5 Healthy Gatorade Alternatives (Less Sugar & Dye Free) of 2024

($37.99  FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back & Save $16.99)

 ✴   Nutrition facts

Serving Size: 473.0 mL、16 Fl. Oz.

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 20

Sodium 40mg

Total Carbohydrate 18g

Sugars 2g

Added Sugars 0g

Potassium 700mg

Vitamin A 630mcg

Vitamin C 63mg

Vitamin E 10.5mg

Niacin 32mg

Vitamin B6 3.4mg

Folate 800mcg

Vitamin B12 4.8mcg

Pantothenic Acid 10mg

Magnesium 70mg

Zinc 7.7mg

 ✴   Ingredients

Filtered Water, Erythritol, Coconut Water Concentrate, Citric Acid, Dipotassium Phosphate (Electrolyte), Vegetable Juice Concentrate (Color), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Magnesium Oxide (Electrolyte), Stevia rebaudiana Leaf Extract, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Calcium D-Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Natural Watermelon Flavor with other Natural Flavors, alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Zinc Oxide (Electrolyte), Guar Gum, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin A Palmitate (Vitamin A), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).

✅ Pros

Low-calorie option for hydration without excessive calorie intake

It contains a blend of electrolytes and coconut water for effective rehydration

It has 4 of the main electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium

18 grams of carbs and two grams of sugar can support your body’s energy during exercise

Antioxidants and vitamins included

Variety pack with multiple delicious flavors

Free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors

Higher potassium and lower sodium content compared to traditional sports drinks

Perfect for a variety of uses, from pre- and post-workout to everyday refreshments

❌Cons

Sweetened with erythritol, which can lead to nausea and bloating if consumed too frequently

Some reviewers report too strong of a flavor

Why we love it:

BODYARMOR LYTE is a premium sports drink that provides superior hydration. It is rich in electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins.

Created in 2011 by Mike Repole and Lance Collins, BODYARMOR  brought a new sports drink to the industry with a potassium-based beverage that had coconut water as its base. Gatorade and Powerade, also owned by Coca-Cola, are sodium-based.

Low in sodium and high in potassium, BODYARMOR Sports Drink contains natural flavors and sweeteners and no colours or dyes from artificial sources.

Consumer demand for a better-for-you sports drink has made BODYARMOR the number three sports drink in the U.S. and it has been the hydration option of choice for many professional athletes and millions of high school and college athletes since its launch in 2011.

In 2017, BODYARMOR launched BODYARMOR LYTE, which has all the same nutrients as BODYARMOR Sports Drink but has only 20 calories per serving.

The sugar content for BODYARMOR Lyte is 2 grams, but does not include any “added sugar”. However, whether you use an electrolyte drink during a workout, after a workout or simply to hydrate throughout the day, BodyArmor Lyte’s 2 grams of natural sugar from coconut water can give your body a quick energy boost, while the 18 grams of carbohydrates can provide you a small amount of longer-lasting energy.

BODYARMOR LYTE does not contain dyes, it is colored using colors from fruits, vegetables.

Popular BODYARMOR LYTE flavors include Peach Mango (the No. 1 selling LYTE SKU in the U.S.), Blueberry Pomegranate, and Dragon Fruit Berry. I found each flavor to be well balanced, not too sweet or not sweet enough.

BODYARMOR’s claim to fame is that it contains “potassium-packed electrolytes”, meaning they have a much higher amount of the electrolyte potassium. Both the regular and LYTE contain 530 mg of potassium.

BODYARMOR Lyte may be a better option for people on a low sodium diet or those who already get enough sodium in their daily diets and don’t need to worry about replenishing it. It is also more appropriate for those who are not heavy sweaters or are not salty sweaters.

