Gatorade makes MAJOR change to its iconic recipe in move to please RFK Jr
Major changes are coming to Gatorade's beloved colorful drinks.
Gatorade is officially joining the list of companies removing artificial FD&C colors from its products, prompted by RFK Jr's criticism of synthetic food dyes.
In their place, the company says it will use plant-based dyes derived from fruits and vegetables - but insists the drinks will look just as bright, from electric blues to neon oranges and yellows.
That means recreating Gatorade’s signature glow using ingredients like algae extracts, turmeric and butterfly pea flower instead of lab-made colorings.
RFK Jr first announced brands would be phasing out 'poisonous' synthetic dyes last April, also fast-tracking FDA approval of calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, butterfly pea flower extract and other natural alternatives.
Companies like General Mills, Nestle, McCormick, Tyson Foods, Sam’s Club, JM Smucker, Hershey and Kraft Heinz have already announced plans to ditch artificial colors.
Now, Gatorade's dissolvable 'powder sticks' will ditch all artificial colors by this spring. Later this fall, three of the brand's top flavors in Gatorade Thirst Quencher and Gatorade Zero - Fruit Punch, Lemon Lime and Orange - will no longer contain FD&C colors.
The company said that 'by listening to consumers, we're learning more of what they want and don't want in their Gatorade.'
Gatorade is shifting its packaging and branding so it appeals to everyday people - not just athletes
Iconic Gatorade flavors like Fruit Punch, Lemon Lime and Orange currently contain artificial colors
PepsiCo announced last April that it is stepping up efforts to replace synthetic food dyes with natural alternatives
Gatorade's 'Lemon Lime' flavor typically has FD&C Yellow #5
Gatorade is also announcing a new product to its lineup - Gatorlyte Longer Lasting.
With an expected 2027 release, this will be Gatorade's highest electrolyte-ready-to-drink offering, intended for long travel days or extreme exercise.
Parent company PepsiCo landed on the reimagined Gatorlyte after 60 years of studying hydration.
'What that science has shown us is simple: Everyone needs hydration, and it isn't one-size-fits-all,' PepsiCo said. 'We believe we have a responsibility to help people understand their hydration needs, not just on game day, but across everyday wellness and performance moments.'
But Gatorade isn't the only PepsiCo product facing a makeover. The company announced last April that it would step up its efforts to replace synthetic food dyes in most products as consumer demand for natural alternatives grew.
Tostitos and Lay's were among the first brands under the PepsiCo umbrella to remove artificial dyes and flavors.
The products switched to carob powder, a brown, earthy, cocoa powder alternative, to get a similar hue without changing taste.
In late 2025, PepsiCo launched its Simply NKD product line, featuring Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Doritos colored with natural ingredients like paprika and turmeric instead of artificial dyes.
Gatorade's lineup will include a new version of Gatorlyte, with the brand's highest electrolyte offering
RFK Jr announced its plan to phase out FD&C dyes as part of his 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative
In addition to Gatorade's new recipe, the company announced a shift to be marketed toward everyday people, as opposed to athletes.
Gatorade is facing growing competition from other electrolyte drink brands, some choosing to market to a wider audience.
Electrolit returned as a sponsor for Coachella, encouraging oftentimes dehydrated attendees to stay hydrated while facing extreme temperatures.
Logan Paul and KSI's Prime Hydration focuses on a younger-skewing audience, using influencers to promote the drink.
