Propel Water Review: Why This Fitness Fashionista Can‘t Get Enough
Hey there, fellow fitness and fashion lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the lookout for the best products to keep you hydrated, healthy, and stylish while you‘re working up a sweat. One beverage that I absolutely swear by is Propel Water. I‘ve been drinking this electrolyte-enhanced water for years now, and I‘m excited to share my in-depth review with you.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you the full scoop on what Propel Water is, the different varieties available, how it tastes, its potential benefits, and much more. I‘ll also share some of my personal experiences and tips for incorporating Propel into your own active lifestyle. Whether you‘re a die-hard Propel fan like me or just curious about this popular sports drink, I‘ve got you covered. Let‘s dive in!
What Exactly Is Propel Fitness Water?
First things first, let‘s clarify what Propel Water actually is. Produced by the Gatorade Company (a subsidiary of PepsiCo), Propel is a flavored water beverage that‘s infused with electrolytes and vitamins. Unlike traditional sports drinks like Gatorade, Propel is clear in color and has a much lighter taste and consistency.
The main electrolytes found in Propel are sodium and potassium, which help replenish minerals lost through sweating during exercise. Propel also contains several B vitamins (B3, B6, and B12) as well as vitamins C and E, depending on the variety.
One of the biggest selling points of Propel is that it delivers these added nutrients and hydrating electrolytes with very few calories and little to no sugar. A 12 oz bottle of Propel flavored water contains just 10 calories and 2 grams of sugar, while a 20 oz bottle of the Vitamin Boost variety has no calories or sugar.
Propel‘s Range of Flavors & Product Lines
Over the years, Propel has released an impressive array of flavors and product lines to suit different tastes and needs. Here are some of the key varieties you can currently find on store shelves:
Propel Electrolyte Water: Propel‘s original and most popular product, these flavored waters come in refreshing fruity options like Lemon, Berry, Grape, Kiwi Strawberry, and Peach Mango. Sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium, they contain 10 calories and 2 grams of sugar per 12 oz serving.
Propel Vitamin Boost: A boosted version of the original, these flavored waters provide the same electrolytes plus 100% daily value of vitamins B3, B5, B6, C, and E per 20 oz bottle. Flavors include Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry Raspberry, and Apple Pear, all with 0 calories and 0 grams of sugar.
Propel Powder Packs: Available in portable single-serving stick packs, the powdered version of Propel can be mixed with water for on-the-go hydration. With the same nutrients as the original drinks, flavors include Lemon, Berry, Grape, and Kiwi Strawberry.
Propel Vitamin Boost Powder Packs: Combining the vitamin-enhanced formula with the convenience of a powder, these packs come in Lemon Lime, Cranberry Raspberry and Fruit Punch flavors.
Propel Immune Support: Propel‘s newest line features flavors like Blood Orange Raspberry and Lemon Blackberry infused with added zinc and 100% DV of vitamins C and D to support immune function.
No matter your flavor preferences or nutrient needs, Propel likely has an option that will appeal to you. I personally love the original Lemon and Kiwi Strawberry flavors as well as the Vitamin Boost Strawberry Raspberry. The powder packs are also super handy for staying hydrated during hikes, gym sessions, and long days running around the city going to fashion events and photoshoots!
Taste-Testing the Propel Flavors
So how does Propel Water actually taste? In my opinion, one of the biggest pros of Propel is its light, clean, and refreshing flavor. Unlike many sports drinks that can be sickly sweet or have a thick, syrupy texture, Propel tastes much closer to regular water with just a hint of natural fruit essence.
The flavoring is noticeable but not overpowering, making it easy to drink even during intense workouts. I find Propel to be thirst-quenching without leaving any unpleasant aftertaste or coating your mouth the way sugary beverages can.
That said, taste is certainly subjective, and not everyone enjoys Propel‘s flavor profile. Some people find it to be too bland or watered down, wishing for a bolder taste. Others detect a slight artificial aftertaste from the sucralose sweetener, although this doesn‘t bother me personally.
