COCOPlus Hydration Packets

Innovation Project by Marcus Bartholomew the Third Junior (FLL Team #61349) 2025–26 Unearthed Season

COCOPlus Hydration Packets — Strawberry, Watermelon, and Coconut flavors

The Problem

Through research and interviews — including a presentation from Pastor Andrew Raduly, who has experience in Egyptian archaeology — our team learned about the many challenges archaeologists face in the field.

Pastor Andrew Raduly presenting about Egyptian archaeology to the team

We brainstormed the problems archaeologists face and possible solutions, filling up the whiteboard with ideas ranging from funding challenges to dangerous animals to slow excavation.

Team brainstorming problems and solutions on the whiteboard

We chose to tackle dehydration, a serious issue for archaeologists who spend long hours in harsh conditions. Whether in scorching heat or freezing temperatures, it’s easy to forget about hydration, and the body loses fluids and essential nutrients quickly.

An effective hydration solution could allow archaeologists to spend more time on digs and stay healthy in the field.

Research & Discovery

We started by studying what the body needs to stay hydrated. We discovered that potassium, sodium, and magnesium — along with water — are essential for proper hydration.

Our first idea was hydration stickers applied directly to the skin using transdermal absorption. However, we learned that transdermal absorption only delivers nutrients to the epidermis level, so it would only hydrate the skin — not the whole body. We needed a different approach.

We then looked at homemade hydration recipes (salt in lemon water, coconut water) and existing commercial products like Gatorade, Gatorlyte Rapid Hydration, and PerformX Hydration. We noticed that while these products contain helpful nutrients, they also contain lots of preservatives, dyes, and artificial sweeteners. We wanted to create something better.

Studying existing hydration products like PerformX

Our Solution: COCOPlus

Since coconut water naturally contains the key nutrients needed for hydration, we focused on turning it into a convenient powder form. We discovered that freeze-drying coconut water can preserve up to 95% of the original nutrients — much better than the coconut concentrate used in products like PerformX.

Early design sketches for COCOPlus branding, flavors, and packaging

We also experimented with freeze-dried fruit juices (watermelon, lime, and strawberry) for natural color and flavor, being careful with natural sugars.

Flavors

We created three flavors designed to be mixed into water on the go:

Development Process

First Attempt

We sourced freeze-dried powder forms of all our ingredients: coconut water for hydration, seaweed for calcium, and fruit powders for color and flavor. Our first formula used 1 tablespoon each of cane sugar, coconut water powder, and fruit powder. Result: too salty!

Freeze-dried ingredients: lime powder, coconut water, strawberry, and watermelon powder

First attempt results — three flavors mixed and ready to taste

Second Attempt

After collecting feedback from classmates and staff, we added more lime powder to improve the flavor and adjusted the sugar — being careful not to surpass our commercial competitors. The results were much better, and we found it tasted best served cold.

Measuring and mixing the second formula

Team members taste-testing the improved formula

Classmates and staff providing feedback on the second attempt

Expert Consultation

We consulted Dr. Dennis Imperio, a general physician and active runner, who enjoyed our idea and wanted to try it. He advised us on simple hydration tests — checking knuckle skin elasticity and urine color before and after drinking our product. The tests showed it hydrated us!

How COCOPlus Compares

After finalizing our formula, we developed nutrition facts and compared COCOPlus to Gatorlyte, Gatorade, and PerformX:

Higher mineral content:

Strong electrolyte replenishment:

No added sugars:

Clean and natural:

Conclusion

COCOPlus stands out as a high-performance, natural hydration solution — built for extreme conditions. Whether archaeologists are braving scorching heat or freezing temperatures, COCOPlus keeps them fully hydrated, energized, and focused in the field. Perfect for archaeologists, adventurers, and anyone pushing their limits.

COCOPlus — 100% Hydration, Anywhere, Anytime.