New Product Friday
Coconut water is nature’s way of keeping us hydrated. It contains many different electrolytes and is particularly high in potassium (the body’s second highest electrolyte). Its taste is very distinctive—a cross between a dirty sock and salty coconut flesh. It can be considered refreshing, depending on how it is flavored and how “clean” tasting the coconut water is. On the flip side, sparkling water is very refreshing. Most people choose sparkling waters as an alternative to soda—it is refreshing, clean, but contains little to no functionality. Courtside’s newest line of coconut waters attempts to bridge the gap between the hydration benefits of coconut water and the refreshing taste of sparkling water. For purposes of simplicity, the Mango Passionfruit flavor will be examined here.
Organic Coconut Water—Coconut water is the liquid that comes out of a young, green coconut when it is split open. As the coconut matures, eventually this liquid turns into coconut pulp. Coconut water is high in potassium and contains small amounts of other electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and phosphorous.
Carbonated Water—Self explanatory
Organic Mango Puree—Organic mangoes are pureed to create a liquid. The mangoes used here are farmed organically (no GMOs, and not farmed with pesticides and sewer sludge) and is an important flavor component. It is a source of sugars.
Organic Passionfruit Juice—The passionfruit used here are organically farmed and added to create the flavor. This is a source of sugars.
Organic Lime Juice—Added to provide a flavor boost to the mango and passionfruit.
Final Evaluation
Ingredient Quality: A-. All ingredients are organic, however there are no claims on the product.
Ingredient Clarity: A. There are no fillers, preservatives, or any other ingredient that does not make sense to the product.
Functional Benefit: B. Potassium is the main electrolyte in coconut water. This beverage claims 377 milligrams (11% daily value). Coconut water also contains small amounts of other electrolytes like sodium and magnesium. The daily value of all electrolytes in this beverage is lower than most coconut waters. However, compared to other non-coconut water hydration beverages, it is very similar. Most other hydration beverages contain salt as the primary electrolyte and another electrolyte source. Although this contains sodium, it is at a moderate level and contains other electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, and calcium) to round out its hydration benefits.
Nutritional Value: B+. Compared to other coconut waters, this one has slightly less sugar and less calories. At 50 calories, it certainly is not in the realm of a traditional sparkling water either.
Overall Score: B+. This product is neither a traditional coconut water nor a traditional sparkling water. It seems to a combination of both, offering the fizziness of sparkling water with a reduced amount of electrolytes, calories, and sugar than a traditional coconut water. As a hydration beverage, coconut water is a healthy alternative to other electrolyte products due to its naturally high potassium content and the presence of other electrolytes. Most hydration products offer one to two electrolytes—coconut water has good amounts of multiple electrolytes. At a little less than $4/can, it is higher in price than either a sparkling water or a traditional coconut water. Most ready to drink hydration beverages are not “fizzy”, which makes this product novel. With the refreshing flavor combinations (Mango Passionfruit, Coconut Lime, and Berry Lemonade), it would be worth a try.
Would you buy this product? Why or why not?