What Are Your Coconut Water Options at Costco?

I had been reading about the benefits of drinking coconut water, specifically the ability to help fight leg cramps, and wanted to see what was available at Costco.

I did a quick search in the standard Facebook groups and the general consensus was that the Harmless Harvest coconut water was the best but it looked like Costco no longer carries the brand.  So, I headed down to Costco to see what other brands were stocked in my store.

The Costco in Baton Rouge stocks the following brands of coconut water:

• Kirkland Signature Organic
  • 99% Juice
  • 100% Juice
• Vita CoCo
• Real CoCo 

Keep reading and we will cover my thoughts on the Kirkland Signature brand and what other folks think of Vital CoCo and Real CoCo coconut water.

Kirkland Coconut Water – Two Choices

This is one of those cases where I did my research after buying the wrong product.  It turns out that there are two types of Kirkland Organic Coconut Water and I bought the wrong one.

The two types are:

• Shelf Stable, 99% Juice
• Perishable, Refrigerated, 100% Juice

Let’s take a look at these two options.

Clear Coconut Water {Shelf Stable, 99% Juice}

I bought the 12 pack of 11 ounce containers of Kirkland coconut water because it was the cheapest option and I really didn’t have any other information to base a buying decision upon.

I tried the water over a glass of ice and was not happy with the flavor.  I had expected the water to be slightly sweet and nutty with the obvious coconut flavor profile.  Instead of being sweet and nutty the best description I can find for this water is sour.  Nobody in my house liked this product.

The 11 ounce containers are shelf stable and I believe the was accomplished through pasteurization which changed the flavor of the water.  It looks like Costco tried to reclaim some of the sweetness lost in pasteurization by adding in 3g of sugar per container.

I really don’t need any more added sugar in my foods so this made the water an even bigger disappointment.

I researched the product a little more and realized that Costco has a second version of the Kirkland water that I think would have been a better choice for me.

Pink Coconut Water {Refrigerated, 100% Juice}

I headed back to Costco to see what other options they had and spotted a six pack of 100% Juice Kirkland Organic Coconut Water in the refrigerated section that was a fundamentally different product.

Unlike the shelf stable product I had bought, this coconut water is perishable and must be refrigerated.  This suggests that the water has not been heat treated and has the natural flavor one should expect from coconut water. Indeed, there is no sugar added to this refrigerated product.

Another clue that this is a pure coconut water is that the water is pink which is a natural, and safe, color transition that happens as untreated coconut water ages.

Another difference between the shelf stable and refrigerated Kirkland coconut waters is the country of origin.  The shelf stable product is a product of the Philippines while the refrigerated product is a product of Thailand.  I have read many forum threads, Facebook posts, etc from hard core coconut water lovers who say that the country where the coconuts come from has a major impact on the flavor of the water.

If I buy coconut water again from Costco it will be the 100% Juice variety in the refrigerated section.

Ways to Use Coconut Water

If you find yourself in my situation of having a bunch of coconut water that you don’t enjoy drinking straight then here are a few ways to use it in other recipes so you don’t have to throw it away and waste your money. in other recipes.

Smoothies: The water can be used as a base for smoothies. Blend it with your favorite fruits, such as bananas, berries, or mangoes, along with some leafy greens, yogurt, or protein powder for a nutritious drink.

Cocktails: Use the water in cocktails to add a tropical twist. Mix it with rum, vodka, or tequila, along with some fresh fruit juices, mint, or basil for a fun cocktail. You can also freeze coconut water into ice cubes and use them as a unique addition to your drinks.

Cooking Rice or Grains: Use the water to cook rice or other grains, such as quinoa or couscous, to infuse them with a subtle coconut flavor. Simply substitute part or all of the regular water with coconut water when cooking your grains for a fragrant and aromatic side dish.

Soups and Stews: Coconut water can be used in soups and stews to add natural sweetness and a hint of coconut flavor. It works well in Thai-inspired curries, vegetable soups, or lentil stews, and can add a unique twist to your savory recipes.

Marinades: Use the water as a base for marinades for meat, seafood, or tofu. Mix it with some citrus juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other herbs and spices for a flavorful and tenderizing marinade that adds a touch of tropical sweetness.

Baking: Coconut water can be used in baking recipes that call for liquid, such as cakes, muffins, or pancakes. It can add natural sweetness and moisture to your baked goods, resulting in an interesting twist.

Salad Dressings: Coconut water can be used as a base for salad dressings to add a subtle sweetness and tropical flavor. Mix it with some vinegar, oil, honey, mustard, and herbs for a light and refreshing dressing that can be drizzled over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.

Other Brands to Consider

My Costco has some coconut water options from brands other than Kirkland Signature including:

• Vita CoCo
• Real CoCo

Here is a little information on these brands.

Vita CoCo Coconut Water

The Vita CoCo water comes in an 18 pack of 330 ml containers.  The organic water has been pasteurized and is shelf stable.

Vita CoCo coconut water contains 2g of added sugar per container.

The coconuts come from a variety of locations including southeast Asia and Brazil.

 

Real CoCo Coconut Water

The Real CoCo water comes in an 12 pack of 500 ml containers.  The organic water has been pasteurized and is shelf stable.

Real CoCo coconut water contains 0g of added sugar per container.

The coconuts come from Vietnam.