ICONIC SPORTS DRINKS SLOGANS OVER THE YEARS

‍© History Oasis

LIST OF SPORTS DRINKS SLOGANS

  • Gatorade: “Thirst Quencher” (1970s)
  • Gatorade: “Thirst Aid” (1984-1990)
  • Powerade: “Go Stronger for Longer” (1988-present)
  • Powerade: “The Complete Sports Drink” (1988-present)
  • Powerade: “There’s power in every game” (1988-present)
  • Gatorade: “Is It In You?” (1990s-present)
  • Gatorade: “Be Like Mike” (1991-2001)
  • Gatorade: “Life’s a sport. Drink it up” (2000s-2010s)
  • BodyArmor: “More than a sports drink” (2011-present)
  • Vitaminwater: “Hydrate the hustle” (dates unknown)
  • Accelerade: “Don’t fade. Accelerade” (dates unknown)

THIRST QUENCHER

Gatorade

1970s

When Gatorade first launched, functional language was used in this slogan to define the sports drink category. The slogan emphasized the origins of the sports drink from the University of Florida laboratory.

THIRST AID

Gatorade

1984-1990

Gatorade adopted medical terminology in this slogan to show its scientific credibility. But a $24.7 million copyright lawsuit later killed the campaign and Gatorade slogan.

GO STRONGER FOR LONGER

The Coca-Cola Company

1988-present

Coca-Cola launched Powerade with this endurance-focused slogan to challenge Gatorade’s dominance. This slogan continues to be Powerade’s primary tagline in marketing campaigns.

THE COMPLETE SPORTS DRINK

The Coca-Cola Company

1988-present

When Powerade launched, it positioned itself as superior to basic hydration. The slogan attacked Gatorade’s perceived limitations in ads.

THERE’S POWER IN EVERY GAME

The Coca-Cola Company

1988-present

Coca-Cola connected the Powerade name directly to athletic performance in yet another slogan. The slogan promised energy enhancement no matter the sport.

IS IT IN YOU?

Gatorade

1990s-early 2000s

In the early 1990s, Gatorade shifted its messaging from external benefits to internal motivation. This iconic slogan and campaign challenged athletes’ personal drive rather than promoting product features.

BE LIKE MIKE

Gatorade

1991-2001

Michael Jordan’s 1991 endorsement of Gatorade revolutionized sports marketing. The ensuing campaign linked Gatorade consumption to celebrity achievement and athletic excellence.

LIFE’S A SPORT. DRINK IT UP

Gatorade

2000s-2010s

In the 2000s, Gatorade shifted gears. This slogan attempted to showcase the brand beyond elite athletics to everyday activities. The slogan repositioned daily life as requiring sports drink hydration.

MORE THAN A SPORTS DRINK

BodyArmor

2011-present

When BodyArmor launched, it directly attacked established brands. Its slogan promised superior ingredients and benefits that Gatorade and Powerade were not offering.

HYDRATE THE HUSTLE

The Coca-Cola Company

dates unknown

With this slogan, Vitaminwater targeted ambitious professionals. The slogan connected hydration to work productivity, whereas competitors focused primarily on athletic performance.

DON’T FADE. ACCELERADE

Accelerade

dates unknown

The sports drink Accelerate used wordplay on its name to create an enduring slogan. Accelerade promised sustained energy without performance decline during extended activity.

IS IT IN YOU? (Relaunch)

Gatorade

2024-present

Gatorade revived its proven 1990s campaign. The company leveraged nostalgia while reconnecting with internal motivation themes in its marketing materials.

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