Coco Cafe

Product Type:Juice: Coconut Water and Juice; Container: 11.2 oz Pak
BevNET Review: Coco Cafe is a hybrid coconut water and coffee drink that is made with a blend of coconut water, milk, espresso, and evaporated cane juice (the product also contains an emulsifier and natural flavors). From a flavor perspective, Coco Cafe drinks like a milky RTD coffee beverage, but with a subtle note of coconut water throughout. It is slightly thinner than a standard RTD coffee, which might also be the result of the added coconut water. To that end, the product feels like a coffee drink first and foremost, with the coconut water being something that provides add on benefit (namely electrolytes for hydration). And, most importantly, it’s extremely pleasant to drink, especially if you find standard RTD coffee beverages inadequate. Functionally, the blend of caffeine and hydration seems like a good one -- and it’s something that hasn’t been tackled in the coconut water category until now. Packaging is an 11.2 oz. Tetra Pak, which is the same container that many of the original coconut water brands got their start in. Visually, we like the tropical themed product as well as the distressed gold background. It’s both eye-catching and manages to incorporate common elements from both the coffee category and coconut water category. Ultimately, our only concern for the drink’s appearance is that the product is primarily a coffee drink on the inside, but primarily a coconut water on the outside. This could lead to a slight identity crisis for the brand, at least while it gets started. Overall, we really like the flavor and unique approach that this product brings to the category.Reviewed on: 12/22/2011