Is Pedialyte Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Pedialyte is highly processed (Level 3). It contains water, dextrose, citric acid, potassium citrate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, zinc gluconate, and in flavored versions, sucralose, artificial flavors, and artificial colors like Red 40 and Blue 1.
Key Findings
- •Unflavored Pedialyte is a straightforward electrolyte solution at Level 2-3; flavored versions with artificial colors and sweeteners are Level 3
- •Pedialyte uses sucralose instead of full sugar to reduce calories while maintaining the necessary glucose for intestinal absorption
- •The medical efficacy of Pedialyte comes from the electrolyte-glucose ratio — the artificial flavors and colors are palatability additions, not functional ingredients
Why Is Pedialyte Level 3?
Pedialyte is a medical-grade oral rehydration solution originally formulated for infants and children with dehydration from illness. Like Liquid IV, it is based on WHO oral rehydration science, using a precise ratio of glucose and electrolytes to maximize intestinal water absorption. The unflavored version is relatively simple: water, dextrose (glucose), electrolyte salts, and zinc gluconate. Flavored versions, however, add sucralose (artificial sweetener), acesulfame potassium (another artificial sweetener), artificial flavors, and FD&C colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6). The freezer pops and powder packets contain additional processing aids. While the core electrolyte formulation is medically validated, the flavoring and coloring ingredients push commercial Pedialyte into Level 3 territory.
Pedialyte Processing Level Distribution
How 40 pedialyte products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 12.9 · Average nutrition score: 4.0/10
Pedialyte Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed pedialyte products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedialyte Unflavored 1 Liter Bottle | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 4.0 | 8 |
| Pedialyte Unflavored 1 Liter Bottle | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 4.0 | 8 |
| Pedialyte Strawberry Lemonade 17gr Pwd | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 12 |
| Pedialyte Strawberry Lemonade 17gr Pwd | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 12 |
| Pedialyte Strawberry Lemonade 17gr Pwd | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 12 |
| Pedialyte Strawberry Lemonade 17gr Pwd | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 12 |
| Pedialyte Strawberry Lemonade 17gr Pwd | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 12 |
| Pedialyte Strawberry 1/33.8 Oz (1l) Bottle | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 13 |
| Pedialyte Strawberry 1/33.8 Oz (1l) Bottle | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 13 |
| Pedialyte Strw Lem 17g Pwd | Pedialyte | Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed | 11.5 | 12 |
How to Read Pedialyte Labels
- 1
Unflavored Pedialyte is the simplest version — water, dextrose, electrolytes, and zinc
- 2
Flavored versions add sucralose, acesulfame potassium, artificial flavors, and artificial colors
- 3
Pedialyte AdvancedCare adds prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides) — an additional processed ingredient
- 4
For a simpler alternative, the WHO rehydration formula (water, sugar, salt) achieves the same core purpose
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pedialyte ultra-processed?
Pedialyte is Level 3 — highly processed. Unflavored versions are simpler (water, dextrose, electrolytes), but most consumed varieties are flavored, containing sucralose, artificial flavors, and artificial colors like Red 40 and Blue 1.
Is Pedialyte better than Gatorade for rehydration?
Pedialyte contains more electrolytes and less sugar than Gatorade, following medical oral rehydration guidelines more closely. From a processing standpoint, both are Level 3-4 with artificial colors and flavors, though Pedialyte has a more targeted electrolyte profile.
What is a less processed alternative to Pedialyte?
The WHO oral rehydration formula (water, sugar, salt) is Level 1 and provides the same core hydration mechanism. Coconut water with a pinch of salt is another Level 1 alternative for mild dehydration. For severe dehydration, consult a medical professional.