- Many Brands Fall Short on Authentic Coconut Flavor: Several lower-ranked brands, including Bai and Simple Truth Organic, were criticized for artificial, stale, or overly sweet tastes, often lacking any resemblance to genuine coconut water.
- Purity and Natural Taste Are Hallmarks of Top Brands: High-quality brands like 365 Whole Foods Market and Goya excelled by offering pure coconut water with no additives, delivering a strong, sweet, and authentic flavor reminiscent of freshly cracked coconuts.
- Unwanted Additives Can Ruin the Experience: Some brands, such as O Organics (with ascorbic acid) and Jarritos (excessive sugar and pulp), added ingredients that significantly detracted from or completely overwhelmed the natural taste of coconut water.
- Top-Tier Brands Offer Distinctive Quality and Sourcing: Harmless Harvest stood out with its natural pink color and subtle floral notes, while the top-ranked Taste Nirvana was praised for its rich, nutty aroma and perfect sweetness, attributed to precise harvesting of Nam Hom coconuts.
For many years, the conventional wisdom has been that we should consume approximately three liters of plain water daily to maintain optimal health. It has long been the undisputed champion of hydration, a simple and effective solution since time immemorial.
However, a formidable challenger has emerged in the world of beverages, one that promises even greater benefits: coconut water. This tropical drink has surged in popularity, becoming a trendy staple for health-conscious individuals.
Its acclaim is well-earned, as it’s lauded for its ability to rapidly replenish electrolytes after intense physical activity, its purported role in reducing the risk of kidney stones, and its positive effects on cardiovascular health.
With such an impressive resume, it’s tempting to start purchasing it by the case. However, a word of caution is necessary; consuming an excessive amount of coconut water can also have its downsides.
As a long-time enthusiast of this beverage, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of drinking it fresh, directly from the young green coconuts that are its source. Recognizing that not everyone has the luxury of a coconut palm in their garden, numerous companies have begun bottling and packaging this natural elixir.
Unfortunately, as is often the case with mass-produced goods, the transition from the tree to the shelf can sometimes compromise the quality and integrity of the product. This realization prompted a quest to find out which coconut water brand tastes best.
To this end, I embarked on a comprehensive taste test, gathering a wide array of different coconut waters available on the market. I made a point of sampling every single one to provide thorough best coconut water brands reviews.
While some brands focus solely on producing pure, unadulterated coconut water, many others have expanded their lines to include versions with added fruit flavorings. The journey was a mixed bag of experiences; there were certainly some disappointing misses, but there were also some outstanding hits.
A couple of them were so exceptional they transformed me from a mere fan into a true devotee. Continue reading to discover which brand secured the top spot as my personal favorite and which ones you might want to leave on the store shelf.
17 Popular Coconut Water Brands, Ranked Worst To Best
17. Bai
Bai is likely one of the most widely recognized names on this list, having captured public attention around 2017 with a memorable commercial. The ad featured the iconic actor Christopher Walken reciting the lyrics to the famous NSYNC song “Bye Bye Bye” alongside the band’s frontman, Justin Timberlake.
It was a charming and effective marketing move that certainly piqued my curiosity about their self-styled “WonderWater.” Now that Bai has introduced a coconut variant to its extensive flavor portfolio, I was eager to finally give it a try. Yet, after a single taste, it became painfully clear that the marketing slogan was ironically prophetic.
Visually, the liquid inside the transparent plastic bottle was promising. It had the authentic, slightly cloudy appearance of water poured directly from a freshly cracked coconut, building my anticipation for that first sip.
However, the moment the liquid touched my palate, my initial excitement turned to immediate regret, and I had to spit it out. The taste bore no resemblance to genuine coconut water. Instead, my mouth was flooded with a jarringly artificial sweet-and-sour flavor that was so unexpected it made me question what I was drinking. For a moment, I wondered if I had mistakenly grabbed a bottle of cocktail mix intended for weekend margaritas.
A visit to Bai’s website reveals the claim that the bottle contains no artificial sweeteners, only a “new great taste” fortified with antioxidants and electrolytes. Unfortunately, my experience suggests this “new taste” is far from great. In fact, it was so unpleasant that rather than finishing the 18-ounce bottle, my only inclination was to follow the commercial’s lead and bid the drink “bye, bye, bye.”
