I am responding to Wednesday's article celebrating the life of Dr. Robert Cade, one of four UF researchers responsible for inventing Gatorade. I was quite surprised to learn that since 1970, UF has drawn more than ,150 million in royalties from Gatorade sales. After reading this, it made me think back to a September Alligator article about the increased soda costs on campus, part of the objective being to encourage people to make a healthier choice.
I agree it is frustrating that a dollar no longer get you a carbonated beverage from campus vending machines. It made me buy fewer sodas, though. Now I usually opt for whatever juice or tea I can get without loose change.
But these beverages aren't more healthful. Most have nearly the same amount of sugar as soda. Gatorade, on the other hand, has less than half the sugar per serving than any non-diet drink in these machines, yet costs more.
I realize Gatorade has become more expensive everywhere, not just on campus. But with all the money UF gets from royalties alone, shouldn't Gators be able to purchase this healthier alternative at a more reasonable price? Heck, with that much money, Gatorade Fierce Melon should be flowing from our water fountains.
