Propel vs. Gatorade vs. Nuun vs. Skratch: Who is Best for Sports Drink?

The 4 Best Electrolyte Drinks in 2024 to Rehydrate Fast

If you're sweating after a workout, the first thing you're likely to do is grab a sports drink, of which Gatorade and Powerade are popular choices.

Sports drinks are also water flavorants that help people drink more water without making it feel like a chore or a burden.

Not only do water flavorings provide extra flavor for those who don't like plain water, but many also offer other health benefits, for example, some packs contain electrolytes for athletes, antioxidants for skin health, or vitamins to help supplement your diet .

While sports drinks have their benefits, their ingredients are worrisome. Gatorade, Powerade, and other sports drinks often contain a lot of sugar.

But for anyone looking for a sports drink with no added sugar, we've found these four popular brands:

1. Gatorade Fit

2. Propel Water

3. Nuun Sport +Caffeine

4. Skratch Labs Hydration

So which popular option is best for me?

Healthier Sports Drinks: Which is the best? Which is the worst?

There are so many options, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for you without doing your research. We'll look at the amount of electrolytes, sugar, calories, and other beneficial ingredients in each drink.

Short on time? Propel Fitness Water is the best sports hydration drink.

Credentialed by Gatorade, Propel Fitness Water is a zero calorie, zero sugar electrolyte water with Gatorade electrolytes to help replace what is lost in sweat.

Its sodium and potassium levels are in line with Gatorade's and on average for our body's daily needs.

At Propel, we believe that fitness is not a destination, but a way of life. 

Therefore, Propel also contains a suitable multivitamin B3, B5, B6, C, and E for everyone. Among them, vitamins C and E have also caught the hearts of women, because drinking water is also helpful for skin beauty and anti-oxidation.

Propel Water is also caffeine free, making it ideal for those looking for a refreshing drink without the jitters.

Even better is? It's very affordable, costing less than $0.70 per serving. Again by shopping online, we also save 4% cash back offer.

 ➡️ Purchase here.

Comparison of Popular Electrolyte Drinks

What are ‘Gatorade Portfolio’ brands?

The Gatorade Portfolio, a division of PepsiCo, is a connected performance and wellness ecosystem built to fuel all athletes and exercisers. 

Bringing together Gatorade, Fast Twitch, Propel, Evolve and Muscle Milk, the Gatorade Portfolio is the most complete offering in the category today, with a broad range of personalized solutions at every stage of the athlete journey. 

Gatorade

Propel

Fast Twitch

Muscle Milk

Evolve

Equipment

Gatorade is going from the sidelines to the frontlines of science, opening a research and development lab to support product development across its portfolio of brands.

Athletes need different products at different times. People can wake up in the morning and have a Fast Twitch caffeinated energy drink before a workout, then a Core Gatorade during a workout, a Gatorlyte fast hydration drink afterward or a muscle recovery product like Evolve or Muscle Milk protein drinks and supplements, as well as drinking Propel electrolyte water throughout the day. 

The company also unveiled recent innovations within the center, such as expanding into new categories with the Gatorade Zero and Propel Immune Support tablets.

Gatorade really includes ready-to-drink, powder, supplement and tablet solutions.

For more information and a full list of product offerings, please visit www.gatorade.com.

1. Real Reviews of the Gatorade Fit, Healthy Real Hydration

Gatorade, founded by a group of doctors at the University of Florida in 1965, is far and away the dominant force in the $8.2 billion sports drink space in the U.S., with just under 70% market share.

Gatorade is pivoting away from sucralose with the launch of Gatorade Fit, the only current product from the sports drink leader that does not include either sugar or artificial sweeteners.

#1 Pro. Purified Stevia Extract

The Gatorade Fit line is currently the only Gatorade product  to use stevia exclusively and not paired with sucralose, an artificial sweetener.

Stevia is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and has almost no calories. This makes it the best sugar substitute out there.

It comes from a plant, so it's "natural," not artificial sweetener. In contrast, aspartame and sucralose are made entirely in a laboratory.

#2 Pro. 1g of sugar

You can find the drink in both 16.8- and 28-ounce bottles—keep in mind the former is one serving. In one 16.8-ounce bottle, you’ll find just 1g of sugar—which comes from the four- percent watermelon juice, contributing to its sweet flavor, and also part of their unique blend (which also includes sea salt) of natural electrolytes. 