2. Gatorade Fit

($27.99  FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

 ✴   Nutrition facts

Serving size 1 Bottle (500 mL)

Amount per serving

Calories15

Sodium230mg

Total Carbohydrate3g

Sugar1g

Added Sugar0g

Niacin16mg

Potassium60mg

Vitamin A900mcg

Vitamin C90mg

 ✴   Ingredients

Water, Clarified Watermelon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Sea Salts, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Purified Stevia Leaf Extract, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Beta Carotene (Vitamin A), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6).

✅ Pros

Electrolytes from watermelon juice and sea salt

No artificial flavors or sweeteners

No added sugar

Low calories

1g of sugar per serving

230mg of sodium per serving

100% daily value of vitamins A, C, B3, B5, B6 per 16.9fl oz serving

Variety of flavors

❌Cons

Some find the flavor weak

Why we love it:

In 2022, Gatorade ditched sucralose and launched Gatorade Fit, a product from the sports drink leader that does not include either sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Gatorade Fit, marketed as "healthy real hydration" has vitamins and less sodium, sugar and carbohydrates than Gatorade.

Each 16.9-oz bottle sees the 100% daily value of vitamin A and C, one gram of sugar from 4% watermelon juice, no artificial flavors or colors, and is sweetened with stevia.

When it comes to electrolytes, Gatorade Fit uses sea salts which have more minerals compared to iodized salt that is refined.

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

3. Propel Fitness Water Electrolyte Hydration

($12.58 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

 ✴   Nutrition facts

Serving Size1 Bottle (500 mL)

Amount Per Serving

Calories0

Total Fat 0g

Sodium 230mg

Total Carbohydrate 0g

Total Sugars 0g

Includes Added Sugars0g

Potassium 60mg

Vitamin C 25mg

Vitamin E 2.5mg

Niacin 10.1mg

Vitamin B6 1mg

Pantothenic Acid 5.1mg

 ✴   Ingredients

WATER, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE (TO PROTECT FLAVOR), NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVES FRESHNESS), POTASSIUM CITRATE, SODIUM CITRATE, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), SUCRALOSE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR), CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (VITAMIN B5), NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3), VITAMIN E ACETATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6)

✅ Pros

Zero calories

Zero sugar

Low price

Ideal for those watching their calorie and sugar intake

It contains essential electrolytes to replace those lost during physical activity

Backed by the expertise of a trusted brand in sports hydration

Excellent source of vitamins B3, B5, B6 and C and a good source of vitamin E

No artificial flavors

❌Cons

Not suitable for certain dietary restrictions

Why we love it:

Created by the makers of Gatorade, Propel is a zero calorie, zero sugar fitness water with Gatorade electrolytes to replace what is lost in sweat.

The Propel electrolyte waters are sweetened with Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) and sucralose.

Even though Propel is a zero-calorie option, it's packed with electrolytes, making it a great choice for post-workout hydration.

This sports drink has 230 mg of sodium, which is a great way to consume salt after profusely sweating from a workout.

The wide choice of Propel's great flavored fitness waters have Gatorade Electrolytes so you can hydrate, replenish, and enjoy your best workout with zero sugar, as well as vitamins B3, B5, B6 and antioxidant vitamins C and E.

The absence of artificial flavors was noticeable in every sip, and the Kiwi Strawberry flavor was enjoyable and authentic.

4. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier - Sugar Free 

($25.99 FROM Liquid I.V.- Get Up To 2% Cash Back)

 ✴   Nutrition facts

Serving Size: 1 stick

Amount 1 stick (13g):

Calories: 20

Sodium 530mg

Total Carbohydrate 5g

Added Sugars 0g

Potassium 380mg

Vitamin C 76mg

Niacin 24.9mg

Vitamin B6 2.53mg

Vitamin B12 8mcg

Pantothenic Acid 11.7mg

 ✴   Ingredients

Allulose*, Citric Acid, L-Glutamine, L-Alanine, Potassium Citrate, Salt, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia Leaf Extract (Rebaudioside A), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Malic Acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin B5 (Calcium D-Pantothenate), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin). *adds a trivial amount of sugar

✅ Pros

Hydrates More Effectively Than Water Alone

Scientifically & Clinically Studied 0g Sugar Hydration Solution

3x the Electrolytes of the Leading Sports Drink

Non-GMO

8 Vitamins and Nutrients for Faster Hydration and Everyday Wellness

Sweetened with a natural sugar substitute that reviewers say leaves no aftertaste

Contains over 100 percent of your daily value vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12

❌Cons

The price may be a bit steep for some

The taste may be too sweet for some

Why we love it:

In the past, a common reason people looked for Liquid IV alternatives was the brand's lack of sugar-free options. But that changed in June 20-23!

