A Coconut Alternative

A Coconut Alternative

Posted by Marisa Belger on June 27, 2006 - 5:50am.

When’s the last time you popped open a coconut after a hard session at the gym? While it may seem unlikely, (not to mention bulky); the liquid found inside a young green coconut is nature’s version of a sports drink. For years heath enthusiasts have revered coconut water as a wellness elixir.

Zico has packaged young green coconut water into convenient 11-ounce containers that can be easily chugged after a vigorous yoga practice, mountain climb, or marathon. This water is not the stuff of big, brown tropical coconuts. Young greens are prized for their highly nutritious liquid. Zico’s 11-ounces are infused with more potassium than 15 sports drinks with no fat or added sugar.

Naturally occurring electrolytes make young green coconut water especially suited to post-workout hydration. One container of Zico contains five essential electrolytes — potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Even better, coconut water infuses the body with necessary electrolytes without added sugar or artificial coloring. Zico also boasts a 4.8 pH level, which clocks it in with significantly less acid than the average sports drink.

And the flavor? If the only coconut you know is the sugary mix blended into a pina colada, Zico may be a bit of an acquired taste. Young green coconut water has the consistency of ordinary water and subtle slightly sour back note, but Zico is as eminently drinkable as a tall glass of H20. For those who long for a bit more zing in their hydration, Zico also comes flavored with mango, and my personal favorite, passion fruit and orange peel. Eat your heart out Gatorade.

Zico Coconut Water

Price: $21.00 for 12

Where to Buy: Amazon, and at select locations .

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sounds yummmmy...and much

by xtessraffx on June 27, 2006 - 12:18pm

sounds yummmmy...and much better than sugary gatorade

it's okay....

by tinoisamoa on June 27, 2006 - 1:03pm

I was really excited after reading this article not for the fitness side of it, but just the fact that there's packaged pure coconut water. I'm from the South Pacific and drinking coconut water straight from the source is a favorite pastime of mine.

So, I went and bought one to try and must admit, it fell short of my expectations. Doesn't really taste like coconut water that I'm used to--maybe there's a difference from those grown in Brazil and the South Pacific, I don't know. It is filling/hydrating though, but I already knew that.

Never had it

by jjackson on June 27, 2006 - 1:50pm

I've never had coconut water, but I'd sure like to try.

Guess I should workout first.

Green Coconut Water

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 4:32am

This has been known in the West Indies for many decades. The natural product's natural low shelf life without refrigeration and excellent taste was lost when processed for extended shelf life. Natural product is an excellent bladder cleanser.

Top Product

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 6:35am

I have been drinking Zico for the last few months since a friend put me onto it. The natural one tastes like coconut water should - very pure. The other flavors are subtle and pleasant. I can´t put my finger on it, but I feel better when I drink it that when I take in some of the established sports drinks or orange juice. And one little plus - the packaging is fantastic - very cool and easy to use.

AFTER A RUN!!

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 7:26am

I have been a die-hard Zico man for over a year. I was first introduced to it at Fairway in NYC. As a runner i was looking for a drink would help to hydrate and fill my potassium need. After a run I GULP a Zico and I feel as if my body has been restored!! The best thing for me is when I discoverd it was available at Whole Foods in LA--since i'm there have the time for business... Anyway, bring Zico on!!!

Trip to Brazil

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 8:02am

I was first introduced to coconut water by a machete wielding coconut vendor in Brazil. He chopped off the top and handed me a straw. Every time I have a zico it's like a trip back there! It's a great alternative to other sports drinks, without all the chemicals and artificial flavors/colors. Only problem is I haven't yet found it in stores in my area (DC) - I have to buy it online.

