Why is packaged coconut water so popular?

Packaged coconut water is extracted from young green coconuts; then it is processed, filtered, and packaged in containers for distribution and sales. Countless brands of packaged coconut water have popped up in the last few years. What makes this drink become so well-liked? Let’s dive into this article to find out.

Why is packaged coconut water so popular?

Packaged coconut water has gained immense popularity for several reasons.

Amazing health benefits

Just like regular coconut water, packaged coconut water also contains many health benefits. Packaged coconut water offers many benefits regarding hydration, gut health, working out and immune system heatlth.

• Hydration: Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium are found in large amounts in coconut water. These minerals are crucial in maintaining proper fluid balance within your body. When you’re dehydrated, replenishing these electrolytes is essential.
• Electrolytes: 100ml of coconut water provides 250 milligrams (mg) of potassium. Potassium is essential for kidney function and muscle contractions. Coconut water has more potassium than typical sports drinks As a result, it’s a natural alternative for rehydration after physical exertion or in hot conditions.
• Mineral: Despite being very light, its water proportionately has a better composition of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc than some of the fruit juices like oranges.
• Bioactive enzyme: Coconut water has several naturally-occurring bioactive enzymes that contribute to its beneficial health effects. For instance Acid Phosphatase, commonly found in coconut water, plays a role in cellular metabolism and energy production
• Natural sweetness and tropical flavours: Coconut water contains natural sugars, unlike many artificially sweetened beverages. These sugars provide a mild sweetness without the need for added sweeteners. When you sip coconut water, you’ll experience a flavour with subtle notes of sweetness and nuttiness.

Convenience

Unlike fresh coconuts, which take some work to split open and extract the water, bottled coconut water is ready to drink. It saves time and removes the mess. In addition, packaged coconut water comes in cartons, cans, and plastic bottles.  You can easily toss one into your bag, take it to the gym, or enjoy it during your commute.

Accessibility

Due to seasonal constraints in the availability of fresh coconuts in many places, packaged coconut water provides year-round access. Regardless of the season or location, this accessibility makes sure that customers can drink coconut water at any time of year.

Packaged coconut water is found in supermarkets around the world

Clean labels

Packaged coconut water usually has a short ingredient list and is free of additives and preservatives. Many brands also ensure that their drinks have no added sugar, targeting consumers who want to reduce their sugar intake. Many products even have an organic certification label to assure consumers that the product does not contain synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and GMOs. This clean label claim has appealed to many health-conscious individuals looking for healthy beverage options.

Cheaper prices

Regarding affordability, packaged coconut water offers a refreshing and budget-friendly choice. For countries without coconut plantations, importing fresh coconut is much more expensive than the packaged version, because it requires shipping, handling and possibly import taxes.

How is packaged coconut water produced?

Let’s explore how packaged coconut water is produced!

Step 1: Choosing the correct type of packaging

Choosing the suitable packaging material is essential to ensure the highest quality, safety, and product shelf life for packaged coconut water. Three types of packaging are used for coconut water.

• Aseptic paper box: Aseptic packaging becomes essential for long-life coconut liquid products. Aseptic packaging involves hermetically sealing the product in a sterile environment or UTHT pasteurisation, preventing contamination, preserving flavour, and promoting a longer shelf life. However, it requires expensive machines.
• Aluminium can: Retort processing combines the advantages of long-term food preservation with the ease of a flexible container, making it an economical option. However, due to its complex retort sterilisation process, it may lead to flavour degradation.
• Bottle: Bottles are ideal for on-the-go consumption due to their resealable design. While hot filling improves the product’s shelf life, it also destroys important enzymes and flavor compounds in coconut water.

Tan Do’s coconut water packaged in aluminium can

Step 2: Extracting the coconut water

When extracting coconut water for packaging, several important factors must be considered to ensure the quality and integrity of the final product.

• Source and quality of coconuts: Choose fresh, mature coconuts. Coconut quality directly influences the taste and nutritional value of the water.
• Hygiene and sanitation: Maintain strict hygiene during the extraction process. Use clean equipment and work in a sanitised environment to prevent contamination.
• Extraction method: Use specialised equipment to extract the water efficiently and hygienically. Puncture the soft “eye” on the coconut shell to allow the water to drain into a container.
• Temperature control: Coconut water is sensitive to temperature changes. Maintain proper cooling to prevent enzymatic reactions and microbial growth.
• Minimise exposure to air: When coconut water comes into contact with air, it quickly oxidises. Therefore, the extraction and bottle of coconut water must happen fast.
• Avoid overprocessing: Overprocessing can affect coconut water’s colour, taste, and nutrient content. Balance extraction time to minimise negative effects.
• Storage conditions: Store the extracted coconut water in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness. Monitor storage conditions to prevent spoilage.

Step 3: Filtration and mixing

Filtering the extracted coconut water is crucial for removing leftover coconut particles, dirt, or contaminants. The process of filtration guarantees that the water is devoid of impurities and is of high quality. Some common ways to filter coconut water include cheesecloth, fine filters, or dedicated systems.

After that, the raw coconut water will enter a mixing tank. Here, it will be mixed with other ingredients to produce different formulations of coconut water drinks. Depending on the desired product, you can mix coconut water with other ingredients, such as fruit juices or electrolyte-enhancing ingredients.

