FAQ

• What is the G Series?

  To help athletes get the most out of their bodies, scientists from Gatorade have created the G Series
  - a new line of products supported by the latest science and developed in collaboration with the world's greatest athletes to provide fuel, fluid and nutrients before, during and after activity.

  How does the G Series work?

  The G Series provides an innovative 1-2-3 approach to meeting athletes' hydration and nutrition needs before, during and after activity.
  - It starts with Gatorade Prime 01, which provides pre-workout or pre-game fuel in a convenient and functional 118ml pouch.
  - Gatorade Perform 02 is the Original Gatorade - which during activity provides fuel for working muscles, fluid for hydration and electrolytes to help replace what athletes lose in sweat.
  - Athletes know it's critical to promote muscle recovery to get ready for their next workout or competition, and Gatorade Recover 03 is the first protein recovery beverage with the consistency of a traditional sports drink and great taste people expect from Gatorade.

• What is Gatorade Prime 01?

  As the first part of the new G Series, Gatorade Prime 01 provides pre-game fuel for athletes looking for the right fuel before training or competition, but who don't want to feel too full. Gatorade Prime 01 comes in a convenient and functional 118ml pouch that provides carbohydrate energy. When is the best time to drink Gatorade Prime 01? Gatorade Prime 01 was designed for use within 15 minutes before a workout or competition.

  How long will the benefits last after drinking Gatorade Prime 01?

  Drinking Gatorade Prime 01 within 15 minutes of practice or games will provide athletes with carbohydrate energy, at the start of activity. Athletes should then consume Gatorade Perform 02 during activity to maintain hydration and carbohydrate flow to working muscles for sustained performance.

  Why did you put Gatorade Prime 01 in a pouch instead of a bottle?

  Gatorade Prime 01 was designed to come in a convenient and functional 118ml pouch that can be stored easily in a locker, desk, gym bag or purse.

  Is it OK to drink Gatorade Prime 01 if it's not cold?

  Yes. Gatorade Prime 01 was specially formulated to taste great either chilled or at room temperature – making it convenient for athletes who want to store Gatorade Prime 01 in a locker or bag before workouts or competition.

  What ingredients are in Gatorade Prime 01?

  Gatorade Prime 01 contains 25 grams of carbohydrates (105 calories) to help prime the muscles, as well as 110 mg sodium and 35 mg potassium per serve. Gatorade Prime also provides a source (10% RDI) of the B vitamins – Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5) and Pyridoxine (B6) -- that contributes to normal energy metabolism as part of a daily diet.

  Is it OK to consume more than one Gatorade Prime 01 at a time?

  Yes, although it's not recommended to use more than one at a time, as consuming too much carbohydrate energy right before exercise may cause gastric distress.

  Is Gatorade Prime 01 an energy drink, like carbonated brands or "energy shots" sold at stores?

  No, Gatorade Prime 01 should not be confused with formulated caffeinated energy drinks. Gatorade Prime 01 provides carbohydrate energy as opposed to the perceived energy that comes from caffeinated energy drinks.

  Is there caffeine in Gatorade Prime 01? Why?

  No. Gatorade Prime 01 provides carbohydrate energy as opposed to the perceived energy that comes from caffeinated energy drinks,

  Will athletes notice or feel a difference after drinking Gatorade Prime 01?

  Gatorade Prime helps make carbohydrate energy rapidly available to working muscles at the start of activity. Athletes who have not utilized carbs in the past, might feel the difference at the beginning of training or play.

  Will I get a "buzz" when drinking Gatorade Prime 01, like with certain caffeinated energy drinks?

  The effects of drinking a combination will vary by individual, but in general, Gatorade Prime 01 provides carbohydrate energy as opposed to the perceived energy that comes from caffeinated energy drinks

  What do the B vitamins in Gatorade Prime 01 do?

  The three B vitamins in Gatorade Prime - Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5) and Pyridoxine (B6) - contribute to normal energy metabolism as part of a daily diet.

  Why is Gatorade Prime 01 a thicker consistency than Gatorade?

