Trader Joe’s is a popular grocery store chain known for its unique, affordable products. One such product is the Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage, a dairy-free, vegan drink made from coconut milk. This creamy, refreshing beverage can be enjoyed on its own or used for smoothies, coffee creamer, and more. But what exactly is the Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage? Here is a comprehensive guide to this popular drink.
What is Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage?
The Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage is a refrigerated, non-dairy, plant-based drink made from coconut milk/extract and water. It is sold in shelf-stable 32 oz cartons and does not need to be shaken before drinking. The beverage has a creamy texture and tropical coconut flavor, akin to coconut water but richer.
It contains minimal ingredients – just coconut extract, water, guar gum (a natural thickener made from guar beans), and citric acid. It is dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, free of lactose, soy, carrageenan, and artificial flavors. The drink contains 60 calories per cup and is a good source of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.
Overall, the Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage offers the creamy, coconutty flavor of coconut milk with a lighter consistency closer to milk or juice.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage (per 8 oz serving):
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 35mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 1% DV |
| Potassium | 7% DV |
The beverage is low in calories yet delivers 5g of (good) fats per serving from coconut cream. It also provides electrolytes like potassium. There are minimal carbs and sugars. Overall, it makes for a nutrient-dense, dairy-free beverage.
Ingredients
As mentioned earlier, the Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage contains just a handful of simple, natural ingredients:
– Coconut extract: Made from pressed, extracted coconut meat. Provides the creamy coconut flavor and texture.
– Water: Adds liquid base.
– Guar gum: Derived from guar beans, this adds thickness and stability.
– Citric acid: Used as a mild preservative and adds a hint of tartness.
The minimal ingredients ensure a high-quality, additive-free product. There are no thickeners like carrageenan or artificial flavors/sweeteners.
Taste & Texture
The Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage has a rich, velvety texture reminiscent of coconut cream or milk. It is smooth and creamy without being overly thick or gritty.
It has a sweet, tropical coconut taste – akin to coconut water but more rich and nuanced. There is a subtle nutty undertone and no harsh acidic or artificial flavors.
Overall, the beverage strikes the perfect balance between creamy and drinkable. The texture is indulgent yet light enough for sipping. And the coconut flavor comes through beautifully without being overpowering.
How to Use/Drink Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage
The Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
– Drink it straight from the carton – It has a pleasant natural sweetness that makes it suitable for drinking on its own. Keep it chilled for maximum refreshment.
– Pour over granola or cereal – Use it instead of dairy milk for a vegan breakfast. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with crunchy cereals and oats.
– Add to smoothies – Blend it into fruit and veggie smoothies for a nutrition and texture boost. It creates a thicker, more indulgent smoothie compared to water or juice.
– Use in coffee/tea – Add a splash to your morning coffee or tea as a non-dairy creamer. It mimics the texture of half-and-half.
– Make hot chocolate – Heat it up and mix with cocoa powder for a creamy vegan hot chocolate.
– Use in recipes – Replace coconut milk or heavy cream with the beverage when cooking soups, curries, desserts, etc. It provides great coconut flavor at a lighter consistency.
– Pour over fruit – Drizzle it over berries, peaches, mangoes, etc. The creaminess perfectly complements the fruits’ sweet/tart flavors.
– Make popsicles – For a tropical treat, blend it with pureed mango, pineapple, or banana and freeze into popsicles.
The options are endless – it can seamlessly replace dairy milk or cream in any beverage, recipe, or snack!
Benefits & Drawbacks
Here are some key benefits and potential drawbacks of Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage:
Benefits:
– Dairy-free/vegan – Suitable for vegan, lactose-intolerant, or dairy-free diets
– Minimal ingredients – Free of artificial additives; made from real coconut
– Rich in healthy fats – Provides MCTs, electrolytes, vitamins from coconut cream
– Great source of coconut flavor – More intense than coconut water; perfect for cooking
– Creamy, drinkable texture – Indulgent like milk yet lighter and refreshing
– Affordable – Typically priced under $3 per 32 oz carton
– Shelf-stable – Can be stored unopened at room temperature
– Versatile – Works great as a drink, in recipes, with cereals, etc.
