh, has no added sugar, and is packed with electrolytes. We also looked for options that aren't 100 percent coconut water for those looking for additional flavors. There's even a sparkling, caffeinated option in here. If you don't live in the tropics, with coconuts treats aplenty, these are the best brands of coconut water you can buy in stores and online.
Harmless Harvest Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water
"This coconut water reigns supreme," Chef Lawrence Smith, executive chef of Chilte in Phoenix, Arizona, raved. "On top of its refreshing taste, it carries Fair for Life and Organic certifications. For me, it’s best served cold after a run. Great for hydration, a flavor boost in smoothies, or even a little recovery after a night out."
"Being fortunate to live in Florida, I usually prefer fresh harvested coconuts," Victoria Wenning, executive sous chef at the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, said. "As this is not always an option though, my second choice and favorite product would be Vita Coco, as this coconut water is readily available and has very few ingredients added to it.”
Ryan Schmidtberger, executive chef and partner of Hancock St. in New York City, agrees. He even accidentally left a bottle in the freezer too long "only to realize when partially frozen, it's a slushy delight on a hot day."
The Thai father and son that run this company make sure their small batches of coconut water are bottled within hours of harvesting—so you know it's super fresh. Taste Nirvana uses Thailand's famous nam hom coconuts, which produce just about the sweetest-tasting coconut water you can get without adding sugar.
"Taste Nirvana is the best coconut water I've ever tasted, and I've tried a lot of them," one reviewer said. "This tastes slightly sweet and like it just came out of a fresh coconut."
Of the about 7,500 reviews on Amazon, over 6,000 of them are five stars. Buyers love the flavor: "It’s light, sweet, [and with] just a little nutty flavor... natural perfection," one reviewer wrote.
"Refreshing and delicious, all natural and smooth!" this reviewer gushed. "[It] feels like I’m drinking directly from a coconut!!" Plus, because it is sold at Whole Foods, you can easily find it at your nearest location.
With Zola coconut water, you'll taste tropical hints of vanilla and lush citrus. Unlike most other brands, it contains pulp—which is great if you're into that sort of thing. "This is my go-to a refreshing drink," a reviewer wrote. "And I have about up to two to three of these a day as it keeps me hydrated."
Northern Brazil's anão coconuts are small and piquant, giving their coconut water a fresh, tart taste. Plus, this company replenishes one square foot of the Amazon rainforest for every bottle sold. You can find it at Publix and some health food stores.
You may not be able to grab a coconut off the tree in your Hawaii backyard (unless you live in Hawaii, that is) but this Hawaii-based brand of 100 percent coconut water is the next best thing.
"Over the course of the past four to five years, I have personally been able to get over 50 people who 'hate coconut water' to try Wai Koko, and the look on their face is priceless," this reviewer boasted. "They LOVE it."
The coconut water from Amy & Brian is made from young coconuts from Thailand, which give the drink a fresh, slightly nutty flavor.
"I have tasted a dozen different brands in the can in search of a relatively healthy beverage to stock in our fridge as an alternative to soda, beer, or juice," one reviewer said. "This is hands down the highest quality canned coconut water available on the market." There's also a lime and cinnamon flavor that people love.
The Naked brand started out of an ice-filled backpack on the California coast in the 1980s. Now, you can find the company's products in tons of grocery stores, including this coconut water.
"[I] honestly feel that the Naked brand produces the cleanest, crispest, most natural coconut juice flavor," a reviewer said. "I first got a taste of this brand when in Florida on the beach. The 100-degree weather sucked the life out of me, and I ran inside at the hotel to grab a beverage and opted for this yummy carton. WOW. Such an amazing flavor and it really quenched my thirst."
Nilo is a California brand that uses two different varieties of coconuts from Thailand to make its coconut water.
"It was love at first taste," this reviewer wrote. "It is flavorful, fresh, and refreshing. I can live on this stuff! I have to limit myself to one every few days not to run out so quickly."
If coconut water is your go-to post workout drink, try this variety from Life Refreshed. It's pure coconut water, but has a slightly higher sodium content, making it perfect thing to sip on when you need come electrolytes.
"It is the BEST tasting coconut water I have ever had from a bottle!" this reviewer said.
C20 uses green coconuts from the inland of Thailand, which makes its water a little extra fragrant.
"It is smooth and natural, lightly sweet without it being overdone with anything added in," this reviewer wrote. "Also on the lower end in cost. It's a win-win."
On the hunt for that coconut flavor with a little fizz and a little jilt? Try this canned Once Upon A Coconut sparkling water, with caffeine added. Reviewers love it for its "not overwhelming" coconut flavor, "perfect amount of caffeine," and "light fizz."
Full disclosure: Unlike the other drinks on this list, this isn't 100% coconut water—it's coconut flavored water. But with just one gram of added sugar (and caffeine to boot) this is a good choice if the real deal is just not quite sweet enough for your taste. Plus, it comes in a bunch of different flavors.
"I practically live off the stuff," this reviewer wrote. "I love the fact that it is low in calories and has antioxidants. But the best part? THE TASTE! Delicious! I will never stop drinking them!"
Le Creuset's Dutch Oven Is On Sale For Prime Day
Ninja’s Viral CREAMi Is On Sale For Prime Day
The 21 Best Prime Day Kitchen Deals
Prime Day Deals That are Cheaper Than Costco
