Based on the recommendations from the European Food Safety Authority, a zero-calorie beverage doesn’t meet the criteria of a sports drink. The fans to the face/head are most effective as sweat dripping from my face is the greatest annoyance/distraction. The NBA, NFL, MLB, MLL, MLS, and many other world class leagues use the Gatorade 'G' Sports Towel for keeping dry when the game gets hot. If the bottle appears sealed tightly and has no obvious visible off-color or odor when opened, there’s no reason why it cannot be consumed past the recommended usage date on the neck of each bottle. This will keep you from having to wipe your face as often, which will help with the irritation regardless of towel choice.

Towel Icon Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images 152 Head Towel Icon Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images

Our bottles are made of a lightweight, recyclable plastic and are considered "disposable" packaging. I have tried microfiber towels, and while they absorb great, they kinda end up being like velcro if you have any stubble, etc. There are many reasons why a product may be discontinued, but it's usually because sales expectations have not been met. We do not recommend reusing our bottles because they cannot be properly sterilized or washing in a hot water cycle of a dishwasher as the plastic may distort and/or shrink.Each year, Gatorade is presented with thousands of requests for product donations and event sponsorships from dedicated individuals, teams and organizations. I just use normal hand towels but soon realised that having washed them with my kit using non bio washing liquid (no softener) they were a bit rough on my face!

Gatorade Towels, Football Collection, NFL Gatorade Towels NFL Gatorade Towels, Football Collection, NFL Gatorade Towels

Where only water is available, Gatorade powder mix provides a convenient option to transform water into Gatorade. My preferred towels are the Gatorade towels…like the ones you usually see on the sidelines of NFL games. Shelf stable beverages are safe to consume past the recommended use by date but may experience slight changes in flavor or color as the product ages.