Hydration and energy drinks are renowned for boosting productivity during tedious activities. And although Prime Hydration is one many Americans have turned to recently, is it really good for you?
Key Takeaways:
With the backing of two major social media personalities, Prime Hydration has gained massive success and has produced $250 million in retail sales in its first year. The drink was created with a broad demographic in mind and is positioned as a general-purpose sports hydration drink. Prime Hydration is a healthier option than some other sports drinks in the market. For example, it doesn’t contain added sugars and includes natural ingredients like coconut water from concentrate.
I’ll discuss Prime Hydration more in the following sections, including its founders, variants, and storage. You’ll also learn about its nutritional content, cost, and potential downsides to decide whether it’s a good hydration drink for you.
What Prime Hydration Provides Your Body
Prime Hydration prides itself on having “great flavors that meet function,” which signifies its efficiency in alleviating dehydration while appealing to your taste buds.
Prime bottles are mainly marketed and sometimes labeled with the following qualities:
- Zero added sugar
- 2g Sugar (Possibly from the coconut water)
- Antioxidants
- 25 Calories
- 10% Coconut Water (Concentrate)
- 825mg of Electrolytes
- B vitamins
- BCAA for muscle recovery
Together with other nutritional contents, I’ll discuss Prime’s effects on the body, discovering how they help achieve hydration, provide energy, and provide nutrition from claims.
Zero Added Sugar
Unlike many competitors, Prime claims to be void of added sugar. However, the drink contains 2g of sugar possibly from the coconut water concentrate.
Excess sugar intake has multiple disadvantages, including:
- Weight gain
- Tooth decay
- Cancer
- Heart disease
Moreover, it may spike your blood sugar level beyond insulin’s control, making you prone to diabetes II.
We already consume many sugar-laden foods daily, so opting for Prime is a great way to reduce our intake while staying hydrated.
Besides, it still tastes great!
Antioxidants
Prime producers claim their product is rich in antioxidants, which are also advantageous, health-wise. Such antioxidants may be carotenoids, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E, naturally found in fruits and vegetables.
They’re somewhat overexaggerated because very few studies have linked them to disease prevention.
However, others say they reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart conditions. They may also buffer the damage oxidation causes and eliminate free radicals in the body cells.
25 Calories
Many health enthusiasts are concerned with nutritious diets having the least calories possible. And Prime also supports this goal by allowing only 25 calories per bottle.
Fewer calories support weight loss, as you won’t have many to burn during workout sessions.
According to the National Institute of Aging, calorie restriction may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It also lowers blood pressure, improves insulin levels, and promotes glucose control.
10% Coconut Water (Concentrate)
Adding coconut water is arguably Prime’s most essential and publicized ingredient.
Not every energy drink boasts coconut water, especially trendy ones, but Prime has it significantly.
Coconut water is what brings 825 mg of electrolytes to every Prime bottle and is also the chief hydrating agent. They’re most important for those who work out since they lose substantial water and electrolytes during prolonged exercises.
Aside from aiding hydration (which is its primary role), coconut water improves heart health and prevents kidney stones. You’ll also notice lower blood sugar levels, especially if you’re diabetic.
B Vitamins
Prime Hydration contains B vitamins 6 and 12. They’re in trace amounts, so they shouldn’t cause many side effects from overconsumption.
Conversely, vitamin B6 promotes brain health and aids hemoglobin production, an essential component of blood. It’s also suitable for pregnant women to help prevent and treat nausea.
Vitamin B12, on the other hand, improves the nervous system by sustaining nerve cells’ health. Moreover, it may boost body energy and prevent chronic heart conditions.
Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA)
Logan and KSI’s reason for including BCAA in Prime is to boost muscle recovery before and after tedious exercises. And the National Library of Medicine also agrees with the function.
Highly Recommended Read:
Lately, BCAAs seem to be on every label as a selling point, but are they essential for the body? You’re in luck because we wrote an excellent resource demystifying BCAAs. When you’re done reading this article, check out our article on What Are BCAAs, & Are They Worth the Hype? (8-minute read).
Athletes who ignore their muscle recovery risk muscle soreness. And it’ll definitely affect future performances, as multiple studies have proven.
But a bottle of Prime might save them from such.
