Coconut water has become a staple in the beverage market, revered for its natural hydration properties, rich electrolyte content, and minimal processing. As consumers grow more health-conscious, the demand for coconut water has surged, leading to various brands competing for attention on store shelves. The best coconut water brands distinguish themselves through a commitment to quality, sourcing, and sustainability, appealing to many consumers, from athletes to those simply seeking a healthier lifestyle.
One key aspect that sets these brands apart is their logos and branding. A logo tells the story of a brand’s heritage, commitment to sustainability, and product quality. The most successful coconut water brands have logos that resonate with consumers personally, often incorporating elements of nature, wellness, and purity to reflect the product’s natural origins and health benefits. These logos seal trust, assuring consumers of the product’s quality and the brand’s ethical practices.
The branding of these coconut water companies often emphasizes the drink’s natural and refreshing qualities, with visuals that evoke tropical paradises and clean, refreshing tastes. The color schemes, typography, and imagery used in their logos and packaging are carefully chosen to convey the brand’s unique selling points, whether it’s their organic certification, focus on environmental sustainability or the use of specific coconut varieties for a unique taste profile.
Moreover, the best brands understand that their logo is vital to their storytelling. Through their visual identity, they communicate not just what the product is but why it matters. They highlight their commitment to fair trade practices, the environmental impact of their packaging, and the health benefits of their coconut water, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with consumers.
Harmless Harvest
In 2009, Douglas Riboud and Justin Guilbert started Harmless Harvest with a big goal: to change the coconut water business to be good for the planet and people. They wanted to keep the drink natural, including its pink color that comes from antioxidants. Their logo shows how strong and reliable they are, caring a lot about quality, the environment, and doing the right thing.
The story began when Riboud first tried coconut water in Thailand in 2004 and loved how it tasted and felt. Surprised he couldn’t find something like it in the U.S., he and Guilbert decided to make their own. They worked directly with small farms in Thailand and used a special filtering method to keep the coconut water raw and organic, keeping its taste and health benefits without heating it.
In 2010, the big moment came when they got their drinks into Whole Foods Market, making more people see their brand. Soon, stores like Sprouts, Kroger, and Target started selling their products, making the brand grow fast. They also made new kinds of coconut water, like ones with pulp and fizzy ones, and kept being leaders by using fair trade and sustainable farming.
Harmless Harvest’s drinks are available in over 15,000 stores across North America, and they make about $100 million a year. This shows how well they’ve succeeded in making a popular, organic drink that’s good for you and the planet.
Vita Coco
In 2004, two friends, Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, started Vita Coco because they loved Brazilian coconut water and thought people in the U.S. would, too. They began by bringing coconut water in special packages from Brazil to New York City and selling it in places where health-conscious people like to shop, like yoga studios and health food stores. At first, they had to teach people why coconut water was good for them, but soon, more and more people started to enjoy it.
By 2009, Vita Coco had become popular, especially after selling its drinks in Whole Foods and getting a famous person, Madonna, to say she liked it too. This helped Vita Coco grow quickly and become a leader in the coconut water market, which became more popular yearly. By 2011, many people in the U.S. were drinking coconut water, and Vita Coco was one of their favorite brands.
Vita Coco didn’t stop there. They started selling their coconut water in more than 25 countries and made $380 million in sales by 2021. They worked with other companies and investors to grow even bigger.
The Vita Coco logo, with royal blue letters and coconuts in the ‘O’s, represents Vita Coco’s strength, freshness, and the goodness of coconut water. It’s a simple way to convey that Vita Coco is about bringing tasty, healthy drinks to people worldwide.
Zico
In 2004, Mark Rampolla started Zico because he learned something interesting about Central America: coconut water keeps you hydrated. He thought this drink could be popular in the U.S. as a healthy choice compared to sugary sports drinks. He began by bringing coconut water from Brazil to small yoga places and health food stores in New York. Zico became more popular, especially when it started selling at Whole Foods in 2009. This helped Zico grow a lot, along with some money from investors.
In 2013, a big company, Coca-Cola, bought Zico, which helped it sell even more, reaching sales of over $400 million by 2016. Coca-Cola was interested in selling more natural drinks. But in 2021, a different company, PowerPlant Ventures, took over, starting a new chapter for Zico.
Zico kept coming up with new ideas, like chocolate and strawberry coconut water, to attract more people. Despite changes, Zico has always focused on ensuring its coconut water is pure and of high quality. With its clear blue writing, the logo says “PURE PREMIUM COCONUT WATER,” showing Zico’s promise to offer a healthy and hydrating drink. Zico has always been about helping people live healthier lives by staying hydrated with coconut water.
