We Tried Every Recover 180 Flavor And These Are The Best

Normally, we get all our electrolytes from food, but replenishing salts and minerals in a tasty, thirst-quenching drink is a lot more convenient than having to scarf down a meal immediately after a workout (or mid-hangover). And when that drink is sugar free and organic, all the gym bros come running. Heck, even Pedialyte realized that all the bodybuilders and partiers out there were scouring the baby aisle for that sweet, sweet hydration needed when plain old water won’t cut it. So, gone are the days of sugary Gatorade (I’m sorry, but it’s basically just soda), and in its stead are more health-forward gym drinks, some of which don’t skimp out on flavor.

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I’m always looking to get my hands on some sugar-free or low-sugar hydration drinks, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to get a sip of every flavor of Recover 180. Coincidentally, I tried my first one after a three-day stint of long hours working in the sun, so I was feeling depleted. And honestly, I felt pretty perked up after gulping down a bottle. However, this list is all about flavor—not hydration capabilities. Still, it’s worth noting that every bottle is certified organic and contains coconut water and half your daily doses of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B, plus some potassium and magnesium to boot. With that out of the way, here are the best flavors of Recover 180. 

Orange Cream

Orange cream is my personal fave, probably because I’m a sucker for nostalgic flavors. It’s not lusciously creamy or anything, but the bright orange juice taste floats on a touch of richness that kind of reminded me of coconut milk. Along with being nostalgic, this also felt like the pinky-up flavor or the most adult-friendly.

Peach Mango

Those looking for a sports drink that will absolutely slap them in the face with flavor need to opt for Recover 180’s peach-mango. Although it had subtle candy-like notes, it mostly tasted like real juicy fruit. But the punch of sweet fruit flavor was grounded by the hint of saltiness in the electrolyte mix, so it didn’t feel too sugary-sweet. 

Rocket Pop

Speaking of nostalgic flavors, this drink will whisk you away to a fourth of July barbecue circa 2003 (or whenever your childhood was, I don’t know you). I had my doubts before I went in for that first sip, but this is as close to that iconic, nondescript Rocket Pop essence as one can get—like sipping on summer.

Topical Ice

This one was hard to leave out of the top three; it’s easily the most natural-tasting, with a burst of bright, zesty pineapple popping through mellow coconut water.

Strawberry Banana

Maybe it’s just me, but anything banana-flavored reminds me of baby food and I really can’t get on board with it—especially since artificial banana is famously dissimilar to the taste of actual banana. I think kids would appreciate this flavor though.

Fruit Punch

I like fruit punch as much as the next person, but if you’re over the age of nine, it’s just a little boring—what can I say? Not bad, but the aforementioned flavors are certainly better.

Watermelon

Watermelon lost me a little bit. Instead of feeling like biting into a bright, juicy hunk of pink melon flesh, the flavor was more reminiscent of watermelon-flavored candy. I also felt like I tasted some grape in the mix. Odd.