Coconut water has long been a desirable health drink by people native to areas where coconuts grow. We don't usually endorse that many electrolyte drinks here because most brands have an enormous amount of added sugar and often many additives and/or alarming amounts of caffeine. But Vita Coco is 100% pure coconut water and a natural electrolyte with many beneficial minerals.

Coconut water is not to be confused with coconut milk.

Vita Coco- Coconut Water and natural electrolyte drink 12-pack of 11.2 ounce environmentally-friendly tetra paks with peel away opening. oz

Coconut milk has to be extracted through food processing. Coconut milk is the liquid you hear sloshing about when you shake a coconut. They are not the same.

What's in Vita Coco coconut water?

Coconut water has long been revered as a health drink. It is loaded with the five essential electrolytes that athletes need-- including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous. If you drink prior to a race or athletic activity, you are not likely to suffer from hyponatremia or dehydration.

It's also naturally fat free. And one 11 oz serving has double the potassium of a banana and 15 times the amount of potassium that the top selling sports drink- about 700mg of potassium. The electrolytes help keep the body cool, boost poor circulation, replenish the fluids you lose during exercise. It is known to also aid in the detoxification process while boosting your immune system.

It is cholesterol free and can soothe an upset stomach and help promote weight loss. On a side note, it is also known as a great hangover cure due to the fact that it re-hydrates so well.  There are no added artificial sweeteners or added refined sugar of any kind.

So how does it taste?

It doesn't taste like Gator Aid. And if you're wanting that taste, forget it. However, it is a popular taste and it may be one you like right away or one you get used to.

The best coconut drinks, and this includes Vita, are made with 100% pure coconut water from young, green Brazilian coconuts. You may be used to seeing the brown, hairy coconuts at the grocery store. Those are over ripe and do not contain the sweet meat that people love. Nor does it have the best tasting coconut water. The best health and taste benefits are found in the green coconuts. And that is what the Vita coco water comes from.

It does come in flavors.

If you are simply used to more flavor, it presently comes in pineapple, acai pomegranate, tangerine, passion fruit, peach and mango and you can get a variety pack that includes all the flavors. These flavors are achieved with a touch of 100% fruit added to Vita Coco.

The variety pack includes four Tetra Paks of 100% pure coconut water, plus two Tetra Paks each of tangerine, peach mango, pineapple and passion fruit flavors. Each flavor offers all the essential benefits of the original Vita Coco, but with a splash of 100% pure fruit.