We Tried Mogu Mogu—and It’s Delicious

Mogu Mogu is delicious, delicious (see what we did there?). It’s a tasty, fruit-flavored drink with chunks of coconut jelly in it, and though that may not sound like everyone’s cup of juice, it may just surprise you.

Mogu Mogu drinks have made a splash on YouTube and TikTok—just do a search and you’ll be overwhelmed with videos showing people trying the drink. That viral popularity is surely making it more popular, but it still wasn’t sold at the first large Asian supermarket I went here in Seattle. The second Asian supermarket I tried, however, had six flavors in 1000 ml (33.8 ounces), and even more flavors in six-packs of 320 ml (10.82 ounces) bottles. So you might have to hunt around for it, but I’d say it’s worth the hunt.

What Is the Mogu Mogu Drink?

Courtesy Gael Fashingbauer Cooper for Taste of Home

Mogu Mogu is a sweet drink with chunks of coconut jelly in it. Do you like bubble tea, a sweet milky drink with chewy boba tapioca pearls? If so, you’ll likely enjoy Mogu Mogu. The add-ons in Mogu Mogu are called nata de coco, also known as coconut gel. It’s a chewy jelly made when coconut water is fermented. (Nata de coco is also an ingredient in halo-halo, the popular Filipino ice cream treat, too.)

According to the Mogu Mogu website, the drink was introduced in 2001 in Thailand and is now available in 60 countries worldwide. There are close to 20 flavors, including pina colada, lychee, yogurt and four seasons, which blend four fruits. It’s easy to imagine YouTubers or TikTokkers making a game out of finding and testing them all. If you’re not near an Asian supermarket, you can order it online.

Here’s What I Thought

I bought four flavors—mango, strawberry, coconut and pineapple—chilled them and chugged away. Don’t expect the teeth-melting sweetness you find in full-sugar soda or most American juices. Although the drinks don’t skimp on the sugar, (26 grams in my 33-ounce bottle of coconut Mogu Mogu), they somehow taste lighter and fresher than most soda pop.

The bottles advise you to shake the drinks first, so I did. I was pleasantly surprised to find out the nata de coco doesn’t stay in the bottom of the bottle, like the boba does in bubble tea. Instead, a decent amount pours out with the drink. And the nata de coco itself is soft but firm when you chew it, picking up the taste of whatever flavor you’re sampling. It reminded me of the canned fruit cocktail my mom served us as a kid—tasty and sweet, but not distinct.

There’s a delicate scent of fruit when you open and pour the Mogu Mogu. The light fruit taste is of course different by flavor, but all four that I tried were tasty. Coconut was my favorite, followed by pineapple, strawberry and mango, though a friend thought the mango was the best.

How to Drink Mogu Mogu

I enjoyed the Mogu Mogu as is, but one TikTok video suggested freezing it, then letting it thaw to a slushy texture. If you’re a fan of Slurpees, as I am, this is an excellent suggestion. I imagine spiking your favorite Mogu Mogu flavor with rum would make for a luscious “Love Boat”-style tropical-feeling beverage as well.

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If you’re looking for more international taste sensations, try making your own banana ketchup, ube bread or one of many good-for-you coconut recipes.