Is Gatorade Zero Keto?
A ketogenic diet removes high-carb, sugary drinks because they can increase your risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease. But that doesn’t mean you have to stick to plain water forever—how boring would that be? Many keto dieters turn to energy drinks, diet sodas, and various health beverages.
So, is Gatorade Zero keto-friendly? Can you enjoy it on a low-carb diet without compromising your health? Let’s dive in and find out!
Can You Drink Gatorade Zero on a Keto Diet?
KetoConnect Verdict: Gatorade Zero gets a keto-friendly rating of ⭐ (out of 5).
In short, yes, you can drink Gatorade Zero and stay in ketosis. It contains only one gram of net carbs, zero sugars, and zero calories. However, although Gatorade Zero won’t kick you out of ketosis, moderation is key. It contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which are linked to negative health effects.
Pro Tip: When looking for a sugar replacement, opt for natural sweeteners over artificial ones. Research shows that artificial sweeteners can promote weight gain and trigger inflammation. Surprisingly, drinking artificial sweeteners might cause you to gain more weight than sugar. The sweet taste tricks your brain into craving more sweets, making it harder to stick to a low-carb diet. Some studies also suggest that artificial sweeteners might raise insulin levels, even without containing sugar.
What is Gatorade Zero?
Gatorade Zero is a low-carb sports drink designed to replenish electrolytes while being calorie and sugar-free. It’s a great alternative to Gatorade Thirst Quencher. You’ll find Gatorade Zero in several flavors, including:
- Berry
- Lemon Lime
- Fruit Punch
Gatorade Zero Nutrition Facts – Is Gatorade Zero Keto?
From a macronutrient perspective, Gatorade Zero is a decent option for keto dieters. It offers a good amount of electrolytes to help relieve keto flu symptoms. Each bottle contains 50 mg of potassium and 160 mg of sodium. Here’s a list of all the ingredients in Gatorade Zero:
- Water
- Sodium Citrate
- Salt
- Citric Acid
- Modified Food Starch
- Natural Flavor
- Sucralose
- Monopotassium Phosphate
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Glycerol Ester Of Rosin
Does Gatorade Zero Contain Any Bad Ingredients?
After examining the ingredients, here are some additives in Gatorade Zero that could have negative health effects:
Acesulfame Potassium
Acesulfame potassium is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s made by transforming acidic acid and combining it with potassium. Unfortunately, studies link acesulfame potassium to chronic migraines and weight gain. While occasional consumption isn’t a problem, long-term use can hinder weight loss.
Sucralose
Although authorities claim that sucralose is safe, some studies show it can lead to liver inflammation and an imbalanced gut microbiome. Sucralose is 400 to 700 times sweeter than sugar, and a 2013 study found it could increase blood sugar levels by 14% and insulin levels by 20%.
What Can I Drink Instead of Gatorade Zero?
If you’re looking to cut down on sugary drinks and optimize your keto diet, here are some alternatives:
Ice Tea and Coffee
Iced tea and coffee are keto-friendly and super tasty. Add heavy cream for extra flavor and MCT oil or butter to boost fat content. MCT oil is a powerful brain supplement that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Natural sweeteners can satisfy your sweet tooth and are healthier than artificial ones. The caffeine combined with MCT oil provides a better energy boost than Gatorade Zero.
Keto Perform
Keto Perform is an electrolyte drink created for keto dieters, containing more electrolytes than Gatorade Zero. One serving provides:
- 60% of your daily value for magnesium
- 23% of your daily value for sodium
- 36% of your daily value for calcium
This makes it perfect for during and after workouts, replenishing lost electrolytes and helping to combat keto flu symptoms.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is nature’s multivitamin. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and packed with amino acids like glycine and arginine, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Animal bones are rich in nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and iron, while fish broth is full of iodine, which supports thyroid function. Most people enjoy bone broth warm, but you can chill it overnight and sip on it at the gym.
Final Word on Drinking Gatorade Zero on Keto
Gatorade Zero is a healthier option for those looking to cut down on sugary sodas and beverages. It’s tasty and contains no carbs, calories, or sugars. However, the artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium can hinder your weight loss goals.
If you’re hitting a weight loss plateau, try removing Gatorade Zero and artificial sweeteners from your diet and replacing them with iced coffee, Keto Perform, or bone broth.
Looking for more keto-friendly drink guides? Check out our articles on sparkling water, kombucha, and more.
