Gatorade Announces Lower Sugar Alternative

Gatorade is releasing a new sports drink with 75% less sugar than its flagship beverage. Gatorade Lower Sugar is set to release in 2026 with four new flavors that come with no artificial colors or sweeteners. The release comes at a time when parents are becoming more conscious about their children’s sugar consumption. 

According to a 2022 study by the National Institute of Health, children’s added sugar consumption remains high, but has decreased over the past decade. 

NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard made headlines earlier this year when he took a bottle of Gatorade off of a press conference table during the NBA playoffs, adding “kids don’t need to be drinking that.” 

And he’s probably right, According to the CDC, about one in five American children and adolescents have obesity, with Hispanic and Black children affected at higher rates. 

“With Gatorade Lower Sugar, we’re expanding our portfolio to meet the evolving needs of today’s athletes while still delivering the hydration and flavor they know and love — now with 75% less sugar and no artificial colors. This addition reflects our continued focus on delivering science-backed options to do what we do best: solve athlete problems,” said Anuj Bhasin, senior vice president of marketing for Gatorade.

Gatorade will release the four new flavors — Fruit Punch, Lemonade and Glacier Cherry, and Rain Berry — in Spring 2026.