The lychee drink from Asia has taken the world by storm, captivating fans of floral and sweet flavours. Its secret? Chewy bits that turn every sip into a true experience. But with an ever-growing selection on store shelves, it can be hard to choose between the different textures, ingredients, and brands.
This guide is here to help you navigate the options. As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my goal is simple: to give you everything you need to choose THE lychee nata de coco drink that's perfect for you, based on your tastes and preferences.
Before we unveil our top picks, here are the key criteria to consider when making your choice.
Mouthfeel is the key element of these drinks.
When it comes to sugar, there's something for everyone.
The lychee juice content directly impacts the flavour intensity. Some drinks contain a highly concentrated juice, while others are lighter. Don't forget to check the ingredient list to spot any potential preservatives or colourings, especially if you are sensitive to them.
We've selected three drinks with very different profiles to satisfy every craving.
What sets it apart This drink stands out for its lightness. It swaps nata de coco for konjac jelly and sugar for erythritol. Enriched with vitamin C and containing vegan collagen, it's a truly unique option on the market.
Benefits
Who is it for? Ideal for anyone looking for a guilt-free treat, monitoring their sugar intake, or following a vegan diet. It's also an excellent choice for those curious to discover the unique texture of konjac.
What sets it apart The KATO drink is all about intense fruit flavour, with a high lychee juice content (25%). It embodies the classic, beloved experience of a lychee nata de coco drink, with a perfect balance between the sweetness of the juice and the chewiness of the bits.
Benefits
Pour qui?? For purists who love the authentic, sweet taste of lychee. This is the drink of choice if you appreciate the traditional recipe, which combines intense fruity flavour with generous pieces of nata de coco.
What sets it apartMogu Mogu Lychee is arguably the most iconic brand in its category. It popularised the "chewable drink" concept worldwide. Its success is built on a fun formula that combines a sweet juice with generous pieces of nata de coco for an instantly recognisable experience.
Benefits
Who is it for? For long-time fans and those who want to try the drink that started the trend. It's a popular choice for a fun, indulgent break. A word of caution, however: this product contains the colouring E129, which, according to regulations, "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Our selection highlights popular options, but the world of lychee drinks is much broader. To discover other formats, like jelly cups or different flavours, feel free to explore our catalogue.
Discover our full range of lychee jelly and find your new favourite.
Nata de coco comes from the fermentation of coconut water. The result? Small, firm, and slightly springy cubes. Konjac, on the other hand, is a jelly made from the root of an Asian plant. Its texture is softer and smoother, and its main advantage is being very low in calories.
It all depends on the recipe. The Natura Konjac drink, for example, is explicitly certified as vegan. For other brands like Mogu Mogu or KATO, the basic ingredients (juice, water, sugar, nata de coco) are indeed plant-based. However, the safest approach is to check the full ingredient list to ensure no animal-derived additives have been included.
Mogu Mogu Lychee is very easy to find today. You can find it in Asian supermarkets, the "World Foods" aisle of some large supermarkets, and of course, on online stores like Joybuy, which deliver directly to your door.