In the world of sports drinks, there’s Gatorade, and then there’s everyone else.

Scientists began formulating a beverage designed to support athletic activity in 1965. Researchers wanted to make a drink that would improve the performance of the Gators, the members of the University of Florida athletic program. They experimented with formulas designed to replenish water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates lost through exertion and sweat. The scientific trials proved to be a success, and the first sports drink — Gatorade — was born.

Since that time, Gatorade has claimed 75% of the sports drink market share. That’s no surprise. Who doesn’t want a drink that regularly gets poured over the head of championship-winning coaches? Gatorade has grown from its original lineup of two options to a vast assortment of Gatorade flavors, colors, and formulas, all designed to keep you operating at peak athletic performance.

We may be inviting controversy, but here’s what we consider to be the definitive list of the best Gatorade flavors ranked from The Greatest of All Time to The Okay. Disagree? That’s fine. Test out our list the old-fashioned way: out on the basketball court with a cold Gatorade waiting on the bench.

Ready? Set? Rank that list of Gatorade flavors!

1. Gatorade Lemon-Lime

Coming in at #1 out of all the best Gatorade flavors, it’s the one, the only, the original Gatorade flavor: Lemon-Lime. It doesn’t matter if you just finished a challenging workout or are simply feeling dehydrated; this Gatorade classic will replenish your electrolytes to keep you on your feet.

2. Gatorade Orange

Coming in second best Gatorade flavor to Lemon-Lime is the other classic flavor of Gatorade: Orange. You either love it or are wrong. Refreshment and hydration don’t get any better than this citrusy favorite. Stay in the game with Orange Gatorade’s refreshing flavor.

3. Gatorade Fruit Punch

Post-workout? Game time? Dehydrated? Gatorade Thirst Quencher Fruit Punch is always the answer. Packed with electrolytes for ultimate hydration to stay on your A-game, this classic sports drink doesn’t disappoint.

4. Gatorade Cool Blue

Let’s expand into different flavors, like blue. Gatorade Cool Blue can replenish your electrolytes after a workout, a night on the town, or any time you’re feeling dehydrated. Reach for this tart yet sweet raspberry-flavored thirst quencher the next time you need a refreshing drink.

5. Gatorade Fierce Blue Cherry

We don’t know who thought a cherry-flavored drink should be colored blue, but we would like to crown them the MVP of the Beverage Game. Top up your tank with an intense cherry-flavored drink so you can get on the podium. 

6. Gatorade Zero Glacier Cherry

Just the thing to keep the chill on, Gatorade Zero Glacier Cherry has all the rehydration power and cherry zip of Thirst Quencher Glacier Cherry but none of the sugar, so you don’t need a workout after your workout. 

7. Gatorade Fierce Grape

We’re not sure what makes grape flavor fierce, but if it’s 4th and long with 6 seconds on the clock, we know what Gatorade flavor we’re reaching for. This thirst quencher delivers everything you need to pull off a Hail Mary.

8. Gatorade Frost Glacier Freeze

Chill out. This delicious light blue Gatorade has all the electrolytes, sodium, and carbohydrates you need to stay in the game. The exact flavor remains a mystery, but it’s always in our corner to boost our energy and tame our thirst.

9. Gatorade Zero Berry

Gatorade Zero Berry is the ultimate thirst-busting hitter. Its sweet berry flavor and unparalleled thirst-quenching abilities make it a one-two punch in the battle against dehydration, all wrapped up in a pretty pink package. Get the power of Gatorade Zero Berry in your corner.

10. Gatorade Zero Glacier Freeze

When it’s late in the third period and you’re short-handed, Gatorade Zero Glacier Freeze helps you stay in the game with its hat trick of electrolytes, sodium, and reduced-calorie hydration. Its light, crisp berry flavor assists you in keeping the puck in the blue zone.

FAQ

How many flavors of Gatorade are there?

Since its initial development, Gatorade’s range of beverages has expanded from two original flavors, Lemon-Lime Gatorade and Orange Gatorade, to three in 1982 with the addition of Fruit Punch. When it was first launched, people decided which flavor to drink based on what color of Gatorade was available: green, orange, or red. Now that the product line has expanded, it’s not that easy. 

Gatorade’s current range includes 22 individual flavors. With such a huge variety, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to try, so let's break it down.

First off, Gatorade comes in three different formulations: a full-calorie sports drink, a lower-calorie sports drink (Gatorade G2), and a no-calorie sports drink (Gatorade Zero). Each of these formulations comes in the following flavors:

• Lemon-Lime

• Orange

• Fruit Punch

• Rain Berry

• Lemonade

• Cool Blue

• Citrus Cooler

• Tangerine

• Watermelon Citrus

• Melon

• Strawberry Lemonade

• Strawberry Watermelon

• Strawberry

• Lime Cucumber

• Berry

• Frost: Glacier Freeze

• Mango Extremo

• Low Calorie: Strawberry Lemonade

• Rain Lime

• Rain Strawberry Kiwi

The Fierce line of Gatorade has a more intense, bold flavor profile and includes: 

• Fierce: Green Apple

• Frost: Glacier Cherry

• Fierce: Blue Cherry

• Fierce: Grape

Gatorade Frost has a more crisp and clean flavor profile

• Frost: Arctic Blitz

• Frost: Icy Charge

• Frost: Tropical Mango

• Frost: Riptide Rush

• Frost: Cascade Crash

With such a wide variety, you’re bound to find your favorite Gatorade flavor that’ll become your hydration go-to. 

Is Gatorade good for hydration?

When you exercise strenuously, especially in hot conditions, your body burns carbohydrates as fuel and loses water and electrolytes through perspiration. The result can leave you feeling ill. In extreme cases, it can lead to vomiting and loss of consciousness.

The scientists who originally made Gatorade designed it to help athletes replace those lost elements and continue performing at their peak, even under harsh conditions. Since Gatorade launched, sports drinks have become popular with athletes and armchair warriors alike.

Gatorade lives up to its promise. It’s great for rehydrating you after a strenuous workout lasting an hour or more. For the average person who exercises less than 60 minutes per day, five days a week, sports drinks are probably not the best choice of beverage. 

Regular Gatorade has slightly less sugar than your average soda, which isn’t considered healthy unless you live an active lifestyle and have the means to burn it off. It’s also high in sodium. If you’re very active, that sodium helps you retain water, staving off the effects of dehydration. But that extra salt could cause a sedentary person to develop hypertension and high blood pressure. 

So, while it’s a great tool at the elite level of athletics, everyday users should think twice about drinking Gatorade regularly. In fact, you might want to save it for your league championship and stick to water during the regular season. 

What is the best Gatorade to drink when sick?

Over the years, Gatorade has developed a reputation as a bit of a cure-all. This belief is especially prevalent among those suffering the morning after a big night out. And yes, when you’re feeling sick, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Gatorade was developed to help athletes stay hydrated, so you would think it would work equally well for those days when you’re hugging the porcelain throne. 

Well, yes and no. If you’re feeling mildly unwell and haven’t been drinking nearly enough or sweating due to a fever, Gatorade can help you recover some of the nutrients you’ve lost.

If you’ve been violently sick, Gatorade or any sports drink isn’t the ticket to feeling better. In fact, the sugar, artificial flavors, and colors could lead to more stomach upset which puts you at greater risk of harmful effects from dehydration.

Do yourself a favor; if you’re ill, stick to drinking water. If you’re worried about electrolytes and vitamins, add some lemon and sip slowly. If your nausea increases and you can’t keep anything down, stop drinking and consult your healthcare provider. 

Gatorade has its place in the world of beverages; it’s just not in your medicine cabinet.