Does Gatorade use brominated vegetable oil? A nutrition diet update

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

In July 2024, the FDA revoked authorization for the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in all food and beverages, citing new studies and potential health risks. The long-awaited decision follows consumer pressure and proactive reformulation efforts by companies, directly impacting the answer to: Does Gatorade use brominated vegetable oil? The simple answer is no; they have not used this ingredient for over a decade.

Quick Summary

PepsiCo removed the food additive brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from Gatorade products back in 2013 due to consumer concerns. The FDA officially banned BVO from all U.S. food and beverages in 2024, ensuring its removal from the entire food supply chain going forward. This action addresses long-standing safety questions.

Key Points

Gatorade is BVO-Free: PepsiCo voluntarily removed brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from all Gatorade products in 2013 due to consumer pressure.
FDA Ban Implemented: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its ban on BVO in July 2024, officially deeming the additive unsafe for food use based on new scientific evidence.
Health Concerns Prompted Action: Concerns over BVO stemmed from animal studies showing potential for bromine accumulation in body tissues, potentially harming the thyroid and nervous system.
Safer Emulsifiers Used: In place of BVO, Gatorade now uses safer, FDA-approved stabilizers such as glycerol ester of rosin and sucrose acetate isobutyrate.
Labeling and Compliance: While most major brands have long removed BVO, checking ingredient lists is prudent until the FDA's August 2025 compliance date has passed, especially for smaller brands.
International Bans Existed Before US Action: BVO has been banned in numerous countries, including the UK, EU, and Japan, for years, which contributed to its eventual phase-out in the U.S..

The Voluntary Removal of BVO from Gatorade

PepsiCo, the parent company of Gatorade, voluntarily removed brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from its products, including Gatorade, in 2013. This decision was largely driven by a widely circulated Change.org petition started by a Mississippi teenager that garnered significant public attention. Prior to the domestic removal, Gatorade had already been selling BVO-free formulations in countries like the UK and Japan, where the additive was banned much earlier. This indicated that a suitable alternative was already available and being used globally.

BVO Replaced by Safer Alternatives

To achieve the same emulsifying effect that BVO once provided—preventing citrus flavors from separating and floating to the top—Gatorade and other beverage manufacturers turned to safer alternatives. Modern ingredient lists for Gatorade products, such as the Thirst Quencher Orange flavor, show that BVO has been replaced. For example, Gatorade Orange now contains glycerol ester of rosin and sucrose acetate isobutyrate, among other ingredients. These alternatives are approved by food safety agencies and do not carry the same health concerns associated with BVO.

Why BVO Became a Controversial Food Additive

Brominated vegetable oil is a vegetable oil modified with bromine. Its purpose is to stabilize flavor oils and ensure an even distribution in fruit-flavored beverages. However, safety concerns arose over time due to studies showing that bromine can accumulate in the body's fat tissues and organs, including the liver, heart, and brain. Chronic, high-level exposure has been linked to potential health issues, including neurological symptoms and harm to the thyroid.

The FDA's Landmark 2024 Ban on BVO

The FDA's final ban on BVO in July 2024 marked the culmination of decades of research and growing public concern. The move followed state-level action, such as the California Food Safety Act passed in 2023, which also targeted BVO. The final rule went into effect on August 2, 2024, with a one-year compliance period for manufacturers to reformulate products and clear old inventory from shelves. This provides a definitive end to BVO's use in the American food supply, a significant win for food safety advocates.

Comparison of Old Gatorade vs. Modern Sports Drinks


Feature	Old Gatorade (Pre-2013)	Modern Gatorade (Post-2013)	Other Modern BVO-Free Drinks (e.g., BioSteel)
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)	Yes, in some citrus flavors.	No.	No, uses other emulsifiers or none.
Emulsifiers Used	BVO, Gum Arabic	Glycerol Ester of Rosin, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate.	Various, including plant-based alternatives or none.
Sweeteners Used	Sugar, Dextrose.	Sugar, Dextrose (Traditional) or Sucralose (Zero Sugar).	Varies (e.g., plant-based sweeteners).
Flavors	Natural and/or Artificial.	Natural and/or Artificial.	Often uses natural flavors.
Sodium Content	Standardized.	Standardized.	Varies by brand.

Conclusion: Making Informed Nutrition Choices

In conclusion, the question of whether Does Gatorade use brominated vegetable oil? has a clear and definitive answer: no. PepsiCo voluntarily removed the ingredient long ago, and a subsequent, definitive FDA ban in 2024 solidified its complete removal from the entire American food supply. For those concerned with food additives, this provides clear guidance. When making beverage choices, especially within a balanced nutrition diet, it is always best practice to check ingredient labels. Alternatives for hydration include plain water and natural electrolyte sources, but for those needing a sports drink, knowing that major brands like Gatorade are now BVO-free can provide peace of mind. For authoritative information on food additives and food safety, refer to the official website of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Here are the key takeaways regarding BVO and your diet:

BVO was completely removed from Gatorade products by PepsiCo in 2013, well before the national ban.
The FDA officially banned BVO in July 2024, concluding it is unsafe for consumption.
Gatorade now uses approved emulsifiers like glycerol ester of rosin to stabilize its citrus flavors.
Health concerns related to BVO included potential harm to the thyroid and nervous system, particularly with high consumption.
Checking ingredient labels remains the best way to ensure you are consuming BVO-free products until the 2025 compliance date passes, though most major brands have already reformulated.
For athletes and active individuals, water or BVO-free sports drinks can be used for rehydration and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a food additive used to emulsify citrus flavors in beverages, preventing the flavor oils from separating and floating to the top.

PepsiCo, Gatorade's parent company, stopped using BVO in its Gatorade products in 2013 following a successful online petition from a concerned consumer, even though the ingredient was still technically permitted by the FDA at the time.

Health concerns linked to BVO include the accumulation of bromine in body fat and organs over time, which may potentially lead to neurological issues and affect thyroid function, especially with high consumption.

The FDA finalized a rule revoking the regulation allowing BVO use in July 2024. The rule is effective August 2, 2024, with a one-year compliance period for manufacturers.

Instead of BVO, modern Gatorade products utilize other food-approved emulsifiers and stabilizers, such as glycerol ester of rosin and sucrose acetate isobutyrate.

Yes, current Gatorade formulas do not contain BVO. However, a balanced nutrition diet should still limit high-sugar drinks, so consumption should be moderated, particularly for those who are not intensely active.

Yes, the FDA ban applies to all food and beverages in the U.S., meaning other citrus-flavored sodas and store-brand drinks that may have still contained BVO must be reformulated by August 2025.