Pedialyte vs Gatorade: What's the Difference?

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Find out which drink is best for hangovers, workouts, and stomach bugs
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Pedialyte and Gatorade are hydrating, electrolyte-packed drinks, but they’re actually very different products. While both drinks combat dehydration, Gatorade is specifically formulated for sports recovery, while Pedialyte has multiple uses. If you’re still unsure about which drink to choose, here’s an in-depth guide on all the differences between Pedialyte and Gatorade (plus if it’s safe to drink either one daily).

Things You Should Know

  • Gatorade is intended for athletes, while Pedialyte targets all ages—especially those looking to replace electrolytes from vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Pedialyte offers more electrolytes than Gatorade, so it’s a better option in most cases. Gatorade has a high sugar content, only making it suitable for high-intensity sports recovery.
  • Long-term consumption of Gatorade or Pedialyte isn't considered healthy. If you’re just thirsty, plain water is the best choice.
Section 1 of 4:

Main Differences

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    Pedialyte is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) formulated to optimize fluid absorption, especially in children and older adults. [1] Gatorade, on the other hand, is marketed as a sports drink; it boosts athletic performance by restoring electrolytes and blood sugar lost during a workout (due to sweating). [2]
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    Electrolytes are minerals that support bodily functions like fluid regulation, muscle function, and pH balance; you lose electrolytes when you sweat, so it’s important to replace them quickly to prevent dehydration. [4] Compared to Gatorade, Pedialyte contains significantly greater sodium, potassium, chloride, and zinc (electrolytes). [5]
    • Rehydrate immediately if you notice any of the following sign of dehydration: fatigue, dizziness, confusion, extreme thirst, dark-colored urine, less frequent urination [6]
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    Gatorade contains a high amount of sugar to increase fuel mid-workout. One 12-ounce (0.35L) serving of Gatorade’s Thirst Quencher contains 21 grams (0.74 oz) of sugar, while one 12-ounce (0.35L) serving of Pedialyte Classic has approximately 9 grams (0.32 oz) of sugar. [7] [8]
    • The American Heart Association recommends a daily sugar intake of 24 grams (0.85 oz) for women and 36 grams (1.3 oz) for men, so avoid drinking Gatorade regularly: one bottle of Gatorade’s Thirst Quencher has 48 grams (1.7 oz) of sugar. [9] [10]
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Section 2 of 4:

Choosing Pedialyte or Gatorade

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    Pedialyte replaces fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea, and it’s a better option than Gatorade because it contains less sugar. Sugar makes stomach flu symptoms worse because it pulls excess water into the gut, disrupting the gastrointestinal tract. [11]
    • To cope with a stomach flu , make sure to drink enough fluids and eat bland foods (bananas, rice, apples, toast).
    • One 12-ounce (0.35L) serving of Pedialyte Classic provides 25% of the Daily Value (DV) of zinc, which increases water absorption and reduces diarrhea. [12] [13]
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    For athletes, Gatorade contains a high level of sugar to increase endurance and energy. For non-athletes, it’s just another sugary drink; only choose Gatorade to replenish electrolytes during high-intensity exercise. [14]
    • As a general rule, drink Gatorade one hour into your workout; if you’re outside (or a heavy sweater), you may want to reach for it every 30-45 minutes instead. [15]
    • For a sugar-free alternative, choose Gatorade Zero.
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    Alcohol has a diuretic effect that makes you pee more than usual, promoting water loss and dehydration. [16] Although electrolyte drinks aren’t scientifically-proven hangover cures , they can reduce common symptoms like headaches and nausea. Pedialyte is a better option than Gatorade because it carries twice the amount of electrolytes to fight dehydration and feel better faster. [17]
    • If you don’t have Pedialyte and want to avoid excess sugar, drink coconut water instead. It’s full of electrolytes and low in calories and sugar, making it a perfect natural alternative. [18]
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Section 3 of 4:

Is Pedialyte better than Gatorade?

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    Pedialyte and Gatorade are both electrolyte-packed rehydration drinks, but they serve different purposes. Pedialyte is an excellent option to treat illness and hangovers, while Gatorade is only the preferred option when it comes to exercise. Unless you’re performing a high-intensity workout, Pedialyte is your best option–it’s packed with more electrolytes to rehydrate your body quickly. [19]
Section 4 of 4:

Is it okay to drink Pedialyte every day?

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    Remember that Pedialyte and Gatorade are not “health drinks”: don’t replace all your water with either beverage, and check with your doctor first to see if daily use is recommended. If you’re simply thirsty, plain water is the best choice. [20]
    • While Pedialyte has less sugar and calories than Gatorade, it contains a substantial amount of sodium–370 mg per serving, or 16% of the Daily Value (DV). [21]
    • Avoid drinking Pedialyte if you have hypertension (high blood pressure) or kidney problems. [22]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682936
      2. ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/15/the-science-behind-gatorade
      3. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16931613
      4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002350.htm
      5. ↑ https://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/abbottnutrition-2016.com/img/Pedialyte%20EN_tcm1310-73180.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
      7. ↑ https://www.gatorade.com/fuel/hydration/gatorade-thirst-quencher/bottle/fruit-punch
      8. ↑ https://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/abbottnutrition-2016.com/img/Pedialyte-Classic.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet
      1. ↑ https://www.gatorade.com/fuel/hydration/gatorade-thirst-quencher/bottle/fruit-punch
      2. ↑ https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/nutrition-care/illness/what-to-eat-and-drink-during-and-after-stomach-flu
      3. ↑ https://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/abbottnutrition-2016.com/img/Pedialyte%20EN_tcm1310-73180.pdf
      4. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11838884
      5. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sports-drinks
      6. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/gatorade-good-you-when-you-should-drink-it-according-nutritionist-ncna898391
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537780
      8. ↑ https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/blog/pedialyte-hangovers
      9. ↑ https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/blog/pedialyte-hangovers
      10. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/magazine/letter-of-recommendation-pedialyte.html
      11. ↑ https://www.scripps.org/news_items/3988-when-to-pick-electrolyte-drinks-over-water
      12. ↑ https://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/abbottnutrition-2016.com/img/Pedialyte-Classic.pdf
      13. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627949

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