Naked
Naked Juice started in Santa Monica, California, in 1983 when David Shaffer and Barry Evans decided to make fresh orange juice without preservatives. They wanted to keep things natural and healthy. Their logo, with a wavy blue banner, a friendly font, and a green leaf, shows their love for all things natural.
Initially, they only sold their juice in health food stores around Los Angeles. But soon, they started selling all over the West Coast. By the late ’90s, they had a big place for making their juices in Azusa, California. This helped them sell their juices all over the country. In 2001, they started advertising nationwide, which helped them grow even more.
In 2007, PepsiCo bought Naked Juice. This helped Naked Juice make even more drinks, like coconut water, protein smoothies, and drinks with good bacteria for your gut. By 2013, they made over $500 million yearly and sold their juices in big stores worldwide.
In 2021, a company from Europe called PAI Partners bought Naked Juice. This started a new chapter for them, focusing on making even more special juices and smoothies. Almost 40 years after it started, Naked Juice is still leading the way in making tasty, natural drinks.
O.N.E.
Rodrigo Velozo started O.N.E. Coconut Water to make money in a way that helps the planet and promotes peace. The brand quickly grew, selling in over 25,000 places in the U.S. and Canada and creating about 2,000 jobs in Brazil, the Philippines, and Indonesia. In 2010, a big moment came when PepsiCo and Catterton Partners invested in O.N.E., taking a big part of the company. This helped them sell more coconut water drinks, like O.N.E. Coconut Water, O.N.E. Active, and O.N.E. Kids, and work closely with PepsiCo’s bottling group starting in 2011.
O.N.E. became a top name in ready-to-drink coconut water thanks to smart partnerships with big coconut producers in the Philippines and Indonesia. These partnerships helped them deal with supply issues and keep making high-quality drinks that people in the U.S. love. Coconut water is now one of the fastest-growing drinks around.
O.N.E. stands out because it’s more than just a drink; it’s about being healthy and full of energy. They get their coconuts from beautiful places like the Philippines and Brazil, making drinks full of natural stuff that’s good for you. The logo, with big letters and a green leaf, shows how O.N.E. brings energy and health to their customers.
C2O
Edward Ladi started C2O Coconut Water in 2008 in Long Beach, California. This drink is all about being natural and healthy. C2O started selling at local markets, and now you can find it in over 15,000 stores nationwide. They ensure their organic coconut water comes from young, green coconuts in Thailand. They don’t use any concentrates, so it tastes pure.
C2O grew fast, getting into Gelson’s stores in 2009, Whole Foods and Sprouts by 2011, and even bigger stores like Safeway and Kroger by 2013. In 2016, they started using special cartons that kept the coconut water fresh longer, which helped them sell even more. By 2018, they made coconut water with extra healthy stuff like probiotics and collagen.
The C2O logo is simple but cool. It has a water drop instead of the ‘O’ to show it’s all about hydration. The name “COCONUT WATER” is written in light blue below a symbol that looks like a molecule, which makes it look clean and natural. This logo tells exactly what C2O is about: fresh, pure coconut water. They keep coming up with new ideas and care a lot about the planet, making C2O a big name in natural foods in the U.S.
Taste Nirvana
Jack and Chris Wattanaporn, a father and son, started Taste Nirvana. Jack grew up in Thailand, knowing all about coconut water, and Chris, born in the USA, knew a lot about natural and healthy products. In 2003, they went to Nakhon Pathom, a place in Thailand known for its great coconuts, to start their company.
Their big goal was to make good drinks using the amazing things they could find in Thailand. They already knew a lot about making tea and coffee in the USA, so they also used that knowledge to make coconut water and other drinks. They work hard to ensure that their drinks are top-notch and even have a bunch of important certificates to prove it.
Taste Nirvana cares a lot about making quality drinks, keeping the planet clean, and doing good things for people. They use green energy and clean the water to return it to nature. Their coconut water is special because it comes from Thailand’s sweet, amazing-smelling coconut. This has helped them win awards and be loved by many.
Their logo has a green circle and a maroon name, with the words “Happiness Inside.” It shows they’re all about bringing joy and good health with their drinks. Taste Nirvana keeps making people happy with tasty drinks from Thailand, always sticking to their values of using natural stuff and caring for the environment.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s started back in 1958 in Pasadena, California, but back then, it was called Pronto Markets and was a little chain of convenience stores. The guy who made it all happen, Joe Coulombe, decided in 1967 to turn these stores into something special. He changed them into grocery stores that sold unique and interesting items from all over the world, and that’s when they started to be called Trader Joe’s. The idea was to have a grocery place that felt different, with its own-brand products, special finds, and foods from other countries.
