BodyArmor vs. Gatorade: Which Sports Drink Is Healthier and More Hydrating?

BodyArmor vs. Gatorade

When it comes to staying hydrated after a workout, during sports, or even on a hot day, BodyArmor and Gatorade are two of the most popular choices—but they’re not the same. Gatorade, created in the 1960s for athletes, is a long-standing favorite for replenishing electrolytes with its classic formula. BodyArmor, on the other hand, is a newer contender that focuses on natural ingredients like coconut water and avoids artificial dyes, catering to a more health-conscious audience.

Whether you’re wondering which is healthier, better for hydration, or more suitable for specific needs like breastfeeding or recovery, this comparison breaks it all down to help you choose the best option for you.

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What’s Exactly in These Drinks?

When it comes to sports drinks, the ingredients can tell you a lot about what you’re putting into your body. Let’s compare two popular options—Gatorade Thirst Quencher Fruit Punch and BodyArmor Orange Mango. Both are designed to hydrate and replenish, but they take very different approaches. Here’s a closer look at what’s inside these drinks.

Ingredient Comparison Table

CategoryGatorade Thirst Quencher Fruit PunchBodyArmor Orange Mango
BaseWaterFiltered Water
SweetenersSugar, DextrosePure Cane Sugar
ElectrolytesSodium, PotassiumSodium, Potassium, Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Oxide
Artificial ColorsYes (Red 40, Caramel Color)No (beta-apo-8′ Carotenal)
Artificial SweetenersNoNo
PreservativesCitric Acid, Sodium CitrateCitric Acid
Additional VitaminsNoneVitamin C, B Vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B9, B12), Vitamin A
Natural FlavorsGeneric “Natural Flavors”Natural Orange Mango Flavor with Other Natural Flavors

Breaking Down the Ingredients

When comparing Gatorade Thirst Quencher Fruit Punch and BodyArmor Orange Mango, a few key differences stand out:

  • Base: Both use water as their foundation, but BodyArmor opts for filtered water, which might appeal to those looking for a cleaner option.
  • Sweeteners: Gatorade uses sugar and dextrose, while BodyArmor sticks to pure cane sugar. Both add calories, but Gatorade’s dextrose provides quicker energy, making it better for immediate recovery.
  • Electrolytes: Gatorade includes sodium and potassium, while BodyArmor offers a wider range with added magnesium and zinc. This gives BodyArmor an edge for those needing more comprehensive electrolyte replenishment.
  • Artificial Additives: Gatorade contains artificial dyes (Red 40 and Caramel Color), while BodyArmor avoids these entirely, using natural color from beta-apo-8′ Carotenal.
  • Vitamins: BodyArmor includes Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and multiple B vitamins, whereas Gatorade has none, focusing solely on hydration.

In terms of similarities: both drinks avoid artificial sweeteners and use citric acid as a preservative. They also list “natural flavors,” though BodyArmor specifies its flavor profile more clearly.

What Does This Mean?

  • BodyArmor is the better choice if you prefer natural ingredients, added vitamins, and a broader range of electrolytes.
  • Gatorade sticks to its traditional formula, offering quick energy and hydration but relying on artificial dyes and fewer nutrients.

A Closer Look at Electrolytes in Both Drinks

Electrolytes are essential for hydration and recovery, especially after sweating during exercise. They regulate fluid balance, help your muscles function properly, and prevent dehydration and cramping. Let’s compare the electrolytes in BodyArmor Orange Mango and Gatorade Thirst Quencher Fruit Punch, focusing on their popular 20oz bottles.

Electrolyte Comparison Table (20oz Bottles)

ElectrolyteGatorade Thirst Quencher (20oz / ~591ml)BodyArmor Orange Mango (20oz / ~591ml)
Sodium270 mg35 mg
Potassium80 mg860 mg
MagnesiumNot included95 mg
ZincNot included10 mg

What Makes Electrolytes So Important?

When you sweat, your body loses essential electrolytes that need to be replenished to stay hydrated and perform at your best. Here’s why each one matters:

  • Sodium: The most abundant electrolyte lost in sweat. It helps maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration.
  • Potassium: Critical for muscle function, hydration, and reducing the risk of cramps.
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle recovery, energy production, and nerve function.
  • Zinc: Boosts your immune system and aids in cellular repair, though it’s not as common in sports drinks.

Breaking It Down: Which Drink Wins on Electrolytes?

  1. Sodium:
    Gatorade is the clear winner in sodium content, offering 270 mg per 20oz bottle compared to BodyArmor’s 35 mg. For athletes or anyone sweating heavily, replacing sodium is crucial, and Gatorade delivers significantly more.
  2. Potassium:
    BodyArmor dominates here with 860 mg, which is over 10 times the amount in Gatorade (80 mg). Potassium is essential for hydration and muscle health, giving BodyArmor a big advantage for those needing to restore potassium levels after exercise.
  3. Magnesium and Zinc:
    BodyArmor includes 95 mg of magnesium and 10 mg of zinc, both absent from Gatorade. These electrolytes support muscle recovery and overall health, making BodyArmor the more well-rounded option for electrolyte replenishment.
  4. Potassium Sources:
    Gatorade uses Monopotassium Phosphate, while BodyArmor uses Dipotassium Phosphate. Both forms are effective, but the real difference lies in quantity—BodyArmor provides far more potassium.

