Organic Gatorade Is Here

(RTTNews) - PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) has launched an organic version of the sports drink Gatorade. The new product, called G Organic, is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

PepsiCo has started selling organic Gatorade in some Kroger supermarkets, with plans to roll it out to other select grocery, natural and convenience stores nationwide this fall. It will also be available online at Gatorade.com and Amazon.com.

The organic version of the sports drink is made with just seven ingredients - water, organic cane sugar, citric acid, organic natural flavor, sea salt, sodium citrate and potassium chloride. Previously, Gatorade consisted of eleven ingredients.

It took two years of research to develop an organic Gatorade. PepsiCo had to reportedly remove artificial ingredients and refined its manufacturing for the new Gatorade to be considered organic.

Gatorade said that G Organic is formulated for athletes who are seeking an organic hydration and fueling solution, and is designed to help athletes perform at their best during athletic activity.

The company added that G Organic has the same levels of carbohydrates and electrolytes as Gatorade Thirst Quencher, the non-organic equivalent.

G organic will be available in three flavor options - lemon, strawberry and mixed berry. The suggested retail price for G Organic is $1.69 for a 16.9-ounce bottle, which is 50 cents more than for Gatorade Thirst Quencher.

Gatorade was acquired by PepsiCo as part of its $13.4 billion purchase of Quaker Oats Company in 2000.