Plant-Based Waters: A Fast-Growing Market

Coconut water opened the door. Today, maple, birch, cactus and aloe waters are joining it on store shelves. Here is an overview of the plant-based water market, and where maple water fits in.

What are plant-based waters?

Plant-based waters are drinks made from the liquid naturally found in a plant: the water inside a coconut, the sap of a maple or birch tree, or the water from cactus or aloe. They are usually sold as light, refreshing alternatives to soft drinks and juices, often with short ingredient lists.

A market growing about 10% a year

According to Mordor Intelligence, the global plant-based water market was worth about US$5.7 billion in 2025 and could reach nearly US$10.9 billion by 2031, an annual growth rate of about 10%.

• Coconut water still leads: it accounted for about 54% of the category in 2025.
• North America is the largest market (about 41% of sales), while Asia-Pacific is growing fastest.
• New plant waters are gaining ground: aloe, cactus, birch and maple waters are diversifying the category.

Maple water: a fast-growing niche

Maple water is still a small part of the category, but it is growing quickly. IMARC Group estimates the global maple water market at about US$600 million in 2025, with average annual growth of 18% expected through 2034, led by North America.

Quebec is its natural home: the province produces on average 73% of the world's maple syrup, from the same sugar bushes and the same sap that give us maple water.

What consumers are looking for

• Short ingredient lists: drinks that are as close as possible to their natural source.
• Alternatives to sugary soft drinks: lighter options, including sparkling versions.
• Practical formats: cans and cartons, and more and more online purchases.
• Diversified supply: coconut supply has been under pressure in recent years, which encourages brands and retailers to look at other plant waters, including local ones.

Where Maple 3 fits in

Founded in Quebec in 2013, Maple 3 was one of the pioneers of maple water. Today, its organic maple water is sold in about 13 countries, in three ranges: Pure, Sports and Sparkling. Maple 3 is also among the companies named in international market studies on plant-based waters and maple water.

Learn more: Maple water vs. coconut water · Maple 3 around the world.

Sources

• Mordor Intelligence, Plant-Based Waters Market – Size, Share & Industry Analysis. View summary
• IMARC Group, Maple Water Market Report. View summary
• Gouvernement du Québec, Production de sirop d’érable (in French). View page

Market estimates vary from one research firm to another; the figures above are given as an indication.