Joe Coulombe liked to travel to find cool things to sell in his stores. Even after the company was sold in 1979 to Theo Albrecht, a businessman who owned the ALDI Nord supermarket chain, Trader Joe’s kept its special way of doing things. Joe Coulombe remained CEO until 1988 and then helped as a consultant until 1993. Today, Trader Joe’s has more than 530 stores in over 40 states, and it’s known for being a place where you can find neat and affordable groceries.
One of the things people love at Trader Joe’s is their coconut water. It’s just one example of how they keep offering great stuff that’s both interesting and easy on the wallet. The Trader Joe’s logo, with its bold red letters and fun design, fits right in with the store’s unique and friendly vibe. It’s more than just a logo; it’s a sign of Trader Joe’s promise to keep bringing cool and budget-friendly items to their customers.
Amy and Brian
Amy & Brian Coconut Water started in 2001, named after the founder’s kids. It’s all about being good to the environment and ensuring everything is natural. They make coconut water without GMOs and get it straight from young coconuts. This makes the coconut water taste sweet without adding anything extra. It’s also full of good stuff like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which helps keep you hydrated.
The company focuses on making a high-quality product and works closely with farmers who care about the environment. They always talk to their community and offer flavors like lime, grape, cinnamon, and original coconut water.
Their logo has pictures of Amy and Brian on a bright red background, showing their friendly and positive brand. The pictures of Amy and Brian waving and giving a thumbs-up, along with the year the company started, show that they’re all about being trustworthy and doing a great job from the beginning.
Coco Community
In March 2016, Vita Coco introduced a new coconut water called Coco Community at a big event. This coconut water is special because it comes from a specific type of coconut found in Thailand and is made in a way that’s good for the farmers and the environment. The bottles look nice and clear, showing that the company wants to be open about how they make their drinks.
Coco Community was created by a company named Symbiosis. This company loves natural products and wants to share the taste and culture of Thailand with the world. They use traditional methods to pick the coconuts and ensure the drink is as natural as possible.
Symbiosis started small in 2002 with just $1,900 but quickly grew. They began by sending coconuts to Los Angeles every month and soon started having parties in Malibu and selling online. A year later, you could find their coconuts in big health food stores in Los Angeles and New York. By 2007, they were sending bottled coconut water to the U.S.
Joining forces with Vita Coco in 2015 helped them grow even more, and by 2017, they were sending their coconut water to places like Australia and Italy.
The Coco Community logo, a green coconut resembling a little tropical island, shows the brand is fun and connected to its roots. The logo’s simple design makes it seem friendly and honest, offering a new way to think about staying hydrated.
Simple Truth
Simple Truth is all about helping people live healthier lives. Its products, such as fruits, veggies, and even things you use around the house, don’t contain more than 101 things that don’t need to be there. This means no fake colors, tastes, or preservatives. Simple Truth wants to make it easy for anyone who wants to eat and live healthily to find what they need without the hassle.
They also have a special part of their brand called Simple Truth Organic®. This part concerns food grown as nature intended, without any weird chemicals or changes. They’ve got all kinds of organic stuff, from apples and milk to meat and snacks, all checked and approved with a special organic stamp. You can find these at Kroger stores.
The Simple Truth logo is a friendly green color with a little plant growing over the ‘i’. This shows their promise to be open and honest and that everything they make is meant to be good for you and the planet. It’s their way of showing that choosing healthy food can be simple, even when everything else is too complicated.
O Organics
Albertsons Companies started O Organics in 2005 to help more people buy organic food without spending much money. Albertsons saw that people wanted more organic options, so they made O Organics with over 100 kinds of organic food, such as fruits, veggies, dairy, and snacks. Their bright and colorful logo, with a big ‘O’, shows that the brand is about growth and good health.
Since its founding, O Organics has grown significantly. It began with just a few products, but by 2007, it had hundreds of items, including baby food, snacks, drinks, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies. By 2009, you could find O Organics in more than 1,000 Albertsons stores. It kept growing; by 2015, it had over 5,000 organic products.
O Organics makes more than $1 billion annually by selling affordable organic food. Albertsons keeps working on making it easier for everyone in America to buy organic food. O Organics is a big name in organic food because of its wide range of products and focus on eco-friendliness.