Due to increasing demand for sugar-free electrolyte drinks, Liquid IV has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of a "sugar-free" hydration multiplier, which contains allulose instead of the glucose in its original formula.

The cutting-edge formula is available on shelves nationwide in the fan-favorite flavor Lemon Lime, as well as two new flavors, Green Grape and White Peach.

Allulose is a natural sweetener found in certain fruits, including jackfruit, figs, and raisins. Other sugar-free hydration mixes on the market contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose.

Allulose is a rare sugar, which, according to clinical research, doesn’t induce the glycemic and insulin responses that other forms of sugar do. Further, the addition of allulose to other forms of sugar may even reduce the glycemic and insulin responses that those sugars have.

Liquid I.V. is the first on the market to launch an allulose-based product at this scale; the Hydration Multiplier range took two years to develop and bring to market.

Liquid IV’s Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier makes the clear statement of having “3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink”, the same as the sugary original, which has 11g of carbohydrates with 11g of that sugar, all in one serving.

It'll deliver the same electrolyte-driven benefits fans have come to rely on in Hydration Multiplier, but without the sugar. The brand also prioritizes adding the amino acids glutamine and alanine because they provide extra hydration benefits.

On top of that, this electrolyte mix has eight essential vitamins and minerals to support everyday wellness, heavy hitters like vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, B12, calcium, and iron.

In addition, like other Hydration Multiplier offerings, the new product is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, with no artificial colors or sweeteners.

Give it a whirl; your taste buds and body will thank you.

Unfortunately, while it may serve as a better alternative to the Hydration Multiplier, it is not a cheaper alternative. Because each Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free is $0.19 more expensive than Hydration Multiplier.

5. Pedialyte Electrolyte Water with Zero Sugar

($5.98 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

 ✴   Nutrition facts

3 servings per container

Serving Size 12 fl oz

Amount per serving

Calories 5

Sodium 240mg 

Total Carbohydrate 1g

Includes Added Sugars 0g 

Potassium130mg

Zinc 2.8mg

Chloride 250mg

 ✴   Ingredients

Water. Less than 2% of: Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Salt, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, and Zinc Gluconate.

✅ Pros

Affordable

Well-earned reputation

3 key electrolytes for hydration

Zinc for immune support

50% more electrolytes than leading sports drinks and electrolyte waters

Non-GMO and gluten-free

No artificial colors or flavors

❌Cons

May be bland for some people

Not for children under 5 years of age for mild to moderate dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea

Why we love it:

When Pedialyte's original formula was created more than 50 years ago, the product was designed to help sick children recover from symptoms of dehydration by providing much-needed fluids and electrolytes to support recovery.

But to meet the rapidly growing demand for water among consumers, including adults, Abbott is leveraging its expertise in science-led nutrition innovation to expand its product range to meet changing needs, launching Pedialyte® Electrolyte Water Zero Sugar Ingredients.

This Pedialyte Electrolyte Water is designed for adults and contains immune-supporting zinc and zero sugar.

Pedialyte Electrolyte Water with zero sugar is a refreshing hydration drink with 3 key electrolytes: sodium, chloride, and potassium.

It has 50% more electrolytes than leading sports drinks and electrolyte waters.

Pedialyte Zero Sugar Electrolyte Water is available in Berry Frost and Fruit Punch flavors - all without sugar, artificial flavors or colors.