US Sports and Performance Drinks Market Report 2024

This report covers the performance drinks and sports drinks industry in extensive detail. Inside you’ll find statistics on the market, the consumer, and key players, with expert analysis to bring it all together. Opportunities and competitive strategies for brands are revealed throughout this report. Read on to discover some of our expert insights from the report.

Key Issues Covered in this Report

• Sports and performance drink market size and forecast
• Consumption and frequency of different types of sports and performance drinks
• Reasons for increased/decreased sports and performance drink consumption
• Occasions and motivations for sports and performance drinks
• Attitudes about sports and performance drinks
• Company and brand activity

Sports Drink Market Overview

Sports and performance drinks look to sustain steady growth, with forecasted prediction of reaching $27.5 billion by 2028. This surge comes from consumers who utilize these beverages to enhance their workout experiences − before, during, or after exercise – as well as more casual users that seek hydration sans heavy physical activity. Many people are incorporating sports and performance beverages into their daily routine to boost energy, increase their protein consumption, or simply quench their thirst.

• US sports drink market size: The US sports and performance drink market continued to grow in 2023, reached over $17.5 billion, an increase of 12.7% on 2022 retail sales.

Sports and Performance Drinks – Consumer Trends

The appeal of sports and performance drinks spans demographics, with men typically seeking muscle-building and recovery benefits, while women may favor drinks for quick pick-me-ups through on-the-go consumption or as meal replacements. Consumers desire sports and performance beverages that offer benefits beyond just hydration, which could lead to a further blurring of the category. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right drink, resulting in consumers tending to stick to familiar brands and product types despite this interest in more nutritional and functional benefits.

For a comprehensive analysis of the US sports and performance drinks market, purchase the full report. Readers of this report may also be interested in Mintel’s US Nutrition Drinks Market Report, or take a look at our extensive collection of Drinks Market Research.

Market Definitions

• Sports drinks: liquid drinks and drink mixes designed specifically to help people perform and recover better from physical activity (eg Gatorade or Powerade).
• Performance drinks: liquid drinks and drink mixes marketed for enhanced sports performance, including both pre/post-workout beverages, and performance protein drinks (eg Muscle Milk, Core Power).

Meet The Expert

This report is written by Kamari Davis. Kamari joined Mintel in 2023 as a Food & Drink Analyst on the US Reports Team. He brings a background within the alcoholic beverage industry as a category analyst. Kamari holds a degree in Food & Consumer Package Goods Marketing from Western Michigan University.

The sports and performance drinks category continues to experience steady growth, with consumers showing interest in more functional and flavor-forward innovations.

Kamari Davis
Research Analyst, Food & Drink