Sports drink, low calorie (Powerade Zero)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Powerade Zero is a clear, intensely flavored, zero-calorie sports drink designed to replenish electrolytes without sugar. It has a thin, watery texture and a sharp, artificially sweet taste, often described as a more assertive, less 'citrusy' Gatorade. Nutritionally, it's essentially a vehicle for water, electrolytes (sodium, potassium), and artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, with negligible carbs (0.14g per 100g).
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its bold, refreshing flavors that make hydration feel less like a chore, especially during intense workouts or hot weather. Its zero-calorie, zero-sugar profile makes it a popular choice for those managing weight or blood sugar while still wanting a flavorful, electrolyte-rich drink.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) can cause digestive discomfort or a lingering aftertaste for some individuals. It's also high in sodium (around 150-200mg per serving), which may be a concern for those with hypertension or kidney issues. To mitigate, pair it with a balanced meal containing protein and healthy fats, and consider alternating with plain water or a lower-sodium electrolyte option.
Key benefits
- Replenishes electrolytes (sodium, potassium) lost through sweat
- Provides hydration without added sugar or calories
- Contains B-vitamins (B3, B6, B12) for energy metabolism support
- Offers a palatable alternative to plain water for some athletes
- Can help maintain fluid balance during prolonged exercise
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Powerade Zero was developed in response to the success of Gatorade Zero, with Coca-Cola (its parent company) specifically engineering it to have a slightly more 'crisp' and less 'sweet' taste profile to differentiate it in the market.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 99.3 g |
| Energy | 0.00 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.14 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.00 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 10.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 42.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.83 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.08 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.25 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.25 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Does Powerade Zero have any sugar?
No, Powerade Zero contains 0g of sugar per serving. It uses artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium to achieve its sweet taste without adding calories.
Is Powerade Zero good for hydration?
Yes, it can be effective for hydration, especially during or after exercise, as it contains electrolytes (sodium and potassium) that help replace what's lost through sweat. However, plain water is also a perfectly adequate hydrating option for most people.
Are there any side effects to drinking Powerade Zero?
Some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea from the artificial sweeteners. The sodium content may also be a concern for those with certain health conditions. It's best to consume in moderation and consult a healthcare provider if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 4.20 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.