Top 5 Better Alternatives to Powerade for 2024 (No Sugar or Less Sugar)

($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. Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water

($48 FROM Harmless Harvest - Get Up To 8% Cash Back)

($43.20 FROM Harmless Harvest - Get Up To 8% Cash Back)

($62.99 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

 ✴   Nutrition facts

• Serving Size1 Bottle (355 mL)

• Amount Per Serving

• Calories 90

• Total Fat 0g

• Sodium 55mg

• Total Carbohydrate 23g

• Total Sugars 20g

• Includes Added Sugars 0g

• Calcium 69mg

• Potassium 812mg

• phosphorus  243mg

• magnesium 29mg

 ✴   Ingredients

Organic Coconut Water

✅ Pros

• Contains a whopping 812 mg of potassium.

• USDA certified organic coconut water with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

• Made with one simple ingredient.

• Refreshing, pure and crisp tasting coconut water.

• Bottles are made from 100% recycled materials.

❌Cons

• The lower sodium content may not be enough for more intense workouts.

• At about $4 per serving, this is one of the most expensive electrolyte replacements.

• The 20 grams of sugar makes it less suitable for keto or low-carb athletes.

Why we love it:

Finding an all-natural sports drink can be difficult because most sports drinks contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Even sports drinks that don't contain any of these substances are still produced in factories or labs and infused with minerals that may not be as bioavailable as those found in natural products.

We recommend Harmless Harvest Coconut Water to those looking for a truly natural alternative. 

While it's not explicitly marketed as a sports drink, Harmless Harvest Coconut Water contains the ingredients you should look for in a sports drink: sugar, sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.

At $3.60 to $4 a bottle, while the drink is a bit more expensive than others on the market, the only actual ingredient is organic coconut water.

Coconut water is lower in sodium, containing only 55 milligrams per serving, which may not be enough if you sweat a lot.

But combined with a drink rich in potassium and phosphorus, Harmless Harvest is perfect for low-intensity exercise days.

In addition to electrolytes, Harmless Harvest Coconut Water contains 20 grams of natural sugars. This is ideal for maintaining energy levels during exercise, but can be prohibitive for those trying to keep carbs low.

You can save 10% on your purchase by subscribing to Harmless Harvest; you can even save up to an additional 8% with Harmless Harvest’s cash back offer.

Harmless Harvest Coconut Water is for those looking for a simple, natural source of electrolytes.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. NOOMA Organic Hydrating Sports Drink

($31.99 FROM Amazon)

($30.99 FROM NOOMA)

 ✴   Nutrition facts

• Serving Size 1 Bottle (16.9 fl oz)

• Amount Per Serving

• Calories 30

• Total Fat 0g

• Sodium 110mg

• Total Carbohydrate 7g

• Total Sugars 5g

• Includes Added Sugars 0g

• Calcium 35mg

• Potassium 340mg

• Magnesium 20mg

 ✴   Ingredients

Filtered Water, Organic Coconut Water from Concentrate, Organic Watermelon Flavor, Sea Salt, Organic Lime Flavor, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract. 

✅ Pros

• Made with coconut water
  

• Contains 35 mg calcium, 340 mg potassium, and 20 mg magnesium

• Reviewers love the flavor

• Only 30 calories and 5 grams of sugar

• Great for working out, traveling, sick and hungover

• Obtained USDA organic certification

• Nutrients from natural sources

❌Cons

• Lower electrolyte content than mainstream sports drinks

• More expensive than some other options

Why we love it:

NOOMA is popular with professional athletes because the sports drink has a cleaner label and less sugar.

NOOMA was founded in 2013 by brothers Jarred and Brandon Smith, both former professional hockey players, because they were not happy with the sugary, lurid-hued electrolyte beverages they were chugging down to stay hydrated.

We've also fallen in love with NOOMA, enjoying the benefits of the healthy alternative to sports drinks with NOOMA's low sugar, natural ingredients, and electrolytes.

While not as high in sodium as more popular sports drinks, NOOMA 110 mg is not very low in sodium either, and the sodium is naturally derived from Himalayan salt.

NOOMA also contains concentrated organic coconut water, an additional source of natural sugars for a quick energy boost. Of course, it also provides up to 340mg of potassium, an electrolyte that also quickly rehydrates you.

We recommend drinking this and an organic electrolyte sports drink during or after a workout or any other time you feel dehydrated.

Of course, NOOMA Organic Hydrating Sports Drink is not cheap, but it is not the most expensive either, at $2.50 a bottle.

Sports Drinks FAQs

1. What is the best sports drink brand?

The best sports drink brand is BODYARMOR, in our opinion.

BODYARMOR has been disrupting sports hydration since 2011, offering premium sports drinks rich in electrolytes, coconut water and antioxidants for superior hydration.

BODYARMOR is low in sodium, high in potassium, contains natural flavors and sweeteners, and contains no artificial colors or dyes.

BODYARMOR's expanded product portfolio includes BODYARMOR LYTE, a low-calorie, zero-added sugar sports drink; BODYARMOR SportWater, a premium electrolyte-filled, highly alkaline water, pH9+; BODYARMOR EDGE, a premium, caffeine-rich, hydrating sports drink.

2. Does coconut water count as a sports drink? 

Coconut water is a great all-natural sports drink. It contains the essential electrolytes sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, as well as a decent amount of sugar to replenish glycogen stores.

3. Is it okay to drink sports drinks every day?

If you're training for more than 45-60 minutes at a time, the electrolytes in sports drinks help our bodies absorb and retain water more quickly and efficiently.

If you use a high-sugar, high-sodium sports drink, it's important to limit your intake so that you drink it only when you need it for energy and hydration.

That being said, if you use a low-sugar, low-sodium sports drink as a flavor enhancer for your water, you shouldn't have a problem using a small amount of your sports drink every day.