BodyArmor is one of the most popular sports drinks on the market today. It was founded in 2011 by Mike Repole, who also co-founded vitaminwater and smartwater. BodyArmor is marketed as a premium sports drink that contains coconut water, vitamins, and other ingredients for hydration and nutrition.
One of the key selling points of BodyArmor is that it has more electrolytes and potassium than leading sports drinks. However, many people wonder if BodyArmor also comes in a sugar free version, for those who want the benefits of the sports drink without the added sugar.
Nutrition Facts for Regular BodyArmor
The original BodyArmor sports drink contains the following nutrition facts per 16 fluid ounce bottle:
Calories | 130 |
Total Fat | 0g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Potassium | 125mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 32g |
Sugars | 28g |
Protein | 2g |
As you can see, a regular BodyArmor bottle contains 32g total carbohydrates, with 28g coming from sugars. So it does contain a significant amount of sugar.
Sugar Content in BodyArmor
The sugar in regular BodyArmor comes from two main sources:
- Cane sugar: Regular BodyArmor contains cane sugar as one of the main ingredients.
- Fruit juices: BodyArmor contains coconut water and fruit juice concentrates like apple, orange, and banana.
These natural sugars contribute to the carbohydrate and sugar content. Many athletes like the energy they get from drinks with sugar. But some people prefer sugar-free options.
BodyArmor LYTE – The Sugar Free Option
In response to demand for a sugar-free sports drink, BodyArmor launched a product called BodyArmor LYTE in 2018.
BodyArmor LYTE has the following nutrition facts for a 16 ounce bottle:
Calories | 20 |
Total Fat | 0g |
Sodium | 270mg |
Potassium | 90mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 6g |
Sugars | 0g |
Protein | 0g |
As you can see, BodyArmor LYTE has 0g of sugar. So this is the sugar free version of BodyArmor.
It achieves this by using stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit extract as natural zero-calorie sweeteners instead of cane sugar. It also contains no fruit juices, instead getting flavor from extracts.
Benefits of BodyArmor LYTE
Here are some of the benefits that BodyArmor LYTE provides as a sugar free sports drink:
- Zero sugar and low calorie – With only 20 calories per bottle, it fits into a low sugar or keto diet
- Electrolytes for hydration – Contains sources like sodium, potassium, and magnesium
- Antioxidants – Packed with vitamins C,E and zinc for immune support
- Natural flavors – Uses natural sweeteners to provide taste without sugar
- Low carb – Just 6g net carbs per bottle, allowing it to fit into a low carb lifestyle
For athletes, gym-goers and active people who want to reduce their sugar intake, BodyArmor LYTE gives you an alternative. The electrolytes and minerals can help you rehydrate without the extra calories and spike of sugary drinks.
Where to Buy BodyArmor LYTE
BodyArmor LYTE is sold at many major grocery stores, convenience stores, vitamin shops and online retailers. Here are some of the main places you can find it:
- Grocery stores: Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, Publix, etc.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K, QuikTrip
- Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid
- Online: Amazon, BodyArmor website, Vitacost
- Warehouse clubs: Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club
BodyArmor LYTE comes in 16 ounce single bottles as well as 4-packs, 12-packs, 24-packs and larger cases. Prices range from $1.99 for a single bottle up to $25-35 for a case of 24.
You can use the store locator on the BodyArmor website to find LYTE near your location. It’s sold in most of the same stores as regular BodyArmor.
Flavors of BodyArmor LYTE
BodyArmor LYTE is available in the following sugar free flavor options as of 2023:
- Berry Blast
- Blue Raspberry
- Fruit Punch
- Orange Dreamsicle
- Strawberry Banana
- Mixed Berry
- Watermelon Strawberry
- Tropical Punch
- Peach Mango
- Grape
The flavors are sweetened with stevia and erythritol. While not as sugary-sweet as the regular BodyArmor fruit juice drinks, they offer a nice flavor that isn’t overly artificial tasting. The Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch and Tropical Punch are some of the brand’s most popular sugar free varieties.
