FAQs on Sqwincher Hydration Products
It goes without saying that doing physical activities outdoors can be very taxing on the body, regardless of age, especially in the middle of the summer sun. The same is true when you’re working in a hot area (eg. in a bakery) or with equipment that involves heat (eg. metal forging and welding).
Moreover, the dangers of on-the-job dehydration are real, as detailed in this white paper.
Since we’re an industrial supplies store, we thought adding workplace hydration products would be a good idea. So, ever since we started selling Sqwinchers, we were asked these questions.
In this article, we answer some of them:
- How do I know when it’s time to rehydrate?
- I work indoors all the time, so I should be less dehydrated, right?
- Is Sqwincher better than water when it comes to hydration?
- Is Sqwincher better than Gatorade?
- Is Sqwincher an energy drink?
- Is Sqwincher better than coffee and tea?
- Is Sqwincher caffeine-free?
- Is Sqwincher sugar-free?
- Can I drink Sqwincher on an empty stomach?
- How many Sqwinchers can I drink in a day?
Disclaimer: AIMS is not a health expert, therefore the information provided herein should not be treated as medical advice.
How do I know when it’s time to rehydrate?
According to the white paper, the obvious symptoms are thirst and excessive perspiration / sweating, but the more subtle signs of mild to moderate dehydration include:
- Dark yellow urine (pale yellow indicates proper hydration levels)
- Dizziness / lightheadedness
- Dry skin
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Fatigue / tiredness
- Headache
- Less frequent urination
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation
In addition, there are a handful of key factors that contribute to dehydration:
- Environment (humidity, working in heat / under the sun, especially during summer)
- Physical activity
- Health conditions
- Diet
While the risk of dehydration increases for people doing strenuous activities under those conditions, that doesn’t mean you won’t easily get dehydrated when you work indoors or during colder weather.
Yes, hydration (especially in the workplace) is not just a summer issue, as Sqwincher explained in this Safeopedia article.
I work indoors all the time, so I should be less dehydrated, right?
That depends on the type of activity you are doing and the environment in which you work. Dehydration can also be a constant risk for people who work indoors, even during winter (but especially during summer). For instance, factory workers, restaurant kitchen workers and laundry service workers spend many working hours a day in hot environments.
Is Sqwincher better than water when it comes to hydration?
While humble drinking water will always be your “universal” thirst-quencher, there are some merits to choosing a Sqwincher over it. It is especially true if you need to re-hydrate quickly because what makes Sqwincher special is its formulation, which makes it easier and faster to be absorbed by the body than plain H2O.
That means it’s quicker to replenish the electrolytes you lost from all the sweating and hard work.
Is Sqwincher better than Gatorade?
We saw a page claiming that their “formulation is similar” and that "Sqwincher products do contain more electrolytes than Gatorade."
This press release from 2002 quoted the founder Mack Howard as saying: “It’s got half the sodium and twice the potassium of Gatorade. That’s one of the main things we’ve played on throughout the years.” We’ll take his word for it, although some of you will take it “with a grain of salt”. (Sorry!!)
We don’t think their “rivalry” is up there with Ferrari-vs-Lamborghini and Mustang-vs-Camaro, but surely both brands get the job done when it comes to hydration.
We’ve tried both products, and really, as with many things, it’s a matter of personal taste.
Is Sqwincher an energy drink?
That really depends on how you define “energy drink”, but if you refer to this Wikipedia entry based on Sqwincher’s website, their products are technically classified as “electrolyte beverages”. Regardless of what you want to call it, we think their witty slogan says it best: “Hydration That Works (At Work).
(We think that’s how you’re supposed to read it.)
Is Sqwincher better than coffee and tea?
Again, the answer here can be very subjective depending on one’s personal taste, but here are things to consider:
- You’re probably sweating in a hot work area or under the midday sun. Do you really need another hot beverage?
- Sqwincher contains “critical electrolytes” that you just can’t get from coffee and tea.
- Caffeine is a diuretic that makes you pee more, which could consequently make you more dehydrated (says page 5 of this white paper by Sqwincher themselves).
Is Sqwincher caffeine-free?
Speaking of caffeine, all Sqwincher beverages that you can buy from our store are caffeine-free. Most of them are low in sodium and gluten-free, too.
Is Sqwincher sugar-free?
A lot of Sqwincher products list sugar as an ingredient, but we sell sugar-free options such as these convenient Qwik Sticks and Squeeze Pops.
Can I drink Sqwincher on an empty stomach?
It’s generally not advisable to do so.
How many Sqwinchers can I drink in a day?
We found no conclusive research suggesting you can’t drink more than one serving in a day, although it’s best to err on the side of caution, especially if you have pre-existing conditions that require extra care.
That’s all for now. We’ll keep on updating this list as we receive more questions.
AIMS’ Note on Buying Industrial Supplies
- Breadth and depth of brands and categories: Go with a supplier that offers a wide range of reputable brands across multiple categories and sub-categories.
- Bulk purchase discounts: For large orders, check if you can take advantage of volume leverage. Some suppliers offer business accounts* that give you access to special pricing (volume discounts), preferential support and even credit eligibility (subject to supplier approval, terms and conditions).
- Product and service information: Evaluate the completeness and usefulness of data in their online product listings. Prudent suppliers will include as much useful information as possible to help you assess and compare products. In terms of service info, the supplier’s FAQs (if any) will give you a good idea of their standard policies*, processes and commitments.
- Promotions: Check for ongoing promotional campaigns so you can get the best prices. Many suppliers run regular discount-based promos. Some can point you to government-hosted rebate programmes like the SafeWork NSW $1000 Small Business Rebate.
- Safety compliance: Make sure the product in question meets Australian safety standards and regulations, especially if there are relevant compliance requirements or work health and safety (WHS) laws that apply to your business or state. Look for relevant certifications and markings where necessary.
- Supplier reliability: Choose reputable suppliers with a proven track record of delivering quality products and reliable customer service.
- Warranty and support: Check warranty terms and after-sales support* options, as this can be crucial in case of product defects or performance issues.
- Lead time and availability: Confirm product availability and estimated delivery times to avoid delays in your projects.
- Returns: Familiarise yourself with the suppliers returns and exchange policy in case you receive incorrect or damaged items.
- Delivery: Clarify delivery terms, including estimated delivery times, shipping costs and who handles insurance during transit (where applicable).
*Need help with a purchase decision? Contact us directly via chat or send an email to sales@aimsindustrial.com.au.