Gatorade Fit is extremely low in sugar, and it's a welcome improvement on Gatorade.

#3 Pro. Gatorade Fit is surprisingly tasty

I absolutely love the taste, and the Gatorade Fit experience is light, refreshing, and subtly sweet.

Gatorade Fit comes in five flavors: Tropical Mango, Watermelon Strawberry, Citrus Berry, Cherry Lime and Tangerine Orange.

#4 Pro. low calorie

Each Gatorade Fit has just 10 to 15 calories per 16.9-fluid ounce serving depending on the flavor, in comparison to a whopping 110 calories per 16.9-fluid ounces in the original. The original has 32 grams of sugar, while Gatorade Fit only has 1 gram.

#5 Pro. What’s the Difference Between Regular Gatorade and Gatorade Fit?

Gatorade Fit is the latest better-for-you offering under the Gatorade umbrella that includes: 

Gatorlyte for rapid rehydration that has a five-electrolyte blend, lower sugar and no artificial flavors or sweeteners; 

G Zero, which contains all the electrolytes of Gatorade Thirst Quencher, but with zero sugar; 

and G Zero with Protein.

In addition to providing nutrition and hydration, more and more consumers are looking for its functional benefits.

Gatorades, Compared

#6 Pro. Naturally Sourced Electrolytes 

The key electrolytes in Gatorade Fit are naturally sourced from watermelon and sea salt, which help to replace what is lost in sweat while promoting fluid balance. 

While the choice of electrolytes differs from the original, it should be noted there’s no difference in electrolyte potency between Gatorade and Gatorade Fit.  

Gatorade Fit has the same amount of electrolytes as Gatorade Thirst Quencher.

One bottle of Gatorade Fit also has 60 milligrams of potassium.

#7 Pro. vitamin supplements

Gatorade Fit also contains a variety of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, B3, B5 and B6.

The Gatorade Fit line is positioned as Gatorade's natural “healthy real hydration” products, offering the same levels of antioxidants as Gatorade Thirst Quencher.

#8 Pro. No Food Dyes

Another win for Gatorade Fit is the absence of artificial flavors or added colors. 

Many Gatorades are filled with artificial food dyes, and many studies have shown that eating these colorings in the long term is harmful to our health.

#1 Con. Synthetic Vitamins

The vitamins found in Gatorade Fit are synthetic: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), niacinamide (vitamin B3), beta carotene (vitamin A), calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6).

Synthetic vitamins aren’t uncommon in foods and supplements. Unfortunately, they’re not always as bioavailable—or as easy for your body to absorb—in an isolated micronutrient profile such as Gatorade Fit.

For example, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it needs to be bound to fat to be absorbed efficiently. There's no fat in Gatorade Fit, so the vitamin A content isn't much use unless you pair the drink with a healthy fatty snack like a handful of almonds.

#2 Con. Expensive

Fit features no added sugar and no added colors, and is available in 16.9 oz. (MSRP $1.49) and 28 oz. bottles (MSRP $2.99) in Tropical Mango, Watermelon Strawberry, Citrus Berry, Cherry Lime and Tangerine Orange.

Gatorade Fit's pricing is a bit expensive, so it's struggling to overtake Coca-Cola's BodyArmor, the second-biggest sports drink in the retail channel after Gatorade.

By using naturally sweet and electrolyte-rich coconut water as the base of its sports drinks (along with cane sugar), Gatorade’s chief rival, Coca-Cola’s BodyArmor, has been able to decrease its sodium content to around 40 mg per 16 oz. bottle while landing at 120 calories and 26 grams of sugar.

In contrast, Gatorade Fit features 230 mg of sodium per 16.9 oz. bottle, but with 10 calories and no added sugar, plus 100% DV of vitamins A and C.

Our conclusion

Gatorade Fit was developed for consumers with active lifestyles who prefer hydration options with no artificial sweeteners or added sugar.

Although expensive, it's easy on the palate.

Gatorade is "healthy, real hydration" product. In addition to getting useful electrolytes, we can use them to maintain a healthy life, such as reducing sugar, reducing calories, and getting a variety of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, B3, B5, and B6.

