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Both Propel and Gatorade hydrate, but for different purposes. Gatorade is targeting athletes who require replenishment not just for their electrolytes but their energy too. Hence, it contains carbohydrates and sugars in addition to electrolytes.
Propel just hydrates without added calories and sugars, meaning it’s more suitable for moderate activities or for people that are trying to limit excess sugar but still restore necessary electrolytes within their system.
Intro
Both Propeller and Gatorade brands have a history of inventions and an overview of both brands.
Propel and Gatorade, therefore, come differently formulated by PepsiCo to meet distinctions of hydration. Propel is fitness water with electrolytes that are sugar-free and calorie-free. It can be utilized most conveniently without adding any calories for the purpose of hydration.
Gatorade, on the other hand, is not only a manufacturer of replenishing electrolytes but also to be used in providing athletes readily available carbohydrates to carry out high-intensity long-duration performance.
Key Product Focus :
Propel:
Zero sugar electrolyte hydration with added vitamins.
Gatorade:
Electrolytes plus carbs to fuel performance and recovery during intense exercises.
Nutritional Comparison of Propel and Gatorade
Electrolytes and Hydration
Both Propel and Gatorade provide necessary electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium to help hydrate. Propel contains around 270 mg of sodium and 70 mg of potassium per serving, compared with Gatorade standard formulation.
However, unlike Gatorade, Propel has no sugar so it’s available for lower calorie content during moderate intensity exercise or for people who just want to recharge during their day-to-day activities.
Sugar and Calories
Gatorade contains 140 calories and 34 grams of sugar in each 20-ounce bottle, designed mostly to rehydrate and replace energy used up during long-lasting harsh athletic activities.
The most attractive beverage for endurance athletes is when it provides a readily available source of convenience for carbohydrates. Propel, on the other hand, has zero calories and zero grams of sugar.
Therefore, it is best suited for those that don’t want to have their system consume all the excess sugar commonly found in sports drinks.
Performance in Key Areas
Best Uses for Gatorade
Gatorade is best for athletes engaged in activities with high-intensity, such as long distance running, cycling, or a game of team sports where there is a loss of bodily electrolytes and energy stores. The extra sugars help to get the quick carbohydrates into the bloodstream, maintaining performance over longer periods.
What Gatorade is Good For
Electrolytes + carbohydrates to replenish energy
Formulated for high intensity endurance activities
Best Uses for Propel
Propel is suitable for those doing light and moderate exercises such as walking, doing some yoga, or gym work. Because it has no sugars and calories, it is perfect for those that focus on hydration and electrolytes without excess calorie intake.
Benefits Propel
No sugars and calories for moderate activities or just hydration.
Have additional vitamins; include B3, B5, B6, C, and E for added health benefits.
Propel and Gatorade Additives and Sweeteners
Artificial Sweeteners Used by Propel
Propel has its sweetness level at a zero-calorie point because it contains sucralose. This removes any sugar content from the product.
Although this makes Propel sugar-free, some consumers reject a product that contains artificial sweeteners such as sucralose because it has been linked to some studies for its effects on gut microbiota.
Still, Propel brings an electrolyte-rich beverage that lacks sport drinks’ added sugars.
Sugar in Gatorade
Gatorade combines primarily glucose, or dextrose, which helps encourage the quick absorption and replenishment by muscles during exercise and after exercise.
Thus, this is a better choice for athletes requiring quick replenishment outside of sport, and it is not a good choice for athletes trying to limit excess sugar outside of sports, like high-intensity sports.
Cost per Serving
Both Propel and Gatorade come at relatively affordable prices and are very accessible. While Propel is usually a little cheaper per serving due to its much more simplistic formula, Gatorade contains carbohydrates and sugars that help replenish energy, which makes it more expensive.
Depending on the exercise and whether hydration or energy replenishment is key, better value might lie in Propel for strict hydration purposes but in Gatorade for more intense exercises.
Availability and Subscriptions
Both are available for purchase at most major retailers and on other platforms whereby one can subscribe to have recurring shipments.
Propel has the added flexibility, however, in that it’s marketed more towards a daily hydration in contrast to Gatorade, which seems more specifically marketed at athletes.
FAQs
Which is better for daily hydration, Gatorade or Propel?
Propel is more appropriate for daily hydration, as it provides electrolytes without added sugars or calories, thus making it a healthier choice for people who wish to rehydrate all day long.
Which drink will work better for intense workouts?
Gatorade is much more practical for the intense workout because it brings along both electrolytes and the carbohydrates that replace lost energy, thus making it more suitable for endurance sports or any form of long-lasting physical activity.
Does Propel contain caffeine?
Propel contains no caffeine, making it suitable for hydration during the day, without the stimulating effects created by the ingestion of caffeine.
Can Propel Replace Gatorade?
Propels can hydrate pretty well, but Gatorade, containing carbs, would better satisfy an athlete who needs energy replacement during intense exercise.
Is Propel healthier than Gatorade?
Propel is healthier for those who don’t do strong sports because it contains no sugar and calories. Gatorade is good because it supplies the energy that needs to be sustained in athletes for their sports.