Propel is a popular drink of flavoured water that has been hogging the limelight for making beverages with the necessary electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants that support greater well-being.
Belonging to the same category of Gatorade Zero, Propel Water is highly preferred in the market for being ‘sugar-free,’ ‘allergen-free,’ and ‘caffeine-free.’
We delved into several Propel Water reviews that described the beverage as irresistible and addictive, nudging us to pose the following questions:
- Is Propel Water good for you?
- Is it healthier than Gatorade?
- Are there any Propel Water side effects?
- Does Propel have aspartame or any other form of additives?
- And most importantly, what do real users think about Propel Water?
The following Propel Water in-depth review guide aims to address these questions and helps our readers understand: Is Propel Water healthy?
Let’s explore together!
What is Propel Water?
Propel Water tends to your need to stay hydrated and energetic without any exposure to sugar or harmful calories. It’s a brand of flavored water bottle owned by Gatorade and claims to address your body’s requirements for vitamins (Vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, and E) and electrolytes.
Propel water bottles come in eight flavors: natural Kiwi-Strawberry, Peach, Lemon, Berry, Grape, Tropical Citrus, Black Cherry, and Melon—and are hugely popular in the market.
But, is it good for you? Is Propel bad for you?
The answers to these questions lie hidden in the Propel Water ingredients label. Let’s take a look!
Propel Water Ingredients
The image below will give you a breakdown of what’s in Propel Water.
Core Active Ingredients
- Water
- Blend of electrolytes (including sodium and potassium)
If these were the sole ingredients, we might consider recommending Propel. However, there are additional additives that raise concerns from a health perspective.
Questionable Additives
1. Citric Acid
- Acts as a flavoring agent
- Documented to cause inflammation in some individuals (Toxicology Reports journal)
2. Sodium Hexametaphosphate and Potassium Sorbate
- Preservatives (relatively safer ones)
3. Sucralose
- Artificial sweetener
- Clinically shown to worsen insulin function (as documented)
4. Natural Flavor
- A broad descriptor, lacking specificity about flavoring compounds
Additionally, Propel contains a blend of vitamin additives, such as vitamin B3 and vitamin B5. However, there’s limited evidence suggesting that small doses of water-soluble vitamins enhance athletic performance.
Also Read: Is Body Armor Good for You? Thorough Insights of The Nutritional Value of This Energy Drink
Is Propel Water Good for You?
Yes, to a certain extent!
Let us explain.
- Propel Water has no sugar and no calories, making it a far better choice than other Gatorade drinks in the market loaded with sugar. Let’s not forget: excessive sugar intake triggers inflammation in the body and is an invitation to many lifestyle disorders, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
- Propel Water boasts a formulation packed with essential nutrients—vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, and E to name a few. While the mere mention of these vitamins may trigger a buying impulse, it’s important to note that these vitamins aren’t always easy for our bodies to absorb. Consumers of Propel Water are, hence, supposed to pair their vitamin intake with fat to promote optimal absorption.
- Does Propel have electrolytes? Yes, Propel Water has two vital electrolytes: sodium and potassium. Electrolytes bear great benefits for our bodies, facilitating everything from muscle and nerve function to maintaining PH levels.
However, for electrolytes to work, they must be consumed in ideal proportions. Propel nails the perfect balance with 270 mg of sodium per 20-ounce bottle.
- While Propel lacks sugar, it’s not without its drawbacks. Its intensely sweet flavor comes from controversial zero-calorie sweeteners like acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K) and sucralose. Though approved by the FDA, these artificial sweeteners have been linked to disruptions in gut bacteria, altered glucose regulation, reduced feelings of fullness, and potential weight gain. One study even suggests a link between acesulfame K and increased cancer risk.
Overall Assessment
So, is Propel Water good for you? Mostly, yes! The beverage is comparatively better and has a well-thought, well-pegged formulation for your well-being.
That said, Propel Water shouldn’t be completely replaced with water. While replacing a few cups is fine, the beverage shouldn’t be consumed every time you experience a bout of thirst.
We’re repeatedly asked: “Does Propel have aspartame?”
The answer is NO. Propel Water Bottles are sweetened using Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) and sucralose, the popular artificial sweeteners. The inclusion of these ingredients sparks concern, as these are often associated with certain health risks if consumed excessively.
