Gatorade is a hydration drink designed for athletes. It is not carbonated and contains sugar and electrolytes to promote energy and fluid balance for high intensity sweat sessions. Gatorade is produced by the Quaker Oats Company, a division of PespiCo. Available in dozens of flavors and varieties, Gatorade sports drinks all contain similar ingredients despite their multiple colors and flavors.
Water
The primary ingredient in Gatorade is water. Water promotes hydration for athletes, which is the goal of Gatorade.
Sucrose and Dextrose
In 2010, Gatorade replaced high fructose corn syrup with a sucrose-dextrose blend. These sugars intend to provide fuel for working muscles. They also give Gatorade its sweet taste. Sucrose is simply ordinary table sugar. Dextrose is a sweetener found in fruits and honey.
Citric Acid and Sodium Citrate
Citric acid and sodium citrate provides a tart flavor and helps control the acid level of Gatorade. It is a completely safe additive, notes the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Sodium citrate is one of the salts in citric acid.
Salt
Salt is added to Gatorade to replace sodium lost while exercising. Sodium is a primary electrolyte essential to hydration and muscle function. The other electrolytes in Gatorade are potassium and chloride.
Monopotassium Phosphate
Monopotassium phosphate is a dissolvable salt that provides phosphorus and potassium. It helps regulate the pH balance of Gatorade and keeps the drink from separating.
Gum Arabic
Gum arabic is derived from natural sources. It serves as a thickener and prevents sugar crystals from forming in Gatorade. It also keeps all of Gatorade's ingredients blended together.
Glycerol Ester of Rosin and Brominated Vegetable Oil
Glycerol ester of rosin is listed as the second to last ingredient in Gatorade. It helps to keep the fluid stable and mixed together. The last ingredient in Gatorade is brominated vegetable oil. It keeps flavor oils distributed in the Gatorade and does not contribute any fat calories, notes the Gatorade official website.
Artificial Colors
Gatorade uses artificial colors to make their drinks distinctive and the flavors distinguishable. All the artificial colors used are approved by the FDA.
Sucralose
Gatorade's low-calorie version -- G2 -- includes sucralose, which is a no-calorie, artificial sweetener. The FDA approved sucralose for use in food products in 1998.
B Vitamins
Gatorade Prime, a thicker pre-workout drink available in 4 oz. pouches, aims to offer an energy before competition. In addition to higher concentrations of the sucrose and dextrose combination, Prime contains added B vitamins -- specifically niacin, pantothenic acid and B6, which aid in energy metabolism.
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