2. Real Reviews of the Propel Electrolyte Water 

As a sugarless, colorless, premixed hydration drink, Propel takes the cake. 

Here are some of the benefits of Propel Water you should know about.

#1 Pro. Zero Sugar and Calories

Unlike other beverages high in sugar and calories, Propel Water contains no sugar or calories. This makes it a great choice for those who want to stay hydrated without consuming excess calories or sugar.

Gatorade, for example, has 36 grams of sugar per 20-ounce bottle. That's just 2 grams less than the American Heart Association's recommended maximum sugar intake of 38 grams per day for men.

The extra sugar might be good if you’re an athlete seeking rapid recovery from a particularly intense workout; but most of us need less sugar in our diets, not more.

#2 Pro. Vitamin Supplementation

Propel Water contains a few essential vitamins, including vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, and E. These vitamins can help support immune function, promote healthy skin, and aid in energy metabolism.

#3 Pro. Electrolyte Replenishment

Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate fluid balance in the body. They are lost through sweating. Propel Water contains a small number of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, which can help replenish those lost during exercise.

High sodium electrolyte supplements (500 mg and up per serving) are ideal if you're going to be doing hours of physical labor in hot weather, while lower sodium levels (less than 500 mg per serving) are better for low-intensity workouts .

For daily electrolyte replenishment, we recommend looking for 250mg of sodium and down. 

Propel hits in the sweet spot with 230 mg of sodium per 20-ounce bottle.

#4 Pro. It helps to keep you hydrated.

It can also benefit those looking for a quick and easy way to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Proper hydration is essential to maintaining good health. Drinking enough water can help regulate body temperature, relieve fatigue, prevent dehydration, lubricate joints and deliver nutrients throughout the body.

#5 Pro. Great taste

Propel water is known for its subtle yet flavorful taste.

The ready-to-drink variety is available in seven flavors: berry, grape, black cherry, lemon, peach, kiwi-strawberry and blueberry-pomegranate.

Each flavor has its own distinct taste profile, with some being more sweet and fruity, while others are more subtle and refreshing.

For example, the grape flavor has a sweet and slightly tart taste, with notes of grape and berry. The berry flavor, on the other hand, is more fruity and sweet, with a mix of berry flavors that are perfectly balanced. The lemon flavor has a refreshing and tangy taste, with hints of citrus that are not overpowering.

One of the best things about Propel water is that it does not leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Many flavored waters on the market today have a strange aftertaste that can be off-putting. 

Overall, Propel water has a great flavor profile that is perfect for those who want a refreshing and flavorful drink without the added sugar and calories.

#6 Pro. affordable option

When it comes to the price of Propel Water, it is quite affordable and competitive in the market. Propel Water is available in different pack sizes, which means you can choose the one that suits your needs and budget.

For instance, a 18-pack of 16.9 oz bottles of Propel Water costs around $12.58, which means each bottle costs less than 70 cents. This is a reasonable price for a bottle of flavored water that is enriched with electrolytes and vitamins.

#1 Con. Sweetened with artificial sweeteners

Just because Propel doesn’t have sugar, doesn’t mean it’s free of all evils. It gets its sweet taste from no-calorie controversial sweeteners acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K) and sucralose. 

Artificial sweeteners are FDA-approved and considered safe for human consumption in small amounts.

However, non-nutritive sweeteners—including acesulfame K and sucralose—have been linked to changes in the gut microbiome and glucose homeostasis, decreased satiety, and increased caloric consumption and weight gain.

#2 Con. synthetic vitamins

The vitamins in Propel are synthetic: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) and Vitamin E Acetate (Vitamin E). 

Synthetic vitamins are not uncommon in foods and supplements. However, they are not always bioavailable or easily absorbed by the body in individual micronutrient ingredients such as Propel.

For example, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it needs to be paired with fat for optimal absorption.

Bottom line: You'll absorb the vitamin E in Propel better if you pair it with a healthy, fatty snack like a handful of almonds.

Final Thoughts

Propel Water is a popular sports drink that is marketed as a hydrating beverage for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. 

It contains zero calories and is often used by people who want to stay hydrated during exercise while avoiding the sugar and calories found in other drinks. 

It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. 

Propel Water is also free of caffeine, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a refreshing drink without the jitters.

Propel Water is really affordable, it has a small amount of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, which are the same as Gatorade Fit, but Gatorade Fit is priced 2.5 times higher.

