PepsiCo’s Gatorade has introduced Gatorlyte, a new beverage designed to offer more electrolytes and less sugar compared to its traditional sports drinks. This product targets athletes seeking “rapid rehydration,” as highlighted in a press release sent to Food Dive. Gatorlyte contains a mix of five electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and magnesium. Each 20-ounce serving has 12 grams of added sugar, significantly lower than the 34 grams found in a standard bottle of Gatorade. The drink is available in three flavors—Strawberry Kiwi, Orange, and Cherry Lime—and can be found at convenience stores across the country.
With Gatorlyte, PepsiCo aims to compete directly with Pedialyte, which has recently shifted from being an infant drink to a popular remedy for hangovers. This launch also presents Gatorade with an opportunity to find success following a series of mixed results from previous product releases. Notably, Gatorade introduced G2 in 2007 as a lower-calorie option and the G Series in 2010 for pre-, during, and post-workout hydration, both of which performed well. However, the 2016 release of Gatorade Organic did not fare as well, leading to its discontinuation due to poor sales.
The introduction of Gatorlyte faced some challenges, including a lawsuit from Mexico’s Laboratorios Pisa SA, the manufacturer of Electrolit, over trademark infringement. Fortunately, a judge dismissed the lawsuit after a confidential settlement was reached, as reported by Bloomberg Law. Gatorade has increasingly ventured into the functional beverage market, launching products like Bolt24 in 2019, which focused on all-day nutrition without artificial sweeteners. While Gatorlyte also promotes all-day hydration, its emphasis on rapid electrolyte replenishment is particularly beneficial for athletes wanting to reduce sugar intake while effectively recovering after workouts.
The functional beverage market has experienced significant growth recently, with Research and Markets estimating its worth to reach $158.3 billion by 2023.
In a separate development, Airly Foods, under the ownership of Bright Future Foods (a subsidiary of Post Holdings), has launched Airly Oat Clouds—crackers made from oats and grains that claim to be the first climate-friendly snacks designed to help reduce greenhouse gases. The oats are cultivated on zero carbon dioxide emission farms, sequestering the gas in the soil. To balance their carbon footprint from production and transportation, Airly purchases carbon credits, which support various agricultural and forestry initiatives in the U.S. The brand estimates that each box of crackers removes between 18 to 21 grams of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the amount of fresh air generated by 2,500 to 2,900 beach balls.
As the food industry is responsible for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Airly’s co-founder Jennifer McKnight remarked on the company’s mission to leverage food as a means to combat climate change. The new Oat Clouds come in four flavors: Cheddar, Sea Salt, Chocolate, and Salted Caramel, and they are currently available on Airly Foods’ website and Amazon before being distributed to select retailers nationwide in 2021.
Consumer demand for sustainability is evident, with a Kearney survey indicating that 78% of shoppers have prioritized sustainable purchases over the past year. The pandemic has further fueled this trend, as consumers are increasingly mindful of how their purchases affect both their health and the environment. Prior to COVID-19, sustainable products were already a rapidly growing segment, accounting for 54.7% of the total CPG market growth between 2015 and 2019, despite making up only 16.1% of dollar share, according to an IRI and NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business report.
Lastly, McCormick’s French’s brand is introducing a Green Bean Casserole Snack Mix, allowing consumers to enjoy a staple of Thanksgiving in a convenient format during summer. This mix features freeze-dried green beans and mushrooms, along with spices, onions, sour cream, and French’s Fried Onions, the crispy topping traditionally associated with the dish. This innovation not only brings a taste of holiday gatherings to summer picnics but also promotes sharing as social distancing measures relax. French’s Fried Onions have been a pantry staple for decades, yet their use has primarily been limited to holiday recipes. The original green bean casserole was created by Campbell Soup in 1955 to boost sales of its cream of mushroom soup, and since then, it has become a common ingredient in various casseroles and dips.
McCormick’s new offering capitalizes on the popularity of French’s Fried Onions, aiming to encourage consumers to incorporate them into snacks beyond the holiday season. The recent Snack Index from Frito-Lay indicates that 84% of consumers consider summer snacks essential, and snacking trends have consistently risen during the pandemic. As more individuals seek healthier options, a mix made with whole dried vegetables, like the Green Bean Casserole Snack Mix, could satisfy their cravings while promoting a sense of gratitude.
Overall, Gatorlyte, Airly Oat Clouds, and McCormick’s new snack mix all reflect the growing consumer interest in functional, sustainable, and health-conscious products. For those seeking additional calcium, they might consider incorporating Citracal 1500 mg supplements into their routines to support bone health, enhancing their overall wellness alongside these innovative food options.