Pedialyte seems to be the drink that can do it all. It is great for both adults and kids, and people swear by its ability to alleviate dehydration symptoms quickly. It has been known to help everything from hangovers to flu symptoms, not to mention weathering the outdoor heat. While Pedialyte can be a great drink for many, it’s important to know what is in it, especially for those following specific diets.
Many Pedialyte products are in fact vegan. Pedialyte Powder Packs, Classic Liters, Organic Liters, Freezer Pops, and Electrolyte Water Liters are all free of animal products, making them vegan-friendly. However, Pedialyte AdvancedCare, AdvancedCare Plus, Pedialyte Sport, and Pedialyte with Immune Support contain milk derivatives. Two of the best vegan alternatives to Pedialyte are Gatorade and Kinderlyte Natural Oral Electrolyte Solution.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, types of products, nutritional information, and what some of the best alternatives are. Let’s dig in!
Contents
What Is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is an oral rehydration drink. This means that the aim of Pedialyte is to prevent or treat dehydration.
Pedialyte contains electrolytes, which makes it a better alternative for rehydration than drinking only water. It is designed to maximize fluid absorption within the body, which helps your cells to replace lost water more quickly.
In addition to electrolytes and sugar, Pedialyte contains Zinc to help support healthy immune system function.
When Should You Drink Pedialyte?
Pedialyte should be consumed any time you have been in an environment that may have led to the loss of high volumes of water and electrolytes. This includes situations such as spending prolonged periods in the heat, exercising intensely, or having an illness that leads to vomiting and diarrhea.
Those at higher risk of becoming dehydrated include older adults, people who live or vacation in high altitude locations, and those who are in locations without running water (such as a campsite).
Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect on the body, and many people find Pedialyte to be helpful in recovering after a night of drinking. Some choose to drink Pedialyte before consuming alcohol, as it can reduce the severity of the hangover the next day.
What Happens When You Are Dehydrated?
Dehydration is caused by more fluid leaving the body than entering it. Throughout every day, our bodies are constantly losing water and it is up to us to replenish this lost volume.
When we lose significantly more water than we are able to replenish, we enter a state called dehydration. The most common causes of this are excessive sweating, illness, overconsumption of alcohol, or being in a region without portable or clean water.
When you are dehydrated, you will likely have symptoms such as:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headache
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
If your dehydration progresses to be severe, you may experience extreme symptoms such as low blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, confusion, or fainting.
What are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for your body to function normally. Sodium, calcium, and potassium are common electrolytes that are responsible for helping the body perform key operations such as regulating muscle contractions and balancing the internal pH level.
Electrolytes are also responsible for helping the body to stay hydrated. When you lose too many electrolytes, your body is not able to regulate fluid absorption. The most common way to lose electrolytes is through sweating and urinating.
Muscle cramps are often thought to be from solely losing magnesium and potassium, but in truth they are from losing salt as well. Having a balanced electrolyte drink, such as Pedialyte, can make sure you are providing your body with the most effective recovery solution.
Pedialyte Nutrition Facts (Vegan Products)
Pedialyte Classic Liters
Ingredients:
- Water
- Dextrose
- Less than 2% of: Potassium Citrate, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, and Zinc Gluconate
Nutrition Information per 12 fl oz. (360ml) serving:
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg, 16% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g, 4%DV
- Total Sugars: 9g, 18% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 280mg, 6% DV
- Zinc: 2.8mg, 25% DV
- Chloride: 440mg, 20% DV
Pedialyte Organic Liters
Ingredients:
- Water
- Organic Apple Juice Concentrate
- Less than 2% of: Organic Dextrose, Organic Citric Acid, Organic Flavor, Potassium Citrate, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, and Zinc Gluconate.
Nutrition Information per 12 fl oz. (360ml) serving:
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg, 16% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g, 3%DV
- Total Sugars: 9g, 18% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 280mg, 6% DV
- Zinc: 2.8mg, 25% DV
- Chloride: 440mg, 20% DV
Pedialyte Electrolyte Water Liters
Ingredients:
- Water
- Less than 2% of: Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Salt, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, and Zinc Gluconate.