Does BodyArmor LYTE Actually Work?
For athletes and active people who have tried BodyArmor LYTE, most agree that it does work well as an alternative to sugary sports beverages.
Some of the benefits that fans highlight include:
- Provides electrolytes for hydration
- Boosts energy levels with B vitamins
- Contains antioxidants like vitamin C and zinc
- Tastes good without sugar
- Low calorie and low carb
The electrolytes and minerals like potassium and sodium are important when working out to replace what you lose through sweat. Even though LYTE is sugar free, it provides nutrients your body needs.
Some people say the energy and hydration lasts longer compared to drinking only water. And they are able to work out longer or recover quicker without any sugar crash.
For those on a keto or low carb diet, BodyArmor LYTE is a great way to get electrolytes without carb-loaded sports drinks.
Comparisons to Other Sugar Free Sports Drinks
How does BodyArmor LYTE stack up against other sugar free sports beverages on the market? Let’s compare it to a few top options:
Gatorade Zero
Gatorade Zero is one of the most popular sugar free sports drink alternatives. It has zero sugar and about 20 calories per 20oz bottle. Some of the key differences are:
- BodyArmor LYTE has antioxidants while Gatorade Zero does not
- Gatorade Zero contains more sodium and potassium for electrolytes
- BodyArmor LYTE has extra ingredients like coconut water
- Fans prefer the taste of BodyArmor LYTE over Gatorade Zero
Powerade Zero
Powerade Zero is another big sports drink brand that offers a zero sugar option. Here is how Powerade Zero differs from BodyArmor LYTE:
- Both have zero sugar and around 20 calories per bottle
- Powerade Zero has more electrolytes from sodium and potassium
- BodyArmor LYTE contains more exotic ingredients like coconut water
- BodyArmor LYTE comes in more flavor variety than Powerade Zero
Propel Zero
Propel Zero uses the artificial sweetener sucralose to flavor its sugar free sports drink. Here is how it stacks up:
- Propel Zero has trace calories, while BodyArmor LYTE has 20 calories
- BodyArmor LYTE uses natural sweeteners while Propel Zero uses artificial sweetener
- Fans prefer the taste of BodyArmor LYTE over Propel Zero
- Propel Zero includes some vitamins that BodyArmor LYTE does not have
Overall, BodyArmor LYTE holds its own when compared to other sugar free sports beverages. Its unique ingredient list gives it an edge in nutrition. And many fans think LYTE tastes better than the alternatives.
Is BodyArmor LYTE Keto-Friendly?
One of the reasons people seek out sugar free sports drinks is to follow a ketogenic (keto) diet for weight loss or performance. With only 6g net carbs and 20 calories per bottle, BodyArmor LYTE can fit into a keto diet.
Some of the aspects that make BodyArmor LYTE keto-friendly include:
- Zero sugar and low carb formula
- Uses keto-approved natural sweeteners like erythritol
- Contains ketone-boosting medium chain triglyceride oil from coconut
- Low calorie with only 20 calories per bottle
- Antioxidants like vitamin C to reduce oxidative stress
When following a keto diet, you want to keep net carbs low, get healthy fats, and reduce blood sugar spikes. BodyArmor LYTE was designed to align with these goals. It won’t knock you out of ketosis like sugary sports drinks.
So BodyArmor LYTE can be an effective keto sports drink for electrolyte replenishment without disrupting ketosis.
Conclusion
In summary, BodyArmor LYTE offers a sugar free sports drink alternative with unique ingredients like coconut water, antioxidants, vitamins and tea extracts. It provides the electrolytes, hydration and nutrients your body needs – without the sugar.
BodyArmor LYTE is sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia, erythritol and monk fruit. It comes in a variety of flavors, it’s low calorie, and fits into diets like keto. While not excessively sweet like the original, it offers enough taste and nutrition for any active lifestyle.
So for those looking to cut back on sugar without sacrificing health and flavor, BodyArmor LYTE is an excellent option. The sugar free ingredients make it possible to enjoy this premium sports drink while achieving your fitness goals.