Powerade does not have caffeine. The purpose of Powerade is to provide the body with electrolytes that are lost through sweat during an intense workout. It also supplies the body with hydration.
Caffeine is not a necessary ingredient in sports drinks like Powerade or Gatorade because it does not aid in hydration or provide electrolytes. However, there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that caffeine actually dehydrates the body in a significant manner. It may promote increased urination but it does not cause a loss of fluid above what was consumed in a caffeinated beverage[source].
Below is an example of the ingredients found in Powerade. The electrolytes provided in Powerade are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins. Note that caffeine would be listed in the ingredients if it were actually added to the product.
Ingredients
Powerade Orange: Water high fructose corn syrup less than 0.5% of: citric acid electrolytes (salt mono-potassium phosphate magnesium and calcium chlorides) gum acacia natural flavors glycerol ester of rosin yellow 5 and 6 vitamins b3 b6 b12 (niacinamide pyridoxine hydrochloride cyanocobalamin) ascorbic acid (to protect taste) calcium disodium edta (to protect color).
Powerade Zero Orange: Water less than 1% of: citric acid electrolytes (salt mono-potassium phosphate magnesium and calcium chlorides) natural flavors sucralose acesulfame k vitamins b3 b6 b12 (niacinamide pyridoxine hydrochloride cyanocobalamin) yellow 5 and 6 ascorbic acid (to protect taste) calcium disodium edta (to protect color).
References:
www.powerade.com
