There are many sports drinks on the market that promise numerous health benefits but come with a price tag and are loaded with calories and sugar. As people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, we are mindful of what we are eating and drinking. Often times we are looking for a drink that can help give us a boost of energy before we exercise or one that will replenish us after a rigorous workout. The last thing we want is to mess with our blood sugar after doing something good for our body, so a drink with minimal sugar is ideal.

To give you an idea of what these so-called sports drink typically contain, regular Gatorade has 140 calories and 34 g carbs in a 20-oz bottle; yet it is the most popular sports drink on the market. However, high-carb drinks will make the absorption of fluids take longer. Opting for a lower-carb alternative will help hydrate you quicker. Make sure you read labels and pick a drink that fit with your own personal health goals.

Here are some of the sports drink I found with the lowest sugar and the most health benefits:

Photo credit: Propel Water

Propel

By the makers of Gatorade, this brand has quickly become a fan favorite. It is a great option for many because it contains zero grams of sugar and zero calories. This drink can be beneficial both pre- and post-workout and is packed with electrolytes and vitamins. While some may shy away from it due to artificial flavors, they offer an unflavored version as well.

You can purchase Propel at many grocery chains, including Walmart, Target, and Kroger. You can find a store near you using their store locator.

Photo credit: Gatorade

Gatorade Zero Sugar Thirst Quencher

This drink comes in four tasty flavors-glacier cherry, orange and lemon-lime. With just 5-10 calories and zero sugar per serving, this is a delicious option that will fuel your body and hydrate you too.

You can look specifically for this product on their website to find out where it is sold by you.

Photo credit: Body Armor

Body Armor Lyte

The secret ingredient to this refreshing sports drink is that it contains 10% coconut water. It comes in a variety of flavors, including blueberry pomegranate, peach mango, orange citrus and coconut. This drink delivers 200% of your daily recommended dose of vitmains B3, B5 and B12 as well as vitamins A, C and E to help you refuel. This drink is also packed with potassium and is a great option for those looking for a low-sugar drink that delivers multiple health benefits.

I have seen this product in Target but be sure to check their store locator to find a store near you.

Photo credit: Nooma

Nooma Organic Electrolyte Drink

Made with organic coconut water and sea salt, and loaded with electrolytes, potassium and sodium, Nooma will be sure to keep you hydrated through your workout. Each drink is organic and non-GMO with only 30 calories and 5 grams of sugar, all of which come naturally from the coconut water. Nooma comes in five great flavors- blueberry peach, mango, watermelon lime, lemonade and chocolate mint. All have no artificial ingredients or sugar added.

You can purchase Nooma Organic Electrolyte Drink at Amazon starting at $29.99 for a variety pack of 12 16-ounce bottles or directly through their website, where shipping is free if in the United States!

Nuun Life

Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets

Nuun Sport created an electrolyte-rich sports drink tablet that is packed with electrolytes, and is low-calorie and low-sugar. There are no artificial flavors or sweeteners (uses high-quality Stevia) and is keto-friendly and gluten-free. Nuun’s Drink Tablets come in four tubes of 10, with each tube containing one of the following tasty flavors: Lemon Lime, Tri-Berry, Citrus Fruit, and Orange. These tubes are extremely easy to take on-the-go and make staying hydrated super easy.

You can purchase Nuun Drink Tablet’s on Amazon or directly through their website where you can by individual tubes as well.

Photo credit: Celsius

Celsius BCAA + Energy

This brand keeps on gaining traction, likely due to the great taste and price. With 200 grams of caffeine, this drink is a refreshing alternative to tea or coffee and ideal for both pre and post-workout. Celsius BCAA + Energy has zero sugar and contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It comes in 3 flavors: Sparkling Tropical Twist, Sparkling Tart Cherry Lime, and Sparkling Blood Orange Lemonade. This drink is made with a blend of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), tart cherry, vitamin D3, electrolytes and caffeine, to reduce inflammation and will also help to replenish your body during and after a rigorous workout

You can purchase Celsius directly off their website or use their store locator to find a retailer by you. I was surprised to see so many drugs stores and grocery stores carrying this product.

Photo credit: Powerade

Powerade Ultra

Powerade Ultra helps to build strength and muscle as it contains both creatine and BCAAs. Since amino acids are the building blocks of protein, they are essential for new muscle growth. And supplementing with creatine, you can help aid muscle growth as well. This product contains zero sugar, and is available in Mixed Berry, White Cherry and Citrus Blast flavors. These drinks are sure to keep you hydrated and give you energy while helping you make progress in the gym.

You can purchase Powerade Ultra on their website or use their store locator to find a retailer by you.

When choosing a sports drink, consider your nutritional goals, fitness level and energy needs. All the sports drink mentioned above will hydrate your body and replenish the minerals lost, without adding back the calories you just burned. And even better, none of them will mess with your blood sugar!

Do you have any low-sugar sports drinks that you love? Share and comment below!

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