Pedialyte is an oral electrolyte solution that is commonly used to treat dehydration in infants and children. It helps replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or sweat. When trying to choose a Pedialyte product, parents often want to know which version contains the least amount of sugar. This article will compare the different Pedialyte products and flavors to determine which has the lowest sugar content.
An Overview of Pedialyte
Pedialyte was first introduced in 1966 by Abbott Laboratories and is now owned by Abbot Nutrition. It comes in powder, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-drink formats. The oral electrolyte solution is available in several flavors including unflavored, grape, cherry, bubble gum, and fruit punch. It contains water, dextrose, citric acid, zinc gluconate, and sodium chloride. Pedialyte helps prevent dehydration by encouraging fluid absorption and replacing lost electrolytes. It is often recommended when a child has diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever. Pedialyte can help restore hydration faster than water alone. It is safe for infants over 3 months and children up to 10 years old.
Sugar Content in Pedialyte Products
While Pedialyte does contain some sugar, the amount varies based on the specific product and flavor. The sugar helps improve the taste and encourages children to drink the electrolyte solution. However, too much added sugar can be problematic. When comparing Pedialyte products, parents should look at the total carbohydrate content rather than just sugar. Carbohydrates include sugars and starches. The total carbohydrate content represents the amount of sugar better than looking just at the grams of sugar.
Powder
The original unflavored Pedialyte powder has the lowest amount of carbohydrates with only 2 grams per 1 liter prepared. This means it has the least amount of sugar. The grape, bubble gum, and fruit punch flavored powders have about 3-5 grams of carbohydrates per liter prepared. So the unflavored version contains the least amount of added sugar.
Liquid Concentrate
For the liquid concentrates, the unflavored again has the lowest amount of carbohydrates with 4 grams per liter prepared. The flavored versions, including grape, cherry, bubble gum, and fruit punch, contain around 7-9 grams of carbohydrates per liter. So the unflavored concentrate is the lowest sugar option.
Ready-to-Drink
With the ready-to-drink Pedialyte beverages, the grape flavor has the lowest amount of carbohydrates with 8 grams per 1 liter bottle. The unflavored, bubble gum, cherry, and fruit punch flavors have about 10-11 grams of carbohydrates per liter. So for the ready-to-drink options, grape Pedialyte is the lowest in sugar content.
Comparing Sugar Content
To provide an easier comparison of the sugar content in Pedialyte’s different products and flavors, here is a table summarizing the amount of carbohydrates per liter:
| Product | Flavor | Carbs per Liter |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | Unflavored | 2 grams |
| Powder | Grape | 3 grams |
| Powder | Bubble Gum | 4 grams |
| Powder | Fruit Punch | 5 grams |
| Liquid Concentrate | Unflavored | 4 grams |
| Liquid Concentrate | Grape | 9 grams |
| Liquid Concentrate | Cherry | 7 grams |
| Liquid Concentrate | Bubble Gum | 8 grams |
| Liquid Concentrate | Fruit Punch | 8 grams |
| Ready-to-Drink | Unflavored | 10 grams |
| Ready-to-Drink | Grape | 8 grams |
| Ready-to-Drink | Bubble Gum | 11 grams |
| Ready-to-Drink | Cherry | 10 grams |
| Ready-to-Drink | Fruit Punch | 10 grams |
As the table shows, Pedialyte powder in the unflavored version contains the lowest amount of carbohydrates and sugar at just 2 grams per liter prepared. The ready-to-drink grape Pedialyte is the next lowest in sugar content with 8 grams per liter. So if limiting sugar intake is a priority, the unflavored Pedialyte powder is the best option. The flavored ready-to-drink grape Pedialyte contains a low amount of sugar as well.
Sugar Content of Other Brands
Pedialyte is not the only brand of oral electrolyte solution available. Parents may wonder how the sugar content compares to other products. Here is a look at some key competitors and their sugar content:
DripDrop ORS
DripDrop ORS powder has 3 grams of sugar per liter prepared for both the fruit punch and lemon-lime flavors. This is slightly more than unflavored Pedialyte powder.
Enfalyte
Enfalyte’s unflavored powder has 2 grams of carbohydrates per liter, the same as unflavored Pedialyte. Enfalyte’s flavored options range from 3-5 grams of carbohydrates per liter prepared.
LiquiMed
LiquiMed’s unflavored powder has 4 grams of carbohydrates per liter prepared. The fruit flavors have a higher carbohydrate content around 9-11 grams per liter.
PediaSure
Although not just an electrolyte solution, PediaSure’s sidekick product is sometimes used for rehydration. It contains 10-14 grams of carbohydrates per serving depending on the flavor.
Rehydrate
Rehydrate electrolyte powder contains 2 grams of carbohydrates per liter for the unflavored version. The fruit punch flavor has 4 grams of carbohydrates.
Overall, most unflavored electrolyte solution powders have about 2 grams of carbohydrates per liter. Flavored products range quite a bit from 3-14 grams per serving depending on the brand. So Pedialyte’s unflavored powder is quite low in sugar content compared to other options.
Tips for Reducing Sugar Intake
If your goal is to minimize sugar intake while using an electrolyte solution, here are some tips that may help:
Choose unflavored versions
As the data shows, unflavored products almost always have fewer carbs and less sugar. Opt for an unflavored electrolyte powder when possible.
Dilute flavored options
If you need a flavored electrolyte drink for a picky eater, dilute the powder or concentrate by adding extra water. This will reduce the overall carbohydrate and sugar content per serving.
Avoid ready-to-drink bottles
The ready-to-drink electrolyte beverage bottles are convenient but contain more sugar than powder mixes. Stick to powder formats when able.
Limit intake
Only use the electrolyte solution as needed for rehydration and do not offer it as an everyday drink. This will automatically reduce overall sugar consumption.
Read labels
Be sure to read nutrition labels closely and calculate the carbohydrates per liter or serving. This will allow you to compare and choose lower sugar options.
The Importance of Proper Hydration
While limiting sugar is important, proper hydration is vital. Dehydration can occur quickly in infants and children and requires prompt treatment to avoid complications. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should take between 5 and 10 ml per kg body weight of an oral electrolyte solution for mild dehydration every 2-4 hours. Moderate dehydration requires 10-20 ml/kg of electrolytes every 1-2 hours. Medical attention is needed for severe dehydration. An electrolyte solution helps restore fluids, electrolytes, and blood sugar levels. Pedialyte can be used under a doctor’s supervision to prevent and treat dehydration in children. If using for rehydration therapy, focus first on the proper dosage for your child’s weight rather than limiting sugar. Proper hydration is critical.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pedialyte product with the least amount of sugar is the unflavored powder, which contains only 2 grams of carbohydrates per liter prepared. For a flavored option, the ready-to-drink grape Pedialyte is the next lowest in sugar content. When comparing Pedialyte to other brands, its unflavored powder also has one of the lowest amounts of carbohydrates and added sugar. While limiting sugar intake is a valid goal, carefully follow medical guidelines for rehydration therapy to restore fluids and electrolyte balance if your child is dehydrated. Preventing and properly treating dehydration is the most important priority. With this in mind, the unflavored Pedialyte powder is the best option for both low sugar content and effective hydration.