Here are my tasting notes and ratings for some of Propel‘s most popular flavors:
| Flavor | Tasting Notes | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon | Crisp, clean, citrusy; tastes like mildly sweetened lemon water | 5 |
| Berry | Ripe berry aroma; sweet-tart flavor with notes of raspberry and strawberry | 4.5 |
| Kiwi Strawberry | Nice balance of tangy kiwi and sweet strawberry; most unique flavor | 5 |
| Grape | Pleasant but somewhat artificial grape candy essence; tastes like watered down grape soda | 3 |
| Peach Mango | Authentic peach flavor with a hint of tropical mango; light and refreshing | 4 |
| Raspberry Lemonade (Vitamin Boost) | Not too sweet; tasty combo of raspberry and lemon; smoother mouthfeel | 4.5 |
| Blood Orange Raspberry (Immune Support) | Delicious mix of bright citrus and berry notes; feels healthy and energizing | 5 |
Of course, your mileage may vary, so I definitely recommend trying a few different flavors to see which ones best suit your palate. You may be surprised by which ones become your new favorites. Don‘t be afraid to experiment!
Putting Propel to the (Fitness) Test
As a busy fashion influencer and fitness junkie, I rely on Propel to keep me well-hydrated so I can look and feel my best, whether I‘m doing an intense Pilates class, rushing between runway shows, or posing for a photoshoot.
Proper hydration is key not only for athletic performance and recovery but also for keeping your skin looking plump and radiant, aiding in digestion, and supporting brain function. And if you‘re trying to lose weight, drinking lots of water (especially before meals) can help reduce appetite and boost metabolism.
The electrolytes in Propel can be especially beneficial if you‘re doing prolonged or vigorous exercise and sweating a lot. According to the American Council on Exercise, you can lose more than 2000 mg of sodium per liter of sweat. Replacing those lost electrolytes is crucial for avoiding dehydration, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
I can certainly attest to the hydrating power of Propel from my own experience. I make a point of drinking at least 16-20 oz of Propel before and after my workouts, which include everything from spinning and barre to trail runs and hot yoga. I always feel more energized and less depleted when I have Propel vs plain water.
Propel has also been clutch for me during long days running around the city for Fashion Week. Spending hours in heels going from one show venue to the next while subsisting on little more than adrenaline and champagne can leave you feeling drained (and hungover). Having a stash of Propel powder packs in my purse to mix with water has been a total lifesaver. The electrolytes help ward off headaches and dizziness so I can power through.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Propel is trusted by elite athletes across a wide range of sports. 7-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics Shannon Miller has served as a spokesperson for the brand. In a 2021 interview, celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson also revealed that Propel is his go-to for keeping clients like the Kardashians and Sofia Vergara hydrated during their workouts.
Of course, optimal hydration looks different for everyone depending on factors like age, gender, weight, activity level, climate, and overall health. Most experts recommend drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day (e.g. 75 oz for a 150-lb person). If you‘re exercising, pregnant, breastfeeding, or spending time in the heat, you likely need even more.
No single beverage can meet all your hydration and nutrient needs. Propel is designed to supplement plain H2O, not replace it. I always have both a reusable water bottle and a Propel with me to sip throughout the day. Fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon, citrus, cucumber, and lettuce, also contribute to overall hydration.
The Final Word on Propel
To sum it up, Propel is much more than just flavored water to me. It‘s an essential part of my healthy, active lifestyle that keeps me performing at my peak. I rely on it to replenish fluids and electrolytes, boost my energy levels, and make hydration more enjoyable with its refreshing fruit flavors.
While plain water will always be the gold standard, I appreciate that Propel offers a nutrient-enhanced alternative for those times when you need an extra hydration boost without excess sugar or calories. It‘s a nice change of pace from regular H2O that feels like a treat but still fits into my wellness goals.
Of course, Propel isn‘t perfect, and it may not be the right choice for everyone. The sucralose sweetener and artificial color could be deal breakers for some. Strict low-carb or keto dieters may prefer an unsweetened electrolyte supplement. And the $2-3 price tag per bottle definitely adds up over time compared to free tap water.
But for me personally, I find the convenience, taste, and added nutrients to be worth the cost. Long-term consistency is key when it comes to hydration, and having Propel in my rotation makes it that much easier for me to meet my water intake goals day after day and keep my body and skin feeling nourished inside and out.
My best advice is to give Propel a try for yourself and see how you feel. Start with a variety pack so you can sample multiple flavors and find your favorites. Stay hydrated with a combination of Propel, plain water, and water-rich foods. Most importantly, listen to your body and adjust your approach as needed.
With the right hydration strategy and a little help from Propel, there‘s no limit to the fashionable, fit, and fabulous life you can lead. Cheers to that!
