What Kind of Sugar is in Body Armor Sports Drink?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the brand's official FAQ, standard Body Armor Sports Drink uses pure cane sugar as its primary sweetener. This natural sugar choice is a major part of the brand's identity, distinguishing it from competitors who may use high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in Body Armor varies by product line. The original beverage uses pure cane sugar, while the Lyte and Zero Sugar versions rely on alternative sweeteners like stevia and erythritol.

Key Points

Original Body Armor uses cane sugar: The standard Body Armor Sports Drink is sweetened with pure cane sugar, distinguishing it from competitors that use high-fructose corn syrup.
Lyte version contains stevia and erythritol: Body Armor Lyte uses plant-based sweeteners, specifically stevia and erythritol, to achieve its low-calorie, low-sugar profile.
Zero Sugar line is truly sugar-free: The recently launched Zero Sugar line contains zero grams of sugar and relies solely on plant-based sweeteners like stevia for its flavor.
Ingredient choice is strategic: The use of different sweeteners across its product lines allows Body Armor to target different consumer segments, from intense athletes to those on low-carb diets.
Coconut water adds natural sugars: While not the primary sweetener, the coconut water concentrate found in most Body Armor products contributes some natural sugars and electrolytes.

Decoding the Sweeteners in Body Armor

Many consumers are curious about the ingredients in their sports drinks, especially regarding sugar. Body Armor has built its brand on offering a 'better-for-you' alternative to traditional sports beverages. Understanding what kind of sugar is in Body Armor depends entirely on which specific product line you're referencing, as the brand offers several different formulations to cater to various dietary needs.

The Original Formula: Pure Cane Sugar

For years, a key selling point for the original Body Armor Sports Drink has been its use of pure cane sugar. Unlike high-fructose corn syrup, which is a common sweetener in many processed foods and drinks, pure cane sugar is derived directly from sugarcane. This gives the brand a distinct marketing edge, appealing to consumers who prefer a 'natural' sweetening source. The brand positions this choice as providing necessary fuel for exercise and exertion.

Original Body Armor: Contains a significant amount of sugar from pure cane sugar, with an original 16 oz serving containing about 21 grams of sugar. This makes it more calorie-dense and suitable for intense physical activity where carbohydrate replenishment is crucial.

The Lyte Series: Stevia and Erythritol

As consumer demand for lower-calorie and lower-sugar options grew, Body Armor introduced its Lyte series. This lineup of sports drinks significantly reduces the calorie and sugar count by replacing pure cane sugar with naturally derived, plant-based sweeteners.

Stevia: Extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia is a zero-calorie, natural sweetener that is hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar. It is a popular choice for many diet-conscious products.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol naturally found in some fruits, erythritol is another popular low-calorie sweetener. It is not absorbed by the body, which means it doesn't spike blood sugar levels or add calories in the same way as cane sugar.

The Zero Sugar Line: A Truly Sugar-Free Option

More recently, Body Armor launched its Zero Sugar line, targeting consumers who want the benefits of a sports drink without any sugar or carbohydrates. This product line also uses plant-based sweeteners to achieve a sweet taste without the caloric load.

Zero Sugar: This line provides a hydrating beverage with potassium-packed electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamins, but with zero sugar and zero grams of carbs per serving. This is ideal for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, or for anyone minimizing their sugar intake.

Comparison of Body Armor Sugar Content

To better understand the differences, here is a comparison table outlining the sugar and sweetener profiles of the main Body Armor product lines.


Feature	Original Body Armor	Body Armor Lyte	Body Armor Zero Sugar
Sweetener(s)	Pure Cane Sugar	Stevia & Erythritol	Plant-based Sweeteners (primarily Stevia)
Sugar Content (16 oz)	Approximately 21g	2g	0g
Calories (16 oz)	Approximately 70 kcal	Approximately 15 kcal	Approximately 10 kcal
Added Sugar	Yes, from cane sugar	No added sugar	No added sugar
Best for	Intense physical exertion, replenishing carbohydrates	Light activity, lower-calorie hydration	Strict low-carb diets, general hydration without sugar

The Role of Coconut Water

It's also worth noting that all standard Body Armor drinks contain coconut water from concentrate. While coconut water naturally contains some sugar, it is not the primary sweetener in the original drink and is present in much lower concentrations. For example, the sweetness in the original drink is primarily from the added pure cane sugar, with coconut water contributing some electrolytes.

Nutritional Impact and Consumer Choice

The varied sweetener options allow consumers to choose a product that aligns with their dietary preferences and activity level. Athletes requiring quick carbohydrate energy might opt for the original, while those seeking a low-calorie, sugar-free option for general hydration would choose the Lyte or Zero Sugar lines. The company's transparency about its ingredients, including the type of sugar used, is a direct response to a more health-conscious market. It's a strategic move to address a wider audience, from professional athletes to everyday consumers managing their calorie intake.

Conclusion

In summary, the specific type of sugar found in a Body Armor product depends on the line. The original sports drink is sweetened with pure cane sugar, while the Lyte and Zero Sugar versions utilize plant-based sweeteners like stevia and erythritol to reduce calories and eliminate sugar. By offering these distinct choices, Body Armor accommodates a diverse range of consumer needs, from high-performance athletes needing quick carbs to individuals seeking a low-sugar, hydrating beverage.

For more information on the sweeteners and ingredients in popular beverages, a valuable resource can be found at Wikipedia's page on Bodyarmor SuperDrink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Body Armor Original contains approximately 21 grams of sugar per 16 oz serving, primarily from pure cane sugar. Body Armor Lyte has significantly less, with only 2 grams of sugar per 16 oz serving, using plant-based stevia and erythritol instead.

While both are sources of sugar, many health-conscious consumers prefer pure cane sugar as it's a less processed and more natural ingredient compared to high-fructose corn syrup. However, the body processes all added sugars in a similar way, so moderation is key for both.

No, the sweeteners used in Body Armor Lyte, stevia and erythritol, are not considered artificial. They are naturally derived, with stevia coming from a plant and erythritol being a sugar alcohol found in fruits.

Some consumers report a slight aftertaste from plant-based sweeteners like stevia, which is used in Body Armor Zero Sugar. However, this is a matter of personal preference and often less pronounced than the aftertaste associated with older artificial sweeteners.

Body Armor expanded its product line to include Lyte and Zero Sugar versions to meet growing consumer demand for lower-calorie and sugar-free beverage options. This strategy allows the brand to appeal to a wider range of customers with varying dietary preferences.

While Body Armor contains coconut water from concentrate, which has some natural sugar, the primary sugar source in the original drink is added pure cane sugar. The coconut water primarily contributes electrolytes, not sweetness.

For individuals with diabetes, Body Armor Zero Sugar is the most suitable option, as it contains zero grams of sugar and carbs. The Original and Lyte versions contain varying amounts of sugar that can impact blood glucose levels, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before consumption.