Coconut water: the next big thing in energy drinks?

Coconut water holds considerable potential as an ingredient in energy drinks, according to the UK boss of Colorado-based energy drinks maker Go Fast.

When asked what new ingredients he was considering incorporating into Go Fast shots, Go Fast md Kris Yule told FoodManufacture.co.uk: "There are interesting opportunities for coconut water. You can stick it straight into your veins – it has the same characteristics as blood plasma. It’s high in potassium, other minerals and nutrients."

Coconut water was used during the Second World War as a substitute for blood plasma when injured soldiers needed transfusions because of its isotonic properties, he claimed.

"A coconut energy shot would be nice."

The use of coconut water would support Go Fast's image as a low calorie, healthy energy drink alternative made with functional ingredients such as ginseng, ginkgo biloba and guarana extract, he said.

However, he recognised that the way coconut water could be marketed would depend on what would be allowed under the EU health claims Regulation.

UK roll-out

Go Fast imports product into the UK from a co-packer in the Netherlands. It was considering establishing a UK processing base, but needed to find the right partner, said Yule.

Go Fast Sports & Beverage Co was founded in the US by Troy Widgery, a former US competitive skydiver, in 1996.

Go Fast Sports UK, headed up by Yule, first launched its range in Scotland before going UK-wide in 2009. The range now includes the Go Fast Energy Shot, the Go Fast Energy Drink and Go Fast Iced Tea Energy Drink.