Sugar in Hydration Drinks: The Numbers, and How DRiNK Does It Differently

Short answer: A single 20-oz bottle of a leading sports drink packs about 34 grams of added sugar — more than the American Heart Association's entire recommended daily limit for women. DRiNK's daily hydration flavors take a different route: 0 grams of sugar per serving and sucralose as the sweetener. The Lemon Creatine formula is separate and uses stevia instead.

How much sugar is in a typical sports drink?

A standard 20-oz bottle of a leading sports drink contains roughly 34 g of sugar and about 140 calories — and it's all added sugar (nutrition data). For context, the American Heart Association recommends a daily added-sugar cap of about 25 g for women and 36 g for men (American Heart Association). One bottle can use up a full day's allowance.

Why is there sugar in sports drinks at all?

Sugar (glucose) helps the gut co-absorb sodium and water, which can matter during long, intense endurance exercise. But for everyday hydration — a desk day, a normal workout, a hot afternoon — that much sugar is mostly extra calories. More on the fundamentals in Electrolytes vs. Water.

How DRiNK daily hydration flavors are sweetened

DRiNK's daily hydration flavors list 0 grams of sugar per serving and use sucralose. Sucralose is a non-nutritive sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed. The U.S. FDA approved sucralose as a general-purpose sweetener in 1998 (U.S. FDA). Each current daily hydration flavor lists 10 calories per serving.

The Lemon Creatine Hydration Drink is a different formula and uses stevia rather than sucralose. Always compare the Supplement Facts and ingredient list for the specific product you plan to use.

To be clear about the daily hydration flavors: they list 0 grams of sugar per serving, but they are not sweetener-free. Their sweetness comes from sucralose. The Creatine formula uses stevia.

Compare the daily hydration flavors directly: Lemonade, Peach Mango, Lychee, and Passion Fruit. Check each ingredient panel, or use the electrolyte powder label guide before choosing.

The bottom line

Traditional sports drinks can deliver a large amount of added sugar in one bottle. DRiNK's daily hydration flavors list 0 grams of sugar per serving and use sucralose, while the Lemon Creatine formula uses stevia. See the full lineup and compare the label for each formula.

FAQ

Do DRiNK daily hydration flavors contain sugar? Their labels list 0 grams of sugar per serving. They use sucralose for sweetness.

Does DRiNK Creatine use sucralose? No. The Lemon Creatine formula uses stevia. Review its ingredient list because it is a separate formula.

Are DRiNK daily hydration flavors keto-friendly? They are labeled keto-friendly. Review the complete label to decide whether a product fits your diet.

Is sucralose FDA-approved? Yes. The FDA has approved sucralose as a general-purpose sweetener. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about a specific ingredient.

Keep reading

• Electrolytes vs. Water: What Actually Keeps You Hydrated?
• Keto and Electrolytes: Why Low-Carb Diets Need More Minerals
• How Much Water Do You Actually Need a Day?

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.