Does Propel Flavored Water Have Electrolytes?

December 2, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Propel was created as a fitness water with enough electrolytes to help replace what is lost in sweat. So, does Propel flavored water have electrolytes? The short answer is yes, and this beverage is specifically designed for hydration with added vitamins and zero calories.

Quick Summary

Propel flavored water is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar beverage formulated with electrolytes and vitamins C, E, and B for hydration. It contains sodium and potassium to help replenish what is lost during exercise and is sweetened with artificial sweeteners.

Key Points

Contains Electrolytes: Yes, Propel flavored water includes electrolytes, specifically sodium and potassium, to help with hydration.
Zero Calorie and Zero Sugar: Unlike traditional sports drinks, Propel contains no calories or sugar, using artificial sweeteners instead.
Enhanced with Vitamins: Propel is fortified with B vitamins and antioxidant vitamins C and E to support overall health.
Replaces Lost Minerals: The electrolytes in Propel are designed to help replace the minerals that are lost from the body through sweat during physical activity.
Best for Moderate Exercise: Propel is ideal for moderate workouts or general daily rehydration, while more intense, longer-duration exercise may require a drink with more carbohydrates.
Backed by Gatorade Scientists: The formulation of Propel is backed by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

Understanding Propel and Its Ingredients

Propel, from the makers of Gatorade, is a flavored water marketed as a fitness drink for rehydration. It contains electrolytes to replace minerals lost through sweat. Unlike many sports drinks, Propel is sugar-free, using artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and includes vitamins B, C, and E to support an active lifestyle.

The Role of Electrolytes in Your Body

Electrolytes are charged minerals vital for regulating fluid balance, supporting nerve and muscle function, and maintaining proper pH levels. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes along with water, making replenishment important for preventing dehydration, especially during exercise.

Propel's Electrolyte Content

Propel contains sodium and potassium, key electrolytes lost in sweat. Sodium helps with hydration and fluid balance, while potassium supports muscle function. A 20 oz serving of Propel provides about 270 mg of sodium and 70-75 mg of potassium, suitable for moderate workouts. For very intense exercise, more substantial electrolyte replacement might be needed.

Propel vs. Other Hydration Options

To see how Propel compares to other drinks, here's a table highlighting key features:


Feature	Propel	Traditional Sports Drink (e.g., Gatorade)	Plain Water	Coconut Water
Electrolytes	Contains sodium and potassium.	High in sodium and potassium.	Trace amounts of minerals.	High in potassium, lower in sodium.
Calories & Sugar	Zero calories and zero sugar.	Contains calories and sugar for energy.	Zero calories and zero sugar.	Contains natural sugars and calories.
Best Use Case	Moderate workouts, general rehydration.	Intense, prolonged exercise (over 60 mins).	Daily hydration, light activity.	Natural alternative, good for general hydration.
Additives	Vitamins B, C, E, and artificial sweeteners.	Artificial colors, flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup.	None.	Naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.

Who is Propel For?

Propel is a good option for those seeking a sugar-free, low-calorie flavored drink with electrolytes for hydration during moderate activity or as a flavorful alternative to plain water. However, athletes in high-intensity endurance events may need the carbohydrates provided by drinks like Gatorade.

Potential Downsides

Propel contains artificial sweeteners, which some consumers prefer to avoid. Excessive consumption could lead to too much sodium. It's intended as a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular water intake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Propel flavored water does contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, along with vitamins, offering zero-calorie, zero-sugar hydration suitable for moderate physical activity. It's a balanced choice for those wanting more than water without the sugar of traditional sports drinks. While great for casual workouts, more intense exercise might require a drink with higher electrolyte and carbohydrate levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is their caloric content and intended use. Propel has zero calories and zero sugar and is for moderate hydration, whereas Gatorade contains calories and sugar for energy, making it better for high-intensity exercise.

For moderate workouts, the electrolytes in Propel are sufficient. However, for intense, prolonged exercise, a drink with a higher concentration of electrolytes and carbohydrates, like traditional Gatorade, may be more appropriate.

Yes, by helping to replace lost sodium and potassium, Propel's electrolytes aid in proper muscle function and can help prevent cramps associated with dehydration during exercise.

Yes, Propel uses artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium to provide flavor without adding sugar or calories.

Propel is designed for active lifestyles and its zero-sugar content makes it a better option than sugary drinks. However, it's best to consult a pediatrician regarding the best hydration choices for children.

While plain water rehydrates you, Propel contains electrolytes that assist in fluid balance and help your body absorb and retain water more efficiently, which is particularly beneficial after sweating.

When consumed in moderation, Propel is generally safe. However, excessive intake can lead to an overload of sodium. Some people also have concerns about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners.

The primary electrolytes in Propel are sodium and potassium, listed on the ingredients label as sodium citrate and potassium citrate.

Propel can be a part of daily hydration, but it should be supplemented with plain water. It is especially useful during or after physical activity, but plain water should remain your primary source of hydration.