Which flavor of Gatorade is clear?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Not all Gatorade flavors contain vibrant food dyes, and several are surprisingly clear. While the company offers a wide spectrum of colors, including vibrant blues and reds, it also produces options that are free of artificial colorings. Knowing which flavor of Gatorade is clear can be essential for those following a clear liquid diet or simply preferring a dye-free option.

Quick Summary

Several Gatorade flavors are clear, most notably certain options within the Frost and Zero lines, such as Glacier Cherry and Glacier Freeze. These clear variations are popular for medical preparations and among consumers who wish to avoid artificial colorings.

Key Points

Clear Flavors: The primary clear flavors of Gatorade are Glacier Cherry and Glacier Freeze, available in both the standard Thirst Quencher and Zero Sugar lines.
Dye-Free Options: Clear Gatorade varieties, particularly Glacier Cherry, are made without artificial food dyes, which is important for certain medical diets and personal preferences.
Medical Use: Clear Gatorade is often used for medical preparations, such as a colonoscopy, as the colorless liquid will not interfere with the procedure.
Product Lines: Clear flavors can be found in the Gatorade Frost (Thirst Quencher), Gatorade Zero, and potentially other specialty lines like Gatorade Fit or Gatorlyte.
Check Labels: While certain flavor names generally indicate a clear product, it is always best to check the bottle or packaging to confirm, especially with potential reformulations or regional differences.
Sugar vs. Zero Sugar: Clear options are available in both sugar-free and regular formulations, catering to different dietary needs, from intense workouts to daily low-calorie hydration.

A Clear Choice for Hydration

For many, a sports drink is defined by its vibrant color. However, Gatorade has long offered clear alternatives for specific needs. The most well-known of these clear flavors come from the Frost and Zero lines, which prioritize flavor and electrolytes without the use of artificial food dyes. This makes them an ideal choice for a variety of situations, including pre-surgery liquid diets, or for those who simply prefer a dye-free beverage. Understanding the specific products and their uses can help you make an informed decision when it comes to your hydration needs.

The Primary Clear Gatorade Flavors

The primary clear or white Gatorade flavors are found across several of the brand's product lines. These are most commonly associated with a 'frosty' or 'glacier' theme, signaling their colorless appearance.

Gatorade Frost

Glacier Cherry: This is one of the most recognizable clear flavors in the standard Gatorade Thirst Quencher line. The Glacier Cherry flavor has a crisp, mild cherry taste and contains no artificial colors.
Glacier Freeze: The Frost Glacier Freeze is another flavor known for its almost translucent appearance. It has a light blue tint but is generally considered acceptable for clear liquid diets. Some consumers have noted that batches can vary slightly in their translucence.

Gatorade Zero

Glacier Cherry Zero: As a zero-sugar option, the Glacier Cherry Zero is another clear choice for those watching their sugar intake. It offers the same dye-free benefit as its full-sugar counterpart.
Glacier Freeze Zero: Similar to the Thirst Quencher version, the Zero Sugar Glacier Freeze is a reliable option for those needing a clear, sugar-free electrolyte drink.

The Importance of Avoiding Dyes

There are several reasons why consumers might seek out a dye-free or clear Gatorade. Medical procedures, particularly those involving colonoscopies, require a strict clear liquid diet. The dyes in colored drinks can interfere with the results of these tests, making clear fluids essential. Additionally, some individuals and parents prefer to avoid artificial food colorings for general health or dietary reasons. Gatorade has recognized this consumer demand, leading to the introduction of more natural and dye-free options.

Comparison of Clear Gatorade Options


Feature	Glacier Cherry (Thirst Quencher)	Glacier Cherry Zero	Gatorade Fit (Berry Variety)
Sugar Content	Real Sugar (High Fructose Corn Syrup)	Zero Sugar (Sucralose & Acesulfame Potassium)	Stevia
Artificial Colors	No	No	No
Electrolyte Level	Standard Gatorade level	Standard Gatorade level	Gatorade Fit level
Calories (approx)	80 per 12oz serving	5-10 per 12oz serving	10-15 per 12oz serving
Ideal For	Hydrating during longer, more intense workouts	Electrolyte replenishment with minimal calories or carbs	Everyday hydration with a more natural sweetener

How to Choose Your Clear Gatorade

When selecting a clear Gatorade, your choice depends on your specific needs. For general hydration during an intense workout where you need carbohydrates for energy, the original Glacier Cherry is a great option. If you are watching your sugar intake but still want electrolytes, the Glacier Cherry Zero or Glacier Freeze Zero is the right choice. For those seeking a more natural option, exploring the Gatorade Fit line, which uses stevia, might be the best path. It is important to always check the label, as product formulations and regional availability can vary.

Discontinued and Other Clear Flavors

Some longtime fans of the brand may recall other clear or white flavors that have been discontinued, such as Lemon Ice. The product line is constantly evolving, with new flavors and formulations being introduced, while older ones may be phased out. Another relevant product is Gatorlyte, a rapid rehydration formula that contains less sugar and no artificial sweeteners or flavors. While not explicitly labeled 'clear', its ingredients suggest a more natural and less-colored composition, appealing to the same consumer base.

Conclusion

For those seeking a clear Gatorade, the main options include the Glacier Cherry flavors in both the original Thirst Quencher and Zero lines. The Glacier Freeze variety is also considered clear or translucent and generally acceptable for clear fluid diets. These options provide the same electrolyte benefits as their brightly colored counterparts but without the artificial dyes, making them suitable for specific medical dietary needs and general dye-avoidance preferences. Whether you need a sugar-free option for a workout or a dye-free fluid for a medical procedure, Gatorade offers a clear solution. For more information on Gatorade's product lines and formulations, you can visit their official website at the following link: Gatorade Official Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Glacier Cherry is a clear flavor of Gatorade. It is available in the original Thirst Quencher line and the sugar-free Gatorade Zero line and is made without artificial dyes.

The most common clear flavors are Glacier Cherry and Glacier Freeze. Glacier Cherry has a mild, crisp cherry taste, while Glacier Freeze has a light, subtle flavor, often described as a frosty or white cherry.

People often need clear Gatorade for medical reasons, such as preparing for a colonoscopy, which requires a clear liquid diet. Others may prefer it to avoid artificial food dyes in their diet.

While Glacier Freeze is sometimes described as having a very light, translucent blue or white tint, it is generally considered acceptable for clear liquid diets and is a common choice for this purpose.

No, not all Gatorade Zero flavors are clear. The Zero line includes various flavors, some of which are colored with artificial dyes, such as Fruit Punch Zero and Orange Zero. Always check the packaging to confirm.

No, only clear or very light-colored flavors of Gatorade are suitable for colonoscopy prep. You must avoid all dark-colored options, including red, blue, purple, and orange, as the dyes can interfere with the test results.

Yes, some longtime Gatorade fans recall a clear flavor called Lemon Ice that was discontinued many years ago.