Is Gatorlyte Just as Good as Pedialyte? A Full Comparison

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 Advisory Board report, adult sales now account for at least half of all Pedialyte sales, indicating a massive shift in how these rehydration solutions are used. As Gatorade's Gatorlyte enters the scene, many adults are left wondering how this new option stacks up against the long-trusted Pedialyte.

Quick Summary

Gatorlyte offers a specialized blend of five electrolytes and lower sugar, while Pedialyte provides more electrolytes and lower sugar than traditional sports drinks. The best choice depends on your specific hydration needs and the cause of your fluid loss.

Key Points

Target Audience: Pedialyte is formulated for all ages recovering from illness, while Gatorlyte is geared towards athletes needing rapid rehydration.
Electrolyte Mix: Pedialyte contains a higher concentration of sodium and potassium, while Gatorlyte includes magnesium and calcium.
Sugar Levels: Pedialyte generally has less sugar than traditional Gatorade, which is beneficial during gastrointestinal distress; Gatorlyte is a lower-sugar option developed for sports.
Use for Illness: Pedialyte is the more medically appropriate choice for dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea, as excess sugar in other drinks can worsen symptoms.
Natural Ingredients: Gatorlyte is marketed with no artificial sweeteners or flavors, a feature not always found in standard Pedialyte products.
Taste Preference: Personal taste and tolerance can be a factor, with some finding the natural sweeteners in Gatorlyte more palatable, while Pedialyte can have a more clinical taste.
Medical Advice: For severe dehydration or persistent symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended regardless of which solution you choose.

For decades, Pedialyte has been the go-to oral rehydration solution for children and adults recovering from illness-related dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea. Produced by Abbott Laboratories, its medical-grade formula is scientifically designed to rehydrate effectively by replenishing vital fluids and electrolytes without excess sugar. Gatorade's entry into this market with Gatorlyte represents a strategic shift from its traditional sports drink formula, which is known for higher sugar content to fuel athletic performance. This creates a direct comparison between two potent, but distinct, rehydration options.

The Scientific Difference: Electrolyte Profile and Sugar Content

The fundamental difference between Gatorlyte and Pedialyte lies in their formulation. Pedialyte was created as a medical solution, with a precise balance of electrolytes and a low-sugar formula to optimize fluid absorption, particularly for those with gastrointestinal distress. The inclusion of zinc in some Pedialyte products is also a key feature, as it can help reduce the severity of diarrhea. Gatorlyte, while formulated for rapid rehydration, retains a slightly different nutritional profile, developed by Gatorade's sport scientists to address athlete-specific needs with a lower-sugar option compared to their classic sports drink.

Comparison Table: Gatorlyte vs. Pedialyte (Classic)


Feature	Gatorlyte (16.9 oz)	Pedialyte Classic (16.9 oz)
Sugar	12 g	12 g (per 12 oz, or 17 g per 16.9 oz)
Sodium	490 mg	620 mg (per 16.9 oz)
Potassium	350 mg	420 mg (per 16.9 oz)
Chloride	1,040 mg	1,240 mg (per 1 L)
Zinc	0 mg	7.8 mg (per 1 L)
Magnesium	105 mg	0 mg
Calcium	120 mg	0 mg
Target Audience	Athletes, general rapid rehydration	All ages, particularly for illness
Artificial Ingredients	None (natural sweeteners)	Yes (artificial flavors, sweeteners, dyes)

Why Lower Sugar Matters

For individuals experiencing dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea, a lower sugar concentration is critical. Excess sugar can draw water into the gastrointestinal tract, potentially worsening diarrhea and hindering recovery. This is a primary reason why Pedialyte has long been the medical recommendation for illness. While Gatorlyte also offers a low-sugar alternative to traditional sports drinks, Pedialyte's formulation is specifically designed to work effectively even during stomach flu episodes.

When to Choose Which Hydration Solution

The choice between Gatorlyte and Pedialyte ultimately depends on the source of your dehydration. For those with illness-induced dehydration, Pedialyte's formula is better optimized. This is particularly true for children, where Pedialyte is specifically recommended, but the same principle applies to adults. The balanced electrolyte ratio and inclusion of zinc are strong advantages. For exercise-induced dehydration, both products can be effective. Gatorlyte's blend of five electrolytes and natural ingredients makes it a powerful option for athletes seeking rapid rehydration without the high sugar load of regular Gatorade.

Best for illness: Pedialyte is typically the better choice for dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea, as its specific formulation is designed to be gentle on the gut and not exacerbate symptoms.

Best for athletic recovery: Gatorlyte is designed for athletes needing rapid rehydration post-workout. Its lower sugar profile offers a solid electrolyte replacement without the excessive carbs found in classic sports drinks.

Conclusion: The Right Drink for the Right Need

Is Gatorlyte just as good as Pedialyte? The answer is nuanced, as their effectiveness depends on the specific situation. For illness, Pedialyte remains the superior choice due to its medically-backed formulation, which is proven to rehydrate effectively without worsening gastrointestinal symptoms. For exercise, Gatorlyte provides a strong, lower-sugar alternative to classic sports drinks for rapid rehydration. While both are effective electrolyte beverages, understanding their different formulas is key to making the best choice for your hydration needs.

For more information on the World Health Organization's oral rehydration solutions, which serve as a foundation for products like Pedialyte, you can refer to the World Health Organization's guidelines on oral rehydration salts.

Key Takeaways

Pedialyte for Illness: Pedialyte's formula is optimized for illness-related dehydration, featuring lower sugar to prevent worsening diarrhea.
Gatorlyte for Athletes: Gatorlyte is a newer option designed for rapid rehydration after exercise, offering a superior electrolyte blend compared to traditional sports drinks.
Different Formulas: Pedialyte has more total electrolytes (sodium and potassium), while Gatorlyte includes calcium and magnesium.
Sugar Content: While both are lower in sugar than classic Gatorade, Pedialyte's formula is specifically crafted for medical rehydration where low sugar is crucial.
Ingredients: Gatorlyte uses natural sweeteners, whereas some Pedialyte products contain artificial ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pedialyte is often considered a better choice for hangovers due to its higher electrolyte concentration and lower sugar content, especially if you have an upset stomach. Alcohol can be dehydrating, and Pedialyte's formula is better suited to restoring electrolyte balance in this situation.

No. While Gatorlyte is lower in sugar than classic Gatorade, Pedialyte is the medically-recommended rehydration solution for children with vomiting and diarrhea. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte for mild to moderate dehydration in children.

Not necessarily. Pedialyte Classic typically contains a higher concentration of the primary electrolytes (sodium and potassium) compared to Gatorlyte. However, Gatorlyte includes magnesium and calcium, which are not present in Pedialyte Classic.

A standard 16.9 oz serving of Gatorlyte contains 12g of sugar, while Pedialyte Classic contains 17g of sugar. For this specific serving size, Pedialyte has slightly more sugar. However, both are significantly lower in sugar than classic Gatorade.

Neither Pedialyte nor Gatorlyte is recommended for everyday hydration. Both contain a significant amount of sodium, and for daily fluid intake, plain water is the best choice. These products are meant for specific rehydration needs, such as during or after illness or intense exercise.

Both solutions are formulated for rapid rehydration by balancing sugar and electrolytes to facilitate fluid absorption. Pedialyte's specific oral rehydration formula is proven to optimize fluid absorption, while Gatorlyte is also developed for speed, particularly for athletes.

Pedialyte's lower sugar content is crucial during episodes of diarrhea. High sugar can pull extra water into the gut, potentially worsening diarrhea. Pedialyte's balanced formula ensures effective rehydration without this risk.