Created in 1965 by Dr. Robert Cade, Dr, Harry James Free, and Dr. Dana Shires from the University of Florida's medical faculty, Gatorade was developed for the college's grid iron team - The Florida Gators. The goal was to create a beverage that replaced not just the water that players were losing in sweat, but also the crucial electrolytes and carbohydrates needed for optimum performance during sport.
Having been instrumental in securing the Gators win in the 1967 Orange Bowl, Gatorade quickly became the sports drink of choice for the NFL and was developed into a commercial product.
In order to ensure that Gatorade provides the best formulation to keep athletes properly hydrated for optimum performance, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute in Barrington, Illinois, carries out advanced testing on athletes and products, and develops education material for sports and health professionals around the globe.
Gatorade was introduced to the UK in April 2008 in two flavours, orange and lemon. Both flavours contain no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives.
In 1983, the brand was bought by the Quaker Oats Company, which was later acquired by PepsiCo in 2001.
