Gatorade Thirst Quencher
Summary
Gatorade Thirst Quencher scores 5/100. This is flat soda marketed as hydration. 34g added sugar (69% DV) from two different sugar sources (sugar + dextrose) — 140 calories of pure sugar water with negligible electrolyte value (80mg potassium). Contains petroleum-derived artificial dyes across its flavors: Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and caramel color (potential 4-MEI carcinogen). Also includes modified food starch (chemically altered), glycerol ester of rosin (synthetic wood rosin emulsifier), and sucrose acetate isobutyrate. Owned by PepsiCo. The poster child of ultra-processed junk masquerading as a health product.
At a glance
Key ingredients 8
Sugar and Dextrose34gVery Bad
34g added sugar per bottle (69% DV) from TWO sugar sources. 140 calories of pure sugar water. This is soda without carbonation.
See more about Sugar and Dextrose →Red 40Very Bad
Petroleum-derived artificial dye linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Banned or requires warning labels in the EU.
See more about Red 40 →Yellow 5Very Bad
Petroleum-derived artificial dye (Tartrazine) linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenicity.
See more about Yellow 5 →Yellow 6Very Bad
Petroleum-derived artificial dye linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and tumor growth in animal studies.
See more about Yellow 6 →Modified Food StarchBad
Chemically modified starch used as a thickener — an ultra-processed additive with no nutritional value.
See more about Modified Food Starch →Glycerol Ester of RosinBad
Synthetic emulsifier derived from wood rosin. Unnecessary industrial additive.
See more about Glycerol Ester of Rosin →Caramel ColorNeutral
Processed coloring agent potentially containing 4-MEI. Used in Fruit Punch variant.
See more about Caramel Color →Monopotassium PhosphateNeutral
Basic electrolyte providing only 80mg potassium — negligible for actual hydration needs.
See more about Monopotassium Phosphate →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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