Real Coco
Real Coco started in 2012 when Brian Bardos and Jeffrey Kung noticed more people in the United States liked drinking coconut water. They set up their brand in Oxnard, California, wanting to make coconut water that was just as natural as the coconuts it came from. Their logo has a big green ‘R’ that looks like a coconut, showing off how fresh and natural their drink is.
They first sold Real Coco Pure Coconut Water in 2013 in small cartons, mostly in Southern California. By the next year, they were selling all along the West Coast, even in cans and glass bottles. By 2015, you could find their drinks in big stores like Kroger and Safeway, and they started making sparkling coconut water.
Real Coco grew significantly by 2017, making over $10 million yearly because people liked coconut water. They kept growing, adding more people to their team. In 2019, they started making coconut-based protein drinks, adding more choices to their lineup.
Real Coco offers many different coconut drinks, such as water, juices, and milk, to people all over North America. They’ve become a big name in coconut beverages because they’re all about keeping things natural and healthy, just like their coconuts.
Purity Organic
Purity Organic ensures its coconut water is as natural and organic as possible. It uses coconuts grown without artificial ingredients to ensure every drink tastes fresh and clean, just like nature intended. The company’s logo is simple—mostly black and white—but it has a green leaf on the ‘i’ to show that it’s serious about using natural ingredients and making a top-quality drink.
Their main drink, coconut water, follows all the organic rules and has a special USDA Organic badge to prove it. This drink doesn’t have dairy, gluten, or GMOs (those are things some people want to avoid). They choose packaging that’s good for the planet so you can recycle it after enjoying your drink.
Purity Organic’s coconut water is not just about quenching your thirst; it’s also packed with good stuff like potassium and other electrolytes but without any fat or too many calories. This makes it a great choice for anyone trying to stay healthy and hydrated. They even got a thumbs up from Oregon Tilth, a big name in organic stuff, which shows they’re dedicated to making a great product while helping the planet with their farming methods. They pick the best coconuts and focus on keeping everything eco-friendly and good for you.
Once Upon a Coconut
Once Upon a Coconut is a special kind of coconut water. It’s not just about drinking something when you’re thirsty—it’s about enjoying stories with every sip. The company started with a big idea: to mix tasty coconut water with helping people. They give 10% of what they make monthly to charities, such as Down syndrome, veterans, hospitals, and more. This shows they care about helping others.
The company is part of The Neighborhood Beverage Company and believes in using organic farming and caring for the planet. They pick young coconuts from Vietnam because they taste the best and are super sweet. This means their coconut water is not just refreshing; it’s also naturally sweet.
But they don’t stop at just plain coconut water. Once Upon a Coconut also makes fun flavors like chocolate and pineapple. They’re all about bringing new and exciting tastes that make you happy. Their logo is cute, with a coconut shell and a speech bubble, showing they’re all about telling stories through their drinks. Once Upon a Coconut is more than just a drink; it’s about feeling good, enjoying new flavors, and helping the world all at once.
365
The 365 brand comes from Whole Foods Market and is about healthy and organic eating. It’s famous for things like coconut water. The logo, which changes color from teal to green, shows that the brand focuses on good, organic food daily. The name “by Whole Foods Market” under the logo tells people this brand is reliable and high-quality.
Whole Foods started the 365 brand in 2015 to make organic food more affordable. They opened their first stores in 2016 in California and Oregon, with a simple layout that mainly sold “365 Everyday Value” products and other items that don’t cost too much. They wanted to bring cheaper options to more places, like Georgia, New Jersey, and Illinois.
However, the 365 stores had trouble making money, and people were confused about how it was connected to Whole Foods. By 2019, Whole Foods decided to either bring the 365 stores into their main stores or close the ones that weren’t doing well. By the end of December 2019, the 365 stores were closed, but the 365 products are still a big part of Whole Foods, especially when prices are kept down. From 2015 to 2019, the 365 brand played a big part in helping people afford organic products; its ideas are still part of what Whole Foods does.
FAQ
What is the best brand of coconut water?
Determining the “best” brand of coconut water can be subjective, as preferences can vary based on taste, nutritional content, sourcing practices, and environmental impact. However, several brands consistently receive high marks from consumers and experts for their quality, taste, and commitment to sustainability. Here are a few brands that are often recognized as leading options in the coconut water market:
- Vita Coco – One of the most popular and widely available brands, Vita Coco is praised for its natural taste and hydration properties. The company emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing of coconuts.
- Harmless Harvest – Known for its organic, pink coconut water (the color comes from natural variations in antioxidant levels), Harmless Harvest commits to fair trade practices and minimal processing.
- C2O Pure Coconut Water – This brand sources its coconuts from Thailand and offers a unique, slightly sweet flavor many people enjoy. It’s also known for not using concentrate.
