Kelsey HigginsonSports Nutrition Coach and Founder at Clutch Day Coaching

Gatorade or Skittles?

5 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief talk, the speaker compares the sugar content of Gatorade and Skittles, noting they are chemically identical, but Gatorade provides additional salt that can help prevent cramping. The speaker recommends applesauce as a superior mid‑game carbohydrate source and suggests honey sticks as a convenient, non‑gummy alternative. If only candy is available, Skittles are acceptable, and many endurance athletes also use gummy bears or energy gels for quick carbs during long events. Overall, the advice emphasizes choosing quick‑absorbing carbs with some electrolyte benefit to sustain performance without feeling uncomfortable.

Chapters

The sugar in Gatorade is the exact same as the sugar in Skittles. Gatorade gives you a little bit more salt, which keeps you from cramping. Is that the best? I'd probably tell you do an applesauce over Skittles. But if Skittles are the only thing you're gonna eat during the game, then that's better than nothing. You'll see a lot of runners do that. Like when they're running marathons, you'll see them eat gummy bears or gels. That is just like quick carbs that get right into those muscle tanks and keep you going. If I was coaching you, I'd say, let's try some applesauce or a honey stick. Guess you like those little honey sticks. A lot of people like those. Honey Sticks are fantastic when it comes to mid-game stuff because it doesn't make you feel gross either.