  Gatorade Prime 01 contains a higher concentration of carbohydrate than Gatorade , creating a slightly thicker consistency.

• If Gatorade Perform 02 is for during activity is it OK to drink it before or after it?

  Yes. Athletes can still benefit from drinking Gatorade Perform 02 before or after activity to maintain a healthy hydration level. The G Series puts the Original Gatorade in the "during exercise" occasion because that's the primary occasion athletes experience a performance benefit from the fluids, electrolytes and carbohydrates in those beverages.

  Is Powder part of the G Series?

  Yes, Gatorade Powder is part of Gatorade Perform 02 range, which is intended to be consumed during activity.

  Which Gatorade products are available in Powder?

  Gatorade Perform 02.

  What is the difference between Powder and ready-to-drink liquid Gatorade?

  All powder products deliver the same great hydration and performance benefits as ready to drink Gatorade, provided they are mixed in the recommended proportions with water.

  When should I use Powder vs. ready-to-drink liquid Gatorade?

  Since the advanced hydration and performance benefits of Gatorade are the same in both liquid and powdered forms, it is a matter of personal preference.

  Is Powder just as effective as ready-to-drink liquid Gatorade?

  Yes. Both deliver advanced hydration and performance benefits provided Gatorade Powder is mixed in the recommended proportions with water.

• What is Gatorade Recover 03?

  Athletes know it's critical to promote muscle recovery to get ready for their next workout or competition, and Gatorade Recover 03 is a refreshing protein recovery beverage with the consistency and great taste people expect from Gatorade.

  What are the ingredients in Gatorade Recover 03?

  A 500ml bottle of Gatorade Recover 03 contains 16 g of protein to help with muscle recovery, as well as 14 g of carbohydrate,544 kilojoules, 250 mg of sodium, and 96 mg of potassium to help athletes fully replace electrolytes lost during training and competition.

  When should I use Gatorade Recover 03?

  Gatorade Recover 03 is formulated for use within 30-60 minutes AFTER activity, to help promote muscle recovery to help athletes get ready for their next workout or competition.

  Is Gatorade Recover 03 a sports drink?

  Gatorade Recover 03 is the first protein recovery beverage with the consistency and great taste people expect from Gatorade. It contains 16 g of protein per 500ml bottle (8g per 250ml serve) to help with muscle recovery after exercise and help athletes get ready for their next workout or competition.

  Is Gatorade Recover 03 a protein shake?

  No. Gatorade Recover is the first protein recovery beverage with the consistency and great taste people expect from Gatorade.

  Why does Gatorade Recover 03 contain electrolytes and carbohydrate as well as protein?

  In addition to providing 16 g of protein per 500ml, Gatorade Recover has fluid and electrolytes, which are essential after exercise to help athletes replace fluid losses.

  What is the protein/carbohydrate ratio in Gatorade Recover 03 and how did you settle on that ratio?

  Gatorade Recover has 14 g of carbohydrate and 16 g of protein per 500ml, which provides a level of protein effective to support muscle protein recovery. Gatorade Recover is designed to be consumed immediately following activity (within 30-60 minutes) for hydration and muscle recovery.

  What type of protein is used in Gatorade Recover 03?

  Whey protein.

  Why did you choose whey protein vs. other types of protein?

  Milk proteins such as whey and casein are high quality proteins that have been shown numerous times through research to deliver a muscle recovery benefit. We selected the specific whey protein in Gatorade Recover 03 because it is a high quality protein, capable of delivering the muscle recovery benefit and because it allowed us to deliver a refreshing, great-tasting beverage.

  What if someone wanted to drink Gatorade Recover 03 during activity – would it hurt them?

  No, it would not hurt someone if they drank Gatorade Recover during activity vs. Gatorade Perform 02. The carbohydrate level in Gatorade Perform 02 is optimal for providing fuel DURING activity and that's why we recommend athletes drink Gatorade during activity.

  If an athlete drinks two bottles of Gatorade Recover 03 following exercise, how would that impact his or her body?

  There wouldn't be any negative impact on the athlete's body.

