Ranking 23 flavors and types of Gatorade

In a monumental undertaking, we’ve decided to take a look at the multiple flavors and sorts of Gatorade beverages and decide which one’s are best, yet in so doing, we discovered that this company has offered in its multiple years in existence, a plethora and wide variety of products, and you may just be surprised at what items make the list.

People generally drink this stuff like juice and although it’s primarily a sports recovery and performance-related beverage—as it was designed to be when it was created—people just can’t seem to get enough.

A bottle of Gatorade is always seen on picnic tables at BBQs and get-togethers; even on TV, all the while, no sports are being played.

Why do we love Gatorade?

And why is that? To put it simply: because it tastes great and is the perfect treat at times.

Believe it or not, Gatorade was introduced in 1965 and it has a much more scientific inception story than you would actually believe. It was created at the University of Florida by scientists, Harry James Free, Alejandro de Quesada, Dana Shires and of course Robert Cade, who passed on in 2007.

Then Florida Gators head coach, Ray Graves asked the scientists to create a beverage for his players…one that would help them replenish lost fluids perspired out during play and practice, thus helping them to play better…hence the term, Gator-aide.

If you check out the Wikipedia page on Gatorade, you’ll see an epic picture of Gators player, Chip Hinton tasting Gatorade for the first time in 1965 after its creation. I wonder if he played like a lion that day, or rather, a Gator. Talk about epic moments in history.

Throughout the nineties, Gatorade had some stiff competition in All Sport, a similar beverage, only it was carbonated, but nothing could stand in the way of the dominance that Gatorade would soon have. What could you expect from a company that at one time also released a brand of gum under the name Gator Gum?

It is owned by PepsiCo and is sold in over or just about eighty countries.

So, as is our custom here at Guilty Eats, let’s get to ranking most of the Gatorade flavors and categories

23. All G2 Flavors

They tried to create a tasty diet Gatorade, but they tried in vain, if you ask me. These pale in comparison to the original flavors they try to represent, and they just don’t scream Gatorade. A total miss and completely across the board.

22. Gatorade Zero-Berry Flavor

These weren’t introduced all that long ago and while all of the flavors aren’t that great collectively, this one is just okay, although it does taste a tad like children’s Tempra.

21. Gatorade Zero-Lemon/Lime

Of the Zero flavors, this is the one that comes closest to the original Lemon/Lime that is featured later on this list. Close, as they say, but no cigar.

20. Strawberry/Watermelon

What is it about watermelon drinks? They taste more like the rind than the flesh, which is what most people are looking for but never find. I’m afraid Gatorade dropped the ball on that front as well.

19. Gatorade Zero with Protein

And in so being a sports-related beverage, they got into the protein supplement game. These pack a mere ten grams of protein for gym-goers, and the taste isn’t at all great. You might as well have a ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds for 15 grams of protein instead.

18. Gatorade Chocolate Super Shake (Chocolate)

But they do have a chocolate shake that actually rivals any other protein shake on the market. And it serves up 30 grams of protein, which after 20 sets of biceps work is a tad more appropriate.

17. Mango

One of the first thirst quencher flavors on the list and my least favorite fruit juice flavors. Gatorade, no matter how mighty, was not spared that preference on this list I’m afraid.

16. Fierce-Riptide Rush

A cool name and all, but the flavor is just okay.

15. Gatorade Frost-Icy Charge

Getting warmer, or should I say cooler?

14. Gatorade Fierce-Blue Cherry

We’re starting to turn the tide, and with these next few flavors, they can most certainly be considered interchangeable and I’d take them in a pinch if necessary…essentially a pinch being me being excessively thirsty.

13. Gatorade Flow-Blackberry Wave

See #14

12. Gatorade Frost-Arctic Blitz

See #s 13 and 14

11. Strawberry/Lemonade

The Strawberry Gatorade flavor is flawed because I don’t get that signature strawberry flavor I need in a strawberry beverage. That’s the case in all of their series of drinks, and the combo here just doesn’t work. You want epic strawberry flavor, go get a bottle of Snapple or Fruité.

10. Strawberry/Raspberry

See #11

9. Strawberry

See #s 11 and 10

8. Gatorade Fierce-Green Apple

Okay you got me. No, this tastes nothing like a green apple, but this is one type of flavor I’ve always loved. I consider it that false green apple flavor that many products have: hard candy, chewy candy and fruit juice beverages and sports drinks. I can’t say no.

7. Gatorade Frost-Glacial Cherry

If you’ve ever been on a long walk on a warm day and stop for a drink to quench your thirst, perhaps there is no better beverage next to water that can most satisfy you in such a situation.

6. Lime/Cucumber

A pleasant surprise. I didn’t think that they’d be able to do cucumber justice, but they did, and it blends exceptionally well with lime.

5. Fierce-Grape

Again, this one kind of has a children’s medication kind of taste to it, but one that doesn’t bother me as much as in the Gatorade Zero Berry flavor. Besides, Grape just kind of always takes me back to childhood, and if you’ve read any of my other pieces here at Guilty Eats, you’ll know how food and beverages have a tendency to do that.

4. Cool Blue

We’re entering the 4 classic flavors that I think define what Gatorade is…a beverage that you should be drinking when performing a type of physical activity, but can’t help chugging down as you munch on a bag of corn chips or a burger and fries. Now talk about Guilty Eats, eh dear readers?

3. Fruit Punch

Goes very well paired with nachos.

2. Orange

Try freezing this one to make Gatorade Orange pops.

1. Lemon/Lime

The greatest flavor and my go-to every time I’m asked that famous question: “What flavor?”

Does anyone else miss All Sport? Any flavors we missed that you absolutely love? Let us know, dear readers.