CoCo Vodka Nutrition Profile Explained
Unlike traditional plain vodka, which is essentially just ethanol and water and therefore carbohydrate-free, CoCo Vodka is a ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail. It is a mix of triple-distilled vodka, real coconut water, sparkling water, and other ingredients. This combination means it contains a significant amount of sugar and carbohydrates, which directly contribute to its calorie count.
The original flavor of CoCo Vodka is reported to contain 165 calories per can. The detailed nutritional breakdown is as follows:
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 14g (with 2g being added cane sugar)
For flavored varieties, the calorie count and macronutrient profile can vary slightly based on the additional ingredients. For example, the Pineapple flavor is listed as having 137 calories per 250ml serving. This difference is due to the specific combination of fruit juices and natural flavors used.
The Impact of Coconut Water and Sugar
The inclusion of fresh, real coconut water is a key factor in CoCo Vodka's nutritional makeup. While coconut water is known for its electrolytes and hydration benefits, it also naturally contains sugars and carbohydrates. These contribute to the overall caloric load, making it higher in calories and carbs than a simple hard seltzer or unflavored vodka. The additional cane sugar also adds to this total, though the brand notes it's a relatively small amount.
Comparing CoCo Vodka to Other Canned Cocktails
To put CoCo Vodka's nutritional profile into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular canned beverages on the market. Hard seltzers are typically known for being lower in calories and sugar, while other canned cocktails might be higher, depending on the mixers used. A typical 12-ounce hard seltzer might contain around 100 calories and 2-5g of carbs, placing CoCo Vodka on the higher end of this category due to its ingredients.
CoCo Vodka vs. Other Flavored Vodkas
When comparing CoCo Vodka to flavored vodka spirits sold in bottles, the difference in preparation is crucial. Bottled flavored vodkas, such as Smirnoff Coconut or Ciroc Coconut, often contain only a small amount of flavoring and are closer to the calorie count of unflavored vodka. A 1.5-ounce shot of Ciroc Coconut, for instance, has approximately 94 calories. This stark difference highlights that CoCo Vodka is a premixed cocktail, not just a flavored spirit, and its calories come from more than just alcohol.
How to Account for CoCo Vodka in Your Diet
For those monitoring their calorie or carbohydrate intake, understanding how CoCo Vodka fits into a diet is important. Since it's higher in both calories and sugar than many hard seltzers, moderation is key. A single can can be a refreshing treat, but multiple cans will add up quickly. If you are following a low-carb or keto diet, CoCo Vodka, with its 16 grams of carbohydrates, would likely be off-plan.
To enjoy a similar flavor profile with potentially fewer calories, consider mixing a straight, unflavored vodka with a low-calorie coconut water brand or a sugar-free coconut flavoring. This allows for greater control over the sugar and calorie content. For example, mixing a shot of vodka (around 97 calories) with a low-calorie coconut water could result in a lighter drink.
Calorie Breakdown and Comparison Table
This table provides a quick comparison of CoCo Vodka to other beverage options, illustrating where its calorie count stands.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories (Approx.) | Carbohydrates (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoCo Vodka (Original) | 1 can (355ml/12oz) | 165 | 16g |
| CoCo Vodka (Pineapple) | 1 can (250ml) | 137 | 13g |
| Standard Unflavored Vodka | 1.5 oz shot | 97 | 0g |
| Hard Seltzer (e.g., White Claw) | 1 can (12oz) | 100 | 2g |
| Coconut Flavored Vodka (Bottled) | 1.5 oz shot | 94 | 2.3g |
Conclusion
In summary, CoCo Vodka contains approximately 165 calories per 12-ounce can, a figure that is higher than many hard seltzers but comparable to other canned cocktails. The additional calories and carbs are a direct result of its primary ingredients, particularly the real coconut water and cane sugar, rather than being solely derived from the alcohol itself. For those conscious of their caloric intake, it's important to recognize that this is a ready-to-drink cocktail with a different nutritional profile than a traditional flavored vodka spirit. Enjoying it in moderation is the best approach for managing your dietary goals.
For more information on the calorie content of various alcoholic beverages, you can consult resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). NIAAA Alcohol Calorie Calculator