Since they are all under the Gatorade brand and both have a refreshing and non-sweet taste, it is difficult for me not to choose Propel Water as the champion.

3. Real Reviews of the Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets for Proactive Hydration

Just now we mentioned that Gatorade expanded into the tablet category, so what about Nuun Sport, which is originally a tablet?

#1 Pro. Trusted Brand

Founded in 2014, Nuun is known for its just-add-to-water electrolyte effervescent tablets that help keep consumers hydrated. In 2021, Nestlé Health Science acquired the Nuun hydration-products brand. 

Clean, vegan, and Non-GMO Project verified ingredients, plus a refreshing taste and low sugar makes Nuun a favorite among Team Novo Nordisk athletes and active consumers.

Nuun is the #1 selling sports drink supplement brand in running, cycling, outdoor and natural foods stores. 

#2 Pro. portable packaging

Some individuals prefer to have both plain water and an electrolyte beverage during their training sessions, and in some activities (e.g., running and cycling), carrying multiple bottles of fluid is difficult.

The solution to the above issues for many athletes is the use of electrolyte tablets. These can be dropped into plain water and will dissolve into a flavored electrolyte-rich beverage. 

They are easy to transport and provide the needed electrolytes to replace those that are lost through intense and/or long duration exercise.

But what makes Nuun’s product different from other electrolyte drinks? According to its website, Nuun was “the first company to separate electrolyte replacement from carbohydrates,” something that is highly desired by athletes and casual gym-goers alike.

The brand’s tablets come in convenient, travel-friendly tubes to ensure you stay stocked up when you need to be.

#3 Pro. Effervescent Tablets

Nuun’s hydration products come in the form of effervescent tablets. When dropped into water, they dissolve and create a fizzy drink, making hydration more enjoyable and refreshing.

The company also recently launched Nuun® Sport Hydration Electrolyte Powder Drink Mixes. The new powders feature a similar electrolyte profile as original Nuun® Sport tablets but without the effervescent fizz.

Featuring five essential electrolytes the body needs to perform at its best and 90 percent less sugar than the leading electrolyte drink mix, the Sport Powder is delivered in convenient on-the-go powder stick packs in two new flavors – Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Kiwi.

#4 Pro. low in sugar and calories

Like Gatorade Fit, Nuun’s Drink Tablets use no artificial flavors or sweeteners (sweetened with high-quality Stevia only) and are keto-friendly.

Nuun Sport is their original tablet and is suitable for everyday use, giving customers a fizzy and unique way to hydrate. The original Nuun Sport tablets contain 15 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar.

#5 Pro. rich in electrolytes

Nunn Sports is the most comprehensive electrolyte in this list, and in addition to the usual sodium and potassium, it has additional magnesium, calcium and chloride.

Nuun Sport, Nuun’s flagship product line, is designed specifically to replace the vital minerals and electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise—without excess sugar or artificial additives. Nuun Sport comes in 15 fun flavors, each containing a complete electrolyte profile and only 1 gram of sugar. Because Nuun Sport comes in tablet form and can be added to any glass or bottle of water, the environmental impact is far less than conventional bottled sports drinks. 

#6 Pro. caffeine

Nuun’s Hydration Sport range is available with or without caffeine.

One tablet contains 40mg of caffeine from green tea extract, which is the equivalent of about half a cup of coffee. Caffeine is a known natural ergogenic aid, meaning it has been shown to improve performance by allowing you to go hard for longer before fatiguing.

Nuun Sport is available in three caffeinated flavor options: Fresh Lime, Cherry Limeade, and Wild Berry, all of which have the same caffeine content.

#7 Pro. reasonable price

Nuun, if purchased as a single tube, costs $0.75 per serving. 

Tubes are sold individually or in packs and each tube contains 10 servings. 

Nuun also has a subscription service, with the option to have the tablets delivered every one, two or three months. Subscribing saves customers 15% on their purchases, bringing the cost per serving down to $0.70.

They also have a loyalty club where you can earn points for purchases to redeem for additional savings.

A 120-day satisfaction guarantee backs all Nuun products purchased directly from the manufacturer or an authorized retailer.

