Sports drinks are a popular choice for rehydration and replenishing electrolytes, but their sugar content is a major concern for many health-conscious consumers. For those deciding between two leading brands, Gatorade and Body Armour, a side-by-side comparison of sugar is essential. The answer isn't a simple 'which is higher?' but rather depends on the specific product and serving size.
Sugar Content: A Breakdown by Serving and Bottle
When comparing the standard, full-sugar versions of Gatorade Thirst Quencher and Body Armour, the numbers per serving appear similar. A 12-ounce serving of Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains approximately 21 grams of sugar. For Body Armour, a 16-ounce bottle can also contain around 21 grams of sugar. This means that while a typical single-serving bottle of Body Armour has more total sugar because it's larger, the sugar concentration per ounce is often quite comparable to Gatorade.
It is critical to note the dramatic difference in total sugar when comparing the full-sized bottles often sold. A 28-ounce bottle of Gatorade can contain up to 48 grams of sugar, while an equivalent size of Body Armour's standard series can have a similar amount, spread across its larger container. This highlights the importance of reading nutrition labels carefully, as bottle sizes can significantly skew the total sugar intake.
Comparison of Standard Formulations: Gatorade vs. Body Armour
Gatorade Thirst Quencher
- Sugar Source: Traditional Gatorade uses sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup for its carbohydrate content.
- Electrolyte Focus: The brand has historically focused on sodium as its primary electrolyte, along with some potassium.
- Artificial Ingredients: Many traditional flavors contain artificial dyes and flavorings, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
- Other Options: Gatorade offers low-sugar options, such as Gatorade G2 and Gatorade Zero, which use artificial sweeteners to reduce or eliminate sugar.
Body Armour Sports Drink
- Sugar Source: Body Armour prides itself on using natural sweeteners, primarily pure cane sugar and natural fruit juices.
- Electrolyte Focus: The brand distinguishes itself by using coconut water concentrate as a key ingredient, resulting in a much higher potassium content relative to its sodium.
- Natural Ingredients: Body Armour is free from artificial dyes and uses natural flavors.
- Other Options: Body Armour also offers a zero-sugar line, Body Armour Lyte, which is sweetened with natural non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia.
Nutritional Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Gatorade Thirst Quencher (12oz) | Standard Body Armour Sports Drink (16oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 12 oz | 16 oz |
| Calories | 80 kcal | 90 kcal |
| Total Sugar | 21g | 21g |
| Sugar Per Ounce | 1.75g | 1.31g |
| Sugar Source | Sugar, high fructose corn syrup | Pure cane sugar, coconut water concentrate |
| Primary Electrolyte | Sodium | Potassium |
| Sodium | 160 mg | 30 mg |
| Potassium | 50 mg | 530 mg |
| Artificial Ingredients | Yes (dyes) | No (natural flavors and colors) |
The Role of Sugar in Sports Drinks
Sugar in sports drinks, specifically carbohydrates, plays a functional role in endurance exercise. For athletes engaged in intense, prolonged activity (typically over 60-90 minutes), these carbohydrates provide a quick source of energy to sustain performance and delay fatigue. The combination of sugar and electrolytes helps accelerate the absorption of fluids into the body, aiding in rapid rehydration. However, this benefit is only relevant during intense, prolonged exertion.
For the average person or someone engaging in light to moderate exercise, the sugar content of these drinks is often unnecessary and can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential weight gain. The American Heart Association recommends that most adults limit their daily added sugar intake, and a single bottle of either Gatorade or Body Armour can consume a large portion of this allowance.
Low-Sugar Alternatives and Healthier Choices
Both brands now offer lower-sugar and zero-sugar options to address consumer demand. Gatorade Zero and Body Armour Lyte use non-caloric sweeteners to provide flavor without the sugar load. These alternatives are a better choice for those seeking electrolyte replacement without the extra calories. However, some health experts remain cautious about the long-term effects of artificial and natural non-nutritive sweeteners.
For most individuals, the most effective and healthiest hydration method is plain water. Sports drinks are designed for a specific purpose and should not replace water for general hydration. For those requiring a boost during intense exercise, considering low-sugar options or a combination of water and a small, healthy snack is a wise approach. Marvin Lipman, Consumer Report's chief medical adviser, suggests sticking to water unless you are working out intensely for more than an hour.
Conclusion
When asking what has more sugar, Gatorade or Body Armour, the answer is nuanced. While a 12-ounce serving of standard Gatorade and a 16-ounce serving of standard Body Armour can contain a similar amount of added sugar (around 21g), Body Armour's larger bottle size means a higher total sugar load per container. Body Armour differentiates itself with natural sweeteners and a higher potassium content, while Gatorade relies on traditional sugar sources and sodium. For most casual consumers and those engaged in moderate exercise, the high sugar content in standard versions of both drinks is unnecessary, and healthier, low-sugar alternatives or plain water are often the best choice for hydration and electrolyte balance.
Sources:
- SmartLabel™. Gatorade, Cool Blue, Thirst Quencher. URL:
https://smartlabel.pepsico.info/052000135176-0014-en-US/index.html - The Saratoga Falcon. BodyArmor wins the gold among sports drinks competitors. URL:
https://saratogafalcon.org/16974/columns/bodyarmor-wins-the-gold-among-sports-drinks-competitors/ - The Lance. Body Armor and Gatorade: Sports drinks not healthy choices for meals. URL:
https://lhslance.org/2019/opinion/body-armour-and-gatorade-sports-drinks-not-healthy-choices-for-lunch/ - The Saratoga Falcon. BodyArmor wins the gold among sports drinks competitors. URL:
https://saratogafalcon.org/16974/columns/bodyarmor-wins-the-gold-among-sports-drinks-competitors/ - drinkbodyarmor.ca. Fruit Punch | BODYARMOR Sports Drinks. URL:
https://drinkbodyarmor.ca/product/fruit-punch/
For Further Reading
If you're interested in more details regarding the nutritional differences between these and other sports drinks, a detailed breakdown can be found at the Chemistry LibreTexts website, titled "Comparing the Electrolyte Composition of Popular Sports Drinks.".
