The composition of Gatorade products varies depending upon the product in question, as well as the country in which it is sold. Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains water, sucrose (table sugar), dextrose, citric acid, natural flavour, sodium chloride (table salt), sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate and flavouring/colouring ingredients; some Gatorade flavour variations use brominated vegetable oil as a stabilizer. An eight US fluid ounces (240 ml) serving of Gatorade Perform 02 (Gatorade Thirst Quencher) contains 50 calories, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 110 mg sodium and 30 mg potassium. In regards to sweeteners, Gatorade Thirst Quencher is produced using a sucrose-dextrose mix.
For a period of time in the 1990s and early 2000s, high fructose corn syrup was used to sweeten Gatorade distributed in North America; however in 2010 HFCS was removed. It was replaced by a sucrose-dextrose combination, with the company citing consumer preferences as the primary reason for this change. G2 and G2 Natural, labelled as being "lower calorie” variants, are sweetened in part with PureVia, an extract of the Stevia plant.
The composition in Gatorade is designed for re-hydration during physical activity, and the American College of Sports Medicine has supported its consumption with this purpose in mind as it has recommended flavored drinks (such as Gatorade) when fluid replacement is needed during and after exercise to enhance palatability and promote fluid replacement.The presence of calories, sugar and sodium in Gatorade products has drawn attention from public school constituents, who have raised question over whether the sale of Gatorade beverages should be permitted in such schools.
In 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sponsored a bill which proposed a ban on the sale of sports drinks in California schools. The issue remains at debate among educators, parents and lawmakers; companies involved with the production of sports drinks (such as PepsiCo) have expressed alignment with researchers who state that, when it comes to vigorous sports and other similar physical activity, Gatorade provides an advantage in hydration benefits, supporting the perspective that it should be made accessible in schools.
For a period of time in the 1990s and early 2000s, high fructose corn syrup was used to sweeten Gatorade distributed in North America; however in 2010 HFCS was removed. It was replaced by a sucrose-dextrose combination, with the company citing consumer preferences as the primary reason for this change. G2 and G2 Natural, labelled as being "lower calorie” variants, are sweetened in part with PureVia, an extract of the Stevia plant.
The composition in Gatorade is designed for re-hydration during physical activity, and the American College of Sports Medicine has supported its consumption with this purpose in mind as it has recommended flavored drinks (such as Gatorade) when fluid replacement is needed during and after exercise to enhance palatability and promote fluid replacement.The presence of calories, sugar and sodium in Gatorade products has drawn attention from public school constituents, who have raised question over whether the sale of Gatorade beverages should be permitted in such schools.
In 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sponsored a bill which proposed a ban on the sale of sports drinks in California schools. The issue remains at debate among educators, parents and lawmakers; companies involved with the production of sports drinks (such as PepsiCo) have expressed alignment with researchers who state that, when it comes to vigorous sports and other similar physical activity, Gatorade provides an advantage in hydration benefits, supporting the perspective that it should be made accessible in schools.
