Review: Wow Cacao

Every so often, a drink lands on my desk that makes me pause mid-sip and think: "Oh, this is different." That was exactly my reaction to Wow Cacao, the UK's first cacao water.

We've all watched coconut water dominate the shelves for years, and it has always been the liquid equivalent of Marmite. People love coconut water, or they really don't. I sit in the latter, so I feel coconut water has had its moment.

Enter the party, Wow Cacao.

And it is stepping up with something not only refreshing and naturally functional, but also kinder to the planet.

Instead of relying on young coconuts, this clever newcomer uses the juicy pulp of the cacao pod, a part of the fruit that's usually discarded during chocolate production. Upcycling at its finest, and a brilliant way to rethink the way we hydrate.

So, what does it taste like? Bright, tropical notes of lychee, peach and pineapple come through with every sip. It's clean, slightly sweet, and has a depth that feels far more satisfying than your average flavoured water.

There's even a gentle film left on the palate – not unpleasant at all – more like a reminder of the richness of cacao itself.

It's a drink that feels nourishing, grounding, and a little bit indulgent.

Nutritionally, Wow Cacao doesn't disappoint. Each 275ml glass bottle delivers around 40% of your daily vitamin C, 15% of your potassium needs, plus a whole load of B vitamins and essential minerals like zinc, magnesium and manganese.

No added sugar, no sweeteners, and absolutely nothing artificial – just pure cacao pulp, cold-pressed for freshness, and optimised with a little extra vitamin boost.

It's a refreshing pick-me-up post-workout if that's your thing, a clean alternative to your mid-afternoon coffee, or even a feel-good swap for that evening glass of wine (I might be pushing it here).

But what I really admire about Wow Cacao is its ethos.

Founder Pam Thornton, who has spent decades working within the global cocoa trade, is championing a drink that not only tastes good but does good. By upcycling cacao pulp at source, Wow Cacao supports farmers, reduces waste, and helps restore value to a crop that has been too often exploited.

Hydration with heart. That's something we can all get behind.

It's time to move over, coconut water.

Wow Cacao is available now online via Delli Market, priced at £3.75 per 275ml glass bottle.