What's Better for Vomiting: Pedialyte or Gatorade?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, over 179 million cases of acute gastroenteritis, or 'stomach flu,' occur annually in the U.S., with vomiting as a primary symptom. When battling this common illness, a critical question arises: what's better for vomiting, Pedialyte or Gatorade? The answer depends on specific nutritional needs, as these drinks are formulated for different purposes.

Quick Summary

Comparing Pedialyte and Gatorade for post-vomiting rehydration reveals key differences in electrolyte and sugar content. Pedialyte's formula is designed for medical rehydration, while Gatorade is primarily for athletic performance.

Key Points

For illness, Pedialyte is generally better: Its formulation is specifically designed for medical rehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, with a higher electrolyte and lower sugar concentration.
High sugar can worsen symptoms: The high sugar content in standard Gatorade can potentially aggravate diarrhea, which is often a companion symptom of vomiting.
Electrolyte balance is key: Pedialyte contains higher levels of sodium and potassium, the essential minerals lost during sickness, for more effective replenishment.
Gatorade Zero is a better alternative: If Pedialyte isn't an option for adults, the low-sugar Gatorade Zero is a more suitable choice than the high-sugar standard version.
Sip slowly to rehydrate: Whether you choose Pedialyte, Gatorade Zero, or clear broth, it is crucial to rehydrate slowly and in small sips to avoid triggering more vomiting.
Bland foods follow hydration: After rehydrating, gradually reintroduce bland foods like toast and rice, following a gentler approach than the old restrictive BRAT diet.
Know when to call a doctor: If vomiting persists for more than 24-48 hours, or if signs of severe dehydration like dizziness or listlessness appear, seek medical attention.

Understanding the Core Purpose

Before comparing the specifics, it's crucial to understand the intended purpose behind each beverage. While both provide fluids and electrolytes, they are designed for different scenarios.

Pedialyte: This is an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), specifically formulated to rehydrate individuals, especially children and infants, who have lost fluids and electrolytes due to illness like vomiting and diarrhea. Its balance of sodium, potassium, and sugar is optimized for efficient fluid absorption by the body without worsening gastrointestinal distress.
Gatorade: A sports drink, Gatorade is intended to replenish fluids, electrolytes, and energy stores lost during intense physical activity. Its higher sugar content serves as a fuel source for athletes. While it can rehydrate, its formulation is not ideal for illness-related dehydration, particularly in children and older adults.

A Deeper Dive into Nutrition

For someone who is vomiting, the goal of rehydration is not to fuel muscles but to restore the body's mineral balance gently. This is where the nutritional profiles of Pedialyte and Gatorade show significant differences.

Sugar Content: Pedialyte contains significantly less sugar than standard Gatorade. High sugar intake, especially during illness, can draw water into the intestine and potentially worsen diarrhea and stomach upset. This is a major reason why Pedialyte is a better choice for vomiting and stomach flu.
Electrolyte Levels: Pedialyte is formulated with higher concentrations of sodium and potassium, the key electrolytes lost during vomiting and diarrhea. This makes it more effective at restoring the body's electrolyte balance.
Additional Nutrients: Some Pedialyte products, like Pedialyte AdvancedCare, also include zinc, which can support the immune system and help reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea. Gatorade does not typically contain zinc.
Gatorade Zero: For adults who prefer Gatorade, the 'G Zero' version is a better option. It contains zero sugar and still provides electrolytes, making it a viable alternative when Pedialyte is unavailable.

What to Drink After Vomiting

After a bout of vomiting, the stomach is sensitive, and forcing down large amounts of fluid can trigger more vomiting. Here's a gentle approach to rehydration:

Rest the Stomach: Wait for 30-60 minutes after the last episode of vomiting before attempting to drink anything.
Sip Slowly: Begin by sipping very small amounts (e.g., a few teaspoons every 5-10 minutes) of clear fluids. Going slowly is key to avoiding further irritation.
Choose Wisely: Opt for an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte. Other options include ice chips, weak broth, or clear sodas (flat), like ginger ale or 7-Up. For adults, Gatorade Zero can also be used.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from fruit juice, caffeine, alcohol, and very sugary or fatty drinks, as these can worsen symptoms.
Gradual Increase: If small sips are tolerated, you can gradually increase the amount over the next few hours.