Potential Drawbacks:
– High in saturated fat – Contains 5g saturated fat per serving, so limit intake if concerned about saturated fat consumption
– Contains guar gum – May cause issues for people sensitive to gums/FODMAPs
– Not compatible with all diets – Not suitable for nut-free diets due to coconut
– Contains natural sugars – Has 1g sugar per serving, so those limiting sugar may want to watch intake
– Refrigeration required after opening – Must be refrigerated once opened, unlike aseptic cartons
– Limited availability – Can only be purchased at Trader Joe’s grocery stores
Overall however, the nutritional benefits and convenience seem to outweigh the drawbacks for most people. The beverage makes it easier than ever to get great coconut flavor conveniently without dairy.
Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to consider if Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage is not accessible or suitable for your needs:
– Canned coconut milk – Higher fat content; works well for cooking & baking
– Aseptic coconut milk – Shelf-stable single-serve cartons like So Delicious and Silk
– Coconut yogurt – Provides probiotic benefits with coconut’s creaminess
– Coconut water – Lower in fat/calories and more hydrating as a drink
– Almond milk – Substitute for texture/neutral flavor in smoothies, cereal, etc.
– Oat milk – Another popular, creamy plant-based milk alternative
– Soy milk – Nutritionally balanced dairy milk substitute
– Cashew milk – Rich and creamy; may be preferable for nut allergies
– Other plant-based milks – Hemp, rice, pea milk, etc. offer light texture and minimal ingredients
For the best direct substitute in terms of texture and flavor, aseptic coconut milk cartons work well. But alternatives like almond or oat milk can also substitute nicely in recipes, cereals, and beverages depending on the application.
Where to Buy Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage
The Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage is, like many of their products, only available for purchase at Trader Joe’s grocery store locations.
As of 2023, Trader Joe’s has over 530 stores across 42 states, mainly concentrated along the coasts and in urban centers. You can find your nearest Trader Joe’s store and availability by checking their online store locator.
The Coconut Beverage is stocked in the refrigerated non-dairy milk section of most locations. It typically comes in a 32 oz recyclable cardboard carton and retails for under $3 – an affordable price for the quantity.
Depending on location, you may be limited to purchasing only 2-4 units per customer since it’s a popular item. calling ahead to check inventory is recommended if making a special trip.
If Trader Joe’s locations are not accessible in your area, the beverage can also sometimes be found resold on Amazon or specialty grocery sites, often at a markup. But for the best price and availability, shopping it directly from the store is recommended.
Nutritional & Environmental Impact
Here is an overview of the nutritional and environmental pros/cons of the Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage:
Nutrition:
Pros:
– Dairy-free; suitable for vegan/plant-based diets
– Rich in healthy fats like MCTs from coconut cream
– Low sugar and carbs
– Provides some electrolytes like potassium, magnesium
– Free of artificial ingredients, gums, additives
Cons:
– High in saturated fat (but from plant-based sources)
– Low in protein
– Not suitable for nut-free diets
– Low calcium
Environment:
Pros:
– Certified organic ingredients
– Packaged in recyclable cardboard vs. plastic
– Low food miles – coconuts grown regionally
Cons:
– Resource intensive to grow tropical coconuts
– Must be refrigerated, increasing carbon footprint
– Packaging could still be improved to reduce waste
Overall, the beverage offers an affordable, convenient way to get many nutritional benefits of coconut milk in a tasty, eco-friendly package. But intake should be moderated and complemented with other nutrition sources.
Reviews
The Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage is generally very popular and well-reviewed by customers:
– Has a 4 out of 5 star average rating based on 300+ reviews on the Trader Joe’s website
Positive reviews mention:
– “Delicious coconut flavor without overpowering richness”
– “Great alternative to dairy milk in cereal & coffee”
– “Much better than other non-dairy milk options”
– “Smooth, creamy texture”
– “Doesn’t curdle in coffee like soy or almond milk”
– “Nice and light but still tastes decadent”
– “Affordable for the quality”
Constructive feedback says:
– “Separates easily if not shaken vigorously before pouring”
– “Not as thick as canned coconut milk if using for curries”
– “Cartons could have higher recycled content”
– “Hard to find consistently in stock”
Overall, most reviews confirm it provides great coconut flavor with a lighter, drinkable texture compared to canned coconut milk. The affordability and minimal ingredients are also appreciated. Separation and thickness compared to canned milk are the main drawbacks mentioned.
