By Lori Bosworth
Have you tried coconut water yet? It’s a multi-million dollar industry booming in the U.S. and making its way into Canada. Vita Coco coconut water, one of the leading and original U.S. brands, is now available in select Canadian and Toronto grocery stores including Loblaws, Whole Foods, Longo’s, Target, Costco and Safeway. Having never tried coconut water before, I was provided with several samples of Vita Coco coconut water including the original Coconut Water flavour, and the four other flavours Coconut Water with peach & mango, orange, tropical fruit and pineapple.
You may already be using coconut oil in your diet due to its beneficial properties. Coconut water, however, is different from coconut oil in that it is derived from young (green) coconuts and doesn’t have the cholesterol or fat of coconut oil
My first taste of Vita Coco coconut water was the peach and mango flavour. It was one of our 35°C days in late summer and I thought this coconut water would definitely quench my thirst. I had refrigerated all of the Vita Coco samples I received so they were quite chilled when ready to drink. The coconut flavour is immediately apparent and there is enough peach and mango puree to give the drink flavour; however, the coconut water is not thick by any means and very refreshing.
Coconut water is hydrating due to its naturally occurring electrolytes. Vita Coco coconut water has 460 mg of potassium, 45 mg. of sodium, 15 g of carbs and only 60 calories in an 8 fl. oz. serving. It’s also gluten free and vegan approved.
Vita Coco’s Tetra Pak container is bright and trendy and will look great on your desk after you visit the gym. But more importantly, the container ensures that Vita Coco has a shelf life of 12 months and is eco-friendly made from wood fibre. Vita Coco uses only fresh, 100 per cent pure coconut water that is minimally processed
Vita Coco coconut water is popular among celebrities not only as a refreshing, healthy drink, but as an investment. Madonna, Matthew McConaughey, Demi Moore and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers have all invested in Vita Coco. Celebrities who have been seen drinking Vita Coco include Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Emma Stone, Neil Patrick Harris, Dave Matthews and Lenny Kravitz.
