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What is Ronaldo's nutrition drink, CR7 Drive?

3 min read

In 2013, renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo collaborated with nutrition company Herbalife to develop a sports drink tailored to his elite training regimen. The result was Herbalife24 CR7 Drive, a specially formulated beverage designed to fuel workouts, enhance hydration, and support endurance performance during prolonged exercise. This partnership highlights Ronaldo's deep commitment to nutrition as a key component of his success.

Quick Summary

Herbalife24 CR7 Drive is a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink developed in partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. It is designed to enhance hydration, boost energy, and support endurance during prolonged physical activity by replenishing vital electrolytes and providing a blend of carbs.

Key Points

  • CR7 Drive: This is Ronaldo's nutritional drink, a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage created in collaboration with Herbalife.

  • Hydration Focus: The formula is a hypotonic solution designed for rapid fluid absorption during intense exercise.

  • Sustained Energy: It contains a blend of four carbohydrates, including isomaltulose, for both immediate and prolonged energy.

  • Electrolyte Replenishment: Key electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium are included to replace those lost through sweat.

  • Clean Label: The drink is formulated without artificial flavors or sweeteners and is NSF Certified for Sport®.

  • Overall Hydration: CR7 Drive complements his primary intake of plain water and is used strategically during high-intensity training.

  • Decade-Long Partnership: The product was launched in 2013 and is a result of a long-standing collaboration between Ronaldo and Herbalife.

In This Article

The Science Behind Herbalife24 CR7 Drive

Herbalife24 CR7 Drive is a hypotonic sports drink, meaning it has a lower concentration of dissolved particles than bodily fluids. This formulation allows for rapid fluid replacement and enhanced water absorption during physical activity. The core of the product is its carbohydrate-electrolyte blend, which serves a dual purpose: providing energy and maintaining proper fluid balance.

Unlike many sugary drinks, CR7 Drive contains a blend of four carbohydrates, including dextrose and isomaltulose, to provide both immediate and sustained energy. This helps prevent the energy crashes often associated with high-sugar beverages. The electrolyte mix, which includes vital minerals like sodium, magnesium, and potassium, is crucial for replacing what the body loses through sweat. This is particularly important for endurance athletes like Ronaldo, who train intensely and for long periods.

Key Ingredients and Their Functions

  • Dextrose (Glucose): A simple sugar that provides a rapid source of energy to fuel working muscles.
  • Maltodextrin: A fast-digesting carbohydrate that helps sustain energy levels.
  • Isomaltulose: A slower-release carbohydrate that provides a more sustained energy source, preventing sharp spikes and dips in blood sugar.
  • Sodium Citrate & Potassium Chloride: Key electrolytes that help regulate fluid balance and nerve function.
  • Magnesium Citrate: An electrolyte that helps reduce tiredness and fatigue while contributing to normal muscle function.
  • Vitamins B1 and B12: Crucial for energy-yielding metabolism and the normal functioning of the immune system.

CR7 Drive vs. Standard Sports Drinks

Feature Herbalife24 CR7 Drive Standard Sports Drinks (e.g., Gatorade)
Sweeteners No artificial flavors or sweeteners Often contain artificial sweeteners and corn syrup
Carbohydrate Blend Four-carb blend (fast and slow release) Typically relies on a single type of sugar for quick energy
Electrolyte Content Balanced electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, potassium) Primarily focus on sodium and potassium
Calorie Count Approx. 50-100 calories per serving, depending on regional formulation Often higher in calories, typically 140+ per 20oz serving
Certification NSF Tested and Certified for Sport® May or may not have third-party banned substance testing
Hypotonic Solution Designed to enhance rapid hydration Typically isotonic, focusing on balancing fluid and carbs

The Evolution of Ronaldo's Nutrition and Hydration

While CR7 Drive is a key part of Ronaldo's sports nutrition, his overall hydration strategy has evolved and diversified. He famously moved Coca-Cola bottles aside at a press conference in 2021, promoting his dedication to pure water. This public stance was a precursor to his later endorsement of URSU, a brand of naturally alkaline mineral water.

His long-standing partnership with Herbalife has provided a structured approach to his nutritional needs, creating bespoke products that fit his high-performance lifestyle. The creation of CR7 Drive was a result of this close collaboration, ensuring the drink meets the specific demands of an elite footballer's body. This reflects a broader trend in professional sports where athletes actively engage in developing their own products to ensure quality control and optimal performance benefits.

How CR7 Drive Fits into Ronaldo's Regimen

For Ronaldo, CR7 Drive is not his only source of hydration but a strategic supplement used during specific high-intensity training sessions and matches. His baseline hydration consists primarily of water, supplemented with CR7 Drive to replenish electrolytes and maintain energy when his body is under extreme stress.

The NSF Certified for Sport® certification of CR7 Drive also offers peace of mind, ensuring the product is free from banned substances—a critical requirement for any professional athlete. The formulation is light-tasting and easily digestible, meaning it won't cause stomach discomfort during a game. This careful attention to detail underscores why CR7 Drive has remained a core part of his nutritional toolkit for over a decade.

Conclusion

In summary, Ronaldo's nutrition drink is the Herbalife24 CR7 Drive, a scientifically formulated carbohydrate-electrolyte blend designed for enhanced hydration and sustained performance. Its composition, developed in direct collaboration with the athlete, reflects a deep understanding of what is required to compete at the highest level. By avoiding artificial additives and focusing on a strategic mix of carbohydrates and electrolytes, CR7 Drive serves as an effective tool for supporting endurance during intense exercise. While plain water remains his primary source of hydration, CR7 Drive is the specialized beverage that helps fuel Ronaldo's performance, proving that even at the pinnacle of sport, every nutritional detail matters.

Visit Herbalife's website to see the CR7 Drive product details

Frequently Asked Questions

Cristiano Ronaldo's nutrition drink is called Herbalife24 CR7 Drive. It is a sports drink that was developed in partnership with the footballer and Herbalife.

No, CR7 Drive is not a protein shake. It is a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink formulated to support hydration and endurance, not a protein supplement for muscle growth.

Key ingredients in CR7 Drive include a four-carbohydrate blend (dextrose, sucrose, maltodextrin, isomaltulose), electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium, and essential vitamins like B1 and B12.

Yes, CR7 Drive is NSF Certified for Sport®, which means it has been tested to be free of athletic-banned substances. This makes it a safe option for professional athletes.

CR7 Drive is best consumed during exercise to help sustain endurance performance and enhance water absorption. It can also be used before a workout to fuel energy systems.

No, while he uses CR7 Drive during intense training and matches, Ronaldo primarily drinks plenty of water for regular hydration. He strategically uses CR7 Drive to replenish energy and electrolytes during peak performance moments.

CR7 Drive offers a specific advantage through its hypotonic formulation for rapid hydration and its four-carb blend for sustained energy. Its lack of artificial sweeteners and NSF certification also distinguish it from many standard sports drinks.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.