June 2025 · 16.9 fl oz · Still · Pasteurized · Added Sugar · Not Organic
The Coaqua website bills this as “Single-origin Vietnamese coconut water. Sourced directly from coconut farms in Vietnam.” Well yeah — where else are they going to source Vietnamese coconut water? It seems like they’re trying to be the Graza or the Fishwife of coconut water — take a solid product, add millennial marketing, and sell it at about 50% more than what it probably should cost. Especially when the product is neither organic nor fair trade. Worth noting there is a touch of added sugar here — a gram or two per 8oz — as well as ascorbic acid (probably to help with shelf life and color).
This is a typical, slightly upmarket, smooth, and milky water. If I wanted to introduce a child to coconut water, this would be a safe option. There is almost no woody or nutty flavor you’d get in a more traditional option. The touch of added sugar in conjunction with the already sweet, pasteurized base makes this a bit less refreshing. I wouldn’t reach for this after a run on a hot day, but it makes for a decent cool weather option. I’m not impressed with the company’s complete lack of documented ethical practices.
These coconuts are grown in habitats threatened by palm oil deforestation. If you find this site useful, consider donating to the Rainforest Action Network.