Coconut water can contribute fluid, but that does not make it a universally better choice than plain water.
What one study found
A 2012 crossover study involving 12 exercise-trained men compared water, coconut-water products and a sports drink. It found no significant differences in the tested performance outcomes. This small exercise study is not a recommendation for every person or situation.
Make a practical comparison
Compare taste, cost, portion size and the nutrition label. Plain water remains a simple option when you do not want the ingredients or calories of another drink.
For exercise questions
Read our sports-drink comparison. Illness-related dehydration is a different question and may need medical care.
Sources and further reading
Prepared by the A de Coco Team for general information. We are not providing a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan.