Can I drink Gatorade even if I'm not active?

Absolutely. Although Gatorade is formulated for when you are hot, sweaty and thirsty, it can be consumed just like any other beverage. Keep in mind that Gatorade contains only about 50% of the calories of fruit juices and regular soft drinks.

When should I drink Gatorade?

You can drink Gatorade anytime you are thirsty. Gatorade is not just for serious athletes, but can benefit all of us who enjoy being physically active.

Why is Gatorade better than water?

To learn more about why water does not put back everything that is lost through sweat, visit the Science of Hydration section of Gatorade's web site.

Should Gatorade be diluted 50:50 with water?

No it should not. Diluting Gatorade reduces its effectiveness because doing so waters down the taste, reduces the amount of carbohydrate that can be delivered to active muscles, and dilutes the sodium necessary for complete rehydration.

That is why care must be taken anytime Gatorade powder is mixed. Adding too much or too little water to the mix will adversely affect Gatorade efficacy.

Why is Gatorade better than other sports drinks?

Over thirty years of scientific research has gone into Gatorade to assure that its formula is optimal. Some other drinks call themselves sports drinks but do not have the right blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and flavoring to rapidly put back the stuff the body needs during physical activity.

Visit the Beverage Comparison Chart in the Science of Hydration section to see how Gatorade compares to other sports drinks, soft drinks and juices.

How is Gatorade different from energy drinks?

Gatorade is a thirst quencher, a fluid replacement beverage for use when people are hot and thirsty. "Energy" drinks (such as Lucozade, Red Bull, CarboPlex, and a variety of others) are closer in composition to Gatorade Performance Series Energy Drink- and are formulated to provide a concentrated source of carbohydrates.

Many of the energy drinks contain caffeine and about three times as much carbohydrate as Gatorade, as well as other substances like ginseng, taurine, etc.

As a result, these drinks slow fluid absorption and should not be used for those occasions when rapid replacement of fluid, carbohydrates and electrolytes is important.

Can diabetics drink Gatorade?

Yes, diabetics can actually benefit from Gatorade. Physically active diabetics who require periodic intake of carbohydrate to prevent hypoglycemia from occurring during and following activity should consume carbs during exercise.

Also, people with diabetes are prone to dehydration by way of their increased urine output, and Gatorade can help in that regard as well. People with diabetes should always consult a physician before making any change in dietary intake.

I can no longer find a specific flavor. What happened?

Periodically, we discontinue certain flavors in order to constantly bring new products to market for our consumers. The following flavors are no longer available: Gatorade Ice Orange, Gatorade Ice Lime, Gatorade Ice Strawberry, Gatorade Xtremo Citrico Vibrante, Gatorade ESPN The Flavor and Gatorade All*Stars Watermelon. Gatorade Citrus Cooler is still available, but only in certain regions of the United States.

Why do you use artificial color? Can you make Gatorade without artificial colors?

The colors of Gatorade not only look good but also help in flavor perception enabling you to tell different flavors apart. The colors are permitted for use in Gatorade by the FDA and are added at the lowest possible level to achieve the desired color. For those who prefer drinks without color, Gatorade Ice is available.

Why doesn't Gatorade contain fruit juice?

Fruit juice contains fructose in levels that slow gastric emptying and may result in intestinal upset when athletes drink it during exercise.

What is brominated vegetable oil (BVO)? What is its purpose? Does it add fat calories to the product?

BVO is used in the manufacturing of some Gatorade flavorings to provide stability to the flavor emulsion. It is used in very low levels and does not contribute any fat calories.

Does Gatorade contain caffeine? Why not?

Gatorade does not contain caffeine for two important reasons: 1) caffeine is a drug, not a nutrient, and 2) caffeine is a diuretic, increasing urine production and adding to dehydration. That's one reason why rehydration is much better with Gatorade than with caffeinated colas.

That is why care must be taken anytime Gatorade powder is mixed. Adding too much or too little water to the mix will adversely affect Gatorade efficacy.

What does it mean that Gatorade is a 6% carbohydrate beverage? How is carbohydrate percentage calculated?

Years of laboratory research has shown that a 6% carbohydrate solution provides the best taste profile when exercising, is rapidly emptied from the stomach and absorbed by the intestine, and delivers performance-enhancing energy to active muscles better than lower or higher concentrations of carbohydrate.

When checking carbohydrate percentages, don't be misled by the percent of carbohydrate listed on the Nutrition Facts panel. That is a statement of carbohydrate content versus a person's total daily diet, instead of the actual amount of carbohydrate content in an 8-oz. serving of a beverage.

You can calculate the carbohydrate percentage of any beverage simply by knowing the total carbohydrate content (identified on the Nutrition Facts panel of the label) and the serving size in milliliters (also listed on the label). Gatorade contains 14 grams of carbohydrate in every 240-ml (8-oz) serving. So, 14/240 x 100 = 5.8% carbohydrate (we round up to 6% just to make things easy to remember.)