16. Simple Truth Organic
Kroger’s in-house organic brand, Simple Truth, markets itself with the philosophy of providing “simple foods that can be enjoyed the way nature intended.” If this is how nature intended coconut water to taste, it’s a genuine mystery why the beverage has any fans at all.
Upon tasting this product, the dominant impression was one of staleness. It would be inaccurate to call it completely flavorless, because while any hint of coconut was absent, there was a pronounced and unpleasant taste of cardboard, which I can only surmise is absorbed from its packaging.
This raises questions about the product’s supply chain and how long it sits in the carton before reaching consumers, as it tasted like it had been aging in that box for years.
I held out a sliver of hope that the three flavored varieties might offer a better experience, but that hope was quickly dashed. The added chocolate, mango, and pineapple notes were nowhere to be found; they failed to mask the pervasive stale, cardboard-like base flavor.
The taste was so fundamentally unappetizing that it was a struggle to take more than a single sip. To give it a fair chance, I managed to get about halfway through each carton, but the flavor profile never improved, remaining consistently disappointing.
15. O Organics
Another store-brand offering, O Organics, is the exclusive organic line from Vons and Albertson’s. After sampling their coconut water, I can definitively say that one sip was more than sufficient. This particular beverage presents a strange and unappealing combination of being simultaneously sweet and sour.
The resulting flavor profile reminded me less of a refreshing tropical drink and more of rice vinegar. While such a flavor might find a place as an ingredient in a salad dressing or a marinade, it is entirely unsuitable for a beverage meant to be enjoyed on its own for refreshment.
Upon examining the ingredient list on the 11-ounce carton, the reason for the peculiar tartness became clear: the inclusion of ascorbic acid. The rationale for adding acid to a naturally pleasant beverage is baffling. Perhaps the product developers at O Organics felt that pure coconut water lacked sufficient appeal, or maybe they intended to boost its vitamin C content. Whatever the motivation, the outcome is a failure. The added acidity ruins the drink, making it an experience I would not recommend.
14. CoAqua
The label on CoAqua’s can, featuring a serene blue silhouette of a woman relaxing in a hammock, is undeniably simple and inviting. It drew me in, and I picked it up with high hopes, feeling confident it would rank among my favorites. That optimism evaporated the moment I opened it, serving as a stark reminder that you can’t always judge a beverage by its packaging.
CoAqua’s tagline encourages consumers to “reach for the world’s best-tasting coconut water,” and I certainly will continue my search for it, because this brand is not it. I can state without hesitation that this is far from the best-tasting coconut water in the world; it doesn’t even qualify as mediocre. It’s simply dreadful.
Devoid of any authentic coconut flavor, the water tastes more like a bizarre, cloyingly sweet fruit punch, reminiscent of the artificially colored red drinks from my childhood. The problem isn’t just the excessive sweetness; there’s also an odd tartness that feels completely out of place in a coconut beverage.
While a very faint hint of coconut emerges on the finish, it’s far too little and comes far too late to salvage the drink. I found it impossible to finish the 17-ounce can.
13. Jarritos
I have a genuine fondness for Jarritos, the beloved Mexican soda company. Their range of brightly colored, fruit-flavored sodas, from mandarin to lime, has long been a favorite accompaniment to tacos and burritos, or simply as a refreshing treat. It’s not just sodas in glass bottles they offer; the company has also ventured into the coconut water market, a prospect that greatly intrigued me.
Unfortunately, that intrigue vanished almost immediately after I popped the top of the can. The label may proclaim “80% juice,” but my first taste suggested it was closer to 80% sugar. Unlike Jarritos’ sodas, where the tartness of the fruit helps to balance the sweetness, coconut water is naturally sweet on its own.
Without a competing acidic element, the added sugar creates an overwhelmingly cloying flavor. This intense sweetness, combined with the unpleasant texture of small pulp bits floating throughout the liquid, made this beverage incredibly difficult to drink.
After just a few sips, I’d had more than enough and found myself desperately needing a glass of plain water to avoid a full-blown sugar rush. While I remain a fan of their sodas, I will be steering clear of Jarritos’ coconut water in the future.
12. Amy & Brian
The brand Amy & Brian boldly claims it strives to “be better.” After sampling their range of coconut water, I can confidently say that it is not, in fact, better. It isn’t even particularly good, which is a shame given that the words “great taste” are printed on the side of each can.