  How is Gatorade Recover 03 different from other sports drinks with protein?

  Gatorade Recover is the first protein recovery beverage with the consistency and great taste people expect from Gatorade. Certain sports drinks containing protein market themselves for use DURING the active occasion, despite the fact that research has not shown a consistent performance benefit of protein during the active occasion; however, the benefits of protein for post-exercise muscle recovery are well-established.

Gatorade is not just for serious athletes, but can benefit all of us who enjoy being physically active.

Athletes and active people sometimes do a poor job of rehydrating themselves. Electrolytes, particularly sodium, are critical for proper hydration, helping maintain electrolyte balance, and helping your body hold on to the fluid it needs.

The ingredients in Gatorade assist in the hydration process to make the body absorb it faster, and retain it longer, which is why we say it is better than water in instances such as sports hydration. Studies have shown that athletes who hydrate with Gatorade perform better than when they drank just water. The performance improvements included the ability to exercise longer before fatigue (1, 2), maintaining a faster sprint speed (3, 5) and exhibiting higher explosive power (4, 5 ) in the second half of a competition period. The studies show what the inventors of Gatorade hypothesized over 40 years ago when faced with the task of determining why many Florida Gator players were both underperforming and succumbing to the effects of heat and heat related illnesses: when it comes to optimal field performance, water isn't enough.

1. Davis JM, et al. Effects of carbohydrate and chromium ingestion during intermittent high-intensity exercise to fatigue. Int J Sports Nutr 10:476–485, 2000. (Full disclosure: GSSI funded study)
2. Davis JM, et al. Effects of branched-chain amino acids and carbohydrate on fatigue during intermittent, high-intensity running. Int J Sports Nutr 20:309–314. 1999. (Full disclosure: GSSI funded study)
3. Dougherty KA, et al. Two percent dehydration impairs and six percent carbohydrate improves boys' basketball skills. Med Sci Sports Exerc 38:1650-1658, 2006. (Full disclosure: GSSI funded study)
4. Fritzsche RG, et al. Water and carbohydrate ingestion during prolonged exercise increase maximal neuromuscular power. J Appl Physiol 88:730–737, 2000. (Full disclosure: GSSI funded study)
5. Winnick JJ, et al. Carbohydrate feedings during team sport exercise preserve physical and CNS function. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37:306-315, 2005. (Full disclosure: GSSI funded study)

Gatorade tastes best when refrigerated. Additionally, refrigeration is recommended to avoid spoilage. Under normal conditions, Gatorade will stay fresh about 3-5 days in a refrigerator if tightly capped and refrigerated within 24 hours of opening.

Some flavors are naturally cloudy due to high flavor oil content. Cloud can be difficult to keep in solution over time and can occasionally settle on the bottom of the bottle or rise to the top. That is the reason for the Shake Well instructions on the label.

No it should not. Diluting Gatorade reduces its effectiveness because doing so waters down the taste, reduces the amount of carbohydrate that can be delivered to active muscles, and dilutes the electrolytes necessary to promote rehydration. That is why care must be taken anytime Gatorade powder is mixed. Adding too much or too little water to the mix will adversely affect Gatorade effectiveness.

More than 40 years of scientific research has gone into Gatorade to assure its formula is optimal. Nothing rehydrates, refuels or replenishes better.

Gatorade is a thirst quencher, a fluid replacement beverage for use when people are hot and thirsty. Many energy drinks contain caffeine and about three times as much carbohydrate as Gatorade, as well as other substances such as ginseng, taurine, etc. As a result, these drinks slow fluid absorption and should not be used for those occasions when rapid replacement of fluid, carbohydrates and electrolytes is important.

Once opened, Gatorade should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-5 days after opening.

For optimal flavour, the product should be consumed within 9 months or less.

Gatorade Perform 02.

The date on the first line of the neck of the bottle indicates when Gatorade is at its optimal freshness and flavour. Gatorade can be safely consumed past that date if the seal is intact and the product has been stored in a clean, dry, cool environment.

