Has Gatorade G2 Been Discontinued? The Truth About the Low-Calorie Drink

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2014, parent company PepsiCo officially discontinued the 'Natural' versions of Gatorade, including G2 Naturals. However, the fate of the standard Gatorade G2 line has been a source of confusion and debate for years, with many wondering, 'Has Gatorade G2 been discontinued?'.

Quick Summary

The standard Gatorade G2 line has not been officially discontinued by Gatorade as a whole, but its production and distribution have been significantly reduced, with some regions experiencing a complete lack of availability. This limited presence is largely due to market shifts favoring the zero-sugar Gatorade Zero product, which is now more heavily promoted and stocked by retailers. Consumers seeking a similar low-sugar, electrolyte-enhanced option can explore alternatives from Gatorade and other brands.

Key Points

G2 is Not Officially Discontinued but is Scarce: While Gatorade G2 has not been formally discontinued across all markets, its production and retail availability have been heavily reduced in favor of newer products.
Shift to Gatorade Zero is the Cause: The primary reason for G2's scarcity is Gatorade's strategic focus on promoting the zero-sugar, zero-calorie Gatorade Zero to meet rising consumer demand for low-sugar products.
G2 Naturals Were Discontinued in 2014: The separate G2 Naturals line was officially ended in 2014, contributing to wider consumer confusion about the status of the entire G2 product line.
Nutritional Profile Differs from Gatorade Zero: Unlike Gatorade Zero, which has no sugar, G2 contained half the sugar and calories of Original Gatorade, offering a modest carbohydrate fuel source for lighter exercise.
Alternatives Exist for G2 Drinkers: Consumers can find replacements in other Gatorade products like Gatorlyte or Gx Pods, or consider competitor brands such as Propel, Sqwincher, and DripDrop.

Why Is Gatorade G2 So Hard to Find?

The search for answers to 'Has Gatorade G2 been discontinued?' is a common one, fueled by its growing scarcity in many stores. The primary reason for G2's disappearing act is not a formal, global discontinuation of the product line, but rather a strategic business shift by manufacturer PepsiCo.

Gatorade has increasingly focused its resources and marketing efforts on the zero-sugar market, which has seen explosive growth in recent years. The company's answer to this trend is Gatorade Zero, a product that offers electrolytes with no sugar and no calories, directly competing with and often overshadowing the low-calorie G2.

The Rise of Gatorade Zero

Introduced to a market increasingly concerned with sugar intake, Gatorade Zero has captured a significant consumer base. For Gatorade, focusing on a single, clear-cut low-sugar option simplifies their product line and marketing message. Retailers have also responded to this demand by dedicating more shelf space to Gatorade Zero, leaving little room for the less-promoted G2.

The Confusion Over Discontinuation

Adding to the confusion are several other factors:

The Demise of G2 Naturals: In 2014, Gatorade officially killed off its 'Natural' product lines, which included a G2 Natural variation. This well-documented discontinuation may have led some consumers to believe the entire G2 line was gone.
Supply Chain and Regional Availability: Over the years, many customers have reported inconsistent availability, noting 'on and off shortages' even in recent years. This has led to speculation and frustration, with some areas losing access to G2 completely while others still have limited stock.
Marketing Focus: Since Gatorade's focus has shifted, G2 is no longer featured prominently in advertising or on the main product pages of Gatorade's website. This lack of promotion makes it seem as though the product is no longer a priority for the brand.

G2 vs. Gatorade Zero: A Nutritional Comparison

Understanding the differences between G2 and its zero-sugar successor helps clarify why some consumers still miss the original low-calorie formula. While both offer electrolytes, their nutritional profiles are distinct, and each serves a different purpose for athletes and active individuals.


