Which Exotic Drink Should You Choose? Our Top Picks

Tired of the same old soda or morning orange juice?? If you're dreaming of something new, with bold flavours and surprising textures, the exotic drinks aisle is a true treasure trove. From tropical fruit juices packed with pulp to Asian drinks with pearls or bits to chew, there's plenty to take your taste buds on a journey.

To help you navigate this jungle of new products, our product expert has decoded the latest trends to give you their top tips. The goal?: to help you find that hidden gem that will satisfy your cravings, cutting through the marketing noise.

How to Choose Your Exotic Drink??

Before diving into our selection, here are a few key points to guide your choice.

1. Mind the Texture?: Smooth, with Bits, or with Pearls??

This is often what sets an exotic drink apart?: its texture. Some, like the highly popular chewable drinks, contain nata de coco (a coconut gel) for a truly fun experience. Others incorporate basil seeds, which swell in liquid to form small gelatinous pearls, or even pieces of aloe vera pulp. If you prefer a more traditional consistency, many tropical fruit juices focus solely on flavour.

2. Flavour First?: Which Fruit Is for You??

Mango, lychee, passion fruit, kiwi… The possibilities are nearly endless. For a first try, go with a fruit you already know and enjoy. If you're feeling adventurous, let yourself be tempted by bolder combinations. Also, consider the sugar/acidity balance?: some drinks are very sweet, while others opt for a more pronounced freshness.

3. A Closer Look at the Label?: Ingredients and Sugars

A quick look at the ingredients list is a must. Check the percentage of fruit juice, the amount of added sugar, and the presence of additives or colourings. An Asian drink, for example, might contain gelling agents to stabilise its texture. This information, which is mandatory in regions like the EU, allows you to make an informed choice based on your own criteria.

Exotic Drinks Worth Exploring

We've selected three that stand out from the crowd, each with its own distinct personality.

1. VN Basil Seed Drink Mango / Vi Xoai 290ml

Why we love it?: This basil seed drink is the perfect gateway to textures still new to the European market. The small seeds develop a gelatinous coating that floats in a very fragrant mango juice. It's an interesting alternative to nata de coco, offering a unique mouthfeel.

Highlights?:

• Original texture?: The basil seeds provide a light and surprising chewiness.
• Tropical flavour?: The drink contains 30?% mango juice, for a fruity and authentic taste.
• Rich in fibre?: Basil seeds are naturally a good source of fibre.

Who is it for?? For the curious who are looking for an alternative to nata de coco and for fans of the sweet and fragrant flavour of mango. Ideal for cooling down on a hot summer day.

2. OKF Aloe Vera Juice, Kiwi Flavor, 500ml

Why we love it?: The aloe vera drink is a true classic, and OKF is arguably the benchmark brand. This version combines pieces of aloe vera pulp with a tangy kiwi flavour, creating a particularly refreshing balance.

Highlights?:

• Aloe vera pieces?: Contains 9?% aloe vera gel and 18?% organic aloe vera gel powder, for a very pleasant, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Bright and fruity flavour?: The kiwi adds a touch of acidity that brightens the sweetness of the aloe.
• No preservatives?: According to the manufacturer's information, the formula is free from preservatives.

Who is it for?? For those who love the unique texture of aloe vera but want to go off the beaten path (grape, original) with a touch of acidity. Perfect for a hydrating and indulgent break.

3. Mogu Mogu Lychee 1L

Why we love it?: A must-try, Mogu Mogu is THE brand that popularised the chewable drink concept. Its “Gotta Chew” slogan has won over a huge audience. This lychee version, with its floral and sweet flavour, is one of the most popular.

Highlights?:

• Packed with nata de coco?: The drink contains 25?% nata de coco, those famous jelly cubes that make every sip fun.
• Pronounced lychee taste?: A sweet and very recognisable flavour that instantly transports you to the tropics.
• 1L format?: Convenient for sharing (or not?!).

Who is it for?? A hit with teens and young adults looking for a fun and flavourful drink. It's the perfect starting point for getting into textured drinks. Please note, this product contains the E129 colouring which, as stated on the label, “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”.

Looking for Other Flavours??

Of course, this is just a taste of what the world of exotic drinks has to offer. If you want to explore other flavours or types of drinks, tastes like passion fruit, guava, or calamansi are just waiting to be discovered.

? Discover our full selection of fruit drinks and nectars to find your next favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is nata de coco in drinks??

Nata de coco is a chewy, translucent jelly made from the fermentation of coconut water. Originating from the Philippines, it is cut into small cubes and added to drinks to provide a chewable texture. Its taste is neutral, allowing it to absorb the flavour of the juice it's in.

What are basil seeds in drinks??

These are the seeds of the tropical basil plant (not to be confused with the aromatic basil used in cooking). When soaked in liquid, they develop a gelatinous layer around a core that remains slightly crunchy. They are very popular in Southeast Asian drinks for their unique texture.

Where can you find original Asian drinks??

Traditionally, you can find them in Asian supermarkets. But today, online platforms like Joybuy deliver a curated selection directly to your home. It's the easiest way to access brands and flavours that aren't always available in local shops.