Zico a Great Alternative

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 8:04am

Over years of scuba diving/skin diving - and all the physical wear-and-tear that accompanies these sports - I have relied upon pure "agua de coco" or green coconut water to stay hydrated and fresh. I discovered Zico in Crested Butte during a grueling mountain-biking ride when one of my friends shared an extra one with me. That package of Zico helped get me down the mountain in 1 piece. The natural packaging - a big, fat, round coconut is definitely preferred...just try putting 2-3 of those in your fanny back while you're mountain biking - so, I think Zico's packaging works for sports enthusiasts who try to lead balanced lives. I have consumed about 2 cases of Zico a month over the past year. Zico is fresh...so, I wouldn't worry about shelf life concerns...the true alternative - flying down to the islands every morning - doesn't work for most of us. Buy a couple of cases of the natural Zico and keep them cold in the fridge...the sport enthusiasts in your family will thank you for it!

BMS

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 8:28am

I first had Zico last year and it is fresh and cool. (Keep in frig for great pickup on a hot PM) I have to shop in NYC at Fairway or or on line at Amazon. We have a Whole Foods in Westchester but they don't carry it yet.Whole Foods in NYC has it so I wish they would bring it out here! The package is also convenient for travel or a day at the beach.It does taste different from the brown coconut --better!

A Zico a day

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 9:30am

Zico is a welcome alternative to silly waters and additive-tasting sports drinks! I love it ice cold for flavor, but more than that you can't beat it for healthy replenishment/rehydration, a nutritious low-calorie snack, or as part of a detoxification regimen. Now if only Stop & Shop would stock it....

Great at the gym

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 9:42am

I discovered Zico last year at "Equinox", my gym in NYC. Since then, I love to drink it before and after workouts.

It's AMAZING

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 10:05am

I LOVE zico. It's more hydrating than 10 glasses of water and better for you than sugary sports drinks. The stuff is great after a long workout or when i'm dehydrated (esp after drinking alcohol). I've given it to my friends who are pregnant (and consequently thirsty all the time) and they love it. I'll be honest, it took me a while to truely appreciate zico...but now I love it.

Zico is my friend

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 10:50am

I found Zico in NY at Whole Foods when I was in on business from Chicago. There's really nothing else like it, it is a real pick-me-up during the day. Lately I've been turned on to it as a cocktail mixer and I can tell you I'm very popular with my friends right now!

Great Anytime

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 11:45am

Zico coconut water is the best and most refreshing drink to come along in quite a while. It is great to take along on my bicycle and to stock in my fridge for a really nice tasting treat. I'm not a big liquid consumer but, happily, with Zico around it is easy to increase my fluid intake.

A Great Alternative

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 12:57pm

I've been drinking Zico for over a year now. It is truly a 'balanced' beverage. It taste great, is all natural, and I always feel great after drinking a Zico. There are no side effects like I get from the sugar in juices and the artificial sweetners and chemicals in sports drinks. Zico is great on a hot day when I need hydration from something other than water and it is also a great 'pick me up' drink anytime of the day. If the beverage choices are coffee, soda, flavored waters, or juices, Zico is hands down the best choice. I just wish the stores in Chicago carried it, but getting it from Amazon isn't bad if I plan ahead. Thanks Zico!

Born to Zico

by Anonymous on June 28, 2006 - 11:26pm

My first taste of Zico took me right back to the beach in Jamaica. So natural, healthy and tasty! When I learned how important it is to stay hydrated during labor, Zico was the obvious choice. I sipped Zico during 12 hours of labor with my first born, and never needed an IV. Thanks Zico!

We LOVE Zico!

by Anonymous on June 29, 2006 - 9:51am

My husband and I (and my 92 year old mother) have been drinking Zico for a year now, and it's great not only after a physical workout, but also after a mental workout. We all find it a great afternoon pick-me-up. We also love Zicotinis! If you haven't had one, be sure to try one. They're delicious!

Benefits of Zico

by Anonymous on July 1, 2006 - 11:19pm

At first, I wasn't too keen on trying such an "exotic" drink, but I'm glad I did. Zico was suggested to me by a number of people and I tried it after some heavy exercise. As a Junior Olympic volleyball player my body takes some pretty heavy impact, especially my arms and legs. The soreness and cramping after playing had always been a bother to me until I discovered that drinking Zico after exercise clears up all of that would-be pain. After doing a little research and examining the contents of Zico, I found that the large amount of Calcium in Zico was the reason for its miraculous properties. Calcium is an essential electrolyte used in muscle contraction. Lack of Ca can lead to soreness and cramping because the muscle cannot properly contract without it. If you've ever heard to drink milk to prevent cramping, drinking Zico follows the same principle, although its much more satisfying than milk during or after exercise. Aside from its medicinal role in my life, I enjoy drinking Zico because it's healthy and it tastes great. Zico, I thank you.

