POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST SPORTS DRINK scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed beverage and its significant added sugar content. This POWERADE product is best reserved for specific rehydration needs.
FoodScore: 40/100 (Poor), indicating a low nutritional density.
Contains 3.94g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to its low score.
Classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed), suggesting minimal whole food components.
Provides 10% DV of Vitamin B12 per 100g, a minor micronutrient bonus.
Best consumed by individuals engaged in prolonged, intense physical activity for rehydration.
Scores +8 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
3.94g
8% of Daily Value
Sodium
41.97mg
2% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin B12)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (3.9g)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 40
POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST SPORTS DRINK receives a FoodScore of 40/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed beverage, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. Additionally, the product contains 3.94g of added sugar per 100g, primarily from high fructose corn syrup, resulting in a -2 point penalty. While it provides 10% DV of Vitamin B12 per 100g, granting a +2 point bonus for micronutrients, this is not enough to offset the penalties. The ingredient list includes high fructose corn syrup as the second ingredient, indicating a substantial sugar load. Compared to plain water or an unsweetened beverage, which serve as the reference baseline, this POWERADE product offers minimal nutritional benefits beyond hydration and electrolytes, with the added sugars and processing being key differentiating factors.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in powerade mountain berry blast sports drink, mixed berry actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Electrolyte Replenishment During Intense Exercise
This POWERADE product contains electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and mono-potassium phosphate. These are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and muscle function, especially during prolonged or intense physical activity where significant sweating occurs. For athletes or individuals engaged in strenuous workouts lasting over an hour, replenishing these lost electrolytes can help prevent dehydration and muscle cramps, supporting sustained performance.
Source of B Vitamins for Energy Metabolism
POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST provides Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), and Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). These B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism, helping the body convert food into usable energy. While the amounts are not exceptionally high, particularly for B12 at 10% DV per 100g, they contribute to the daily intake of these essential micronutrients, which can be beneficial for individuals with increased energy demands.
Rapid Carbohydrate Delivery for Energy
The presence of high fructose corn syrup provides a readily available source of carbohydrates. During intense physical activity, the body's glycogen stores can become depleted, leading to fatigue. Consuming carbohydrates during or immediately after exercise can help replenish these stores quickly, providing a rapid energy boost. This makes the drink suitable for specific scenarios requiring immediate glucose availability.
POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST SPORTS DRINK scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed beverage and its significant added sugar content. This POWERADE product is best reserved for specific rehydration needs.
How to eat it
POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST is typically consumed during or after intense physical activity to replenish fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates. It's often chosen by athletes or individuals engaging in prolonged exercise sessions.
For general hydration, plain water is a more appropriate choice than this sports drink.
Consider consuming this drink only during exercise lasting over 60 minutes or in very hot conditions.
Pair with a source of lean protein and whole grains post-workout for more comprehensive recovery.
Be mindful of the added sugar content; excessive consumption outside of exercise can contribute to caloric surplus.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains high fructose corn syrup, a source of added sugar, which should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals managing blood sugar levels or those not engaged in intense physical activity. The presence of Blue 1, an artificial food coloring, may be a concern for some consumers, particularly parents of children sensitive to food dyes. While the sodium content is moderate at 41.97mg per 100g, individuals on sodium-restricted diets should still consider their overall intake. The product is ultra-processed (NOVA 4), meaning it contains ingredients not typically used in home cooking and has undergone significant industrial processing.
POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. It is designed for specific use cases like intense exercise, where its electrolytes and carbohydrates can be beneficial. For general hydration, it is not considered a healthy everyday beverage due to its added sugar and ultra-processed nature.
How does POWERADE compare to Gatorade?
Both POWERADE and Gatorade are sports drinks designed for similar purposes, providing electrolytes and carbohydrates. Their nutritional profiles are often comparable in terms of added sugar and processing. For instance, Gatorade Thirst Quencher also typically contains significant added sugars and is classified as ultra-processed, making them similar choices for rehydration during exercise.
What is high fructose corn syrup in POWERADE?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch that is used to provide carbohydrates and sweetness in POWERADE. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods and beverages. Its presence contributes to the product's added sugar content, which is a factor in its FoodScore.
How much POWERADE should I drink?
The serving size is 1 bottle. For most individuals, especially those not engaged in prolonged, intense exercise, limiting consumption to occasional use is advisable due to the added sugar. During strenuous activity, follow hydration guidelines from sports nutrition professionals, which may include consuming fluids with electrolytes and carbohydrates.
Can children drink POWERADE?
While POWERADE is not inherently harmful for children, its added sugar content means it should not be a primary source of hydration. For most children, water is the best choice. Sports drinks like POWERADE are generally only recommended for children involved in prolonged, vigorous physical activity, similar to adults.