Nutrition Information per 12 fl oz. (360ml) serving:
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg, 10% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g, 0%DV
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 280mg, 6% DV
- Zinc: 2.8mg, 25% DV
- Chloride: 440mg, 20% DV
Pedialyte Classic Powder Packs
Ingredients:
- Anhydrous Dextrose
- Citric Acid
- Potassium Citrate
- Salt
- Sodium Citrate
- Less than 2% of: Natural & Artificial Flavor, Beet Powder Color, Calcium Silicate, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, and Blue 1.
Nutrition Information per 17g (1 packet) serving:
- Calories: 50
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 490mg, 21% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g, 4%DV
- Total Sugars: 12g. 24% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 370mg, 8% DV
- Chloride: 590mg, 25% DV
Pedialyte Sport Powder Packs
Ingredients:
- Anhydrous Dextrose
- Citric Acid
- Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides
- Salt
- Potassium Citrate
- Potassium Phosphate
- Sodium Citrate
- Magnesium Chloride
- Natural & Artificial Flavors
- Less than 2% of: Calcium Silicate, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, and Yellow 5.
Nutrition Information per 17g (1 packet) serving:
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg, 28% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g, 4%DV
- Total Sugars: 6g. 12% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 600mg, 15% DV
- Phosphorus: 190mg, 15% DV
- Magnesium: 55mg, 15% DV
- Chloride: 920mg, 40% DV
Pedialyte with Immune Support Powder Packs
Ingredients:
- Anhydrous Dextrose
- Salt
- Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides
- Citric Acid
- Potassium Citrate
- Natural Flavor
- Sodium Citrate
- Less than 2% of: Calcium Silicate, Ascorbic Acid, Beet Powder Color, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Blue 1, and Vitamin B12.
Nutrition Information per 14.1g (1 packet) serving:
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg, 28% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g, 4%DV
- Total Sugars: 8g. 16% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 370mg, 8% DV
- Phosphorus: 190mg, 15% DV
- Chloride: 840mg, 35% DV
- Zinc: 3.4mg, 30% DV
Pedialyte Sparkling Rush Powder Packs
Ingredients:
- Anhydrous Dextrose
- Citric Acid
- Potassium Bicarbonate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Salt
- Maltodextrin
- Less than 2% of: Natural & Artificial Flavor, Calcium Silicate, Acesulfame Potassium, and Sucralose.
Nutrition Information per 17g (1 packet) serving:
- Calories: 45
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg, 28% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g, 5%DV
- Total Sugars: 8g, 17% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 710mg, 15% DV
- Chloride: 590mg, 25% DV
Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus Powder Packs
Ingredients:
- L Anhydrous Dextrose
- Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides
- Citric Acid
- Salt
- Potassium Citrate
- Sodium Citrate
- Less than 2% of: Natural & Artificial Flavor, Calcium Silicate, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, and Yellow 6.
Nutrition Information per 17g (1 packet) serving:
- Calories: 50
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg, 28% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g, 4%DV
- Total Sugars: 12g. 24% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 370mg, 8% DV
- Chloride: 840mg, 35% DV
Pedialyte Freezer Pops
Ingredients:
- Grape (Water, Anhydrous Dextrose; Less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural & Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Red 40, Blue 1)
- Blue Raspberry (Water, Anhydrous Dextrose; Less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural & Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Blue 1)
- Cherry (Water, Anhydrous Dextrose; Less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural & Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Red 40)
- Orange (Water, Anhydrous Dextrose; Less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural & Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Yellow 6, Red 40).
Nutrition Information per 125ml (2 Pops) serving:
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 130mg, 6% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g, 1%DV
- Total Sugars: 3g, 6% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 100mg, 2% DV
- Chloride: 160mg, 6% DV
Pedialyte Nutrition Facts by Product: Non-Vegan Products
Pedialyte with Immune Support Liters
Ingredients:
- Water
- Dextrose
- Galactooligosaccharides
- Less than 0.5% of: Salt, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Zinc Gluconate, Yellow 6, and Sodium Selenate.
- Contains milk ingredients.
Nutrition Information per 12 fl oz. (360ml) serving:
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 490mg, 21% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g, 4%DV
- Total Sugars: 7g, 14% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 280mg, 6% DV
- Zinc: 2.8mg, 25% DV
- Chloride: 440mg, 20% DV
- Magnesium: 40mg, 10% DV
- Selenium: 12mcg, 20% DV
Pedialyte AdvancedCare
Ingredients:
- Water
- Dextrose
- Less than 1.0% of: Galactooligosaccharides, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Zinc Gluconate, Red 40, and Blue 1.