Minerals
A closer look into Prime hydration’s nutrition facts reveals its mineral content. Potassium, magnesium, and zinc are the major ones.
These minerals boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and aid proper blood clotting, among several other benefits.
Who Founded Prime Hydration?
Prime Hydration has enjoyed immense success as an energy drink, coming into the spotlight in January 2022. Many wellness enthusiasts from the UK and US are consuming it, and, unsurprisingly, all variants have sold out for months.
Logan Paul and KSI are the masterminds behind Prime.
He is an influencer that cultivated his massive following (23.2 million subscribers) on Youtube, where he’s shared various content from comedy sketches on Vine to boxing routines.
On the other hand, KSI (Olajide Olatunji), an English rapper, was Logan’s long arch-rival, fighting each other in a boxing ring twice. He, like Logan, was also a Youtuber, posting game-commentary videos across three channels, with over 34 million subscribers combined.
With their massive fanbase (from the US and UK), Prime’s quick fame isn’t surprising. And the drink’s nature makes it suitable for almost all of their fans, from the youngest kids to aging parents.
Logan was the first to conceive the idea and piqued KSI sometime before 2022.
And on January 3, 2022, the caption of their launching social media post states that their goal is “to create a fantastic hydration drink that can fuel any lifestyle.” And they also aim to compete “with some of the biggest beverage companies in the world.”
On May 11, 2022, Logan claimed that Prime was officially the fastest-growing hydration drink in America.
Where Can You Buy Prime Hydration?
Prime energy drinks are sold commercially in most retail branches, from pharmacies to grocery stores across the country.
Kroger and Walmart were some of the first to stock them, but you can now find them at the following stores:
- Amazon US
- Target
- Vitamin Shoppe
- Ralphs
- GNC
- Sam’s Club
- CVS
Moreover, anyone in the UK & US can purchase them via their website – Drink Prime, and even learn more about their content.
Those in other regions, unfortunately, can’t purchase them yet. However, the producers hosted a worldwide giveaway valued at $29.99 for 50 lucky winners.
They would receive a case of their Prime flavor choice, regardless of their residing country.
Although we can’t confirm the promo’s outcome, the Prime’s owners may be testing the waters on going global.
How Much Does Prime Hydration Cost?
A costly drink can’t be deemed perfect even with multiple health benefits. And for many, Prime Hydration isn’t.
However, some buyers have said the opposite – that it’s on the higher side cost-wise for a hydration drink.
In most online stores, the Prime 12-pack costs $29.99, roughly $2.5 per bottle (500mL). Every flavor, including the limited edition Ice pop, costs the same. It’s also subject to various discounts from online stores or payment providers.
Also, remember that you may be charged shipping fees depending on the online store and your location within the US or UK.
In local stores, however, each bottle sells for $1.99. It’s considerably cheaper than the former, as 12 single-bought cans cost around $23.88.
Due to popularity, re-sellers have started to capitalize on the limited supply, exclusive flavors, and unavailability in some countries. I’ve seen prices as high as $7.00 for a single bottle of Prime Hydration. Some people may call it capitalism, others may call it predatory, you be the judge.
The rarity of the drink in some areas has spawned iPhone apps like PRIME Hydration Tracker to let users know when the drink is in stock at local retailers.
Prime Hydration Flavors, Packaging & Manufacturing
Like many beverages, Prime energy drink comes in variants, appealing to every potential buyer. They’re based on fruit flavors, five of which are official and one limited edition.
However, consumers of any variant have admitted to their great taste, which is one of the founders’ priorities. Conversely, there have also been negative reviews for being too sweet.
Here are the six Prime Hydration variants:
- Orange Flavor: Orange Prime appeals most to people that prefer a nutritious, citrus taste reminiscent of oranges. While it’s the fan-favorite variant, some verified consumers have said it tastes sourer than others.
- Lemon Lime Flavor: This is another citrus variant like orange, so expect the typical sourness hinting at lemon and lime. Not many verified buyers of this flavor have negatively reviewed it. Presumably, it’s one of the best.
- Grape: This tastes like a store-bought grape soda to some people or a bit sour to others. But, Grape Prime resembles natural grapes in flavor and should be preferred if that’s your favorite fruit.
