Russell Singleton, Author at Sipping Liquids

Coconut water is available without added sugar, although it does contain naturally occurring sugar. Sweetened coconut water usually contains double the amount of calories as that of coconut water with no added sugar. Rich in potassium and other electrolytes, coconut water is considered “nature’s sports drink.” In fact, research suggests coconut water offers hydrating and physical performance benefits similar to a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink. While a great hydration option, some coconut waters contain added sugar. Added sugar can fit into a balanced diet, although too much can negatively impact health. Fortunately, several brands of coconut water with no added sugar are available. Use this curated list to enjoy coconut water's refreshing flavor without worrying about added sugars! Coconut Water's Sugary Secret Extracted from a fruit, coconut water does contain naturally occurring sugar. Whether or not coconut water supplies additional sugar depends on how it was manufactured and processed. Naturally-Occurring Sugars in Coconut Water Natural-occurring sugars are found in fruits, dairy products, and other wholesome foods. Because coconut water is extracted from the coconut fruit, it does contain naturally occurring sugar. Generally, 1 fluid ounce of unsweetened coconut water offers about 5.4 calories, 1.3 grams (g) total carbohydrates, and 1.2g sugars. This amounts to about 43 calories, 10.4g total carbs, and 9.6g sugars per standard 8-ounce cup of unsweetened coconut water. Added Sugars In Coconut Water In addition to naturally occurring sugar, some coconut waters contain added sugars. Sweetened coconut water contains about 89 calories, 21.8g total carbs, and 21g sugar per 8-ounce cup. Compared to unsweetened coconut water, sweetened water contains almost double the number of calories, and totals carbs, and sugars. While added sugar can enhance the flavor, too much increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other negative health outcomes. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends men and women daily added sugar to no more than 36g for men and 25g for women to counter health risks. Health experts regularly recommend limiting sweetened beverages to lower added sugar intake, and enjoying coconut water without added sugar is a great way to do that! Brands Of Coconut Water Without Added Sugar With the help of Amazon, look no further than these brands of coconut water without added sugar! 1. Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water Harmless Harvest coconut water is an organic hydration source without added sugar. Each bottle contains natural antioxidants and is claimed to be the closest you can come to drinking straight from a coconut! Pros: Does not contain added sugars Free of extra ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners Comes in original and watermelon-flavored Committed to social accountability and fair trade Cons: Reports of poor packaging upon delivery 2. Vita Coco Coconut Water Vita Coco’s coconut water is USDA Organic-certified, free of added sugars, and a natural source of electrolytes. Each bottle is only 60 calories and a low-sugar alternative to other sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices. Pros: No added sugars or artificial ingredients Made from real coconuts and not from concentrate Comes in various flavors, including lemonade, peach and mango, pineapple, and twist of lime Cons: Some consumers report “off” flavor 3. 100 Coconuts Pure Coconut Water 100 Coconuts coconut water is a low-calorie, all-natural electrolyte drink without added sugars or sweeteners. Also a single-ingredient hydration source, 100 Coconuts is a great alternative to ultra-processed drink options. Pros: Free of added sugars and sweeteners Contains natural electrolytes and 70 calories per can Cons: Reports of being sweet despite not containing added sugar evidenced on the label 4. Sriphala Coconut Water Sriphala coconut water is free of added sugar and preservatives. Also infused with fulvic acid, Sriphala’s coconut water supplies many nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Pros: Does not contain added sugars Offers fulvic trace minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and calcium Cons: Suggested to taste sweeter compared to similar no sugar added coconut waters 5. Once Upon A Coconut Water Once Upon a Coconut offers 100% coconut water without any added sugars and preservatives. Each 10.8-ounce can offer a mere 70 calories, as well as natural sweetness and electrolytes. Pros: Does not contain added refined sugars Offers natural sweetness and electrolytes Cons: Not 100% coconut water like similar products Cons: Reports of diluted flavor 6. Amy & Brian Pure Coconut Water Amy & Brian’s pure coconut water is a refreshing hydration source without added sugars. No other enhancements are added, just natural sweetness and electrolytes. Pros: No refined sugars added Various flavor options, including cinnamon and lime