Key findings
- 1Unflavored Pedialyte is a straightforward electrolyte solution; flavored versions with artificial colors and sweeteners are more processed
- 2Pedialyte uses sucralose in place of most of the sugar to cut calories, while keeping the glucose the oral rehydration formula calls for
- 3The oral rehydration formula is the electrolyte-glucose ratio; the artificial flavors and colors are palatability additions, not part of it
What goes into Pedialyte products?
Pedialyte is an oral rehydration solution originally formulated for infants and children with dehydration from illness. Like Liquid IV, it follows the WHO oral rehydration formula, which specifies a precise ratio of glucose to electrolytes. 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. The flavoring and coloring ingredients add processing on top of the core electrolyte formula.
How 30 pedialyte products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Pedialyte brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a pedialyte label
- 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
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Frequently asked questions
Is Pedialyte ultra-processed?
Of the 30 Pedialyte products we score, 26 are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 2 are Level 2. Unflavored versions are simpler (water, dextrose, electrolytes), but most 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 oral rehydration guidelines more closely. From a processing standpoint, both list artificial colors and flavors in many varieties, 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 a three-ingredient solution that uses the same core hydration mechanism. Coconut water with a pinch of salt is another minimally processed alternative for mild dehydration. For severe dehydration, consult a medical professional.