Search our database for specific vitamin water products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Vitamin Water products →Vitamin Water vs Gatorade Comparison
Both are ultra-processed enhanced beverages from major corporations (Coca-Cola and PepsiCo). Vitamin Water adds synthetic vitamins to sweetened colored water. Gatorade adds electrolyte salts to sweetened colored water. Neither delivers nutrients that a basic diet doesn't already provide.
BeveragesQuick Answer
Both are Level 4 ultra-processed. Vitamin Water uses crystalline fructose and cane sugar; Gatorade uses high fructose corn syrup. Both contain artificial colors and natural flavors. Processing levels are comparable -- the "vitamin" branding does not indicate less processing.
Vitamin Water vs Gatorade
Vitamin Water
Gatorade
Search our database for specific gatorade products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Gatorade products →Our Verdict
Both are Level 4 ultra-processed. Vitamin Water uses crystalline fructose and cane sugar; Gatorade uses high fructose corn syrup. Both contain artificial colors and natural flavors. Processing levels are comparable -- the "vitamin" branding does not indicate less processing.
Important Note
Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vitamin Water healthier than Gatorade?
From a processing standpoint, no. Both are Level 4 with similar ingredient categories: water, sugar (different types), citric acid, natural flavors, artificial colors, and added micronutrients. Vitamin Water adds synthetic vitamins; Gatorade adds electrolyte salts. Both contain roughly 30-35g of sugar per bottle.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about the individual foods in this comparison.