Tan Do’s flavored coconut water product lines

Step 4: Pasteurization and packaging

The process of extracting coconut water affects its stability and sterility, due to naturally present enzymes and microbial activity. Pasteurisation is very important to ensure long shelf life and product safety. It aims to prevent undesirable changes in color, nutritional qualities and eliminate harmful microorganisms. For that reason, pasteurisation provide consumers with a safe and fresh product.

After pasteurisation, coconut water is ready for packaging. Suitable containers (such as bottles or cans) are used for packaging. Any material used for packing must be ideal for food use and designed to keep out air and light. Proper packaging ensures that the coconut water remains safe and undamaged throughout transit and storage.

What are the most popular packaged coconut water brands?

Several brands have gained popularity for their quality and taste in packaged coconut water. Each brand caters to different preferences.

Vita Coco

Vitacoco is widely available and budget-friendly. Their freshness is guaranteed since the entire procedure, from harvest to bottle, takes no more than 72 hours. Transparency about sourcing and organic certification adds to its appeal.

Vita Coco Coconut water is the combination of flavor and key nutrients

Harmless Harvest

This brand consistently ranks high for its premium quality. Its aromatic flavour comes from young Nam Hom coconuts grown in Thailand. Harmless Harvest uses an innovative manufacturing process that preserves nutrients, and its commitment to sustainability is commendable.

Harmless Harvest Coconut water with numerous of health benefits

Zico

Zico coconut water is crafted with only one ingredient: pure coconut water. Their recipe calls for a combination of Thailand’s naturally sweet Nam Hom variety and Southeast Asia’s best-grade coconuts. With no additional sugars, this mix gives the perfect amount of sweetness.

Zico Coconut water is highly appreciated by consumers thanks to its natural ingredients

Trader Joes

The coconut water sold by Trader Joe’s comes from Namhom trees in the Ratchaburi Province of Thailand. It is pasteurised using a high-temperature, short-duration process to preserve the water’s distinctive coconut taste and make it safe to drink. The natural enzymes in Namhom coconuts give it a refreshingly tart and somewhat sweet flavour character, and the pinkish hue is just the cherry on top.

A refreshing coconut drink with a pink-ish hue from Trader Joe’s

Taste Nirvana

Taste Nirvana uses only the finest coconuts, plucked when ripe for maximum nutrition and taste. These coconuts are the pinnacle of quality and flavour because their water-to-flesh ratio is just right. To preserve the natural flavour, they also use pure glass bottles and BPA-free aluminium cans. Unlike tetra paper paks or steel cans, these won’t leave an aftertaste.

The coconut water that is approved by the multi-generational Thai family business

C2O

If you prefer a neutral-tasting option, C2O delivers. It’s straightforward, without added flavours or sweeteners. C2O products come from coconuts with a special fragrance from Thailand, providing a naturally sweet and nuttier flavor compared to other “too salty” coconuts.

C2O Coconut water is 100% made from young green coconuts

Raw C

Raw C offers a range of pure and natural coconut water products sourced from single-origin fresh coconuts. What these products have in common is that they are gluten-free, have no added sugar, and are fat-free.

Raw C is an all-natural coconut water that is GMO-free and sugar-free

Tips for shopping for the best-packaged coconut water for you

With the market flooded with options, how to find a quality packaged coconut water product is becoming increasingly difficult. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

Refrigeration

Fresh, natural coconut water usually requires refrigeration, as it helps slow down bacterial multiplication, reducing the risk of spoilage and potential health issues. Refrigeration also helps preserve the nutrient content in packaged coconut water, including vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, etc. Keeping coconut water cold slows the breakdown of these nutrients, helping you get maximum benefits when drinking this drink. That’s why, when choosing packaged coconut water, remember to pick the refrigerated ones.

Thick/Sturdy packaging

A sturdy, opaque package helps shield coconut water from light and oxygen exposure. Light and oxygen can degrade the quality of coconut water over time, affecting taste and nutrient content. Thick and robust packaging is less likely to leak or damage coconut water during handling, transportation, or storage. Thus, it ensures that coconut water remains intact and drinkable until it reaches the consumer. Furthermore, thick and sturdy packaging gives consumers a sense of quality and reliability, showing that the product inside is well protected.

Not from concentrate

Concentrated coconut water is often heated at high temperatures for an extended period. Unfortunately, this heat causes the coconut water to lose a substantial amount of its most beneficial nutrients. Non-concentrated coconut water also contains no added sugar, preservatives or additives commonly found in concentrated coconut water products. It provides a clean label choice for consumers looking for a healthy drink.

TAJA 100% natural coconut, no heated or pasteurized

Single-origin

Coconut water from a single source ensures consistent quality. At the same time, it ultimately helps retain that area’s distinct taste. These unique flavours may be influenced by factors such as soil, climate, and growing conditions. Single-origin coconut water allows consumers to experience these unique flavours, providing a more profound sensory journey. To choose the best material, go to countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

Ingredient list

Highly quality-coconut water will have a short ingredient list. Short ingredient lists often mean minimal processing and less manipulation of ingredients to preserve their natural qualities. For example, the best quality coconut water comes from young green coconuts, and the purest versions contain only one ingredient: coconut water.

Conclusion

The rise of packaged coconut water is driven by health awareness, convenience, and changing consumer preferences. When choosing packaged coconut water, prioritize quality, freshness, and environmental consciousness. Look for brands that balance sturdy packaging with sustainable practices!

Are you looking to elevate your beverage business to the next level with the irresistible appeal of coconut water? Contact us for further details. TanDo’s products have achieved essential certifications in the domestic and foreign markets, including ISO, HACCP, HALAL, FDA, etc.