Gatorade plastic caps have bands that separate once the cap has been loosened. Tamper bands are used on caps that don't have built in tamper evidency including 24-ounce sports cap.

Yes. Additionally, we're constantly working to reduce the amount of material we use to make a bottle. In fact, a 600 ml Gatorade Perform 02 bottle weighs 10 percent less than it did in 1998.

Six per cent is the concentration, and means six grams of carbohydrate per 100 mL of fluid (metric units). The label will list 14 g per 250ml serving. Years of laboratory research has shown that a 6% carbohydrate solution provides an appealing taste profile when exercising, is rapidly emptied from the stomach and absorbed by the intestine, and delivers performance-enhancing energy to active muscles. Sports drinks with lower or higher concentrations than 6% carbohydrate are unlikely to deliver on all these key attributesWhen checking carbohydrate percentages, refer to the Nutrition Information Panel and the per 100ml column. For example 6g per 100ml is 6% carbohydrate.

In scientific terms, osmolality is a measure of the number of particles in a solution and can affect absorption properties. For example, water has a very low osmolality (close to zero) whereas orange or apple juice has a higher osmolality because there is more sugar molecules dissolved in it. The osmolality of Gatorade is slightly higher than that of our blood (approx 360mOsmol/L). That and the types of carbohydrate and electrolytes help assure rapid absorption. If beverage osmolality becomes too high (e.g. soft drinks and fruit juices), the rate of fluid absorption is slowed and can promote stomach upset during exercise.

Yes, Gatorade is formulated to taste best during physical activity because it contains electrolytes and the right flavour profile to help drive the thirst mechanism. The right flavor profile is achieved by creating flavours that are light and not overpowering so that they can be consumed in large quantities with minimum sensory overload during physical activity. Gatorade does not contain artificial preservatives that can cause a throat burning sensation during exercise.

In Gatorade, the key electrolytes are the minerals sodium, potassium and chloride. When athletes sweat, they lose electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride that are essential to hydration and muscle function. Unlike water and other beverages that are not scientifically formulated, Gatorade is lab-tested to ensure it helps replenish the electrolytes lost in sweat and stimulates thirst so athletes will ingest an adequate amount of fluid and electrolytes to stay better well-hydrated compared to when using beverages without electrolytes, particularly sodium.^{1 2 3}

1. Maughan RJ. Fluid and electrolyte loss and replacement in exercise. J Sports Sci 9:117-142, 1991.
2. Passe D, et al. Impact of beverage acceptability on fluid intake during exercise. Appetite 35:219-229, 2000. (Full disclosure: GSSI study)
3. Wilk B and O Bar-Or. Effect of drink flavor and NaCl on voluntary drinking and hydration in boys exercising in the heat. J Appl Physiol 80:1112–1117, 1996. (Full disclosure: GSSI funded study)

The colours of Gatorade not only look good but also help in flavour perception and enable you to tell different flavours apart. All colours and ingredients in Gatorade are approved for use by the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ.)

HFCS is not used in Australia for Gatorade products, as cane sugar is freely available and is preferred by consumers.

Currently, caffeine has no place in Gatorade products. Caffeine is a stimulant and many sports health professionals have concerns about athletes over-consuming caffeine.

No, none of our Gatorade products have gluten containing ingredients.

Sucrose is a type of sugar commonly known as table sugar. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener providing zero calories (kilojoules). Like many no- and low-calorie sweeteners, to provide bulk and volume, sucralose contains a very small amount of common food ingredients, e.g., dextrose and/or maltodextrin. As the amount of these ingredients is small, it still has an insignificant calorie value per serving and meets the FSANZ standard as an intense sweetener.

The safety of sucralose is well documented in more than 100 scientific studies conducted over a 20-year period. In addition, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) www.foodstandards.gov.au, the peak food regulatory body for Australia & New Zealand, reviewed all the studies and has classified sucralose as safe for use as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and international health authorities such as the World Health Organization, and found to be safe for use by all consumers.

Fruit juice contains sugars such as fructose and added sucrose in concentrations that slow gastric emptying and may result in intestinal upset when athletes drink it during exercise.

