Introduction to Plezi Hydration
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry is teaming up with former first lady Michelle Obama to release a healthier sports drink option. Curry and Obama on Wednesday announced the launch of Plezi Hydration, through Obama’s public benefit company, Plezi Nutrition. The drink adds to Curry’s growing portfolio of off-court ventures as the 37-year-old nears the final years of his playing career.
What is Plezi Hydration?
The sports drink market is a crowded space, but Curry said the beverage’s focus on health and wellness makes it different. The drink touts no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, less sodium than leading rivals and a full daily dose of vitamin C.
Some of the key features of Plezi Hydration include:
- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Less sodium than leading rivals
- A full daily dose of vitamin C
- Available in three flavors: lemon lime, tropical punch, and orange mango twist
Market Competition
The sports drink category is largely dominated by three main players. PepsiCo’s Gatorade has 61% market share, followed by Coca-Cola’s Powerade at 14.5% and BodyArmor at 11.8%, according to data analytics company Euromonitor International. Curry joins the growing list of athletes and celebrities investing in the sports and energy drink market from the late Kobe Bryant (BodyArmor) to LeBron James (Mtn Dew Rise) to fighter and influencer Logan Paul (Prime).
Demand for Advanced Hydration
The overall demand for advanced hydration is very strong right now, according to Howard Telford, senior industry manager for soft drinks at Euromonitor. In the ready-to-drink sports drink category, volume declined to 2024, but sales rose due to higher prices, Telford said. The category faces pressure from the rise of powder mix concentrates and oral rehydration brands such as Pedialyte and Electrolit that are challenging the dominance of traditional sports drinks.
Creation and Availability
Plezi said Curry was not only an investor in the product, but he also helped on everything from the actual beverage to the packaging. His wife Ayesha, who has a culinary background, also helped with the creation and taste of the drink. Plezi, which means "fun" in Creole, will be available in three flavors: lemon lime, tropical punch, and orange mango twist. Curry’s favorite flavor is the orange mango twist. The drinks will be sold in California at Walmart, Albertsons, and Safeway, and available nationwide on Amazon. The 16.9-ounce bottles will cost $2.29 each and contain 70 calories in a full bottle.
Conclusion
"We’re excited to provide a delicious, healthier option for everyone who’s trying to get active and stay hydrated," Obama, co-founder and strategic partner at Plezi Nutrition, said in a statement. Curry has also been an advocate for health and nutrition through non-profit Eat, Learn, Play, which he and Ayesha created in 2019. Plezi said it has collaborated with ELP on various events by providing beverages.
FAQs
- What is Plezi Hydration?
Plezi Hydration is a new sports drink launched by Stephen Curry and Michelle Obama’s company, Plezi Nutrition. - What makes Plezi Hydration different from other sports drinks?
Plezi Hydration has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, less sodium than leading rivals, and a full daily dose of vitamin C. - Where can I buy Plezi Hydration?
Plezi Hydration will be available in California at Walmart, Albertsons, and Safeway, and available nationwide on Amazon. - How much does Plezi Hydration cost?
The 16.9-ounce bottles will cost $2.29 each and contain 70 calories in a full bottle. - What flavors does Plezi Hydration come in?
Plezi Hydration comes in three flavors: lemon lime, tropical punch, and orange mango twist.
