5 Healthy Gatorade Alternatives (Less Sugar & Dye Free) of 2025
It’s no secret that Gatorade has been the go-to post-workout drink ever since its inception in 1965 as a special recipe for the Florida Gators football team. Today, it still holds a 46% market share in the sports drinks category, and despite a seemingly never-ending stream of flavors and innovation, its original thirst-quenching range remains the most popular product. However, ingredients found in Gatorade, such as sugar, dyes and other additives, raise concerns about potential health hazards. More and more people are looking for Gatorade alternatives that offer similar benefits without the potential drawbacks. Luckily, there's no shortage of Gatorade alternatives on the market designed to help improve your health. We've selected 5 of the best alternatives that not only provide essential electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, but also contain less sugar, making them healthier options for those watching their sugar intake.
What is Gatorade?
Gatorade is a sports drink that contains electrolytes, which may help you stay hydrated.
Gatorade is currently manufactured by PepsiCo and distributed in over 80 countries. Gatorade commands 46% of the worldwide sports drink market according.
What does Gatorade contain?
Here’s the ingredient list for the classic Gatorade Thirst Quencher Sports Drink, 12 oz:
Water, Sugar, Dextrose, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Monopotassium Phosphate, Modified Food Starch, Glycerol Ester of Rosin, Blue 1
Here's the nutritional information for Gatorade Classic Thirst Quencher Sports Drink, 12 oz:
Serving Size 12 oz
Amount per serving
Calories 80
Sodium 160mg
Total Carbohydrate 22g
Includes Added Sugars 21g
Potassium 50mg
Why Looking for an Alternative to Classic Gatorade?
Concerns about food dyes
Gatorade's vibrant colors are achieved through the use of food dyes such as Red 40 and Yellow 5. Some question the safety of these dyes.
These artificial colors are banned in baby and children's food in the EU, and they must also carry warnings on all other products. Studies have also linked dyes to allergies, hyperactivity, aggressive tendencies and irritability in children.
However, the FDA has reviewed and determined that the food coloring used in Gatorade is safe for consumption. For those looking to avoid artificial colors, our recommended electrolyte drinks offer dye-free alternatives.
Concerns about high-sugar drinks
One prominent criticism of Gatorade is its high sugar content. A standard 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade Original Thirst Quencher contains 36 grams of carbohydrates. While sugar is beneficial during prolonged exercise, providing a quick source of energy, excessive intake can be problematic.
This problem primarily affects people who regularly drink Gatorade but do not engage in strenuous or prolonged physical activity.
Consuming such large amounts of refined sugar can have negative effects on your health, including weight gain, an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, and tooth decay.
5 Best Gatorade Alternatives and Their Comparison List
Worried about the above disadvantages of Gatorade? Don't worry!
I'll show you the best sports drinks and electrolyte drinks in our picks for the best Gatorade alternatives:
BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink
Gatorade Fit
Propel Fitness Water Electrolyte Hydration
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier - Sugar Free
Pedialyte Electrolyte Water with Zero Sugar
Gatorade Thirst Quencher | BODYARMOR LYTE | Gatorade Fit | Propel Fitness Water | Liquid I.V. Sugar Free | Pedialyte Zero Sugar |
($7.92 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) | ($37.99 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back & Save $16.99) | ($27.99 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) | ($12.58 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) | ($25.99 FROM Liquid I.V.- Get Up To 2% Cash Back) | ($5.98 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) |
Serving Size 12 oz Amount per serving Calories 80 Sodium 160mg Total Carbohydrate 22g Includes Added Sugars 21g Potassium 50mg | 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 | Serving size 1 Bottle (500 mL) Amount per serving Calories 15 Sodium 230mg Total Carbohydrate 3g Sugar 1g Added Sugar 0g Niacin 16mg Potassium 60mg Vitamin A 900mcg Vitamin C 90mg | Serving Size1 Bottle (500 mL) Amount Per Serving Calories 0 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 | 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 | 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 |
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Reviews of 5 Better Gatorade Alternatives
1. BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink
($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.
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