Move over Gatorade and Vitamin Water. There is competition in the beverage case and the Material Girl is one of the first to hop on the newest hydration bandwagon of coconut water.
Coconut water is a wildly popular new drink that has recently hit stores all across the country like Whole Foods and other national grocery store chains.
The New York Post just reported that Madonna is investing $1.5 million in one of the largest coconut water manufacturers in the country, Vita Coco. Other celebrities like actor Matthew McConaughey and singer Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers are also rumored to soon be lending their cash to help make coconut water more mainstream.
And it’s no wonder. Coconut water is quick becoming a favorite among yoga practitioners, fitness enthusiasts and those just looking for a nutritious way to stay hydrated.
Coconut water, as opposed to the milk version, is a clear liquid that comes from unripened coconuts. It’s a staple in regions like Southeast Asia and the Caribbean where for about $.10 you can have coconut seller lop off the top of fibrous green coconut, plunk a straw in the center of the shell and hand over an electrolyte-rich and thirst-quenching drink.
But even though here in the West, the packaging of coconut water looks and costs a bit different, its nutrition profile is stellar. Here is the skinny on coconut water.
- Serving size: 11 ounces
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sugars: 14 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Potassium: 670 mg
- Magnesium: 25 mg
- Sodium: 60 grams
- Cost: $2 – $3
Coconut water is indeed water but just a bit thicker. It has a mildly sweet flavor with a slight tang to it. Coconut waters come in foil packages in either single (11 ounce) servings or one liter foil cartons. They also come in a variety of flavors like pineapple, acai, and mango.
Currently, the most popular coconut water brands are O.N.E., Zico and Vita Coco.