Whether you’re an athlete, cheerleader or just plain thirsty, at some point you’ve probably had Gatorade or its vitamin-enhanced water, Propel. Both contain many of the same ingredients, and have been widely marketed as sports drinks claiming to re-hydrate you. Both quench thirst and offer several flavors, but their nutritional values and ingredients differ.
Price
The painful truth is that when you're shopping, your budget often decides what goes into your grocery cart. Thankfully, neither Propel nor Gatorade is much more expensive than their sports drink counterparts--usually around two bucks for a 20-ounce Propel or a 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade. If you drink a lot, you can save money by buying in bulk--they also both come in 24 packs-- or buying the powdered versions, which you can use to mix into plain water.
Carbohydrates
Your body uses carbohydrates to produce energy. In comparing 20 ounces of each, Gatorade contains 35 grams. Propel comes in second, with only 5 grams. Potassium and phosphorous are also considered carbohydrates. Propel contains 55 milligrams of potassium, whereas Gatorade has 75 milligrams. A 20-ounce serving of Gatorade boasts 60 milligrams of phosphorous, while Propel checks in with a whopping 148 milligrams.
Electrolytes
When you sweat, you lose fluids, which can quickly cause dehydration. Electrolytes help the body retain fluids, thus preventing dehydration. Propel contains 190 milligrams per 20 ounces. One of Gatorade's selling points is it replenishes electrolytes, and it delivers with a huge 275 milligrams per 20 ounces.
Sugar
To keep your glucose levels up during activity, you need calories. This helps maintain your body's energy levels. An easy and quick way to get calories is through sugar. Comparing 20 ounces of each, Gatorade has 35 grams of sugar while Propel has only 5 grams. But Propel also contains 49 milligrams of another form of sugar called sucralose.
Vitamins
Propel is marketed as water enhanced with vitamins, and it delivers more of them than Gatorade. Per 20 ounce bottle, Propel contains 10 percent of daily value of vitamin C and E. It also provides 25 percent daily value of niacin, B6 and pantothenic acid, which is used to digest fat, protein and carbs. Gatorade, conversely, has virtually no vitamins.
Conclusion
No matter whether you choose the Gatorade or Propel, rest assured that both products contain high levels of ingredients that help them do what they say they will do. Which one is better for you depends on what exactly you're looking for.
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