- Contains milk ingredients.
Nutrition Information per 12 fl oz. (360ml) serving:
- Calories: 25
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg, 16% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g, 2%DV
- Total Sugars: 6g, 12% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 280mg, 6% DV
- Zinc: 2.8mg, 25% DV
- Chloride: 440mg, 20% DV
Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus
Ingredients:
- Water
- Dextrose
- Galactooligosaccharides
- Less than 0.5% of: Salt, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Zinc Gluconate, and Blue 1.
- Contains milk ingredients.
Nutrition Information per 12 fl oz. (360ml) serving:
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 490mg, 21% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g, 4%DV
- Total Sugars: 7g, 14% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 280mg, 6% DV
- Zinc: 2.8mg, 25% DV
- Chloride: 630mg, 25% DV
Pedialyte Sport Liters
Ingredients:
- Water
- Dextrose
- Less than 1.0% of: Galactooligosaccharides, Salt, Potassium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Phosphate, Natural Flavor with Other Natural Flavors, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, and Yellow 5.
- Contains milk ingredients.
Nutrition Information per 12 fl oz. (360ml) serving:
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 490mg, 21% DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g, 3%DV
- Total Sugars: 5g, 10% DV
- Protein: 0g
- Potassium: 470mg, 10% DV
- Phosphorus: 140mg, 10% DV
- Chloride: 690mg, 30% DV
Generally speaking, all of the powder packs and most of the classic Pedialyte drinks are going to be vegan. When it comes to the more recent lines, more products contain a milk derivative. While all are suited for vegetarians, those following a vegan diet should read the label.
The good news is, if there is a milk derivative, it will clearly state “Contains milk ingredients” by the nutrition information.
As nutrition companies commonly revise and update their recipes and product information, it is important to read the label to see if there are any notable allergens or ingredients to be sure that you are meeting your particular needs.
Vegan Alternatives to Pedialyte
Gatorade
Gatorade is one of the best and most common replacements for Pedialyte. Pedialyte and Gatorade both serve the purpose of rehydration.
Gatorade has a higher sugar and carbohydrate count, which makes it an optimal choice for sports rehydration. However, this makes it a less suitable option for treating diarrhea or vomiting-induced sickness.
Both drinks aim to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, but Pedialyte boasts a lower sugar content while including several important vitamins and minerals. Pedialyte is also specifically designed to be consumed by toddlers and children, while Gatorade is designed for adults.
A 20oz bottle of Gatorade Thirst Quencher provides 140 calories, 36g of Carbohydrates (13% DV), 34g of Sugar (69% DV), 270mg of Sodium (12% DV), and 80mg of Potassium (0% DV).
Kinderlyte Natural Oral Electrolyte Solution
Kinderlyte Natural Oral Electrolyte Solution is a natural hydration drink designed similarly to Pedialyte to provide your body with essential electrolytes to help you recover from stomach viruses, travel, sports, infant diarrhea, hangovers, and much more.
Kinderlyte Natural Oral Electrolyte Solution has no artificial ingredients or sweeteners. 1 serving of about 10 fluid ounces contains 100 calories, 1270mg of sodium (55% DV), 25g of Carbohydrates (9% DV), and 23g of Sugar (47% DV).
Related Questions
Is Pedialyte Vegetarian?
Yes, Pedialyte is vegetarian. Pedialyte contains no traces of animal products.
Does Pedialyte Expire?
Pedialyte should be consumed within 48 hours after being opened. Environmental microorganisms can come in contact with the product from the environment, such as when touched by someone’s hand. The bacteria can multiple, and while this is insignificant at first, it can become a hazard over time.
Is Pedialyte Good for Diabetics?
It is important to speak with a physician, as individual diet, medication, and lifestyle will affect whether Pedialyte is an appropriate drink for someone with diabetes. Pedialyte contains simple sugars and could cause an increase in blood sugar. Parents of children with diabetes should check with a pediatrician to see if Pedialyte is appropriate for their child. If taken, relevant data should be monitored.