Gatorade was created in 1965 by a team of researchers at the University of Florida College of Medicine, led by Dr. Robert Cade. The team also included Dr. Dana Shires, Dr. Harry James Free, and Dr. Alejandro de Quesada. They developed the drink to help replenish water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes lost by the university's football players, the Florida Gators, during intense athletic activity
. The invention was prompted by concerns about the effects of heat and dehydration on athletes. After analyzing fluid samples from players, the researchers formulated a beverage containing salts and sugars to quickly replace lost nutrients and improve performance. The first tests were conducted with the football team in 1965, and the drink was credited with helping the team win the 1967 Orange Bowl
. Initially, the rights to produce and market Gatorade were licensed to Stokely-Van Camp, Inc. in 1969. Later, the Quaker Oats Company acquired Stokely-Van Camp in 1983, and PepsiCo purchased Quaker Oats in 2001, becoming the current owner and manufacturer of Gatorade
. In summary:
- Inventors: Dr. Robert Cade and his research team at the University of Florida
- Year of invention: 1965
- Purpose: To replenish fluids and electrolytes lost by athletes
- Initial production: Licensed to Stokely-Van Camp in 1969
- Current owner: PepsiCo (since 2001)
