Pedialyte is one of the best-known electrolyte solutions available. It’s been around for decades and is used by athletes, hungover people, and parents with children suffering from diarrhea or other conditions that can cause dehydration.
The brand was developed by Abbott Laboratories and has been on the market since 1960s. Pedialyte gets its name from the fact that it’s an oral rehydration solution (ORS). ORSs are designed to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea and vomiting. They’re also useful for people suffering from heat exhaustion or other forms of dehydration.
But is Pedialyte really the best choice for you? We’ve reviewed the product to find out what makes it so popular among consumers and whether there are better options available for those who want to stay hydrated during exercise or after a night out drinking.
Table of Contents
Flavor Options
Pedialyte comes in a variety of flavors and formulas. It even has an unflavored option if you want your sports drink to be perfectly clear.
Here’s an overview of the top Pedialyte flavors, including what makes each one special.
The electrolytes in Pedialyte are designed to help replenish the fluids and minerals lost during athletic activity. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t perform at its best. Your muscles cramp up, your focus suffers, and your endurance is gone—not to mention that you feel terrible!
The flavors are delicious and many of them are sweet and fruity. I like the unflavored version because it doesn’t have any artificial flavors or colors and it works better than water alone or sports drinks.
Ingredients in Pedialyte
Pedialyte contains 5 key electrolytes: sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining fluid balance.
The product has 5 to 9 grams of sugar per serving, which is significantly less than other sports drinks on the market. The drink has been specifically formulated with an optimal balance of sugar and electrolytes so you can feel energized quickly without any sugar crash later.
| Electrolyte Drink | Sugar | Sodium | Potassium | Chloride | Magnesium | Zinc | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus Liters | 7 g | 490 mg | 280 mg | 630 mg | 0 mg | 2.8 mg | 0 mg |
| Pedialyte AdvancedCare Liters | 6 g | 370 mg | 280 mg | 440 mg | 0 mg | 2.8 mg | 0 mg |
| Pedialyte Sport Liters | 5 g | 490 mg | 470 mg | 690 mg | 40 mg | 0 mg | 140 mg |
| Pedialyte Classic Liters | 9 g | 370 mg | 280 mg | 440 mg | 0 mg | 2.8 mg | 0 mg |
| Pedialyte Electrolyte Water | 0 g | 240 mg | 130 mg | 250 mg | 0 mg | 2.8 mg | 0 mg |
| Pedialyte Immune Support Liters | 7 g | 490 mg | 280 mg | 690 mg | 40 mg | 2.8 mg | 0 mg |
| Pedialyte Organic Liters | 9 g | 370 mg | 280 mg | 440 mg | 0 mg | 2.8 mg | 0 mg |
The company also makes a zero-calorie version of the electrolyte solution that contains no sugar at all! This makes it an ideal choice for dieters who want to maintain their electrolyte levels while cutting down on their sugar intake.
Compare the Calories in Pedialyte Products
In general, Pedialyte contains fewer calories than other sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade.
The Classic liters have only 35 calories per 12 ounces, while the Sports and AdvancedCare version has 25 calories per 12 ounces. This makes the Sports and AdvancedCare version more popular among athletes who are trying to control their calorie intake or watch their weight.
Pedialyte’s Electrolyte water is a sugar-free version of the original Pedialyte formula. It has the same key electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and chloride—but no sugar or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
Pedialyte vs. Other Sports Drinks
If you’re not active, sports drinks won’t help you any more than water will. But if you are an athlete and have been working hard during practice or a game, Pedialyte can be a smart way to replenish your fluids and electrolytes.
Unlike other sports drinks that contain a lot of sugar, Pedialyte is low in calories and won’t cause bloating or stomach cramping. It’s great for people who are sensitive to those side effects.
What does Pedialyte taste like?
Pedialyte is a great drink for summertime. It’s easy to digest and doesn’t leave you feeling bloated or overly full. The drink comes in a variety of fruit flavors, but the best part is that it’s not overly sweet—it’s just right!
The taste is refreshing and even more so when served chilled. The color is pleasing to look at, and the texture feels good going down your throat. The aftertaste isn’t unpleasant, but it could be better.
Price Comparison
The price of Pedialyte depends on where you buy it. At the time of publishing, Pedialyte Sport retails for about $1.60 per 12-ounce bottle.
That’s slightly pricier than other sports drinks—However, it has more electrolytes than its competitors, making it worth the added cost.
Pros & Cons
- Helps you prevent dehydration
- Contains considerably less sugar
- Low in calories
- Helps with hangovers
- Once opened, it will go bad in 48 hours
- This might be a little costly
- Has twice the sodium as other sport drinks
- Not widely available
Packaging Options
- Bottle (1 liter or 33.8 fl oz, 500 ml or 16.9 fl oz)
- Powder Packs (0.6 oz)
- Freezer Pops
Final Review
It’s easy to indulge in sugary sports drinks, especially when you’re training hard and pushing your body past its limits. But if you don’t know how to pick a healthy sports drink, or if you’d like an alternative to the standard options (and have some cash to spend), Pedialyte can be a good choice for hydration when you work out.
While it was developed by doctors specifically to help prevent dehydration in children, some athletes such as amateur and professional cyclists are using Pedialyte instead of other sports drinks they may have been relying on in the past.
If you are interested in purchasing Pedialyte, you can find it online through Amazon and other retailers as well.
Where to Buy
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