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 Nutrition in Austria

    ... having higher levels of physical activity in their daily lives. To maintain energy levels and improve overall fitness and wellbeing, sports nutrition products are appealing options to support their more active lifestyles. In addition, the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Thailand

    ... beverages containing 8-14% sugar, has significantly impacted the sports drinks category by increasing prices for high-sugar products. As the tax specifically targets sugary drinks, sports drinks producers have been forced to raise their prices to ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Hungary

    ... the category continued to expand with fast growth, driven largely by still relatively low per capita consumption in Hungary. However, growth was also fuelled by the increasing interest in healthy lifestyles, as more consumers prioritised ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Spain

    ... with much of this led by developments in reduced sugar sports drinks. Growth is also expected to be seen in sports drinks in off-trade current value terms in Spain in 2024, although a slightly lower ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Romania

    ... coupled with a rise in gym memberships, reflects this shift towards a more active lifestyle. Additionally, mass-participation events such as marathons and races are experiencing higher turnout, while outdoor activities like hiking have gained substantial ... Read More

  • Sports Nutrition in Germany

    ... is widely available online, in retail stores and in gyms. While the main consumers of sports nutrition in Germany tend to be younger, there is also a segment of older consumers who are becoming increasingly ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Peru

    ... have become an ideal solution, meeting the demand for hydration while replenishing essential minerals lost through physical exertion. This has significantly driven consumption within the sports drinks category, which has seen considerable expansion across traditional ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Portugal

    ... is a growing awareness of the importance of proper hydration and energy supply during physical activity. This shift is being communicated and promoted, particularly in gyms and across social media, where influencers and fitness enthusiasts ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Hong Kong, China

    ... growth of sports drinks in Hong Kong. As active lifestyles and exercise routines resume, consumers are turning to sports drinks to meet their hydration needs. Convenience stores and supermarkets provide easy access to these beverages ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in the Netherlands

    ... more fashionable product, and favoured by people seeking beverages that can provide refreshment and stave off fatigue while on-the-go or at work. The decline in sports drinks volume sales deepened in 2024, in line with ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Italy

    ... to a lack of innovation and some concerns around the healthiness of these products due to their often high sugar content. The category saw a reversal of fortunes in 2024 as sales of sports drinks ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Bulgaria

    ... remained negligible at the end of the review period. The demand for drinks containing vitamins and offering alternatives to carbonated options boosted the appeal of regular sports drinks in the off-trade channel. Health-conscious consumers looked ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Australia

    ... offers by incorporating different healthy ingredients to cater for multiple consumer needs. One emerging new segment is sports protein drinks in Australia, aiming to attract consumers seeking both hydration and muscle- building benefits. As the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Finland

    ... beverages that help support wellbeing and hydration during and after exercise. One key factor driving the appeal of sports drinks is convenience. The product is often consumed on-the-go, catering to active consumers who need hydration ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Saudi Arabia

    ... encourages increased physical activity to combat chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Alongside this, major sporting events, such as marathons and fitness festivals are raising awareness around hydration and recovery. However, while sports drinks ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in the Philippines

    ... as energy drinks or functional bottled water, with the latter seen as a healthier source of hydration. Nevertheless, the revival of fitness and sporting activities has provided opportunities for the leading players to invest more ... Read More

  • Citicoline Market Research Report Information by Product (Capsules, Tablets, Powder, Eye Drops, and Injection) by Application (Sports Nutrition, Personal Wellness, Treatment [Glaucoma, Stroke, Alzheimer disease, Channel (pression, and Others]), by Age Group (Pediatric, Adult, and Geriatric) by Distribution Channel (Online Channel, Offline Channel), by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) Industry Forecast till 2032

    ... Geriatric) by Distribution Channel (Online Channel, Offline Channel), by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) Industry Forecast till 2032 The Citicoline market was valued at USD 0.43 billion in 2023 and ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in France

    ... small category in the country, with few players and brands available. Indeed, Powerade (Coca-Cola Entreprises SA) holds the dominant share, which was further supported by Coca-Cola being a key sponsor of the Paris Olympic Games ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Belgium

    ... of the importance of proper hydration, during physical activity and daily life. This heightened awareness is fuelling the demand for sport drinks, which are perceived as essential for maintaining hydration and also enhancing performance. Euromonitor ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Greece

    ... Greece. As a result, Prime Hydration was rapidly introduced across the impulse channel as well as supermarkets. The launch attracted new consumers to the sports drinks category and provided a stimulus to volume growth. Euromonitor ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Denmark

    ... Royal Unibrew made a notable entry into the regular sports drinks segment by launching a product under its popular Faxe Kondi brand. This expansion has contributed significantly to category growth, as consumers now have access ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Austria

    ... stores contributed to volume growth. New flavour launches and media campaigns addressing everyday consumers, not just athletes, is raising awareness and driving interest in sports drinks. The category continues to build on the uplift caused ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Argentina

    ... of living escalated, consumers became more cost-conscious, shifting their focus towards discounts, and reducing spending. This change in consumer behaviour was particularly evident in non-essential categories, such as sports drinks, where demand declined in 2024. ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in New Zealand

    ... to ease, they remain notably elevated compared to pre-COVID levels. Many other soft drink categories offer private label alternatives that allow consumers to access lower-priced options, thus influencing unit price growth in those segments. However, ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Egypt

    ... shelves. Over the review period, sports drinks were one of the categories most negatively impacted by the economic challenges Egypt faced. Since the majority of options within sports drinks are imported, challenges facing brand owners ... Read More

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