Cactus Water vs Coconut Water: The Sustainable Plant-Based Drink Off

We love coconut water. It’s been the go-to for plant-based hydration for years, and for good reason. It’s tasty, tropical and packed with electrolytes. But as more of us look at how our choices impact the planet, it’s worth asking: is there a more sustainable option out there? The answer is a resounding YES there is. And it’s got spikes.

Enter cactus water.

What Makes Cactus Water More Sustainable?

Let’s talk water. Producing 1 kilo of coconuts takes around 3,000 litres of water. And if you’ve ever come across cacao water (yes, it’s a thing), prepare yourselves... Cacao production can use a whopping 26,000 litres of water per kilo. That’s more hydration than most of us need in a decade.

The average human needs around 2 to 4 litres of drinking water per day, which means 26,000 litres could keep someone alive for up to 35 years.

And that stat hits harder when you realise that over 2 billion people currently live in water-stressed regions, according to the UN. That number is expected to rise significantly within the next decade, with half of the global population predicted to be living under water scarcity by 2030.

The prickly pear cactus, on the other hand, is a hydration hero as it:

🌵 Grows in arid, dry regions

🌵 Requires zero irrigation once established

🌵 Captures carbon - in fact, studies show it can absorb over 30 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year in ideal conditions

🌵 Restores degraded land

🌵 Thrives without pesticides or artificial fertilisers

It’s a plant that gives a lot and asks for very little. That makes it one of - if not - the most sustainable fruit-yielding plants on the planet.

What About the Taste?

We’re glad you asked. Cactus water has a clean, lightly fruity taste that’s refreshing without being sugary with a flavour that is often compared to a fruity, berry-like watermelon if you were looking to familiarise it. At Cacto, we use real prickly pear juice, never from concentrate, to create sparkling drinks that feel just as good as they taste.

Each can of Cacto delivers:

• Natural electrolytes

• Low sugar and calories

• Award-winning flavour

• 100 percent plant-based hydration

Coconut water walked so cactus water could strut.

Why Try a New Plant-Based Drink?

There’s room for more than one great option in the hydration aisle. Coconut, aloe, cacao, bamboo. They’ve all made their mark. But if you’re looking to switch it up with something just as functional and even more planet-friendly, cactus water is worth a sip.

Plus, let’s be honest. Trying new things is fun. Especially when they come in a good-looking can and taste amazing.

Join the Cacto Movement

We’re more than a drink. We’re building a community of curious, climate-conscious flavour-lovers who care about what they consume and the impact it has.

So go ahead. Crack open a Cacto, discover something new, and if you’re curious about the fruit, the mission or the future of hydration, reach out. We’d love for you to join the Cacto family and we always love to hear from you.

The real cactus water is here. And we saved you a can.

Reference List

1. Nobel, P. S., & De la Barrera, E. (2002). CO₂ uptake by the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) in a CO₂-enriched atmosphere. Annals of Botany, 90(5), 593–598. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcf238

2. Nerdal, T. (2021). Sustainable Crops for Arid Environments: Prickly Pear as a Climate Solution. FAO & ICARDA.

3. Tegegne, F., et al. (2020). Prickly pear cactus as a sustainable feed and climate mitigation crop in arid regions. Journal of Arid Environments, 180, 104197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104197

4. Piga, A., et al. (2003). Chemical and physiological fruit properties and water use efficiency of Opuntia ficus-indica. Acta Horticulturae, 581, 151–159.

5. Mekonnen, M. M., & Hoekstra, A. Y. (2011). The green, blue and grey water footprint of crops and derived crop products. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 15, 1577–1600.
   ➤ Cacao beans use approx. 26,000 litres of water per kilo.
   https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-1577-2011

6. World Health Organization (WHO). (2003). Domestic water quantity, service level and health.
   ➤ Humans need approx. 2–4 litres/day for survival.
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241562511

7. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). (2021). World Water Development Report.
   ➤ 2+ billion people currently live in water-stressed regions.
   https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-world-water-development-report-2021

8. World Bank. (2016). High and Dry: Climate Change, Water, and the Economy.
   ➤ By 2030, up to 50% of the global population could be living in areas of water stress.
   https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/publication/high-and-dry-climate-change-water-and-the-economy