10 Best Coconut Waters | UK Nutritionist Reviewed
Coconut water is packed full of benefits: it's high in nutrients, low in calories, and can aid digestion and boost metabolism. Plus, its high electrolyte content makes it a healthy, raw alternative to sugary energy drinks. Oh, and as well as being good for you, it tastes like paradise! But with brands like Vita Coco and Tropical Sun ruling the industry alongside dozens of cheaper options, it's hard to know which to pick.
Along with a simple buying guide, we've researched and collated a list of the best coconut waters available on popular sites such as Tesco, Asda, Amazon, and Waitrose to offer you a wide range of choice. We'll make sure that you know everything you need to before buying your favourite hydrating summer beverage!
Quick List - Top Coconut Waters
Tropical Sun
Natural, Fresh and Super-Hydrating Coconut Water Made From 100% Young, Green Coconuts
Rebel Kitchen
Naturally sweet, Organic Coconut Water Packed With Antioxidants and Nutrients
Emily is a registered integrative, naturopathic nutritionist trained in the principles of functional medicine, biomedicine and human sciences, and she has a Master’s Degree in nutrition. She has extensive clinical experience in both private practice and the public health and wellbeing sector. Her work embraces the interplay between nutrition, bio-individuality and mindset, educating and empowering clients to make lasting changes wherever they are on their health journey.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
With Specialist Consultation From Nutritionist Emily Hyland
Emily is a registered integrative, naturopathic nutritionist and has a Master’s Degree in nutrition. Her work embraces the interplay between nutrition, bio-individuality and mindset, educating and empowering clients to make lasting changes wherever they are on their health journey. You can check out her work from her Instagram account and website.
How to Choose a Coconut Water in the UK
- Go for 100% Natural Coconut With Minimal Additives for the Healthiest Option
- Check the Calorific Value if You Are on a Special Diet
Go With the Healthiest Option by Picking Up 100% Coconut Content and Minimal Preservatives
100% Coconut Water Is High Quality and Has Great Taste but Opt For Concentrate if Want Something Low Calorie and Cheap
You want the best quality coconut water, right? That's why you're here! Well, the best coconut waters are made from one-hundred percent real coconut, not concentrate. Concentrated coconut water is made by condensing the coconuts into a syrup before adding the water which, unfortunately, takes away the yummy nutrients that make it so appealing.
Many companies do this for a number of reasons, namely, that it's a cheaper way to enhance a sweeter, more addictive flavour (though, what's more addictive than purely natural coconut water?).
The concentrated coconut waters on our list do have other appealing features, however, such as being low in calories and more affordable. So, think about what's best for you and keep an eye out when you're looking through our favourite products.
As with most products, the less processing, the better! Coconut water naturally contains many enzymes, which can be inactivated by heat treatment processes. However, if no additional ingredients such as sugar are added to a ‘from concentrate’ coconut water, it can very often have the same nutritional profile. So always check out the nutrition labels.
For Maximum Hydration, Nutrients and Electrolytes, Choose a Coconut Water Made From Young Green Coconuts
We're all familiar with the idealistic image of swinging in a hammock on a tropical island, sipping from a green coconut. Incidentally, the best waters are made with these young green coconuts, as opposed to mature coconuts. This is because the fresher the fruit (botanically known as a drupe) the higher the water content, which in turn makes for a better, more hydrating drink.
However, when companies use mature coconuts or coconuts that have been open for longer than the recommended time, they must undergo pasteurisation. While good for removing any potential bacteria, it does also take away most of the natural goodies such as nutrients and electrolytes.
Coconuts water is very nutritious, containing vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and other biochemical compounds. There are many products on the market using water from older coconuts, and these are often heavily processed, as without the processing, these can often taste quite stale. High-quality coconut water usually comes from young coconuts, about 6-7 months old.
If You’re Looking for the Healthiest Option, Opt For a Coconut Water With No Added Sugar
Coconut water is naturally sweet so there is no need for any added sugars, yet sugar is a popular contributor to many of its ingredients lists across the UK. This is simply because it's a cheap, practical way of preserving coconut water to give it a longer shelf life.
From a nutritional aspect, this isn't the healthiest way to consume the drink, although it can be a good step for the sweet-tooth's out there looking to substitute highly-processed energy drinks – which is why we've included some treat options on our list!
Looking for the best coconut oils? We got you covered too!
While coconut water will naturally contain fructose, many products contain added sugar too. Now we all know that too much sugar isn’t good for us as it can contribute to numerous health issues and cause trouble with our blood sugar levels, but it’s important to also keep an eye out for potentially healthy-sounding sugars such as agave or honey. Remember that sugar is sugar!
If You’re Watching Your Calorie Intake, Look For a Coconut Water With Less Than 35 Kcal per 100 ML
Don't enjoy drinking plain water? Coconut water is exactly what you need to give yourself a boost of hydration, only with a much lower calorie content than most flavoured or soft drinks. It's actually full to the brim with bio-active enzymes that spur on your metabolism and digestion too, so can even aid in weight loss for some people.
