Coconut Water – The Ideal Ingredient for Health-Conscious Consumers

By: iTi Innovation

At iTi, we are always searching for new methods to increase the success of our customers’ applications.  Coconut water has seen significant growth in popularity over the past few years, so we’re exploring new ways to use it! We continue to see increased potential by incorporating coconut water into beverage formulas. Replacing a portion of fruit juice with coconut water in beverage formulas will reduce the sugar and caloric content, while still maintaining a 100% juice content claim.

Coconut water imparts minimal flavor and color, limiting the interference with the flavor profile and appearance of an application. Using coconut water in place of juice content is beneficial when working with higher ° Brix juices such as apple juice. Changing an apple juice formula from 100% apple juice to 50% apple juice and 50% coconut water lowers the caloric content from 139 kcals to 89 kcals per 8 fl. oz. serving. This simple and easy change reduces the calorie content of the juice by 36% and the product is still 100% juice and 100% delicious!

Since consumers are becoming increasingly more health conscious than in previous years, they are seeking beverage options that provide fewer “empty calories” and better nutritional value. Coconut water is the perfect solution because it provides a high electrolyte content, leaving consumers feeling hydrated as well as happy with what they are drinking.

The table below shows how coconut water reduces caloric content in juice blends, while still maintaining 100% juice:

Juice

100% Juice

50% Juice and 50% Coconut Water

Calorie Reduction

Coconut Water 5°Brix*

39

NA

NA

Cranberry**

70

55

22

Orange**

110

75

32

Guava*

101

70

31

Pomegranate**

139

89

36

Pineapple*

125

82

34

Passion Fruit*

132

86

35

Apple**

139

89

36

Grape**

161

100

38

*Calorie content derived from iTi Tropicals Nutritional Profiles

**Calorie content derived from USDA Food Composition Database

 

At iTi, we offer coconut water in both single strength and concentrate forms. Check out the coconut water products we offer and request your sample today!


Tags:  coconut water health conscious reduce sugar