Non-GMO product Cons: Dented cans reported following delivery 7. Nature’s Greatest Foods Coconut Water Replenish and rehydrate with Nature’s Greatest Foods coconut water with no added sugars - just 100% coconut water. The coconut water is also both USDA Organic and Kosher-Certified. Pros: Does not contain added sugars Comes with a twist-off cap for simple sipping and storing USDA Organic and Kosher-Certified Cons: Some reported issues regarding leaking cartons 8. Jans Coconut Water Jans coconut water offers pure coconut water without added sugar. The 100% coconut water also contains coconut pulp, as well as essential electrolytes. Pros: Natural sweetness without added sugars 100% pure coconut water and never from concentrate Cons: Pulp may be off-putting for some consumers 9. Life Refreshed Real Coco Coconut Water Life Refreshed’s Real Coco coconut water offers organic hydration without added sugars. The 100% pure coconut water is also non-GMO, non-pesticidal, and non-hormonal. Pros: Does not contain added sugars or preservatives USDA Organic Certified without the use of chemical-based pesticides or fertilizers Cons: Some reports of damaged bottles upon delivery 10. Great Value Coconut Water Free of added sugar and preservatives, Great Value’s organic coconut water is a great hydration source for on-the-go refreshment. Sip essential electrolytes and nutrients from a pure source! Pros: Free of added sugars and sweeteners Made from raw coconuts and never from concentrate Cons: Coming in a can, it’s not as simple to reseal and store like products with twist lids 11. Boho Chax Coconut Water Boho Chax’s 100% natural coconut water contains no added sugars, dyes, or artificial flavoring. Two flavor options are available, including passionfruit and pineapple, although they do contain added sugars. Pros: Does not contain added sugars unless flavored Water derived straight from the coconut and not from concentrate Supplies essential electrolytes Cons: Flavored options do contain added sugar Description suggests an incredible source of fiber, but no fiber is indicated on the Nutrition Facts label 12. Bai Coconut Flavored Water Bai’s coconut-flavored water is a refreshing hydration alternative without added sugars. This is not coconut water, but rather coconut-flavored water. We have included it here because it does not contain added sugars, although it does contain stevia. Various coconut flavor options are available, with each being low in calories and infused with antioxidants. Pros: No refined sugars added Various flavors such as Molokai coconut, Madagascar coconut mango, Puna coconut pineapple, Andes coconut lime, and Maui coconut raspberry Related Questions How do you choose a good coconut water? To choose a good coconut water, use the ingredient and nutritional facts labels. A good, pure cocunt water will only have one ingredient (coconut water), and the nutritional facts will identify that no sugar has been added. A good coconut water, or one without added sugars, can be found right on this very list! If looking elsewhere, here's how to take advantage of the Ingredients and Nutrition Facts label: On the Ingredients label, a pure coconut water will likely only have “coconut water” listed. Be sure to limit or avoid coconut waters with sugar or sugar derivatives listed on the Ingredients label. On the Nutrition Facts label, look for “Includes Xg Added Sugars” under “Total Carbohydrates” near the center of the label. Ideally, select a coconut water with 0g Added Sugar while considering AHA’s recommendations if added sugar is included. Other factors to consider are often based on personal preference. For instance, some coconut waters are also USDA-Certified Organic and free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and other preservatives. Does Bai coconut water have sugar? Bai coconut water offers coconut-flavored waters in various flavors. Each bottle of Bai coconut water contains about 12g of total carbohydrates and 1g of sugar, although the sugar is not added. However, Bai coconut waters contain about 10g of the artificial sweetener erythritol. While artificial sweeteners tend to be safe in small doses, some consumers report unpleasant side effects such as digestive bloat and gas. Is ZICO coconut water high in sugar? The sugar content of ZICO coconut water depends on the product, as the brand offers several versions including: ZICO 100% Coconut Water: 0g Total Sugars and 0g Added Sugars per 240 ml ZICO Hydrate Coconut Lime: 14g Total Sugars and 13g Added Sugars per ~250 ml ZICO Chocolate Coconut Water: 26g Total Sugars and 16g Added Sugars per 240 ml Overall, the flavored ZICO coconut waters contain added sugars. To limit added sugar intake, opt for their 100% coconut water or lower the portion size. Does Vita Coco have sugar in it? While Vita Coco coconut water does contain 13g of sugar, they are naturally occurring. Vita Coco does not indicate any added sugar on the Nutrition Facts or Ingredients labels. Also read about coconut water and its links to cholesterol here.