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.

...Show More ...Show Less


Sports Nutrition Industry Research & Market Reports

  • Sports Drinks in Vietnam

    ... forms part of the government's strategic strategy to encourage sports participation and to accelerate the recovery of the country's tourism industry now that the pandemic is over. Examples of such events included the Techcombank Marathon ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Colombia

    ... the growing trend of healthcare and wellness, the demand for gym memberships in Colombia increased notably in 2022 and 2023. As Colombians prioritise fitness and exercise in their daily routines, growth in sports drinks has ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Spain

    ... category leader in Spain – reported strong growth in the first months of the year. Favourable comparisons could be made with the previous year, in particular in out-of-home locations. Overall, in the on-trade channel volume ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Argentina

    ... their products. As a consequence, it is estimated that around two thirds of Argentinian consumers are changing their purchasing habits, with many actively avoiding buying food and beverages carrying the new labels. Products within sports ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in the Czech Republic

    ... on demand towards the end of the review period was the reopening of gyms and sporting facilities, after the restrictions that followed the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the Czech Republic in 2020. ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Saudi Arabia

    ... of its Vision 2030 initiatives. It is paying great attention to the sports aspect, with participation in sporting activities seen to be having a positive impact on the local population in terms of limiting the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Algeria

    ... who see sports drinks as a way of boosting hydration. In addition, the high price of sports drinks is a further obstacle. Euromonitor International's Sports Drinks in Algeria report offers a comprehensive guide to the ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Belgium

    ... functional drinks, an area still underdeveloped in Belgium with a limited selection of brands. The primary functionalities sought after in sports drinks are energy and recovery. Euromonitor International's Sports Drinks in Belgium report offers a ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in France

    ... the end of 2022 had a positive impact on the category, with France reaching the final and thus generating a very high TV audience in the country. In addition, there was the FIFA women’s football ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Brazil

    ... 2021 the category has seen surprisingly dynamic off-trade volume growth rates each year, starting what seems like a newfound momentum for sports drinks. The main reason is Brazilian consumers’ rising interest in sport, accelerated by ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in the United Arab Emirates

    ... increasingly integrated into consumers’ lifestyles, has only emerged more recently and is still developing. New fitness aggregators are entering the market, new gym chains are opening with various attractive classes, and more women-only fitness studios ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Norway

    ... Sales have benefited from the increased focus on the importance of leading a more active lifestyle, with more people in Norway taking up sport and fitness activities, including joining a gym. Sports drinks are unique ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in South Africa

    ... drinks do not contain caffeine and work to aid hydration by providing electrolytes. Previously recovering from the impact of the pandemic in value and volume terms in 2021 and 2022 respectively, sales of sports drinks ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Japan

    ... the national average temperature from June to August was the hottest since statistics began in 1898. In August, temperatures over 35°C were recorded almost every day. This increased the need for sports drinks for hydration. ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in the United Kingdom

    ... pandemic accelerated the health and wellness trend, which continues to spread across the soft drinks industry. According to the organisation Sport England, the proportion of active adults is back in line with pre-pandemic levels, and ... Read More

  • Sports Drinks in Dominican Republic

    ... Miguel del Caribe SA. The brand has energised the category thanks to its competitive price, compared to the other brands in the market, and its popular flavours, which include grape, orange and tropical fruits. The ... Read More

  • Sports Nutrition Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Sports Supplements, Sports Drinks), By Formulation (Liquid, Tablets), By Consumer Group, By Sales Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

    ... Nutrition Market Growth & Trends The global sports nutrition market size is expected to reach USD 75 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by ... Read More

  • Sports Nutrition in India

    ... wellness trend. There is growing awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness in India. The health and wellness trend is driving consumers to seek products to help them achieve their fitness ... Read More

  • Global Functional Drinks Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2027

    ... to 2027). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Key Highlights The functional drinks market consists of retail sale of sports ... Read More

  • Germany Functional Drinks Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2027

    ... profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Key Highlights The functional drinks market consists of retail sale of sports drinks and energy ... Read More

  • North America Functional Drinks Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2027

    ... 2017-22, and forecast to 2027). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Key Highlights The functional drinks market consists of retail ... Read More

  • France Functional Drinks Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2027

    ... forecast to 2027). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Key Highlights The functional drinks market consists of retail sale of ... Read More

  • Japan Functional Drinks Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2027

    ... 2027). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Key Highlights The functional drinks market consists of retail sale of sports drinks ... Read More

  • United Kingdom (UK) Functional Drinks Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2027

    ... forecast to 2027). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Key Highlights The functional drinks market consists of retail sale of ... Read More

  • Asia-Pacific (APAC) Functional Drinks Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2027

    ... The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Key Highlights The functional drinks market consists of retail sale of sports drinks and ... Read More

Research Assistance

Live help

Join Alert Me Now!

Sign Up

Find out more on our blog
Cookie Settings