Not My Favorite!

by Anonymous on July 13, 2006 - 9:22am

It's much better out of the coconut and many health food stores carry these young coconuts. They're white because they're packed and shipped without the green outer shell. It's easy to learn to open, in fact, you can get visual instructions online! I'm wondering if there is a preservative embedded in the container material. I know some companies do that, thus avoiding putting the preservative directly into the product itself. In any case, the liquid would still be exposed to a preservative. I would recomend opening your own coconuts. It's really easy!

Not My Favorite!

by Anonymous on July 13, 2006 - 9:30am

It's much better directly out of the coconut and many health food stores carry these young coconuts. They're white because they're packed and shipped without the green outer shell. It's easy to learn to open, in fact, you can get visual instructions online! I'm wondering if there is a preservative embedded in the container material. I know some packagers do that, thus avoiding putting the preservative directly into the product itself. In any case, the liquid would still be exposed to a preservative. I would recomend opening your own coconuts. It's really easy!

coconut for everyone

by Rossane on July 23, 2006 - 12:55pm

Marisa,

we all really live in paralell universe.

I am brazilian and recently moved to a beautiful island in brazil, just 2 hours from sao paulo, the megalopole.
Fresh fruits like mango and cashew still fall from the trees in the streets and people here simply just dont care.

when I saw your efftorts to buy coconut in a box online I picture our living beings here living in this paradise, but they cant see what is obvious. For me fresh coconut is like a medicine.

one coconut a day, keep my sicknesses away.

liz

by Anonymous on August 14, 2006 - 6:27pm

Hello, A little while back I blogged about this post on ThisNext.com (check it out at http://blog.thisnext.com/blog/nature’s-sports-drink.html).ThisNext recently started a month-long private beta and I'd love to invite you to come to the site and make a list of your favorite fitness and health products (and any other products you love). Clicking this link will get you into your account: http://www.thisnext.com/invitation/5568-5915-7910. It’s a one-time URL that’s only for you, so it can’t be shared. Once you sign up, you can get started on making a list of your favorite products and telling everybody why you love them – just like Hans Rey has done here: http://www.thisnext.com/list/B3415DD3/How-I-Gear-Up. After your list is made, you can see what other likeminded members are recommending for you. It’s a perfect way to great product recommendations from a community of people whose interests, tastes, and values are in sync with your own. ThisNext will also help you attract more traffic, since your list will link to your blog. One small favor: We’re asking the bloggers that we invite to please NOT post about the project until our public launch in August. We’ll let you know when. Hope to see you around the ThisNext neighborhood. Please let us know how the site’s working for you - we’re still working on it! Thanks, Liz P.S. Don’t hesitate to email me any questions! (lizbarker77@gmail.com)

dont be fooled

by Anonymous on August 17, 2006 - 3:19pm

this is a processed drink that orignally contained a preservative in the ingredients

since it became more popular, the preservative is not labeled...can anybody guess why? or better yet, does anyone have any research for this change?

any drink sold in the US has to be pasturized, so whatever benefits mother nature provided the original coconut are not going to be in this product

dont be fooled by slick marketing

any one have any research (not your poinions, but actual research or emails from company execs) that you can post would be appreciated

ZICO 100% natural

by Anonymous on September 6, 2006 - 12:17pm

Dear Lime Follower,

I am the Founder and CEO of ZICO and wanted to make sure you know that ZICO is absolutely 100% natural now. When we first launched ZICO we used a very small amount of an FDA approved sulfite that is used in white wine to ensure color retention but after a significant amount of additional reserach and development we were able to eliminate that ingredient and the new packaging is correct in stating that ZICO is 100% natural, pure coconut water. Drink with confidence!

Hope this helps.

Sincerely, Mark Rampolla

mark@zico.com