- Blue Raspberry: Many verified consumers have praised Blue Raspberry Prime in reviews. It smells like raspberries, but according to some, is closer to blackcurrant in taste.
- Tropical Punch: Tropical Punch Prime has proven to be the least popular variant among consumers and the least promoted by Logan and KSI. However, people enjoy its fruity, citrus taste.
- Ice Pop: Unlike the previous five flavors, Ice Pop Prime was launched around mid-May 2022 as a limited edition. It’s so sweet and reminiscent of ice cream that consumers have questioned the producer’s “no added sugar” claim.
- Meta Moon: This is one of the brand’s newest additions, Launched September 14, 2022. Has a pink lemonade vibe to it.
Packaging & Manufacturing
Currently in the US Prime is produced and packed by a WGP (Western Group Packaging) that offers private label services.
This company is located in North Las Vegas and manufactures a wide variety of drinks, they produce everything from Functional Beverages, carbonated soft drinks, dietary supplements, purified & enhanced waters, alkaline water, kombucha, probiotic drinks, and teas.
How Do You Store Prime Hydration?
Unless you’re curious about Prime’s taste, you’ll likely not purchase a single bottle. In fact, you can only buy the “12-pack” online, unlike in retail stores where you can purchase just one.
So, there’s a tendency to store some for later.
According to reviews from verified consumers, Prime lasts around one year after its manufacture. But like other sports drinks, as long as they’re properly sealed and stored, you can still try them up to six months after the “best by” date.
To store them, ensure they’re in a cool, dry place, preferably a refrigerator, as seen in many promotional posters.
Please also observe, smell, and taste them before gulping if they’ve stayed beyond their expiration date. If anything is off, toss it into the garbage.
Downsides of Prime Hydration
Prime Hydration is proving it’s here to stay owing to its positive public reception.
For a drink that hasn’t celebrated its annual anniversary yet, we can’t deny its success so far.
However, it still has drawbacks, both potential and already existing, such as:
1. Prime Hydration’s Producers Aren’t Nutrition Professionals
Logan and KSI are undeniably jacks of all trades, but the nutrition field isn’t their forte.
They’ve admitted to formulating “the product from scratch” while locking deals with “the largest retailers in the world.” But most potential consumers aren’t satisfied that a licensed, renowned dietician is not among the producing team.
I doubt they can pull off such nutritious drinks without some help from nutritionists, but it’d elicit skeptics’ trust if they brought one to the limelight.
2. Prime Hydration Isn’t Yet Certified
Prime Hydration hasn’t been vetted by any renowned, trusted body yet. However, it’s pretty understandable, being a new drink.
To sustain their already-accelerating growth, they’d need to get some certification, primarily because neither the producers are health nor performance practitioners.
3. Prime Hydration Has Vague Content
Prime has most likely hidden most of its ingredients for a sweet invigorating drink, probably to avoid being copied. And we can’t tell if those ingredients are unregulated by the FDA.
Like the “natural flavors,” we can’t be so sure of what it comprises and can only hope they aren’t harmful.
But in case you’re Islam, Prime Hydration is Halal, as I’ve already explained here in a comprehensive post. None of the ingredients they’ve exposed is forbidden under Islamic dietary laws.
Alternatives to Prime Hydration
Depending on your primary intent in looking for an alternative, there’s a good number available.
If you’re trying to evade sugar while improving hydration, the Gatorade Zero Sugar variant is an option. However, Prime’s electrolyte content is closer to Gatorade Endurance, which athletes and bodybuilders may prefer.
Propel Water, on the other hand, would prevent an electrolyte overdose if that’s your primary concern while reducing taste. It’s also less expensive than Prime.
BioSteel Hydration is also one of the most renowned in the market. It’s sweetened with Stevia (a plant leaf), unlike Prime, and enhanced with Ace-K (Acesulfame Potassium).
Final Thoughts
Prime Hydration, founded by Logan Paul and KSI, is a healthy drink people of all ages can consume.
Coconut water at 10% is responsible for Prime’s benefit of alleviating dehydration. It also contains:
- Antioxidants
- Few calories
- B vitamins
- Minerals
- BCAAs
- No added sugars
However, its vague content, lack of certification, and founders’ inexperience in nutrition are a few drawbacks.