Top 5 Better Alternatives to Powerade for 2025 (No Sugar or Less Sugar)
The best sports drinks contain essential electrolytes! Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that play a vital role in regulating fluid balance and muscle function. Popular sports drinks include brands like Powerade and Gatorade. But the popular sports drink isn't for everyone. Sports drink choice depends on your specific needs and activity level. Consider factors such as electrolyte balance, carbohydrate content, taste preferences and any dietary restrictions.
Excessive consumption of sports drinks can lead to excessive sugar and calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain and dental problems. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should monitor their intake of sugar and sodium content. So, the question easily arises: What is the best Powerade alternative drink? Are there cheaper options? Are there healthier options? Are there options more suitable for daily drinking?
Reviews of Powerade
POWERADE is currently the third-ranked sports drink in the United States.
What is POWERADE?
POWERADE was created in 1988 to ensure hard-working athletes get the hydration they need to continue striving to improve their game.
POWERADE comes with a unique advanced electrolyte solution called ION4 that helps replenish the four electrolytes lost during sweat: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Due to the good effects of POWERADE, this sports drink has become a popular choice among athletes, bodybuilders, office workers and students.
($5.98 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)
✅ What are the advantages of POWERADE?
Powered by the unique ION4 Advanced Electrolyte System, it helps replenish four electrolytes lost during sweat: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
POWERADE is formulated with 50% more electrolytes than Gatorade Thirst Quencher.
It also contains vitamins C and B12 — new ingredients in the POWERADE formula that are not found in Gatorade.
A 6% carbohydrate solution gives you the energy power through.
The contour of the bottle makes it easy to hold in the hand.
The packaging features bright flavor colors that make it eye-catching.
A popular drink with some nutritional value, recovery benefits and a reasonable price.
❌What are the disadvantages of POWERADE - why are we looking for alternatives to POWERADE?
Powerade contains a lot of added sugar: Each 12-ounce serving provides 19 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from high-fructose corn syrup.
Powerade's vibrant colors are achieved through the use of food dyes such as Blue 1, Red 40 and Yellow 5. Some have questioned the safety of dyes.
Some reviewers didn't like the taste, finding it too sweet.
5 Better Powerade Substitutes (No Sugar or Less Sugar)
Worried about the above disadvantages of Powerade? Don't worry!
I'll show you the best sports drinks and electrolyte drinks in our pick of the best Powerade alternatives:
BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink
Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water
Gatorade Fit
Propel Fitness Water Electrolyte Hydration
NOOMA Organic Hydrating Sports Drink
▶︎The Best Electrolyte Drinks Comparison Chart
How to choose a hydrating drink that suits you? You can briefly compare their nutrition and efficacy:
POWERADE | BODYARMOR LYTE | Harmless Harvest | Gatorade Fit | Propel | NOOMA |
($5.98 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) | ($37.99 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back & Save $16.99) | ($43.20 FROM Harmless Harvest - Get Up To 8% Cash Back) | ($27.99 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) | ($12.58 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) | ($31.99 FROM Amazon) |
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Reviews of 5 Better POWERADE 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. 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
✴ 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.
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