The Core Difference: Pure vs. Flavoured Products
When it comes to Cocobella, the primary distinction lies in whether you're consuming a 'straight up' or a 'natural' variant versus a flavoured option. According to their website, Cocobella's "straight up" coconut water contains only 100% pure coconut water, with no added sugars or artificial additives. This is a key selling point for those seeking pure, natural hydration. The flavour and sweetness come from the natural sugars already present in the coconut water itself.
For products like their natural coconut yoghurt, the sweetness also comes from natural sources. Ingredients for the natural yoghurt typically include coconut milk and vegan yoghurt cultures, with natural thickeners and potentially a natural sweetener like tapioca syrup in some formulations. This still aligns with the brand's commitment to avoiding artificial sweeteners and flavours, opting instead for ingredients that are generally considered natural.
Analysing Cocobella's Coconut Water Ingredients
Cocobella offers both a pure coconut water and a variety of flavoured options. The ingredients clearly delineate the brand's approach. Let's look at the breakdown:
- Straight Up Coconut Water: The ingredient list for this product is simple and pure: coconut water and a small amount of coconut water concentrate. There are no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives. This is the ideal choice for consumers seeking a minimally processed, natural hydrating drink.
- Flavoured Coconut Water: The ingredients for flavoured varieties, such as Coffee or Chocolate, reveal the addition of raw sugar or cane sugar to achieve the desired taste profile. For example, the Coffee flavoured coconut water lists coconut water, coffee extract, coconut cream, and raw sugar. While this contains added sugar, it's important to note that it is a natural sugar derived from a plant, not a synthetic or artificial sweetener like aspartame or sucralose.
Examining Cocobella's Coconut Yoghurt
Cocobella's coconut yoghurt range also follows a similar pattern to their coconut water, with different ingredient profiles depending on the flavour. The base is always dairy-free, made from coconut milk fermented with live vegan cultures.
- Natural Coconut Yoghurt: This product is naturally low in sugar and relies on ingredients like native starch, tapioca syrup, and the cultures themselves to create its texture and flavour. The sweetness is mild and not derived from artificial sources.
- Flavoured Coconut Yoghurt: Similar to the flavoured coconut water, flavoured yoghurts introduce added sugar. The Strawberry coconut yoghurt, for example, lists added sugar along with a strawberry blend, natural flavour, and natural colour concentrates. A review of the protein variant also notes the addition of cane sugar. While this adds to the overall sugar content, it maintains the brand's promise to avoid artificial sweeteners.
Artificial vs. Added Natural Sweeteners
The distinction between artificial sweeteners and added natural sugars is critical. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose, are synthetic sugar substitutes that provide sweetness without calories. They are not found in any Cocobella product. Cocobella's added sweeteners are natural, plant-derived sugars like cane sugar, dextrose, or tapioca syrup. These are chemically different from artificial ones, and while they do contribute to the product's calorie and sugar count, they are not classified as artificial additives. This is a major consideration for consumers who are wary of synthetic additives, even if they are watching their sugar intake.
Cocobella Product Sweetener Comparison Table
| Feature | Cocobella Natural Coconut Water | Cocobella Flavoured Coconut Water | Cocobella Natural Coconut Yoghurt | Cocobella Flavoured Coconut Yoghurt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Sweeteners | No | No | No | No |
| Added Sugars | No | Yes (e.g., cane sugar, raw sugar) | No (naturally low in sugar) | Yes (e.g., cane sugar, dextrose) |
| Source of Sweetness | Naturally occurring sugars in coconut water | Naturally occurring sugars plus added natural sugar | Naturally occurring sugars from fermentation and tapioca syrup | Naturally occurring sugars plus added natural sugar |
| All-Natural Claim | Yes, 100% natural | Yes, uses natural flavours and colours | Yes, dairy-free and natural ingredients | Yes, uses natural flavours and colours |
The Verdict on Artificial Sweeteners
Cocobella products do not contain artificial sweeteners. This holds true across their entire product range, from the pure coconut water to the various flavoured yoghurts. The brand has consistently promoted a commitment to natural ingredients and avoids synthetic additives. Learn more about the ingredients on Cocobella's official FAQ page
Conclusion
In conclusion, consumers can be confident that Cocobella's products are free from artificial sweeteners. The company explicitly states its use of natural ingredients and avoids synthetic additives across all its lines. However, the presence of added natural sugars is a key differentiator between the "natural" or "straight up" products and the flavoured varieties, particularly the coconut waters and some yoghurts. If your goal is to avoid all forms of added sugar, it is essential to stick to the unflavoured, natural options. For those simply avoiding artificial sweeteners, all Cocobella products meet that criteria, but a check of the ingredients list for added sugars is still advisable based on your dietary needs.
