Coconut water is a liquid obtained from coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.) with natural hydrating
qualities, functional health properties and nutritional benefits. The aim of this work was
to develop an innovative, non-dairy, fermented functional beverage using coconut water as
the main ingredient for providing the intrinsic health properties. Among seven autochthonous
lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from natural fermentation of coconut water,
Lactobacillus plantarum was selected due to its inhibitory activity against some pathogens
and its characteristics that favor survival under some technological and gastrointestinal
conditions. The fermentation was carried out for 8 h at 37 °C in the presence of yeast extract,
soy protein hydrolysate and sucrose. Coconut water is a non-dairy substrate that can be
introduced as a new vehicle for the consumption of functional cultured beverage,
especially by vegans and/or vegetarians and lactose intolerant consumers