#8 Pro. refreshing taste

Nuun offers a wide variety of flavors to suit different preferences. From fruit-infused options like Lemon Lime, Watermelon, and Strawberry Lemonade to more unique flavors like Kona Cola and Mango Orange, there are options to cater to various taste preferences.

My favorite flavor is lemon lime, but watermelon, and strawberry lemonade are tasty, too. 

The lemon and lime flavor has a pleasant flavour, although it’s not as strong as some of the other electrolyte tablets. This might not be the electrolyte drink for you if you prefer a more intense or sweeter taste.

#1 Con. high sodium

They dissolve well in water without any shaking. Nuun recommends dissolving one tablet in 475ml of water per serving. So if you're filling a 750ml water bottle for training, you'll need more than one tablet to avoid over-diluting.

Keep in mind that multiple servings mean more than 300 mg of sodium per tablet. This can be too much, especially for someone who isn't very active.

4. Real Reviews of the Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix 

Products can be purchased online at http://www.skratchlabs.comor at a variety of retailers. 

#1 Pro. real food ingredients

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Skratch Labs is a performance nutrition innovator that helps athletes and active people be better. Skratch Labs was founded by Dr. Allen Lim after he learned what nutrition was needed while coaching professional athletes for races such as the Tour de France. 

“During my time working with Pro Cyclists on tour, I’d too often hear athletes complain that conventional sports drinks were undrinkable,” said Dr. Allen Lim, Sport Physiologist and Skratch Labs Co-Founder. “They were too sweet, over-flavored and too colorful. These sports drinks were making them sick to their stomach. They needed something that safely kept them hydrated, quenched their thirst and ultimately helped them perform better. So we got to work reimagining the sports drink and created our Hydration Sport Drink Mix.”

Because of his close relationship with these athletes, each product goes through extensive testing and critical feedback from some of the world’s best. Skratch Labs products are made to help “the doers” who always strive for reaching or exceeding their performance goals, no matter what stage they’re in.

#2 Pro. refreshing taste

Skratch flavors, even though they’re similar to other brands (orange, strawberry, etc) are much more refreshing because they use real fruit.

Take the new flavor of of Hydration Sport Drink Mix: Mango + Tangerine for example.

By eliminating functionless ingredients like artificial sweeteners and colors, athletes can avoid flavor fatigue and GI issues that may derail longer training sessions. 

The limited edition Mango + Tangerine flavor comes by its refreshing, mildly sweet and citrusy flavor from real mangoes and tangerines. 

#3 Pro. essential electrolytes

Each packet is packed with a precise blend of essential electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium, to replenish what is lost through sweat. 

The electrolyte profile is 750-800 mg of sodium per liter, a reflection of the average athletes’ sodium sweat concentration. This formulation hydrates much faster than water alone.

#4 Pro. a steady stream of energy

It is a sports drink with minimal sugar (4g per 100 ml) and a ratio of sugar (glucose + fructose) that is optimized for faster absorption.

For athletes, simple carbohydrates, such as fructose, are small molecules, so they can be broken down and absorbed by the body quickly and are the quickest source of energy.

#5 Pro. With Caffeine Of Hydration Sport Drink Mix

Skratch Labs also has caffeinated hydration sports drink mixes.

The Hydration Sport Drink Mix is in Raspberry Limeade with caffeine. The brand is building on its hydration line by offering a drink with 50mg of caffeine per serving. The flavor is available in 440g bags, 22g singles and a 20-pack caddy of singles.

#6 Pro. New flavors are emerging

Skratch Labs frequently releases limited-edition flavors of their popular sports hydration drink mixes.

Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix flavors: Lemon & Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Limeade with Caffeine, Orange, Pineapple, Matcha Green Tea & Lemon and Fruit Punch.

#1 Con. expensive

Given its versatility, Skratch's mixed drinks are pricier at $1.95 a serving. That's significantly more expensive than the other hydration drinks we recommend in this article.

#1 Con. high in sugar and sodium

Skratch Labs products are made to help “the doers” who always strive for reaching or exceeding their performance goals, no matter what stage they’re in.

In other words, if your exercise intensity is not high or the exercise time is not long, you don't really need such high-sugar and high-sodium supplements. And for those who want to maintain a low-calorie diet, it is also the highest in calories in this list.

Propel Fitness Water is the best sports hydration drink.

 ➡️ Purchase here.

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