Sixty years ago, a group of University of Florida scientists mixed up something that changed sports forever. Born on the sidelines to help the Gators football team stay hydrated in the brutal heat, Gatorade has since grown into a global icon. From pro locker rooms to high school gyms and science labs to Formula 1 tracks, the drink has been fueling the greatest athletes in the world for generations.
Here are six surprising things you might not know about Gatorade as it hits the big 6-0.
1. It all started with solving an athlete's problem
Back in 1965, The University of Florida football team was struggling to finish games strong. The players had no energy at the end of their hot and sweaty matchups. So a team of UF doctors led by Dr. Robert Cade created a concoction that would replace the electrolytes lost in sweat and provide carbohydrates to fuel working muscles. The result? The team began a turnaround and that season won the Orange Bowl, kicking off a full-on hydration revolution.
2. It’s more than just a sports drink
Sure, the orange cap and iconic squeeze bottle are sideline staples, but Gatorade has expanded way beyond the original thirst quencher. Today, you can find hydration powders, enhanced waters, and even protein bars packed with 20 grams of muscle-rebuilding protein. The brand’s latest innovation is Gatorade Hydration Booster powder that blends electrolytes from watermelon and sea salt and other sodium and potassium salts — perfect for all-day, everyday hydration, not just game day.
3. Science is at the heart of every sip
Gatorade isn’t guessing around when it comes to performance. Since 1985, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) has been chartering cutting-edge research and testing across sports physiology, studying everything from metabolism to body composition to sleep patterns and recovery. Over forty years, they have tested thousands of athletes, helping to push sports science forward. Translation: every Gatorade product is backed by science, not just flavor.
4. It’s inspiring the future of sports
From grassroots to global, Gatorade is investing in tomorrow’s athletes. The brand has launched programs that connect teens with Confidence Coaches to break barriers in sports, and provides opportunities for teens aged 14-16 to reap the benefit of sports via its global 5v5 program. It supports powerhouse leagues like the NFL, NBA the WNBA, Athletes Unlimited and UEFA Champions League, as well as teams like Angel City FC, Chicago Red Stars and Wrexham. And now? Gatorade is the Official Sports Drink of Formula 1 and F1 Sprint — as well as the first-ever sports drink partner of the F1 Academy™, a league dedicated to shaping the next generation of female drivers.
5. You can design your own Gatorade bottle
Forget generic equipment. With Gatorade iD, athletes can personalize their squeeze bottles and towels using AI-powered design tools. Through a collaboration with Adobe Firefly, you can type in your favorite sport, vibe or hobby and instantly see custom designs. From colors to patterns to passions, there are millions of ways to make your bottle as one-of-a-kind as your game. Get creating here.
6. Helping high schoolers taste victory
Gatorade’s story started by helping a team overcome loss. And six decades later, it’s doing it again. In Huntsville, Alabama, Columbia High School hasn’t won a game since 2015, resulting in the longest losing streak in U.S. high school football: 91 straight games. Gatorade has stepped in to provide sideline equipment, personalized sweat testing through the GSSI and education to inspire the players, with hopes of helping them finally notch a win and rewrite their story. See more about their journey here, and follow along to root the team to their first W!
Cheers to 60 years
From solving a sweaty sideline problem in Gainesville to fueling the world’s fastest racers, Gatorade has come a long way in 60 years. One thing hasn’t changed: the brand’s pursuit of solving athletes’ problems and ensuring every athlete and exerciser has the hydration solutions they need.