- ZICO – Owned by The Coca-Cola Company, ZICO is another top contender that focuses on providing a pure and natural coconut water experience. They offer both flavored and unflavored varieties.
- Taste Nirvana Real Coconut Water – Produced in Thailand, Taste Nirvana’s coconut water is often celebrated for its exceptional taste. The brand uses Thai coconuts and avoids adding preservatives.
- Amy & Brian Coconut Water – With a focus on natural ingredients and no added sugars, Amy & Brian is a family-owned brand that offers coconut water derived from Thai coconuts in varieties with and without pulp.
When choosing the best brand for you, consider factors such as the source of the coconuts, any added ingredients, the brand’s environmental impact, and, of course, your taste preference. Sampling a few different brands can help you determine which one you prefer.
Which country has the best coconut water?
The “best” coconut water is often subjective, depending on individual taste preferences. Still, it is widely influenced by the quality of the coconuts, which varies by country due to differences in climate, soil, and agricultural practices. However, certain countries are renowned for producing high-quality coconut water due to their ideal growing conditions for coconuts. Here are a few countries known for their exceptional coconut water:
- Thailand: Thai coconuts are known for their sweet and nutty taste and are often preferred internationally. Thailand’s coconut water is highly valued for its flavor and freshness, making it a favorite among many consumers.
- Brazil: Brazilian coconuts produce light, refreshing, and sweet coconut water. Brazil’s tropical climate produces high-quality coconuts; many premium coconut water brands are sourced from this country.
- The Philippines: The Philippines is one of the world’s largest producers of coconuts, and its coconut water is prized for its purity and natural sweetness. The country’s vast coconut plantations ensure a steady supply of fresh coconuts for coconut water production.
- India: India has a long history of coconut cultivation, and its coconut water is rich in nutrients and electrolytes. The diverse coconut varieties found nationwide contribute to various flavors in Indian coconut water.
- Indonesia: Another top coconut producer, Indonesia offers coconut water that is often described as refreshing and mildly sweet. The country’s tropical climate ensures optimal growing conditions for coconuts, contributing to the high quality of the water produced.
While these countries are renowned for their coconut water, the “best” coconut water ultimately depends on personal preference, including the desired balance of sweetness and freshness and considerations for sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. Sampling coconut water from these countries can help determine which flavor profile you prefer the most.
How do I choose the best coconut water?
Choosing the best coconut water involves considering several factors affecting its taste, nutritional value, and environmental impact. Here are key points to keep in mind when selecting coconut water:
- Source of Coconuts: The taste and quality of coconut water vary significantly depending on where the coconuts are grown. Different regions have different climates and soil types, which can influence the flavor profile. Coconuts from Thailand, the Philippines, Brazil, and India are among the most popular sources, each offering unique taste characteristics.
- Ingredients: Ideally, the best coconut water should have only one ingredient: coconut water. Be wary of products with added sugar, flavors, or preservatives, as these can detract from coconut water’s natural benefits and authentic taste.
- Processing Method: Look for brands that use minimal processing. Cold-pressed or raw (minimally pasteurized) coconut water typically retains more nutrients and natural enzymes, offering a taste closer to fresh coconut water. However, these options may have a shorter shelf life and higher price points.
- Packaging: Consider the sustainability and safety of the packaging. Glass and recyclable PET bottles are generally safer and better for the environment than plastic containers, which can contain harmful chemicals. Some brands use Tetra Paks, which are eco-friendly and preserve the quality of coconut water without refrigeration.
- Certifications: Certifications can assure the product’s quality and the brand’s ethical practices. Look for organic certifications if you prefer coconut water, which is free from pesticides and GMOs. Fair Trade certifications indicate that the coconuts were sourced ethically, with fair compensation to farmers.
- Taste and Appearance: Pure coconut water can range from clear to slightly cloudy and from sweet to slightly salty, depending on the variety of coconut and its maturity. Some brands’ coconut water may turn pink due to natural variations in phenolic compounds, which is normal and not a sign of spoilage.
- Nutritional Content: While coconut water is naturally low in calories and rich in electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, the nutritional content can vary between brands. Check the label for nutritional information, paying close attention to the sodium and sugar content to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research brands to learn about their sourcing practices, commitment to sustainability, and product quality. Online reviews and recommendations can also help identify products that meet high standards of taste and quality.
Considering these factors, you can find coconut water that tastes great and aligns with your health goals and ethical standards. Remember, the “best” coconut water satisfies your taste preferences and values, so you may need to try several brands to find your favorite.