To properly reap these rewards and find a coconut water suitable for regular sipping, there is a guideline you can follow: if the calories are any higher than 35 kcal per 100 ml, there are probably more added ingredients than there needs to be. However, as everyone's needs are different, use the calorie chart to decide for yourself whether each product is the right choice for you.
Snack time? Explore our healthy snack options here.
A cup of coconut water contains around 45 calories and makes for a great alternative to sugary drinks that seem to fill the supermarket shelves. It is also packed with minerals and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, making for a great post-workout drink. Wherever you can, try to find coconut water made from young coconuts without any added sugar.
10 Best Coconut Waters in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tropical Sun Natural Coconut Water | | Natural, Fresh and Super-Hydrating Coconut Water Made From 100% Young, Green Coconuts | |
2 | Rebel Kitchen Coconut Water | | Naturally sweet, Organic Coconut Water Packed With Antioxidants and Nutrients | |
3 | TIANA Raw Coconut Water｜Pack of 12 | | An Affordable Bulk Buy Made from 100% Young, Green Coconuts | |
4 | UFC Coconut Water | | Award-Winning 100% Coconut Water That’s High in Potassium and Low in Calories | |
5 | Grace Coconut Water With Real Coconut Pieces | | Refreshing and Sweet Coconut Water Made From Green Coconuts With Added Pulp for Extra Flavour | |
6 | Innocent Coconut Water | | Naturally Sweet Coconut Water Made From Fair Trade Young Coconuts | |
7 | Aqua Coco Coconut Water | | 100% Young Coconut Water With No Added Nasties and a Longer Shelf Life | |
8 | Vita Coco Natural Coconut Water | | Delicious Coconut Water That’s High in Vitamin C and Low in Calories | |
9 | Naked 100% Coconut Water | | Affordable, Non-pasteurised and Low in Potassium and Calories | |
10 | Wonderfarm Young Coconut Water | | Budget-Friendly, Sweet and Tasty Coconut Water Perfect for Newbies |
Natural, Fresh and Super-Hydrating Coconut Water Made From 100% Young, Green Coconuts
Tropical Sun is the classic go-to brand for many who are looking for a completely natural coconut water, and it's easy to see why. With 100% young green coconut, not only is this product super-hydrating, but it's also full of all the good elements like calcium and magnesium that are sometimes taken away when pasteurising occurs.
Even if you're stuck in the rainy UK, this really does taste just like you're drinking from a real coconut, plus, it's so fresh and untampered with that it needs to be consumed within a day of opening. No wonder it takes our top spot!
Naturally sweet, Organic Coconut Water Packed With Antioxidants and Nutrients
Sustainably-sourced from farmers in the Philippines, this 100% organic coconut water is packed with antioxidants that turn the water a beautiful rose colour. Thats right, it's pink, naturally!
There are no sugars, colourings, or unhealthy additives either, and it's made using young green coconuts so it retains all the beneficial electrolytes and wonderful nutrients. It's no surprise that Rebel Kitchen's unique, naturally-sweet recipe has earned it several prizes, such as the coveted Great Taste award.
An Affordable Bulk Buy Made from 100% Young, Green Coconuts
This pure water comes in a glass bottle so it's ideal for those avoiding plastics, plus, the company take a solid stance on fairly-traded and organic produce so you know that your money is going to a good cause. If you're looking to stock up without breaking the bank, this is a delicious way to do so!
Award-Winning 100% Coconut Water That’s High in Potassium and Low in Calories
A previous winner of the Superior Taste Award, this UFC Refresh coconut water is certainly delicious, and healthy, too – one serving accounts for 27% of your recommended potassium intake and it's low in calories, too.
Its recipe consists of a whopping 99% coconut water, so there are no concentrate ingredients involved, as well as no sneaky preservatives or added flavourings. With a whole litre of coconut water, you can stay refreshed for days, keeping hydrated and healthy all at once.
Refreshing and Sweet Coconut Water Made From Green Coconuts With Added Pulp for Extra Flavour
Produced in Thailand, this coconut water drink is packed with the delicate flavours of sweet, young coconuts. It's made from 85% coconut water, and uniquely, it contains small pieces of young green coconut 'pulp' to add to its tropical taste.
This coconut water comes in a slim can that you can easily grab whenever you're leaving the house as a good way to stay fresh, hydrated, and wean yourself off more sugary soft drinks!
Naturally Sweet Coconut Water Made From Fair Trade Young Coconuts
Promoted as a healthy equivalent to a sports drink, this coconut water by Innocent can give you the energy boost that you're craving. Not to mention that it tastes super-sweet without any additives or sweeteners, and it's made with Fair Trade young coconuts, too.
Whether you're running, jumping, spinning, or stretching, this litre bottle of coconut made from Fair Trade ingredients is one of the tastiest, healthiest metabolism boosts that you can get your hands on.
100% Young Coconut Water With No Added Nasties and a Longer Shelf Life
Go coco-nuts for this hydrating, 100% natural coconut water that is free from preservatives and sweeteners! Tasting sweet and fresh, this summer drink is great for on the go in its slim can of 310 ml.