The Gatorade name comes from The University of Florida football team, the 'Gators'. Gatorade Thirst Quencher was invented at The University of Florida to aid their athletes in combating the dehydration that limited their performance, hence 'Gator...ade.' For more information on the origins of Gatorade, please visit the Born in the Lab section.

The most popular flavours of Gatorade continue to be Lemon Lime and Orange.

Yes.

Unfortunately we do not sell Gatorade in bulk to the general public.

However, if you are buying on behalf of a business and have an ABN, you can purchase Gatorade in bulk from Campbell's Cash and Carry or via the Merchandise section on www.gatorade.com.au.

Alternatively the four packs - which retail for around $6.99 through the grocery channel -- is the most cost effective way to order larger quantities.

You may also wish to buy Gatorade powder -- available in Lemon-Lime, Orange Ice and new Fierce Berry -- as the per serve goes further.

Many of the requests for sponsorship that we receive are extremely worthwhile. Whilst we would like to support all of them, unfortunately this is not always possible. Sponsorship decisions are made according to strict criteria, through a structured process that ensures all requests are thoroughly reviewed and considered.

All Gatorade products (liquid and powder formulations) are gluten free and are therefore suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. The dextrose we use in these products is sourced from Maize.

Also for your information Pepsi products (diet and regular), including Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew and 7UP are gluten free. The caramel colour used is derived from glucose or sucrose syrup; not from wheat or a source of gluten.

The pH of Gatorade is about 3.3

For employment opportunities, please visit www.pepsicocareers.com.au and fill in the online application. Best of luck.

It is safe to drink Gatorade during pregnancy.

In fact, many doctors specifically recommend Gatorade during the later stages of the pregnancy as they replace electrolytes losses cause by sweating (contractions) and the six per cent carbohydrate solution gives a reasonable amount of carbohydrate for energy.

Another benefit is Gatorade has less salt than milk and less carbohydrate than fruit juices.

Gatorade is sold in Coles, Woolworths / Safeway, Metcash companies and some convenience stores.

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that your favourite flavour will be sold in all outlets as this is up to the discretion of the store manager.

Please check the Merchandise section on www.gatorade.com.au for team sales information.

No. Benzene is thought to form as a result of a reaction between benzoate (a preservative) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Gatorade does not contain either of these ingredients.

There is no research linking sports drinks to dental erosion. In fact, the only cross-sectional study undertaken to assess this possibility found no association between sports drink consumption and dental erosion.

In a recent review in the International Dental Journal, it was concluded that "consumption of an acidic drink or food alone is highly unlikely to cause erosion." ¹

References

1. Moss, S.J. Dental erosion. Int Dental J. 1998; 48:529-539

There have been studies conducted outside of the mouth, which fail to take into account the protective effect of saliva and the natural biological system.

One published case study¹ (one athlete) did not measure the intake of other acidic beverages, did not take into account that the athlete did not use fluoridated water or toothpaste, and did not check on the patient's saliva flow. Without investigating any of these factors the study author suggested a link between the erosion in one athlete to sports drinks.

An additional study by the same author, which contained 45 subjects and did assess salivary flow within the participants, found no association between dental caries or erosion and sports drinks.²

A 2002 study of more than 300 athletes at The Ohio State University (OSU), published in the journal Caries Research, reported that the level of dental erosion in athletes regularly using sports drinks was 36 per cent versus 40 per cent erosion in non-users, disputing the idea that acidity in sports drinks contribute to dental erosion.³

References

1. Milosevic A. Sports drinks hazard to teeth. Br J Sports Med. 1997; 31:28-30
2. Milosevic A. Sports supplement drinks and dental health in competitive swimmers and cyclists. Br Dent J. 1997;182:303-308
3. Matthew, T; Casamassimo, PS; Hayes, JR. Relationship between Sports Drinks and Dental Erosion in 304 University Athletes in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Caries Res 2002; 36:281-287, 2001

Currently, the product is sold in six packs in all leading supermarkets across the country. We hope to make the product available in more channels and formats over the coming months.