Calories in Coconut Water: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young, green coconuts and has gained popularity as a natural hydration drink. An 8 oz cup of plain, unflavored coconut water contains approximately 46 calories, making it a light beverage option that is naturally rich in potassium and electrolytes. It also provides small amounts of magnesium, calcium, and sodium.

Calories by serving size:

While coconut water is considerably lower in calories and sugar than fruit juice or soda, it is not calorie-free and the sugars do add up in larger servings. Flavored varieties and those with added fruit purees can contain 60-90 calories per 8 oz, so checking the label is important if you are monitoring your intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does coconut water compare to regular water?

Plain water contains zero calories, zero sugar, and no nutrients, while an 8 oz serving of coconut water adds 46 calories and 9 grams of natural sugar along with beneficial electrolytes. For everyday hydration, water is the most efficient choice, but coconut water can be a useful option when you need to replenish electrolytes after exercise or in hot weather. It is not a replacement for water but rather a complement in specific situations.

Is coconut water a good sports drink?

Coconut water is a decent natural alternative to commercial sports drinks for light to moderate exercise, as it provides potassium and electrolytes with fewer calories and no artificial ingredients. However, it is lower in sodium than most sports drinks like Gatorade, which provides about 160 mg of sodium per 8 oz compared to coconut water's 64 mg. For intense or prolonged exercise with heavy sweating, a traditional sports drink or adding a pinch of salt to coconut water may be more effective for sodium replenishment.

How much sugar does coconut water have?

An 8 oz cup of plain coconut water contains about 9 grams of naturally occurring sugar, which is significantly less than the 21 grams in apple juice or 26 grams in orange juice per the same serving. These are natural sugars present in the coconut, not added sweeteners. Flavored coconut water varieties may contain additional sugar, sometimes reaching 15-18 grams per 8 oz.

How is coconut water different from coconut milk?

Coconut water is the thin, clear liquid found inside a young coconut and contains about 46 calories per 8 oz cup. Coconut milk is made by grating and pressing the white coconut flesh with water, resulting in a thick, creamy liquid with approximately 445 calories per 8 oz cup of full-fat coconut milk. They are nutritionally very different — coconut milk is high in fat (48 g per cup) while coconut water has virtually none.

How much potassium does coconut water provide?

An 8 oz serving of coconut water contains approximately 470 mg of potassium, which is about 10% of the recommended daily intake and more than a medium banana's 422 mg. Potassium is essential for heart function, muscle contractions, and maintaining healthy blood pressure. This high potassium content is one of the primary reasons coconut water is promoted as a natural hydration and recovery drink.