Coconut water label claims review

Only one of the brands of coconut water tested by the health-product testing firm ConsumerLab.com lived up to it's nutritional claims. Zico coconut water had as much potassium and other nutrients as listed on its label. The other tested brands, O.N.E. and Vita Coco, did not.

Researchers at ConsumerLab.com tested the sodium, potassium, magnesium, and sugar content of all three brands. The sugar and potassium content in Vita Coco and O.N.E. were in line with their labels, but the amounts of sodium and magnesium were as much as 82 percent and 35 percent lower, respectively, than the listed amount.

Coconut water is the liquid inside unripe coconuts, and is particularly rich in potassium. One cup has about 500 milligrams, roughly what would be in a banana or cup of orange juice, according to ConsumerLab.com. Coconut water also contains sodium and magnesium and small amounts of phosphorus and vitamin C. It contains no cholesterol and almost no fat, but it does provide a little protein. Natural sugars make it mildly sweet, although it is relatively low in calories compared to typical fruit juices. Coconut water should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made from the meat of coconuts and contains significant amounts of fat from coconut oils.

Product Review: Coconut Waters Review -- Tests of O.N.E., Vita Coco, and Zico [ConsumerLab.com]

—Maggie Shader