Recipe Ideas
The natural sweetness and creaminess of Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage make it perfect for both sweet and savory recipes:
– Coconut Chia Pudding – Blend coconut milk with chia seeds, vanilla, and honey. Chill overnight.
– Coconut Smoothie – Blend coconut milk with banana, pineapple, Greek yogurt, and ice.
– Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate – Heat up coconut milk and mix with cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sweetener.
– Coconut Milk Ice Cream – Blend coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk and purees. Churn in an ice cream maker.
– Coconut Curry Soup – Saute aromatics in coconut oil then simmer lentils/veg in coconut milk. Season with curry paste.
– Coconut Rice Pudding – Simmer coconut milk with rice, raisins, cinnamon, and vanilla.
– Coconut Whipped Cream – Chill chilled cans of coconut milk to make whipped cream. Sweeten as desired.
– Coconut Milk Salad Dressing – Whisk together coconut milk with citrus juice, herbs, garlic, and seasonings.
The possibilities are endless! Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage can make both sweet and savory dishes more creamy, flavorful, and nutrition-packed.
Storage and Expiration
Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage should be stored and used by the following guidelines:
– Unopened – Store new, unopened cartons at cool room temperature up to one month. Avoid heat and direct sunlight.
– Once opened – Transfer to a sealed container in the refrigerator. Use within 5-7 days. Shake before use to reincorporate any separation.
– Expiration date – Discard any remaining product after the “best by” date printed on the carton. Use by this date for best quality.
– Separation – Settling and separation of cream is normal. Gently shake or stir before using to re-blend.
– Freezing – For longer storage, freeze extra coconut beverage in ice cube trays, then transfer to airtight bags. Thaw cubes before use.
Proper refrigeration after opening and consuming by the expiration date helps maintain the beverage’s fresh taste and texture. Discard if you observe any curdling, mold, or off smells or flavors.
Safety & Dietary Concerns
Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage is generally well-tolerated and safe when consumed appropriately:
– Allergens – Contains coconut; not suitable for tree nut allergies. Produced on equipment that processes milk, soy, and gluten.
– Dietary needs – Vegan and vegetarian friendly. Gluten-free. Kosher certified.
– Medical concerns – Those with diabetes or weight concerns should moderate intake due to natural sugars. Limit saturated fat intake per doctor’s advice if at risk for high cholesterol.
– Digestive issues – May cause bloating in those with IBS/FODMAP intolerance due to guar gum content.
– Pregnancy & children – No special precautions needed. Can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Consult pediatrician for kids under 2.
As with any new food, it’s recommended to drink a small amount first to check your individual tolerance. But overall it is considered a safe, additive-free beverage for most healthy adults when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cost Analysis
Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage offers an affordable way to enjoy the benefits of coconut milk:
– Price – Retails for approximately $2.99 for a 32 oz shelf-stable carton (as of 2023).
– Price per ounce – Equals about 9 cents per fluid ounce.
– Value – Similar aseptic coconut milk cartons average 10-15 cents per oz at other grocery stores.
– Quantity – The 32 oz carton provides about 4 (8 oz) servings.
This equals out to:
– Per 8 oz serving: 60 calories, 5g fat – $0.75
– Per 32 oz carton: 240 calories, 20g fat – $2.99
Compared to:
– 32 oz almond milk: 90 calories, 2.5g fat – avg $3.49
– 32 oz oat milk: 130 calories, 2.5g fat – avg $4.49
So it provides more calories and good fats for a similar or lower price point than other popular plant milks. The larger size also helps maximize value.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage offers a tasty, affordable way to enjoy the many benefits of coconut milk in a convenient, dairy-free drink.
It stands out for its velvety texture, rich real coconut taste, and minimal ingredients. The reasonable price point, larger 32oz cartons, and versatility for cooking and drinking make it a pantry staple for many.
Potential downsides to consider are the high saturated fat content, guar gum additive, and limited availability outside Trader Joe’s. But overall reviews confirm this beverage makes it easier than ever to cook and drink with coconuts on a budget!
Try incorporating Trader Joe’s Coconut Beverage into both sweet and savory dishes to enjoy lush coconut flavor without the hassle of cracking coconuts yourself. Just be sure to shake or stir well before pouring and refrigerate promptly after opening to keep it fresh.