Pedialyte vs. Gatorade: The Comparison Table


Feature	Pedialyte (Classic)	Gatorade (Classic Thirst Quencher)
Primary Purpose	Medical rehydration for illness	Athletic performance and hydration during exercise
Sugar Content	Lower (e.g., 9g per 12 oz)	Higher (e.g., 22g per 12 oz)
Electrolyte (Sodium) Content	Higher (e.g., 370mg per 12 oz)	Lower (e.g., 110mg per 12 oz)
Electrolyte (Potassium) Content	Higher (e.g., 280mg per 12 oz)	Lower (e.g., 30mg per 12 oz)
Best for Vomiting/Diarrhea	Yes, due to balanced electrolyte and low sugar formula	Not ideal; high sugar can worsen diarrhea
Best for Athletes	Can be used, but lower sugar provides less energy boost	Yes, formulated to provide quick energy and hydration for intense activity

When to Reintroduce Food

Once clear liquids are tolerated for a full day, you can slowly begin reintroducing bland, easily digestible foods. This approach is sometimes referred to as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), although modern dietary advice recommends a slightly broader range of bland foods for better nutrition. Examples include:

Soft Fruits: Bananas, applesauce, melon.
Bland Starches: White rice, crackers, toast, hot cereals like oatmeal.
Cooked Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, potatoes.
Lean Protein: Plain chicken or turkey breast, scrambled eggs.
Avoid: Spicy, fatty, greasy foods, and dairy products (except for yogurt or kefir) for a few days.

Conclusion

For treating illness-related vomiting and diarrhea, Pedialyte is the superior choice over standard Gatorade due to its scientifically balanced formula with higher electrolytes and lower sugar content. This composition is designed to promote effective rehydration without aggravating symptoms. Gatorade's higher sugar load is better suited for athletes needing an energy boost. In situations where Pedialyte isn't available, Gatorade Zero is a better low-sugar alternative for adults. The ultimate goal is to sip slowly and gently, prioritizing an oral rehydration solution that replenishes vital minerals lost during sickness. When in doubt, or if symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare provider is always recommended.

Learn more about managing dehydration from illness at WebMD: Preventing Dehydration When You Have Diarrhea or Vomiting

Frequently Asked Questions

For adults, standard Gatorade can be used for rehydration if a lower-sugar alternative isn't available, as it is better than nothing. However, the high sugar content is not ideal for illness-related dehydration and could worsen diarrhea. Gatorade Zero is a better option if you prefer the brand.

Wait for about 30-60 minutes after the last episode of vomiting before offering any fluids. Start with very small amounts, such as a teaspoon of an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte every few minutes, to allow the stomach to settle.

Yes, high-sugar drinks, including fruit juice and regular sodas, can draw excess water into the intestine and potentially worsen diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

An ORS is a solution with a precise balance of water, electrolytes (sodium, potassium), and sugar, designed for optimal fluid absorption to treat dehydration caused by illness. Pedialyte is a commercial example of an ORS.

Yes, other suitable clear fluids include ice chips, clear broths, and flat, clear sodas like ginger ale. Sucking on ice chips can be particularly helpful if nausea persists.

You can begin transitioning to a bland diet after clear liquids are tolerated for a day or so. Continue with small, frequent, and bland meals for 24-48 hours before returning to a normal diet.

Homemade solutions are not recommended as a primary treatment because precise electrolyte balance is difficult to achieve and is crucial for proper rehydration. Commercially available ORS packets or pre-mixed solutions are the safest and most effective option.