By the Joybuy Team, Our Product Experts
The textured drink trend is sweeping across Europe, led by a universally loved combination: the sweetness of mango paired with the playful texture of nata de coco. If you're looking for a unique alternative to classic sodas, this refreshing Asian drink has likely already piqued your curiosity.
But with a rapidly expanding selection on the shelves, how do you choose? From fruit content and size to ingredients, the criteria are numerous. Don't worry—this guide is here to help you decode the labels and find the perfect mango nata de coco drink for you.
Before we get to our top picks, let's review the key factors for making the right choice.
The quality of a mango juice with coconut pieces depends on achieving the perfect balance. Take a look at the percentages of mango juice (or purée) and nata de coco. A high fruit content (around 25%) is often a sign of a more intense and authentic flavour. Similarly, a good amount of nata de coco (typically between 15% and 25%) is essential to get that special, chewy texture that makes the drink so unique.
The ideal size will depend on whether you're sipping it solo on your commute or sharing it with friends.
A quick glance at the ingredients list and the nutritional facts table can be very revealing. Some recipes rely on sugar, while others use sweeteners to lower the calorie count. The presence of colourings or preservatives is also a factor to consider, depending on your preferences. Each tropical mango drink has its own formula, which is why it's important to compare them.
We've sifted through several popular options to bring you our favourites.
Why it stands out: This drink offers a great balance between fruit juice and nata de coco pieces, with a recipe that focuses on a moderate calorie content by using sweeteners.
Key features:
Who it's for: For those who want a pronounced mango flavour and a generous texture without racking up the calories.
Why it stands out: Made with mango purée, this version delivers an intense flavour and a smoother texture, featuring a classic sugar-based recipe.
Key features:
Who it's for: For purists who love intense flavours and the smooth texture of fruit purée, with a traditional sugar-based recipe.
Why it stands out: With its generous 500 ml size and very low calorie count, this drink is a great option for quenching your thirst without worry.
Key features:
Who it's for: For big thirsts and sharing moments. Its large size and very low calorie count make it the perfect companion for regular consumption or picnics with friends.
Mango is a classic, but the world of drinkable nata de coco is much broader. Lychee, pineapple, strawberry... there are countless variations to mix things up. If your curiosity is piqued, don't hesitate to explore other fruity horizons.
Discover our range of coconut juices with coconut jelly
Nata de coco is a culinary ingredient originating from the Philippines. It is a firm, translucent jelly produced through the fermentation of coconut water. Cut into small cubes, it provides a unique texture that is both tender and springy, making it very popular in Asian drinks and desserts. Its relatively neutral taste allows it to perfectly absorb the flavour of the juice it's in.
It all depends on the recipe! As we've seen in our selection, some manufacturers use regular sugar, while others opt for sweeteners (acesulfame K, sucralose, etc.) for a lighter version. The best practice is to check the ingredients list and the nutritional table, paying close attention to the "Carbohydrates, of which sugars" line.
While they were once confined to Asian grocery stores, these drinks are now much more widely available. You can find them in the "World Foods" aisle of many large supermarkets. But for the widest selection, the easiest way is to order them online from platforms like Joybuy, which offer a vast selection of brands and sizes, delivered right to your door.