Electrolyte drinks can be a great way to hydrate after a workout — but if your go-to is Gatorade, you might want to skip it for now. PepsiCo has recalled just over 120,000 cases of Gatorade over undeclared food dyes, according to an FDA report. While food coloring might not seem like a big deal, this recall is more than it seems. Here’s what you need to know.
Related
Why was Gatorade recalled?
On September 25, 2026, PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of Gatorade containing 28-ounce bottles of the Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero flavors, since they contain undisclosed Yellow No. 6 and possible Yellow No. 5.
The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, which means the ingredient “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” according to the agency. It’s a voluntary request, meaning PepsiCo notified the FDA to initiate the recall.
The recall affects bottles of Gatorade in the 37 states below:
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
What should you do if your Gatorade was recalled?
Neither the FDA or Gatorade has shared any guidance on what to do if you find that your Gatorade was affected; the brand has not made any announcements for refunds as of press time, either.
You can probably drink the Gatorade if you want, since these dyes are FDA-approved in the US (though restricted in some states). That said, the FDA aims to remove both Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 — along with other synthetic dyes — from the food supply by the end of this year, according to a separate announcement.
Other electrolyte products to use instead
You can choose other Gatorade flavors, or get electrolytes from other products, like powders and tablets. Here’s what we’ve recommended.
If you’re serious about your Gatorade (or just love the flavors) you can stick with the brand by using their electrolyte powder, which doesn’t contain any artificial dyes. It comes in single-serve packets that are easy to keep on hand, and the powder uses sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride to boost hydration.
These electrolyte tablets are a little more convenient than powders, especially if you’re on the go, but they do take longer to dissolve. That said, they have an added perk: “They make your water fizzy when they dissolve, which I find is more enjoyable to drink,” says NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin. Experts recommended this one, too; they use sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride, and come in three flavors.
This electrolyte powder is a go-to for Malin, who mixes it into water before a long run in the heat. Each packet contains 500 mg of sodium, 370 mg of potassium and no artificial colors. They’re also single-serve and sugar-free.
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly electrolyte supplement or just something that tastes a little milder, these Pedialyte powder packets are a great option. They have nearly 50% less sugar than Gatorade and come in convenient, single-serving packets for easy hydration on the go.
Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m a freelance beauty and wellness writer and editor who has been covering beauty and health for more than a decade. I wrote this story based on information found in an enforcement report issued by the FDA.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