The fundamental issue with these products is that they taste nothing like real coconut. The experience was akin to drinking plain water to which an imitation coconut flavoring had been added. The “original” version tasted like simple sugar water, while the grape and lime varieties were reminiscent of the artificial fruit punch powders sold in packets.
On a more positive note, unlike some of the other brands I tested, Amy & Brian’s product is light in texture and flows smoothly over the tongue. For this reason, I suppose it could serve as a functional hydrator in a pinch, especially for those looking to replenish their best coconut water brands electrolytes, since the cans are generously sized. However, if flavor is a priority, there are much better options. I would much rather drink two or three smaller containers of a better-tasting brand than one giant can of this.
11. C2O
C2O is another brand that offers consumers a variety of choices. Whether you prefer it plain, with a bit of pulp, flavored with fruit, or even infused with espresso for a late-afternoon boost, there’s a can for you. However, despite this diversity, there is a crucial element missing across the entire line: significant flavor. While I don’t expect to be overwhelmed by coconut, I do want to believe that the water I’m drinking was derived from actual coconuts. Unfortunately, with C2O, I was left unconvinced.
I do appreciate the clever branding, a nod to the periodic table suggesting a simple formula of coconut and oxygen. Yet, after tasting it, I began to question if there was even one part coconut in the mix. The flavor is so faint and subtle that it was difficult to distinguish from plain water.
The version with pulp was the only one that provided a discernible hint of coconut, but the texture of the floating pieces was somewhat jarring. The most significant drawback of these cans, however, was the strange and slightly bitter aftertaste. I suspect it may be a metallic taste from the aluminum can, but I couldn’t definitively identify the source—only that I strongly disliked it.
10. Sun Harvest
If you’re someone who desires the health benefits of coconut water but isn’t particularly fond of its distinct taste, then Sun Harvest might be the product you’ve been searching for. Although the 16.9-ounce can states that it contains 100% pure coconut water that is not from concentrate, it tastes nothing like the other 100% coconut waters that made this list. In reality, this water doesn’t taste much like anything at all, which is precisely why it lands squarely in the middle of this ranking.
To be clear, it’s a perfectly acceptable option, but it’s entirely unremarkable. The can advertises Sun Harvest as “a sweet and hydrating beverage,” but I can confirm that while it is certainly hydrating, it is sorely missing the coconutty sweetness I look for. In fact, it lacks any sweetness whatsoever. If I’m being perfectly honest, there is no distinct flavor or mouthfeel to speak of-it is remarkably similar to plain, ordinary water.
While there is a faint, slightly bitter, and nutty aftertaste, nothing about the experience screams “coconut” or evokes a tropical feeling. It is perhaps the best coconut water for dehydration if you want hydration without any flavor.
9. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s offers several different options when it comes to coconut water, including a refrigerated version and two shelf-stable varieties. After a thorough tasting of all three, it’s clear that the refrigerated pink coconut water is the superior product by a significant margin.
This single excellent offering is what saves the brand from a much lower ranking. If Trader Joe’s only sold this refrigerated version, it would be positioned much higher on this list, as that water is a delightful, refreshing treat bursting with sweet, authentic coconut flavor. When considering what type of coconut water is best, the fresh, refrigerated type often wins.
Unfortunately, the brand’s other offerings are considerably less impressive. The shelf-stable versions, while containing subtle hints of coconut, are ultimately flat and uninspired. There is nothing special about them that would set them apart from the myriad of other average waters I sampled.
They are perfectly fine for quenching thirst and delivering nutrients, but if that’s the only requirement, there are better choices available. So, while all three will suffice, if you find yourself at Trader Joe’s and are craving something cool and genuinely refreshing, the organic refrigerated coconut water is unequivocally the best of the bunch.
8. Once Upon a Coconut
I was immediately charmed by these adorable cans and truly wanted to love them. Everything from their tall, slender shape to their vibrant labels and whimsical names was appealing, and I couldn’t wait to try them. If the brand had limited its offerings to its pure, pineapple, and chocolate coconut waters, Once Upon a Coconut would have earned a higher spot on this list. However, a fourth product in their lineup was anything but enjoyable: the sparkling coconut and energy drink.
