Sports Nutrition Market Research Reports & Industry Analysis

Sports nutrition drinks are divided into three major categories: Hypotonic, which contain relatively low concentrations of electrolytes (salts) and sugars; Isotonic, which contain mid-level concentrations of electrolytes (salts) and sugars; and Hypertonic: which contain high concentrations of electrolytes (salts) and sugars.

These different levels of sugar and salts serve different restorative needs. Though the categories are not defined by any exact proportions, it is commonly considered that isotonic drinks contain between 6% and 8% carbohydrates, so hypertonic would be above 6%-8%, while hypotonic drinks would be below those levels. This gets to the paradox about sports drinks. Although the basic science behind them is irrefutable, the vast majority of consumers aren’t taking sports drinks as a medicinal response to the effect of heat related illness.

Nonetheless, one of the keys to sports drink marketing is that, unlike the health claims of some other beverages, the basic science is irrefutable. The components of sports drinks (electrolytes, water and carbohydrates) are essential for hydration during strenuous exercise. Without hydration, two potentially fatal heat related conditions—heatstroke and severe hyponatremia—can result. Sports drinks have been demonstrated to be highly beneficial both in the prevention of heatstroke and hyponatremia, and as a component in treatment of those conditions. Medical websites such as that of the Mayo Clinic specifically recommend sports drinks for this purpose.

The modern sports drink traces back to the playing fields of the University of Florida. In 1965, Gators Football coach Ray Graves appealed to the University’s medical department for help with the team’s poor performance, which he attributed to practicing in the stifling summer heat of Gainesville. This request led to the development of a beverage formulated with a mixture of water, sodium, sugar, potassium, phosphate and lemon juice. This drink became known as “Gatorade,” and eventually evolved in a powerhouse consumer brand.

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Sports Nutrition Industry Research & Market Reports

  • Sports Drinks in Latvia

    ... than many other soft drinks offerings. The health and wellness trend is bolstering sales as consumers increasingly look to include more physical activity and hydration in their daily lives. Euromonitor International's Sports Drinks in Latvia ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Algeria

    ... levels. Growing maturity, the introduction of fewer new products and the high price of sports drinks are also obstacles to category growth. Euromonitor International's Sports Drinks in Algeria report offers a comprehensive guide to the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Indonesia

    ... which are often associated with increased demand. Before the pandemic, such beverages gained traction among consumers engaging in physical exercise or playing sports, as well as urban, office workers with active, on-the-go lifestyles. However, a ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Sweden

    ... sugar Powerade, have led to considerable consumer interest and growth. Despite this, sports drinks remained a relatively minor landscape in Sweden compared to the more significant soft drink segments. One of the main reasons for ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Switzerland

    ... the category expand gradually beyond its traditionally small base, which has largely comprised regular participants in sports and fitness activities. Euromonitor International's Sports Drinks in Switzerland report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Ireland

    ... sports drinks are not available through foodservice (on-trade) channels. Euromonitor International's Sports Drinks in Ireland report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Bolivia

    ... contributed to sustained sales volumes, bolstered by the stability of retail prices. Unlike many other beverage categories that have experienced price hikes, sports drinks have maintained affordability due to their predominantly local production and the ... Read More

  • Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market, Global, 2024–2030

    ... The research service on sports nutrition ingredients examines the market by various ingredient types, applications, and regions. Major ingredient types covered under the study scope are amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals, herbs and botanicals, ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in the Czech Republic

    ... Although the pace of growth has slightly slowed, the landscape remains robust. This ongoing demand is fuelled by the growing health and wellness trend, particularly among Generation Z and millennials. Sports drinks are increasingly seen ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Germany

    ... endurance sports such as running, cycling, and outdoor activities such as trail running. This trend, which remains relevant post-pandemic, supports demand for beverages that support hydration, electrolytes, and vitamins —considered essential for performance. However, the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Croatia

    ... drinks, with experts often on hand to give advice. E-commerce is also a growing channel, as consumers appreciate the convenience and the ability to research and purchase products tailored to their needs. Online stores such ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    ... its appeal among younger consumers, professional athletes, and sports enthusiasts. Solid off-trade retail volume growth, combined with strong off-trade RSP value growth, reflects the robust performance of this product area, further enhanced by price increases ... Read More

  • Functional Beverage Market in Europe 2024-2028

    ... the functional beverage market in europe provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding ... Read More

  • Middle East and Africa Nutraceuticals Market, By Product Type (Applicational Foods, Applicational Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Herbal/Natural Products); By Source (Probiotics, Minerals, Vitamins, Proteins, Fibers & Specialty Carbohydrates, Others); By Application (Health & Wellness, Sports Nutrition, Personal Care & Anti-aging, Chronic Disease Management, Others); By Distribution Channel (Online Sales, Pharmacies & Drugstores, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores); By Country (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Rest of MEA), Trend Analysis, Competitive Landscape & Forecast, 2019–2030

    ... Personal Care & Anti-aging, Chronic Disease Management, Others); By Distribution Channel (Online Sales, Pharmacies & Drugstores, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores); By Country (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Rest of MEA), ... Read More

  • Sports Nutrition Market in South America 2024-2028

    ... report on the sports nutrition market in south america provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors. The report offers an ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Mexico

    ... consumers. These beverages were previously reported under digestive remedies in Euromonitor’s Consumer Health system. A sodium threshold has been established, with products offering less than 1,000mg/litre of sodium reported as part of the soft drinks ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Malaysia

    ... accessibility in cafés and restaurants, especially outlets focused on health-orientated menus. Thus, sports drinks are increasingly prevalent in foodservice settings, enhancing convenience for consumers who can purchase them on the go. Moreover, many fitness centres ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in the United Arab Emirates

    ... performing particularly well. Sports drinks in the United Arab Emirates are perceived as healthier than carbonates and more appetising than water, which gives these soft drinks a competitive advantage that continues to drive their dynamic ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Chile

    ... marginally declined following a drop the previous year, overall demand remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. This decline is partly due to consumers becoming increasingly conscious of their spending. Multiple factors have contributed to the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Slovakia

    ... in 2022 and amid price hikes. Slower, if still significant, unit price growth helped sports drinks to return to positive off-trade volume growth in 2024, following the decrease in demand in the previous year. Nonetheless, ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Turkey

    ... where sales of sports drinks were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Locals have reengaged with sports and exercise, driving up demand for sports drinks by the end of the review period, even in the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Norway

    ... in the category have added dynamism and increased and broadened demand. Notably, in line with the developments in other soft drinks categories, reduced sugar sports drinks emerged as a significant and fast-growing category towards the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Poland

    ... on the sale of energy drinks to under 18, leading to migration to sports drinks. In addition, as consumers become more health-conscious, sports drinks have gained traction, with these drinks positioned as a healthier alternative ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Taiwan

    ... has become pivotal to improving sports drinks' health profile. As consumers become more mindful of their sugar intake, many brands reduce or eliminate sugar. For instance, Stay Cool Mineral Replenishing Drink by More Water features ... Read More

  • The Evolving Sports Drink Market in the U.S. through 2028: Market Essentials

    ... in the sector as newer brands continue to fight to chip away at the market share of the category leaders. Plus, a view of the evolving protein drink and meal replacement market. This report from ... Read More

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