Vita Coco is a popular brand of coconut water that has taken the health and wellness world by storm. Known for its refreshing taste and natural hydration benefits, Vita Coco is often touted as a healthy alternative to sugary sports drinks and sodas. But is it really as healthy as it claims to be? Let’s explore the details.
What Is Vita Coco?
Vita Coco was founded in 2004 and has since become a leading brand in the coconut water market. Sourced from young, green coconuts, Vita Coco offers a range of coconut water products, including original, flavored, and sparkling varieties. The brand prides itself on providing a natural, hydrating beverage that supports an active lifestyle.
Nutrition Facts of Vita Coco Flavors
Vita Coco offers various flavors, each with slightly different nutritional profiles. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts for some of the most popular options:
1. Vita Coco Original Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Box (11.1oz/330ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 30mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 470mg |
2. Vita Coco Pineapple Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Box (11.1oz/330ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 30mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 470mg |
3. Vita Coco Peach Mango Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Box (11.1oz/330ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 35mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 470mg |
4. Vita Coco Lemonade Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Box (11.1oz/330ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 35mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 470mg |
5. Vita Coco Sparkling Coconut Water Grapefruit
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Can (12oz/355ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 470mg |
Ingredients Breakdown: Vita Coco Original Coconut Water
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in the original flavor of Vita Coco Coconut Water.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Water: Naturally hydrating and rich in electrolytes, especially potassium.
- Less than 1% Fruit Sugar: Small amounts added for flavor consistency.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Added for its antioxidant properties and to maintain freshness.
Red Flag Ingredients:
There are no major red flag ingredients in Vita Coco Original Coconut Water as it contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. However, the natural sugars present should be consumed in moderation.
Which One to Choose?
Among the various options, the Vita Coco Sparkling Coconut Water Grapefruit might be a slightly better choice if you are looking to minimize sugar intake, as it has the lowest calorie and sugar content. However, all flavors can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Comparing with Competitor Brands
1. Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bottle (8oz/240ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 30mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 500mg |
Healthier? Harmless Harvest has slightly lower calories and sugar content per serving, making it a marginally healthier option.
2. Zico Natural Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bottle (8oz/240ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 470mg |
Healthier? Zico has a similar nutritional profile to Vita Coco, but with slightly more sodium.
3. O.N.E. Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Box (11.2oz/330ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 600mg |
Healthier? O.N.E. Coconut Water has a similar calorie and sugar content but offers more potassium, making it a slightly better option for replenishing electrolytes.
4. C2O Pure Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Can (17.5oz/520ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 670mg |
Healthier? C2O has more sugar but also more potassium, making it a good choice for those needing higher electrolyte replenishment.
5. Taste Nirvana Real Coconut Water
Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size | 1 Bottle (9.5oz/280ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 40mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Potassium | 400mg |
Healthier? Taste Nirvana has slightly fewer calories and sugars, making it a
good alternative to Vita Coco.
What We Need to Look For in a Coconut Water
When choosing a coconut water, here are some key things to consider:
- Natural Ingredients: Look for products with 100% coconut water and no added sugars or preservatives.
- Sugar Content: Opt for lower sugar options, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake.
- Electrolyte Content: Potassium is a key electrolyte to look for in coconut water.
- Calories: Keep an eye on calorie content if you’re mindful of your caloric intake.
Our Healthiest Pick
After comparing Vita Coco with other brands, Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water emerges as the healthiest pick due to its lower calorie and sugar content, along with a high potassium level.
Note: This is not sponsored.
Bottom Line
Vita Coco is a refreshing and hydrating beverage that can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It offers a good source of potassium and is free from fat and cholesterol. However, it does contain natural sugars, so it’s important to be mindful of your intake. For those looking for a slightly healthier alternative, Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water or Taste Nirvana Real Coconut Water might be better options due to their lower sugar content.
FAQ
1. Is Vita Coco organic?
No, Vita Coco is not certified organic, but it is made from natural ingredients.
2. Does Vita Coco contain added sugars?
Most Vita Coco products contain only natural sugars from the coconut water itself, with less than 1% added fruit sugar in some varieties for flavor consistency.
3. Is Vita Coco gluten-free?
Yes, all Vita Coco products are gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze Vita Coco?
Yes, you can freeze Vita Coco, but it may affect the texture and taste slightly upon thawing.
5. Where can I buy Vita Coco?
Vita Coco is widely available in grocery stores across the United States and can also be purchased online through various retailers.