Curry and Obama Launched New Hydration Beverage
The partners introduced a fruit-based drink for children that contains no added sugars or artificial flavors.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Healthy Food
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Steph and Ayesha Curry have partnered with Michelle Obama to launch PLEZi Hydration, a new line of beverages. The product aims to provide children with a hydration option that avoids artificial sweeteners and added sugars.
Why it matters
This partnership addresses the ongoing public health effort to improve children's access to quality nutrition by reducing the intake of added sugars found in common sports drinks. It seeks to offer a healthier alternative for families looking to limit processed ingredients in their children's diets.
A 17-ounce bottle of PLEZi Hydration contains 9 grams of natural sugar, which is compared against standard 20-ounce sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade that contain 34 grams of artificial sugar.
The players
Steph Curry
Professional basketball player and co-founder of the beverage brand.
Ayesha Curry
Entrepreneur, restaurateur, and co-founder of the beverage brand.
Michelle Obama
Former First Lady of the United States known for her 20-year commitment to public nutrition initiatives.
The details
The beverage was developed by taste-testing new formulas with family and friends to ensure consumer appeal. The founders integrate direct feedback from children to refine the recipe, focusing on removing added sugars and artificial flavorings. By doing so, the product differentiates itself from traditional high-sugar sports drinks that rely on artificial ingredients.
Timeline
2018: Steph Curry won a professional basketball title.
2019: Steph Curry visited the office of Barack Obama.
Earlier in 2026: PLEZi Hydration was officially unveiled and released to the market.
September 23, 2026: Steph Curry discussed the product with the public at Madison Park.
Late September 2026: The start of basketball training camp.
Health Landscape
This venture follows the pattern set by the 20-year history of Michelle Obama's nutrition work, shifting from policy advocacy to the commercial development of healthier consumer goods. It reflects a broader trend of high-profile figures using their platforms to challenge the status quo in the children's beverage market.
When choosing beverages for your children, check labels for total sugar content and avoid those with added artificial sweeteners. If you have concerns about the nutritional quality of the drinks your children consume, discuss alternative hydration strategies with your pediatrician.
The takeaway
This product launch highlights the importance of checking labels for hidden sugars in common sports drinks. Families can take a proactive approach to nutrition by scrutinizing the sugar content per ounce when shopping for beverages, rather than relying on standard serving sizes for comparison.
Further reading
Learn more about navigating nutritional choices for your household in our guide to Healthy Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Jose Mercury News.
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