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Article How POSCA Hydrate Satisfies Your Inner Warrior

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The original sports drink of the ancient world has arrived to keep warriors hydrated. And yes, it’s sugar-free.

From comedian and SAS Australia competitor, Merrick Watts, POSCA Hydrate is a reimagining of the sip that fuelled armies and gladiators in ancient times. But while the old-world recipe was anything but palatable, Watts’s modern spin is “downright delicious.”

“It was during the depths of the COVID lockdown of 2021 that I came across the original Posca recipe and its fascinating stories, buried in the (online) history books. It got me thinking that there is a thing or two we can learn about hydration and health from the ancient world. Given Posca was the drink of actual gladiators, there is no doubt it is the original sports drink.”

Merrick Watts
Woman sipping a sports drinks from a can.
POSCA draws on ancient knowledge of hydration. Image: supplied

What’s the POSCA Hydrate difference?

POSCA Hydrate is Australia’s first sparkling hypotonic drink in a can and the go-to hydration helper for anyone active.

Completely stimulant-free, it uses an all-natural formulation of four essential electrolytes and red wine vinegar to deliver lasting hydration. ‘Hypertonic’ means it contains large amounts of minerals to help invigorate, support and refresh busy humans – whether it’s post-gym, or when the 3pm office crash rolls around.

Why vinegar?

Drawing on extensive research, Watts explains that red wine vinegar is a fantastic source of antioxidants and dishes up a host of benefits including improved gut and immune health and better blood sugar regulation.

Woman holding a sports drink.
Enriched with red wine vinegar. Image: supplied

Refined for quality & health

Frustrated with the lack of sugar-free sports drinks available in Australia, Watts combined his passion for health with his wine-making prowess to create the first batch of POSCA Hydrate in 2021. It was sparkling, fresh and 100% sugar-free.

Over the past three years, the reimagined sip underwent rigorous tweaks to reach the premium tastes and qualities it offers today, “without a crash, without sugar, without stimulants, without regrets,” explains Watts.

Dr Dan Pronk (ex-SAS) adds that proper hydration is a challenge for many people, with research suggesting that around 80% of people experience symptoms of dehydration daily. Hydration drinks help to replenish water, electrolytes and energy, however not all sports drinks are created equal.

“Where a lot of people go wrong or become confused in their search for hydration support is choosing a sports drink that’s high in sugar, or opting for an energy drink, which typically contains substantial amounts of caffeine, added sugars, additives and other stimulants. The effects of these drinks are short-lived, and they are unlikely to provide any sustained hydration or enhanced electrolyte retention.”

Dr Dan Pronk
Woman in gym gear holding a sports drink.
The answer to lasting hydration. Image: supplied

POSCA Hydrate flavours

Currently, POSCA Hydrate is available in three flavours:

  • Grape: Bubblegum-infused grape with a refined edge and balanced blend of sweet and tart
  • Pineapple: A tropical party layered with unique red wine vinegar and salt
  • Yuzu: Zesty, lemony and fizzy – it’s gently acidic and ultra refreshing
POSCA hypotonic sports drink cans.
Choose from three delicious flavours. Image: supplied

Where to buy POSCA Hydrate

Find it online at POSCA Hydrate and Amazon in packs of 12. (Also available in single cans in select fitness centres around Australia.)

We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, please see our Terms & Conditions.

Does your inner warrior need this? Leave us a comment!

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Comments

  • These sound amazing. The flavours would be very refreshing. It’s interesting to know about the red wine vinegar. I wasn’t aware that red wine vinegar had so many health benefits. I’m always wanting a sugar free sports drink that taste amazing and doesn’t leave me with that caffeine crash at the end of the day

  • I had no idea red wine vinegar was used in ancient times to rehydrate Gladiators. I would be very interested to try this new product especially since it has no stimulants and so many gut and health benefits.

  • These sound super interesting! I love red wine vinegar in dressings so it is great to see that it has other uses like in this healthier alcoholic beverages. I am a big fan of a pre mixed beverage too, they make it super easy to bring a nice drink along to a party or BBQ

  • These are super appealing to me. I’ve never gotten around “healthy” alcoholic beverages. But i’ve had a cold for the past few weeks and passed on alcohol a few times at social events, in fear of the negative effect they’d have on me. But these sound like they’d be perfect for such occasions, provided I don’t drink too many. I might have to look into this! Thanks for the great article.

  • They look great, awesome flavours, but they’re in a can. Are they fizzy? Fuzzy means sugar doesn’t it? Think I’ll stick to powerade

  • What an interesting drink. I love how it was conceptualized and came to fruition, love a smart idea blooming from a dark time. It would be great if it were available outside of their website and Amazon, hoping they get the opportunity to line some shelves in our local stores soon.

  • This is a lot healthier than drinking energy drinks. It sucks that you can only buy it online though. I would love to start seeing it stocked in supermarkets, then there is probably more chance of discounts. My hubby is a big one for energy drinks that are so bad for you, would love to get him onto these.

  • This sounds really interesting. I am not a big fan or energy drinks filled with caffiene, sugars and stimulants etc. This one sounds a little tempting though. I’ve never heard of Posca but red wine vinegar I now has many health benefits. I hope his goes well for them, it’s good to see something like this testing the market.

  • It does get me curious to try it. I like the idea of this drink being stimulate free and using more natural ingredients. It definitely sounds like a better and healthier alternative to those energy drinks currently on the market at the moment. Haven’t seen these around in stores yet but i;ll definitely be keeping an eye out!

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