The Verdict on Electrolytes in BodyArmor vs Gatorade

Gatorade is great for replacing sodium after heavy sweating, while BodyArmor shines with its high potassium and added magnesium and zinc. If you need sodium, go for Gatorade. For a broader range of electrolytes, BodyArmor is the better pick.

Other Nutritional Information: Gatorade vs. BodyArmor

When choosing a sports drink, it’s not just about electrolytes. Calories, sugar content, and added nutrients can also make a big difference, especially if you’re drinking these regularly. Let’s compare how Gatorade Thirst Quencher and BodyArmor Orange Mango stack up nutritionally, based on their popular 20oz bottles.

Nutritional Facts Comparison (Per 20oz Bottle)

NutrientGatorade Thirst QuencherBodyArmor Orange Mango
Calories140160
Total Sugar36g36g
Added Sugar34g34g
Fat0g0g
Carbohydrates36g36g
Protein0g0g
Added VitaminsNoneVitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, B Vitamins

Breaking It Down

  1. Calories
    BodyArmor contains slightly more calories than Gatorade (160 vs. 140 per 20oz bottle). This small difference is unlikely to matter for most people unless you’re actively tracking calories or trying to limit your intake.
  2. Vitamins
    This is where BodyArmor takes the lead. It’s enriched with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and B vitamins like B6, B12, niacin, and folate, along with zinc. These nutrients can support energy levels, immune health, and recovery, offering added benefits beyond hydration. Gatorade doesn’t include any added vitamins, focusing solely on hydration and energy from its sugar content.
  3. Other Nutrients
    Both drinks provide 36g of carbohydrates, which come entirely from sugar, and neither contains fat or protein. These carbs can be a quick energy source during workouts but might not be ideal for casual sipping outside of exercise.

How Much Sugar is Too Much?

Both drinks pack 36g of sugar, with 34g coming from added sugar. This is over 68% of the recommended daily limit for added sugar (50g per day, according to the WHO), so it’s a considerable amount to consume in just one drink.

Is This Sugar Beneficial for Athletes?

For athletes or those engaged in intense physical activity, this sugar can be helpful. During exercise, your body burns glycogen (stored energy), and the quick-digesting sugars in Gatorade and BodyArmor provide an instant energy boost to keep you going. This is why they’re popular among endurance athletes and those engaging in long or high-intensity workouts.

What About Regular Gym-Goers or Casual Drinkers?

For light to moderate exercise, this much sugar is likely unnecessary and could even be counterproductive. Unless you’re burning significant calories, consuming 36g of sugar in one go can lead to blood sugar spikes, crashes, and potentially weight gain over time if consumed regularly.

Is Added Sugar a Concern?

Yes, especially for non-athletes. Added sugars, unlike natural sugars in fruits, don’t come with any additional nutrients like fiber or vitamins. Instead, they provide “empty calories,” which can contribute to health issues like obesity and metabolic disorders when consumed in excess.

The Bottom Line

If you’re working out intensely or training for endurance sports, the sugar in these drinks can fuel your performance. But if you’re casually sipping them after light exercise or for everyday hydration, the high sugar content might outweigh any benefits. Opt for alternatives like Gatorade Zero, BodyArmor Lyte, or even plain water for lighter activity.

So, Which One Is Healthier?

Overall, BodyArmor is the healthier choice. It uses natural ingredients, avoids artificial dyes, and includes added vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and B vitamins, as well as magnesium and zinc, giving it more nutritional value. While both drinks are high in sugar (36g per 20oz bottle), BodyArmor’s broader range of nutrients and natural approach make it stand out.

That said, if you’re focused on replacing sodium after intense exercise, Gatorade may be more effective. The “healthier” option ultimately depends on your activity level and hydration needs.

FAQs

Is BodyArmor or Gatorade better for breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers can have BodyArmor or Gatorade occasionally for hydration, but caution is needed. Both are high in sugar (36g per 20oz bottle), which isn’t ideal for regular consumption, and BodyArmor contains 790mcg of Vitamin A—close to 88% of the recommended daily intake for lactating women. While BodyArmor’s natural ingredients and added nutrients may appeal to some, excessive intake of Vitamin A or sugar can be a concern.

Which is better when you’re sick?

When you’re sick and need to stay hydrated, BodyArmor’s higher potassium content and added vitamins like Vitamin C and zinc can provide a nutritional boost that supports recovery. Gatorade, with its higher sodium content, may be better if you’re losing a lot of fluids due to fever or diarrhea. However, for general hydration when sick, BodyArmor’s broader nutrient profile makes it a more appealing choice.

Which one is more hydrating?

Both drinks are hydrating, but it depends on your specific needs. Gatorade provides more sodium, which is critical for replenishing fluids lost through heavy sweating or during intense exercise. BodyArmor, on the other hand, offers significantly more potassium and additional electrolytes like magnesium and zinc, which can enhance hydration. For athletes or those needing quick sodium replacement, Gatorade may hydrate better. For general hydration, BodyArmor’s electrolyte blend is a strong contender.

Is BodyArmor or Gatorade better for a hangover?

BodyArmor is often the better option for a hangover due to its higher potassium levels, which help replenish what’s lost from dehydration. Its added magnesium, zinc, and vitamins like Vitamin C can also support recovery. While Gatorade can help with sodium replenishment, it lacks the additional nutrients BodyArmor provides, making it less well-rounded for post-hangover hydration.