What is the osmolality of Gatorade?

In scientific terms, osmolality is a measure of the number of particles in a solution. For example, water has a very low osmolality (close to zero) where cranberry juice cocktail has a very high osmolality because there are a lot of sugar molecules dissolved in it.

The osmolality of Gatorade is close to that of our blood, a factor that helps assure rapid absorption. If beverage osmolality becomes too high (e.g. soft drinks and fruit juices), the rate of fluid absorption is slowed.

Is there any scientific basis for the way Gatorade tastes?

Yes, Gatorade is formulated to taste best during physical activity because it contains electrolytes and the right flavor profile to help drive the thirst mechanism.

The right flavor profile is achieved by creating flavors that are light and not overpowering so that they can be consumed in large quantities with minimum sensory overload during physical activity.

Gatorade also has carefully avoided the use of artificial preservatives that can cause a throat burning sensation during exercise

What are the electrolytes in Gatorade?

In Gatorade, the key electrolytes are the minerals sodium, potassium and chloride. For more information on electrolytes and the role that they play in rehydration, please visit the Science of Hydration section.

How are new Gatorade flavors determined?

New flavors are arrived at through a process that involves coming up with new flavor ideas, development and screening of prototypes, making revisions as necessary, and finally testing with athletes in an exercise setting. A new product launch can take six months to several years depending on the complexity of the beverage.

Is Gatorade Kosher Certified?

No, Gatorade is not Kosher Certified.

What Gatorade flavors are most popular?

The most popular flavors of Gatorade continue to be Lemon Lime, Orange, and Fruit Punch.

Why don't you make Gatorade with Nutrasweet^®?

A noncaloric artificial sweetener, like Nutrasweet, takes the place of the carbohydrates that are so critical to stimulating rapid fluid replenishment and providing energy to working muscles.

Is Gatorade safe for infants and toddlers?

While Gatorade should never be used as a substitute for milk, infants and toddlers can safely drink Gatorade once they are weaned off breast milk or formula and begin consuming food, fruit juices and other beverages. It is best to consult with your pediatrician prior to introducing new foods into your infant's diet.

Why do some pediatricians recommend Gatorade?

Pediatricians frequently recommend Gatorade to keep children adequately hydrated. Sick kids can dehydrate quickly by losing fluid as a result of fever (sweating) and diarrhea. Pediatricians know that Gatorade helps put back fluids and electrolytes fast.

One thing to keep in mind is that Gatorade is a sports drink and is not specifically formulated as an oral rehydration solution for persistent, severe diarrhea. Please consult with your pediatrician if persistent, severe diarrhea develops.

How long can I keep a bottle of opened Gatorade to drink later?

Once opened, Gatorade should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-5 days after opening.

What is the shelf life of an unopened Gatorade?

For optimal flavor, the product should be consumed within 9 months or less.

Why aren't tamper bands on all Gatorade packages?

Gatorade's plastic caps have bands that separate once the cap has been loosened. Tamper bands are used on caps that don't provide built in tamper evidence including 24-ounce E.D.G.E.

What is the best temperature for storing Gatorade? How about Gatorade Powder?

Liquid Gatorade will store best when kept at refrigerator temperature, about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Powder should be kept in a cool (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit or less), dry place.

Are the plastic Gatorade bottles recyclable?

Yes.

What is Gatorade Endurance Formula and how does it differ from Gatorade Thirst Quencher?

Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink with a unique blend of five electrolytes designed to meet the fluid and electrolyte needs of elite and endurance athletes during their longer, more intense workouts.

Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains the electrolytes sodium, chloride and potassium – the key electrolytes lost through sweat. Gatorade Endurance Formula contains more sodium and potassium as well as chloride, calcium and magnesium to more fully replace what elite and endurance athletes lose during their longer and more intense training sessions and competitions.

Both Gatorade Thirst Quencher and Gatorade Endurance Formula contain a 6% carbohydrate solution that helps speed fluid back into the body and fuel working muscles. Research shows that Gatorade is absorbed just as fast as water.

Why is Gatorade introducing Gatorade Endurance Formula?

Elite and endurance athletes often have greater sweat and electrolyte losses due to engaging in longer, more intense workouts. To help these athletes more fully replace the electrolytes they lose in sweat during these longer, more intense workouts, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute created Gatorade Endurance Formula.

How do I know whether I should be drinking Gatorade Thirst Quencher or Gatorade Endurance Formula?

Both Gatorade Thirst Quencher and Gatorade Endurance Formula are scientifically formulated to meet the hydration needs of athletes.

For most active people and athletes, Gatorade Thirst Quencher is the appropriate beverage to help replace the fluid and electrolytes lost through sweat and provide energy to fuel working muscles.

However, we know through extensive research that elite and endurance athletes often have greater fluid and electrolyte losses during their longer and more intense workouts. For these occasions, Gatorade Endurance Formula more fully replaces what is lost in sweat.