Tired of the same old sodas and fruit juices? Craving a drink that's different—both refreshing and fun? You can't have missed the trend for drinks with chewy bits that's blowing up on social media. The star of this phenomenon is the nata de coco drink: an Asian speciality that blends exotic flavours with a surprisingly unique texture.
But with an ever-growing number of options, making a choice can be tough. This guide is here to help you get a clearer picture, understand what sets these drinks apart, and find the one that will delight your taste buds, featuring our selection of the best products for 2026.
Before you grab the first bottle you see, here are a few criteria to keep in mind.
The unique appeal of these drinks is, of course, their texture. There are two main star ingredients to distinguish between:
The choice depends on your preference: nata de coco for a more distinct chew, or aloe vera for a more delicate softness.
The Asian drink category offers an infinite variety of flavours. Tropical options like lychee, mango, or passion fruit are surefire hits. However, some brands go off the beaten path with more adventurous blends, such as mixing red fruits and citrus. Don't hesitate to be curious to discover the exotic drink that will surprise your palate.
A quick glance at the ingredients list is often very telling. Pay close attention to the fruit content, the type of sugar used (sugar, fructose, sweeteners), and the presence of any additives. A good juice with bits should strike the right balance between fruit flavour, sweetness, and the amount of nata de coco or aloe vera.
To guide you, here are three drinks that caught our eye for their taste and quality.
Why we love it
This drink is an excellent alternative to nata de coco. It combines the smoothness of aloe vera with the tangy, tropical flavour of kiwi. The OKF brand is a benchmark for aloe vera drinks, and this kiwi version adds a very refreshing, original twist.
Highlights
Who is it for? For those who prefer the melt-in-your-mouth texture of aloe vera and are looking for a thirst-quenching drink with a fruity, slightly tangy taste.
Why we love it
This drink from the Queens brand pairs the trendiest ingredient of the moment, nata de coco, with a flavour duo well-known in Europe: lemon and raspberry. The result? A perfect balance between the acidity of the lemon, the sweetness of the raspberry, and the fun texture of the coconut pieces.
Highlights
Who is it for? Ideal for those who want to try a nata de coco drink with familiar flavours. It's a great entry point before diving into more exotic tastes.
Why we love it
Mogu Mogu is THE iconic brand for juice with bits. Its lychee version is an absolute classic. With its high nata de coco content, it offers a truly satisfying chewing experience. The one-litre format is perfect for true fans who want to always have some on hand.
Highlights
Who is it for? For purists and fans from day one, as well as for anyone seeking the quintessential tropical taste of lychee with the maximum amount of chewy bits.
Please note: this product contains the E129 colouring which, according to the manufacturer, "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
Our selection is just a taste. The world of refreshing drinks is vast and full of surprises. If you're curious to discover other flavours, new brands, or different types of exotic drinks, feel free to explore our full catalogue.
??Discover our full range of fruit juice drinks
1. What exactly is nata de coco? Nata de coco is a chewy, translucent, jelly-like food product originating from the Philippines. It is produced by the fermentation of coconut water. Its unique texture, both firm and melt-in-your-mouth, is what makes it such a popular ingredient in desserts and drinks across Asia.
2. Are nata de coco drinks very sugary? The sugar content varies greatly from one brand and flavour to another. Some drinks are quite sweet, while others are lighter or use sweeteners to reduce calories. The best approach is to check the nutritional information on the label to make a choice that suits your preferences.
3. Where can I find these Asian drinks? Long confined to Asian grocery stores, these drinks are now much easier to find. You can spot them in the "World Foods" aisle of many supermarkets, and especially online, where specialised platforms offer a very wide selection of imported products.