Coconut water + espresso = hydration with a
caffeine kick. Photo courtesy AriZona
Beverages USA.

The company is now rolling out a second flavor: CocoZona Coconut Water with Espresso. The drink blends 100% pure coconut water with coffee, and has 50mg of caffeine per bottle.

The idea for CocoZona Espresso was hatched when an AriZona executive added some of the original CocoZona to his iced coffee. He really liked the flavor, and realized that a combination of coconut water and coffee would create a hydrating beverage with a kick of energy.

When the idea was handed to the product developers, the goal was not to recreate a latte-like flavor, which is the style of other coffee-enhanced coconut water beverages.* Thus, there is no milk or cream, just coconut water and coffee.

However, the flavor of CocoZona Espresso is like a charming “latte lite.” The natural milkiness of the coconut water combines beautifully with the coffee (which plays out more like regular coffee than espresso). Even the aroma has a bit of milkiness.

*Other caffeinated coconut water blends include Blue Monkey Organic, Coco Cafe, Coconut Coffee and Zico Latte.

We like it even better than the original, plain, coconut water.

Coconut water is a naturally isotonic drink that contains key electrolytes, such calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium, are of which are essential for rapid fluid absorption. And with 50mg of caffeine per bottle, CocoZona Espresso has an added kick.

A 14.5-ounce aluminum bottle has 70 calories. The suggested retail price is $1.99 to $2.49 per bottle. The bottle, which which has an attractive tropical-themed wrap, is 100% recyclable and can be repurposed as a water bottle (we refill the bottles with water and stick them in the fridge).

Coffee lovers: Try it!

Typically, that means helping oneself from a platter of cheese, garnished with fresh or dried fruits, almonds and/or walnuts.

And typically, people eat far more cheese than they should. The suggested serving size is one or two ounces; we probably can put away six ounces before we know it.

The problem is not just the 100 calories per meager ounce of cheese (one slice of American cheese is an ounce—so imagine what that wedge you’ve carved off weighs). Cheese also has a high level of saturated fat (cholesterol).

Here’s one way to have your cheese plate and eat it too—with far less saturated fat:

Even if you think you don’t like it, try fresh goat’s milk cheese. It’s like tangy cream cheese, and doesn’t have the “goaty” flavor that some people dislike in an aged goat cheese. These days you can find a fresh goat cheese (chèvre) log in most supermarkets.

Goat’s milk cheese has fewer calories and fat* than cow’s and sheep’s milk cheeses:

 
*Category averages. Some cheeses may have more calories and fat.

Turn soft goat cheese into truffles rolled in chopped nuts—pistachios are a delicious pairing—and you’ll discover a new way to enjoy cheese.

RECIPE: GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES

Ingredients

 
PLUS:

 
Preparation

1. Mash goat cheese in a bowl. Stir in minced cranberries.

2. Scoop with a teaspoon and roll into truffle-size balls, 1 to 1-1/4 inches in diameter. Set on wax paper.

3. Roll balls in chopped pistachios. Return to wax paper. Refrigerate until 20 minutes before serving.

Assembly

On a dessert-size plate, assemble the fruit, pistachios and 3-4 goat cheese truffles.

WINE: Enjoy with a glass of moscato.

LEFTOVERS: If you have extra goat cheese truffles, wrap them tightly in plastic film and serve them with tomorrow’s breakfast eggs or dinner salad. Add any extra pistachios, whole/shelled or chopped, to your salad as well.

Large brands typically come with expiration dates (and possibly, preservatives). If you purchase an artisan brand, it has no preservatives; but it may not have an expiration date, either. So here are the guidelines:

Find more of our favorite peanut butter brands, recipes and more in our Peanut Butter & Jelly Section.