So this is where the packaged coconut water comes into the picture. My guy got packets of UFC coconut water as part of his special diet. When I saw those packs, I was not a bit interested because I had the mindset that nothing can beat fresh coconut water from fresh coconut. Not to mention that the name "UFC" reminds me of Ultimate Fighting Championship!
Well, I eventually tried it since I was very thirsty on one particular day. I was impressed. For the convenience and the assurance that I will not get a fermenting coconut, this coconut water is a very good alternative. In fact, I brought a dozen of packets after trying it.
What I like about UFC coconut water is that the distinctive nutty, milky aroma is well-preserved in this drink and there is no sugar added. So I can enjoy this drink's crisp clear and refreshing taste without the guilt. And I like the fact that the coconuts used are non-GMO, meaning they are not Genetic Modified Organisms. I also have a thing against GMO crops, despite the advocates from Nat Geo. The fact that the best ingredients and crops come from countries that are against GMO crops kind of says a lot, isn't it?
Cocomax is an unexpected good find. Packaging wise, it is not as impressive due to the use of plastic bottle. But the taste can rival that of UFC. The taste of Cocomax coconut water is more nuanced with slightly milder flavour. This is the one with the weakest aftertaste, which is how I like it.
After trying Cocomax, I was more eager to try the ones in bottles instead of limiting my choices to those packaged in tetra pax. If coconut water is the sweetest of the lot, which is amazing since it is 100% coconut water with no sugar is added. As someone with sweet tooth, I do like this brand a lot.
I do have somewhat high expectations of Vita Coco when my guy brought back two packets since this brand is more expensive. Though I had a bad feeling when I saw that sugar and vitamin C are added. The bad feeling was proven valid when I had my first sip of Vita Coco. The nutty flavour is there, and this drink is surprisingly not sweeter than UFC one. However, there is another weird, almost medicine-like taste incorporated in there. I guess this comes from the vitamin C. As for the more expensive price tag, should be due to various celebrities' endorsements.
Coco Life also has sugar and vitamin C added, so I was not expecting too much when trying it. But the first taste is a lot better than Vita Coco's since the aroma of nuts in Coco Life's coconut water is pretty strong, sufficient to cover up the taste of vitamin C. The bad part is that after few sips, there is a sour aftertaste, most probably due to the sugar and vitamin C. And this sour aftertaste gets worse with each subsequent sip.
Nudie coconut water looks more promising than the previous two brands since there is no additive. But this drink tastes pretty plain. The aroma of brown sugar is strong, maybe due to young coconuts being used, but the flavours are pretty muted. In fact, this is the least flavourful of all I had tried. The good part is that there is no weird or sour taste in it.
Ice Cool coconut water is similar to Nudie in taste, just a tad bit stronger in milky flavour. This has the aroma of sugar cane instead.
Zico's one is between Nudie and UFC in terms of how strong the nutty flavour is and has pure and clear taste. No aftertaste reported.
Just Picked CoCo Water is very comparable to UFC in terms of taste. Probably due to the fact that the coconuts are from Thailand and there is no additive. The main difference is that Just Picked CoCo Water has a more pronounced milky flavour while UFC has a stronger nutty aroma. And oh yes, the price range is very different, with UFC being more value for money.
The taste of Yeo's Coconut Water is very similar to that of Just Picked Coco Water. The main difference between these two brands is the stronger aroma in Just Picked, not flavour, take note.
So it is pretty obvious which one is my favourite.