While the first three varieties are smooth, pleasant sippers that I could happily drink at any time of day, the sparkling energy version was a major disappointment. From the very first sip, the drink was excessively sweet, making it nearly impossible to enjoy.
It was more reminiscent of a low-quality soda so laden with sugar that you can almost feel cavities forming as you drink it. For an energy boost, I will definitely look elsewhere. For regular coconut water, however, I would gladly sip on Once Upon a Coconut.
Beyond the cute packaging and mild flavor, there’s another compelling reason to choose this brand. I greatly appreciate their commitment to giving back, with 10% of the profits from every case sold being donated to charity. By choosing this coconut water, you are not only doing something good for your own well-being but also contributing to the well-being of others. In my opinion, that’s a definitive win-win.
7. Vita Coco
Vita Coco is arguably the most recognizable and widely available brand on this list. However, as is often the case, easy accessibility does not automatically equate to superior quality. While Vita Coco can be found on the shelves of countless stores across the country, there are better coconut waters to be had.
Don’t get me wrong-I do enjoy Vita Coco, but after tasting it alongside several other brands, I was surprised by how noticeably sweet it is. While I prefer a sweeter profile over one that is bland and flavorless, Vita Coco tastes as though the company has added a spoonful of sugar to every carton.
While that might help the medicine go down, it doesn’t improve the coconut water. I favor subtlety over an overpowering presence, and unfortunately, Vita Coco falls into the latter category.
What the brand may lack in nuanced flavor, however, it compensates for with an impressive variety. Vita Coco offers no fewer than five different coconut waters, including several fruit-flavored options and a “pressed” version that contains coconut puree for those seeking an extra coconut kick.
They have even introduced a sparkling option for consumers who prefer a bit of fizz. Therefore, if this is the only coconut water available at your local store, it’s a perfectly acceptable choice. But if you have other options, I would recommend picking another brand.
6. Zico
I thoroughly enjoyed Zico. In a field of many contenders, Zico distinguishes itself through its remarkable subtlety of flavor. This is not to say that the water is lacking in taste; in fact, the opposite is true. Rather than hitting you over the head with an aggressive “coco-nuttiness,” this beverage has a delicate, refined sweetness that I found incredibly pleasant.
I believe this nuanced profile is a direct result of their unique production process. While they begin with the same sweet Nam Hom coconuts used by other premium brands, the creators of Zico then artfully blend that water with coconut waters sourced from a variety of other Asian coconuts. This blending results in a drink that is full of the pleasant coconut flavor I desire, but without any hint of artificiality.
Packaged in a larger 17-ounce bottle, this water is an excellent choice for rehydrating after a workout or for recovering from a late night out. On a hot day, you’ll be delighted to have this on hand to quench your thirst-I certainly was.
5. 365 Whole Foods Market
365 is the house brand of Whole Foods Market, meaning you’ll only find this coconut water in their stores (or on Amazon, their parent company). If you decide to pick up a can, you can feel good about your choice. The brand is known for its meticulous attention to ingredients and adheres to a long and ever-growing list of quality standards.
Whole Foods has done an exceptional job with this product, as the ingredient list contains one single item: coconut water. Unlike many other brands reviewed here, there are absolutely no additives, a purity you can taste from the very first sip. It’s so pure, it might even make you wonder about other uses, sparking questions like, “Can Dogs Drink Coconut Water?”.
The water is brimming with a strong, sweet, and authentic coconut flavor that I found irresistible; I couldn’t put the can down. I was genuinely surprised by how good it was, as my past experiences with other 365 brand items have been mixed-often either far too sweet or completely bland.
This one, however, was just right. You could call Goldilocks, because if she were a coconut water drinker, this would be her perfect can.
Beyond the delightful flavor, the liquid possessed a wonderful mouthfeel that closely mimicked the experience of drinking directly from a fresh coconut. Even though the 17-ounce can is labeled as containing two servings, I had no intention of sharing. If I had to voice a single complaint, it would be that an even larger can wasn’t available.
4. Goya
Goya is a household name for many, recognized for its vast array of products ranging from beans and oils to frozen entrees and delicious beverages. Founded back in 1936 by Mr. and Mrs. Unanue, Goya Foods has grown to become the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States.
It’s no surprise, then, that their extensive product line includes not just one, but five different coconut waters. Whether you choose a carton or a can, you are unlikely to be disappointed.
