I have a love-hate relationship with coconut water.  I’d basically shunned it altogether after a series of name-brand purchases left me with nothing but a slimy mouth and unfinished bottle, with the taste just not worth the calories or hydration.  Needless to say I was less than thrilled when, on my second cleanse ever (Cooler Cleanse), I had a bottle of it as part of my day 2 afternoon regime.  Drum-roll… I loved it!  It tasted nothing like the grocery store boxes lined up in rows, and I found myself addicted and looking forward to it even more than the lemonades it often replaced.  I loved it so much I thought I’d give the grocery store options a second chance, again with the money and water going down the drain.

The raw, freshed-pressed coconut water is such a nutty and refreshing experience so different from the mass-marketed products, and I’ve finally found a raw juice available on its own through various outlets (I can confirm Whole Foods, and Amazon has it listed, though out of stock).  Harmless Harvest Coconut Water promises all the raw goodness without the need to purchase the 1, 3 or 5 day cleanse or spend $10/bottle from the cleanse companies.  It’s not cheap, I’ll say that, at $5.99 for a large bottle, but for a more affordable hydration boost (or treat, in my case), it’s worth giving a try.  All the unheated, fresh-pressed goodness.

Note:  Cooler Cleanse and Organic Avenue offer awesome coconut waters through their online menus and cleanses.