SaurabhYou can consume coconut water plain or add it to different smoothies or other drinks. It is also healthy water that provides you the hydration you need and enriches the taste of the drinks you add it to.
It is very important to know that coconut water is different than coconut milk. This water is the liquid found inside a coconut that didn’t reach maturity yet.
The best substitute for coconut water is birch water or maple water. But, you can also use cactus water and even plain water. Keep on reading to find even more substitutes for coconut water that you can successfully use in your recipes.
Substitutes for Coconut Water
You can use the following coconut water substitutes in the same ratio as you would use coconut water and save your recipe or drink.
1. Birch water
Birch water is definitely the best substitute for coconut water in terms of taste and color.
The flavor of birch water is not as strong as the flavor of coconut water but it is just as pleasant in different drinks. You can also enjoy birch water plain, as it brings a lot of health benefits if you consume it regularly.
This mildly sweet water comes from the birch tree and is harvested in the spring.
2. Maple water
Maple water is a bit sweeter than coconut water, however, just as good if you are looking for a substitute. You can often find maple water right next to coconut water in grocery stores.
This water comes from the maple tree and it is also an ingredient in maple syrup. You can drink maple water plain, but it is best to use it in sweet cocktails and smoothies as it blends well will many fruits.
3. Cactus water
Cactus water is a less popular alternative to coconut water. However, you might be surprised by how similar the two types of water are.
This water is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and electrolytes. It has an earthly taste, meaning, it is not as sweet as coconut water. However, it can still complement any drink you want to add it to from cocktails to smoothies.
It might be a bit more difficult to find in stores but if you find it, you will definitely love its taste.
4. Watermelon water
Watermelon water is ideal if you are looking for a delicious and refreshing juice to chill on those hot summer days. This water comes in a pink shade so it will alter the color of your drink. It is sweet and tastes best cold or with ice.
You can drink this water plain or use it in recipes that ask for coconut water. It is a perfect choice for cocktails of all kinds. Expect this water to be sweeter than coconut water, so if your recipe calls for added sugar you might want to skip that step.
5. Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera juice is easier to find than coconut water. It is known for offering a set of benefits and being rich in antioxidants. However, it is important to note that it is not safe for animals so don’t share this water with your pet.
You can drink aloe vera water plain or mix it with other ingredients in cocktails or various smoothies. The flavor of this water is stronger than other substitutes and not very similar to the coconut flavor.
6. Cashew juice
Cashew juice has a nice nutty and earthly flavor that can complement any type of drink. If you like the flavor of this water you can also drink it as it is. However, it will taste much better in other drinks as it mixes well with almost any type of ingredient.
Cashew water is also rich in vitamin C and it is healthy to consume regularly. Use this water just as you would use coconut water but be ready for your drink to have a different taste.
7. Coconut milk
Coconut milk has a similar taste to coconut water. But it tends to be more concentrated. You can dilute it with water if you want to give your coconut milk a more runny consistency but if the thickness of it doesn’t bother you, feel free to use it as it is.
Coconut milk is delicious to enjoy as it is or in different smoothies. You will find sweetened and unsweetened coconut milk on the market.
8. Plain water
If you need to add a neutral liquid to drinks, being it a smoothie or cocktail or any other type of recipe, plain water might be just what you need.
Plain water is not similar in taste to coconut water but it can work just as well. Use it in the same quantity you would use coconut water and enjoy your drink.
9. Oat milk
Oat milk, just like coconut milk, can be a good substitute for coconut water. It has a milder and almost neutral flavor which allows you to use it in any type of smoothie.
You can drink oat milk plain and you can even use it in cooked dishes. Even if this substitute is thicker and different in flavor compared to coconut water, it can still be a great choice.
10. Rice milk
Rice milk is very similar in color and consistency to coconut milk. So, you can use it in a similar fashion. In terms of taste, this milk is sweeter and you might not need to add any more sugar thanks to this aspect.
If you find that this milk is thicker than you want it to be, you can dilute it with water to make it runnier. Use rice milk instead of coconut water in any smoothie you want and enjoy a delicious and healthy drink.
What is a Substitute for Coconut Water in a Smoothie?
If you want to replace your coconut water in any smoothie, you can use all the substitutes above. There is one exception though and that is the aloe vera option. Aloe vera juice might not taste well if you mix it with other ingredients.
Many people don’t like this type of water plain either so it might not be your first option. However, if you enjoy the taste of aloe vera water, you can definitely use it in the same way you would use other replacements in this guide.
Which is Better Coconut Water or Watermelon?
Comparing coconut water with watermelon water is difficult because it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. However, there are certain aspects that might help you pick between these two types of water.
While the nutritional aspects are similar between the two types of water you will see that watermelon water is sweeter. Therefore, if you would prefer a sweeter taste, you might choose watermelon water in your recipes.
In terms of refreshing and hydrating aspects, both are very similar. You can use them just as well in different smoothies, cocktails or enjoy them plain for refreshing and hydrating purposes.
Ultimately, the type of water that you choose will be completely up to your personal taste. You can’t really go wrong with any of these types of water.
Plus, there are different types of both of these waters that you will find on the market. Thus, you might have to try a few of them before you find the brand you like the most.
Conclusion
Replacing coconut water might seem hard at first but with one of these substitutes, your recipe will still taste delicious. All the substitutes in this guide have a unique taste and a set of health benefits that you will enjoy.
Go with your personal taste. However, take into account the other ingredients in your recipe so you make sure they will all mix great!