I absolutely loved this coconut water from the first sip to the last. It was subtly sweet with a wonderfully smooth mouthfeel that flowed gently over and coated my tongue. The moment I tasted it, I had the urge to chug the entire can.
It tasted exactly like water that had just been poured from a freshly cracked young coconut, which is logical since the water is extracted directly from young Thai coconuts. Even the version with added pulp was thoroughly enjoyable.
I’ve found the pulp in other coconut waters to be off-putting, often being too small, stringy, or soggy. However, the pulp in the Goya can was different; its texture and freshness served as a pleasant reminder of how pure the water is. This is a brand I will confidently grab anytime I see it on the store shelf.
3. Real Coco
I simply could not get enough of Real Coco. This water was an absolute delight to drink. It possessed a lovely sweetness that was perfectly balanced and nowhere near the saccharine levels of some other brands. More impressively, it genuinely transported me to a tropical beach, making me feel as though I were drinking water straight from a nut I had just plucked from a tree.
Unlike some waters that have a syrupy, thick viscosity, this was a light liquid that flowed effortlessly over the tongue and down the throat, making the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. I believe a key reason for its superior quality lies in the company’s sustainable farming practices: they rely solely on rain to irrigate their coconut trees and use absolutely no pesticides or fertilizers. This commitment to natural cultivation means no unwanted flavors find their way into the final product, a principle I fully support.
Real Coco is available in two varieties, pink or pure, and I honestly could not discern a significant difference in taste; both were completely satisfying. The primary distinction I found was in their packaging and size. The Pure version is available in a larger 500-milliliter or 1-liter recyclable carton, making it ideal for stocking up. The Pink version, with its petite 330-milliliter size, is perfect for packing in lunches or for travel.
2. Harmless Harvest
Harmless Harvest truly stands out on this list, and not just for its robust, authentic coconut flavor or the fact that it’s a coconut water with no added sugar. What makes it immediately unique is something none of the other brands possess: its color.
While other waters are clear or have a faintly milky appearance, Harmless Harvest is a vibrant, natural pink. This color isn’t the result of any added dyes; it’s a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by the high levels of antioxidants present in the specific coconuts they use-Nam Hom coconuts, which are widely regarded as among the sweetest on the planet.
Of course, a beverage is meant to be sipped, not just admired, and its flavor is what solidified its position as one of my top picks. The taste is not just one-dimensional coconut; there’s a delicate and intriguing floral quality that adds a layer of complexity and tickles the palate. Furthermore, Harmless Harvest extends its excellence to its flavored waters.
Where other brands often use a heavy hand with fruit additives, Harvest employs just a splash. This light touch is enough to let you know you’re enjoying a hint of mango or apple without it overwhelming the base coconut flavor, a balance I deeply appreciate. When you add in the fact that this product must be refrigerated-a sign of its freshness and lack of preservatives-you have a coconut water I will eagerly grab any time I see it.
1. Taste Nirvana
The moment I cracked the seal on this bottle, I knew I was in for an exceptional experience. An invitingly strong and nutty aroma filled the air, so enticing that I couldn’t wait to take the first sip. While scents can sometimes make promises that the flavor doesn’t deliver, that was not the case with Taste Nirvana.
I am thrilled to report that the taste of this water is every bit as amazing as its scent, making it the undisputed champion of this taste test and my absolute favorite bottle. This elixir achieves the perfect level of sweetness and has a wonderful viscosity that coats the tongue and throat like a light, tropical blanket. When people ask `what is the best coconut water brand?` or `what is the best coconut water to buy?`, my answer is now unequivocally Taste Nirvana.
This remarkable product was created by a father-and-son team from Thailand who also utilize the prized Nam Hom coconuts. Their unique method involves waiting until the meat and water of each individual coconut have reached a state of “perfect harmony” before harvesting.
The water is then bottled within hours of being extracted to ensure that every bottle retains the full spectrum of nutrients and loses none of that rich, complex, nutty flavor. It’s no wonder this is considered one of the best coconut water brands on the market.
While this brand may not be as readily available as some of the others on this list, it is well worth seeking out. If you happen to find it, I urge you to grab it. Available in several sizes, I can promise that you will not be disappointed. It sets the standard for what premium coconut water should be.
