Is Prime high in calories? Separating Hydration vs. Energy

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official manufacturers, Prime Hydration contains just 20-25 calories per bottle, making it a very low-calorie beverage. This is in contrast to the higher calorie counts found in many traditional sports drinks loaded with added sugars.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the calorie content of Prime Hydration and Prime Energy, contrasting their nutritional profiles and use cases. It explores how these drinks compare to competitors and discusses whether they are high in calories, examining their ingredients like electrolytes, BCAAs, and sweeteners.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Drinks: Prime Hydration and Prime Energy are both low in calories, containing 20-25 kcal per bottle and 10 kcal per can, respectively.
Hydration vs. Energy: Prime Hydration is caffeine-free and low-calorie, while Prime Energy contains 200mg of caffeine and is also low-calorie.
Zero Added Sugar: The low calorie count is due to the use of artificial sweeteners, as both product lines contain zero added sugars.
Not for Intense Performance: Despite electrolytes, Prime Hydration lacks sufficient sodium and carbohydrates for optimal replenishment during intense, long-duration exercise.
High Caffeine Risks: The 200mg of caffeine in Prime Energy is a significant dose and not suitable for children or individuals sensitive to stimulants.
Health Considerations: Beyond calories, factors like artificial sweeteners and imbalanced electrolyte profiles should be considered when choosing Prime for regular consumption.

Understanding the Two Prime Drink Formulations

Before asking, "Is Prime high in calories?" it is crucial to recognize that Prime offers two distinct product lines: Prime Hydration and Prime Energy. The calorie content varies significantly between these two. Prime Hydration, typically sold in bottles, is a caffeine-free sports drink, while Prime Energy, available in cans, contains a high dose of caffeine.

Prime Hydration: Low Calorie for Everyday Replenishment

Prime Hydration is marketed as a healthier sports drink alternative aimed at general hydration and replenishment. A 16.9 fl oz (500ml) bottle contains only 20-25 calories and zero added sugars, using artificial sweeteners for flavor. Its key ingredients include 10% coconut water, electrolytes, B vitamins, and BCAAs.

Prime Energy: Higher Stimulant, Still Low Calorie

Prime Energy is designed for a stimulant-fueled energy boost and is not recommended for children or those sensitive to stimulants. A 12-ounce can contains approximately 10 calories and zero added sugar. It includes 200mg of caffeine per can, electrolytes, and B vitamins.

Comparison: Is Prime High in Calories vs. Competitors?

When comparing Prime to traditional sports and energy drinks, the answer to "Is Prime high in calories?" becomes clear. The brand's products are on the lower end of the calorie spectrum compared to older, sugar-heavy alternatives.

Comparison Table: Prime vs. Other Drinks


Feature	Prime Hydration (16.9 fl oz)	Gatorade (12 fl oz)	Prime Energy (12 fl oz)	Red Bull (8.4 fl oz)
Calories	20-25 kcal	80-140 kcal	10 kcal	112 kcal
Added Sugar	0g	21g+	0g	27g
Caffeine	0mg	0mg	200mg	80mg
Electrolytes	800-850mg	~450mg	355mg	Present

Prime Hydration has significantly fewer calories and no added sugar compared to sugary sports drinks like Gatorade. Prime Energy also offers a much lower calorie count than a standard energy drink like Red Bull, though it has a higher caffeine concentration.

The Role of Ingredients in Calorie Content

The primary reason Prime products are low in calories is the use of artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. While low-calorie is beneficial for weight management, it means Prime offers very little in the way of carbohydrate fuel for sustained, high-intensity exercise. Artificial sweeteners like Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium provide intense sweetness with virtually no calories, while electrolytes contribute minimally to the calorie count.

Potential Health Considerations Beyond Calories

While low calorie is a key selling point, consider overall health implications. For intense athletic performance over an hour, a drink with more balanced electrolytes and carbohydrates may be more effective than Prime Hydration. The amount of sodium in Prime Hydration is low compared to sweat losses. The long-term effects of artificial sweeteners are still being researched, and some authorities recommend reducing overall sweetness in one's diet. The high caffeine level in Prime Energy (200mg) can cause side effects, especially in sensitive individuals.

How to Determine if Prime Fits Your Lifestyle

Determining if Prime is right for you depends on your goals. Prime Hydration is suitable for cutting calories from sugary drinks or for general hydration. Prime Energy is for those seeking a strong caffeine boost without high calories, but be aware of the high caffeine intake risks. Serious athletes may need a drink with a more balanced electrolyte profile and carbohydrates for performance and recovery. Consulting resources like the American College of Sports Medicine can provide more information on exercise nutrition.

Conclusion: Low Calorie, But Not for Every Need

In conclusion, Prime drinks are not high in calories. Prime Hydration has 20-25 calories per bottle, and Prime Energy has 10 calories per can. This is due to the use of artificial sweeteners. While low-calorie, Prime is not a direct substitute for high-performance sports drinks for intense exercise. Consider the hydration drink's low sodium content and the energy drink's high caffeine levels based on your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 16.9 fl oz bottle of Prime Hydration contains between 20 and 25 calories, depending on the flavor.

A 12-ounce can of Prime Energy contains approximately 10 calories.

No, Prime drinks are not high in sugar. Both Prime Hydration and Prime Energy contain zero added sugar and are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.

As a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, Prime can fit into a weight loss plan. However, it should not be considered a miracle drink and moderation is still important.

Only Prime Energy contains caffeine (200mg per can). Prime Hydration is caffeine-free and intended for general hydration.

Prime Hydration has significantly fewer calories (20-25 kcal) than traditional Gatorade (80-140 kcal), as Gatorade contains high levels of added sugar.

For short-duration, casual exercise, Prime Hydration is fine. However, for intense, long-duration workouts, its low sodium and carbohydrate content make it less effective than traditional sports drinks for performance and recovery.

Prime contains a decent amount of potassium and magnesium, but its sodium content is notably low compared to what is lost in sweat during vigorous exercise.

Children should not consume Prime Energy due to its high caffeine content. Prime Hydration is caffeine-free, but some health experts still recommend water for most children's hydration needs.