To recapitulate, Propel Water is a ‘good-to-have’ but not a ‘must-to-have.’ It’s perfectly safe to guzzle up a bottle a day, but exceeding that or substituting it for your usual water intake should be avoided.
Side Effects of Propel Water
Is Propel Water bad for you? Are Propels safe? Here’s What You Need to Know about Propel Water side effects!
When it comes to assessing the healthiness of Propel Water, we maintain a neutral stance. However, we assert that this beverage is unlikely to induce adverse effects in generally healthy adults.
Key Insights about Propel Water:
- Simple Ingredients: Propel Water primarily comprises water infused with a carefully curated blend of nutrients and inactive additives. Rest assured, all components have undergone thorough scrutiny and are commonly found in manufacturing processes.
- Minimal Risk: While citric acid may provoke reactions in a minute fraction of the population, the average consumer need not fret. Instances of adverse effects are uncommon and typically isolated.
- Transparency Concerns: Despite scouring Propel’s official website, no explicit mention of side effects was uncovered. Furthermore, the absence of clinical trials impedes our ability to definitively gauge the likelihood of adverse reactions.
With that being said, it’s also a fact that propel water contains artificial sweeteners. Consuming artificial sweeteners may lead to individual reactions such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
Additionally, excessive consumption of Propel Water may cause flushing related to vitamin B6.
Propel Water stands as a refreshing option for hydration, offering a blend of essential elements without significant cause for concern. However, as with any consumable, moderation remains key.
Propel vs. Gatorade: The Mega Face-Off
Let’s dive into the ultimate showdown of our two hydration heroes.
When it comes to replenishing electrolytes and quenching thirst, Gatorade stands as the undisputed champion, being a staple for sports persons and athletes. However, a few recent insights shed light on its suitability for the average consumer.
Key Considerations:
- Sugar Saga: A 12 oz serving of Gatorade packs a whopping 48g of added sugar, surpassing the sugar content of a comparable Coca-Cola. This concerning level of sweetness, according to a 2019 medical review, correlates with heightened risks of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
- Sugar Overload: With many Americans already exceeding recommended daily sugar intake, the 48g found in Gatorade nearly reaches the recommended Daily Value for an entire day’s worth of calories.
- Color Clash: While Gatorade boasts a spectrum of flavors, some variations contain synthetic dyes—a feature notably absent in Propel Water.
The Verdict: Propel Water Emerges Victorious
Considering its lower added sugar content and absence of artificial dyes, Propel Water emerges as the preferred choice over Gatorade for health-conscious consumers.
Is Propel Water Good for Losing Weight?
Propel is a favorable alternative for calorie-laden beverages due to its low sugar content and lack of calories. While it’s not a silver bullet, some magical solution to promoting weight loss, switching from a high-sugar consumer to a zero-calorie beverage may aid in short-term weight loss.
However, prolonged use of artificial sweeteners is associated with heightened risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and mortality. Thus, while Propel may offer short-term benefits, it may not be the optimal choice for sustained weight loss or long-term health.
Also Read: Nu Biome Reviews 2024: Is It Really the Magic Potion Your Gut Needs?
Is Propel Water Keto-Friendly?
Absolutely! Propel is a suitable choice for those adhering to a keto diet. With zero calories, sugar, or carbs, this drink won’t impact your daily net carb intake or disrupt ketosis. It also offers a convenient solution for satisfying sweet cravings without exceeding the low-carb allowance typical of a keto regimen.
This YouTube video by Jason Chissell goes into detail and reviews whether Proper Water is Keto friendly or not, watch this to know more:
Where to Buy Propel Water Bottles?
The 12-bottle-pack of Propel Water is available across various online platforms, each offering a slightly different price.
- Instacart: $9.89
- Target: $8.99
- Walmart: $8.48 (plus shipping)
- Amazon: $8.38 (free shipping)
Interestingly, Propel Water is approximately 50% cheaper on Amazon compared to Walmart, especially when considering shipping costs.
The Final Thoughts
Propel Water offers a healthier alternative to sugary sports drinks due to its zero-calorie, zero-added sugar formula. However, it contains citric acid, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and flavor additives.
While moderation is key, we find Propel Water unlikely to cause side effects. Positive online reviews praise its flavor, with Amazon offering the best prices overall.
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