Is Propel Fitness water the same as Gatorade? Uncovering the key differences

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

While both Propel and Gatorade are made by the same parent company, PepsiCo, they are fundamentally different products designed for distinct hydration needs. Classic Gatorade is a sports drink packed with sugar and carbs for intense workouts, whereas Propel is a zero-sugar fitness water for everyday hydration.

Quick Summary

Propel is a zero-calorie, vitamin-enhanced fitness water, while Gatorade is a carbohydrate-fueled sports drink, though both are products of the same company and contain similar electrolytes.

Key Points

Shared Ownership, Different Products: Both Propel and Gatorade are made by PepsiCo under the Gatorade Company, but they are distinctly different beverages.
Zero Sugar vs. High Sugar: Propel is zero-sugar and zero-calorie, designed for general hydration, while classic Gatorade contains sugar and calories for high-intensity athletic performance.
Enhanced with Vitamins: Propel is fortified with vitamins like B3, B5, B6, C, and E, a nutritional benefit not found in classic Gatorade.
Different Use Cases: Use Propel for light workouts and general hydration, but opt for classic Gatorade when you need quick carbohydrate replenishment during prolonged, strenuous exercise.
Artificial Sweeteners: Propel achieves its zero-sugar status using artificial sweeteners, contrasting with classic Gatorade's reliance on sugar for energy.

Shared Roots, Different Paths: The PepsiCo Connection

Though they might be shelved side-by-side in stores, the relationship between Propel and Gatorade is more like siblings with different roles rather than twins. Propel was created by the Gatorade Company in 2002 as a distinct, zero-calorie fitness water offering to meet the needs of exercisers who want a flavored hydration option without the extra calories and sugar. This positions Propel as the lighter, everyday hydration choice within PepsiCo's broader beverage portfolio, which was reorganized in 2023 to connect multiple brands under the Gatorade umbrella. The marketing of each product reflects this core difference: Gatorade targets high-performance athletes needing fuel, while Propel is for general fitness and active lifestyles.

The Crucial Nutritional Differences

The most significant and impactful distinction between Propel and Gatorade lies in their nutritional makeup. This is where fitness enthusiasts and casual exercisers need to pay the most attention to ensure they are choosing the right drink for their specific activity level and dietary goals.

Sugar and Calorie Content

Classic Gatorade: A standard 20-ounce bottle of classic Gatorade is designed to replenish carbohydrates lost during intense exercise, and as such, it contains a significant amount of sugar and calories. A typical bottle has around 140 calories and 36 grams of sugar.
Propel Fitness Water: In stark contrast, Propel is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar product. It is sweetened with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, making it an option for those managing calorie intake or watching their sugar consumption.

Electrolytes and Vitamins

Electrolytes: Both products contain electrolytes, primarily sodium and potassium, which help replace what is lost through sweat. Propel is explicitly marketed as containing "Gatorade electrolytes," linking it to the parent brand's legacy.
Vitamins: Propel distinguishes itself by being enhanced with a variety of vitamins, including B vitamins (B3, B5, B6) and antioxidant vitamins C and E. This is a feature not typically found in classic Gatorade, adding a layer of nutritional benefit for general wellness.

Comparison Table: Propel vs. Gatorade (Classic)


Feature	Propel Fitness Water	Classic Gatorade	Gatorade Zero (For comparison)
Calories	Zero	Approximately 140 per 20 oz	Approximately 10 per 20 oz
Sugar	Zero	Approximately 36g per 20 oz	Zero
Carbohydrates	Zero	Approximately 36g per 20 oz	~1g per 20 oz
Electrolytes	Contains sodium and potassium	Contains sodium and potassium	Contains sodium and potassium
Added Vitamins	B vitamins, C, E	No added vitamins	No added vitamins
Sweeteners	Artificial sweeteners	Sugar, Dextrose, Fructose	Artificial sweeteners
Target Use	General hydration, light workouts	High-intensity, prolonged exercise	Low-intensity exercise, everyday hydration

The Right Choice for Your Workout

Choosing between Propel and Gatorade depends entirely on your specific hydration and performance needs. Think of it in terms of a car's fuel: you wouldn't use high-octane racing fuel for a trip to the grocery store, just as you wouldn't use standard fuel for a high-performance track event. The drinks are formulated for different metabolic demands.

Choose Propel if:
- You are performing a low to moderate-intensity workout.
- You are looking for flavored hydration without added sugar and calories.
- You want the benefits of electrolytes and vitamins during your daily routine.
- You are following a keto-friendly or low-carb diet.
Choose Gatorade if:
- You are engaging in strenuous, high-intensity, or endurance-based exercise.
- You need to quickly replenish carbohydrates to fuel your muscles.
- You are an athlete needing a rapid energy source for peak performance.

For those who prefer a zero-sugar option but are loyal to the Gatorade brand, Gatorade Zero is a third option that combines Gatorade's electrolyte blend with zero sugar.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, is Propel Fitness water the same as Gatorade? The simple answer is no. While sharing a corporate family and a core element (electrolytes), the two beverages are formulated for different consumers and purposes. Propel is designed for the everyday active individual seeking zero-calorie, zero-sugar hydration with added vitamins, whereas classic Gatorade is a sports drink specifically formulated to fuel and refuel performance athletes during intense activity. Understanding these distinct nutritional profiles is key to making an informed choice that best supports your personal fitness journey.

For more information on the brands and their products, visit the PepsiCo official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Propel Fitness water is manufactured by the Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo.

No, Propel is a zero-sugar and zero-calorie drink, unlike classic Gatorade which contains a significant amount of sugar for energy.

For general hydration or less intense workouts, Propel is often considered healthier due to its lack of sugar and calories. Gatorade is designed for endurance athletes needing carb replenishment.

Yes, Propel is marketed as containing 'Gatorade electrolytes,' specifically sodium and potassium, though the amounts can vary slightly depending on the specific product.

You should choose Propel when you need electrolyte-enhanced hydration without the extra calories and sugar, such as during a light workout or for everyday hydration.

Gatorade is the better choice for high-intensity, prolonged athletic activity where your body needs a rapid source of carbohydrates to replenish energy stores.

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

While both are zero-sugar options from the same company, they are not the same. Propel contains added vitamins (B, C, E), which are not a standard feature of Gatorade Zero.