Feature	Gatorade G2	Gatorade Zero	Original Gatorade
Calories	Roughly 50-60 per 20oz bottle	0	Roughly 140 per 20oz bottle
Sugar	Half the sugar of Original Gatorade	0	34g per 20oz bottle
Sweeteners	Sugar, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium	Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium	Sugar
Electrolytes	Same formula as Original Gatorade	Same formula as Original Gatorade	Sodium, Potassium
Purpose	Hydration with a small carb energy boost for lighter activity	Zero-sugar hydration for those controlling carbohydrate intake	Max hydration and carbohydrate energy for intense, prolonged activity

The presence of some sugar and calories in G2 was intentional, providing a small amount of carbohydrate fuel for less intense workouts where the full caloric load of Original Gatorade was unnecessary. Gatorade Zero, in contrast, is designed purely for hydration and electrolyte replacement, with athletes often getting their energy from other sources.

What are the alternatives to Gatorade G2?

For those who prefer the low-calorie, low-sugar profile of G2, there are several modern alternatives to consider, both within the Gatorade family and from competing brands.

Other Gatorade Products

Gatorlyte: Introduced in 2021, Gatorlyte is formulated for rapid rehydration using a 5-electrolyte blend and contains less sugar than Original Gatorade, though not completely zero. It is a strong competitor for the G2's market niche.
Gatorade Endurance Formula: Designed for long-duration athletes, this formula contains more electrolytes and carbs than the standard formula. While not a low-calorie option, it targets a specific performance need.
Gx Pods: This eco-friendly option allows users to customize their hydration by mixing concentrated pods with water. Some pod variations offer lower sugar content, similar to the G2 concept.

Other Brands

Propel Electrolyte Water: Owned by PepsiCo and leveraging its connection to Gatorade, Propel is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar option that includes Gatorade electrolytes and vitamins. It is arguably the official zero-calorie alternative to Gatorade Zero and G2.
Sqwincher: This competitor brand offers a range of electrolyte replacement beverages with various sugar and calorie levels. Their product comparisons can help users find a suitable replacement for G2.
DripDrop: This brand specializes in oral rehydration solutions, which contain a precise balance of electrolytes and a small amount of sugar for optimal absorption.

The Takeaway

While the answer to 'Has Gatorade G2 been discontinued?' is not a simple yes, its effective market disappearance for most consumers is a reality. The brand has evolved, shifting focus to its zero-sugar products and more specialized formulas. For loyal G2 drinkers, exploring alternatives like Gatorade Zero, Gatorlyte, or competing brands is the best path forward to find a hydration solution that meets their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Availability for Gatorade G2 is extremely limited and varies by region. While some areas, like certain regions in Canada, have reported still finding it, most US markets have seen its retail presence disappear in favor of Gatorade Zero.

Gatorade did not stop making G2 entirely but significantly scaled back production and distribution. This was a strategic business decision to focus on the more popular and aggressively marketed Gatorade Zero line, which offers a zero-sugar alternative that appeals to the growing low-sugar consumer market.

Yes, for many consumers, Gatorade Zero has effectively replaced G2 on store shelves. While G2 offered a low-sugar, low-calorie option, Gatorade Zero pushes further into the zero-calorie, zero-sugar territory, aligning with current market trends.

The main difference is the calorie and sugar content. G2 contains half the sugar and calories of original Gatorade, while Gatorade Zero contains none. Both offer similar electrolytes, but G2 provided a small carbohydrate boost that Gatorade Zero does not.

Yes, Gatorade G2 Naturals were officially discontinued by PepsiCo in 2014. These versions, which used natural sweeteners, did not resonate with consumers, leading to their removal from the market.

Neither is inherently 'better' for everyone; it depends on your hydration needs. G2 provided a minor amount of calories and carbohydrates for lighter exercise, while Gatorade Zero is purely for electrolyte replacement without any sugar intake. Individuals should choose based on their workout intensity and dietary goals.

You can try Gatorade Zero if you want a zero-calorie option, or Gatorlyte for rapid rehydration with lower sugar than the original formula. Other brands like Propel or Sqwincher also offer a range of lower-calorie and zero-calorie electrolyte drinks.