It is pasteurised, though, which means that there aren't as many nutrients in this product as some of the other products on our list. If that's not something that you're tracking intensely, give it a go!
Delicious Coconut Water That’s High in Vitamin C and Low in Calories
Rich in vitamins, electrolytes, and nutrients, this coconut water is full of yummy goodness while being remarkably low in calories. In fact, there are just 18 kcal in every 100 ml of this 1 litre carton. It's delicious, hydrating, and sends you to the tropics with every sip!
Never from concentrate and branded as a 'feel good fuel' by Vita Coco themselves, this coconut water is made from 99% coconut water. It does however have a small amount of added sugar, 1% of energising fructose.
Affordable, Non-pasteurised and Low in Potassium and Calories
This litre of coconut water is refreshing inside and out, and it's only £3! The water of three coconuts is accounted for in each litre that you buy, meaning that it's loaded with potassium and great for stabilising your muscle function.
This coconut water does contain a tiny percentage of concentrate, which takes away from the natural aesthetics that are suggested on the exterior of the carton, but it's non-pasteurised and very low in calories so perhaps it can be forgiven!
Budget-Friendly, Sweet and Tasty Coconut Water Perfect for Newbies
This refreshing coconut drink is a popular choice in shops across the UK. With its unique branding and colourful packaging, it's definitely an eye-catcher on the shelf. Presented in a 310ml can for a very affordable price, this is a great choice if you're new to trying coconut water.
However, if you're looking for a nutritionally-sound option, this product has a few small setbacks additive-wise, and is made with only 24.7% coconut water. Nonetheless, it'd still give you a boost of energy on a hot summer afternoon!
Coconut Water Green Smoothie Recipe
While coconut water is delicious and nutritious on its own, if you have a few spare bottles why not experiment with some delicious recipes that use coconut water as an ingredient? This coconut water green smoothie recipe by Honeysuckle Catering will help you to get in some extra nutrients during the day.
The ingredients are:
- ½ a cup of coconut water
- 1〜2 cups of spinach
- ½ a cup of frozen strawberries
- ½ a cup of frozen mangoes
- ½ of a medium size banana
All you need to do is throw them into the blender and blend until smooth. Check out the video above for some more nutritional information about each ingredient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Coconut Water Should You Drink?
As with most things in life, moderation is key. While consuming several cups of coconut water a day is generally considered safe for most people, having it in very large quantities can potentially upset your stomach and increase potassium levels too much. You shouldn’t use it as a replacement for your water intake either.
Is Coconut Water Safe During Pregnancy?
When it comes to pregnancy, you should always speak to your doctor if you’re unsure of anything. However, coconut water is generally safe to drink during pregnancy, especially thanks to its hydrating properties and that it’s a natural way for you to replenish any lost electrolytes from carrying around that bundle of joy.
When Is it Best to Drink Coconut Water?
You can enjoy drinking coconut water at any time of the day, though there are times of day when you may find there are more benefits. For example, when drunk first thing in the morning on an empty stomach coconut water can really get your metabolism in gear which in turn could aid in weight loss.
Written and researched by Anne Speight
Top 5 Coconut Waters
No. 1: Tropical Sun ｜Natural Coconut Water
No. 2: Rebel Kitchen ｜Coconut Water
No. 3: TIANA｜Raw Coconut Water｜Pack of 12
No. 4: UFC｜Coconut Water
No. 5: Grace ｜Coconut Water With Real Coconut Pieces
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Search by category
Automotive
Agricultural vehicle parts & equipment, Car & motorbike care, Car & vehicle electronicsBaby Products
Activity & entertainment, Car seats & accessories, Carriers & accessoriesBeauty
Bath & body, Fragrances, Hair careBooks
Antiquarian, rare & collectable, Arts & photography, Biographies & memoirsBusiness, Industry & Science
3D printing & scanning, Abrasive & finishing products, Agricultural equipment & suppliesComputers & Accessories
Accessories, Barebone PCs, Components & replacement partsDIY, Garden & Tools
Building supplies, Construction machinery, ElectricalElectronics & Photo
Accessories, Camera & photo, Car & vehicle electronicsFashion
Baby, Boys, GirlsGrocery
Baby foods, Bakery, Beer, wine & spiritsHealth & Personal Care
Baby & child care, Dental care, Diet & nutritionHome & Kitchen
Arts & crafts, Artwork, BathroomLarge Appliances
Beer & wine storage & dispensers, Compact kitchens, Dishwashers & dish dryersMusical Instruments & DJ
Bass guitars & gear, DJ & VJ equipment, Drums & percussionPC & Video Games
Currency & subscription cards, Handheld game systems, Legacy systemsPet Supplies
Birds, Cats, DogsSports & Outdoors
Accessories, Fitness, Hunting & fishingStationery & Office Products
Art & craft supplies, Calendars, planners & personal organisers, Envelopes & mailing suppliesToys & Games
Arts & crafts, Baby & toddler toys, Building & construction toys