Many of the products that we use daily originated for the purpose of space travel.  Staying properly hydrated and getting the right nutrition in space or here on Earth can be a challenging mission in itself.  Since the beginning of the space program, what astronauts have been packing in their space bags onboard space crafts has changed.  But even with all of the ever-changing gadgetry and technological advancements, one thing remains the same: researchers have been focused on keeping astronauts safe and healthy on the final frontier.

Hydration is key to good health for astronauts while in space, and for the rest of us, too, while going about our daily routine on our home planet.  In the early days of space travel, beverages were packaged up in aluminum containers.  Over time, more convenient forms of these products, such as powdered drinks, were developed and included with the rest of the cargo.  And now these same powdered drinks that were originally developed for convenience in space are on grocery store shelves providing that same convenience and choice for Earthlings.  Juice drinks, teas, lemonades and sport drinks are all available in powdered forms to allow you to mix it yourself!

Remember – whether you are on the moon or just hanging out in your back yard, it is always important to stay hydrated!

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Speaking of pop culture, everyone has heard about Elvis’ favorite food – fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. But do you know what Elvis’ favorite beverage was? When thirsty, his favorite drink happened to be Pepsi Cola – the flagship brand of an ABA member company. Elvis also was a fan of Gatorade and Dr Pepper.

So today (or anytime this week), in honor of Elvis, put on your blue suede shoes, listen to your favorite Elvis album on vinyl, whip out your hip-swivel dance moves and reconnect with your inner Elvis. Oh, and make sure to enjoy your favorite beverage of choice!

Sports drinks – like Gatorade, Powerade, Accelerade, Capri SUN Sport and All Sport, among others – are oftentimes associated with physical activity and athletic competition. In fact, these drinks were originally developed so that athletes could maintain a high performance level through a long workout or game. Through experience, you probably know that sports drinks help you to feel refreshed and reenergized. But how? Is it magic? What is different about sports drinks?

When you exercise, you lose water, electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium) and carbohydrates through the energy you use and through sweat. Sports drinks help replace these substances. While sports drinks may have been designed for athletes, you certainly don’t need to be at football two-a-days or volleyball practice to consume these tasty beverages. They can be the perfect beverage after a rigorous work-out or an afternoon hike with your kids. With so many delicious varieties, you could switch up your sports drink flavor with each new activity! How about a lemon-lime after rollerblading, or a fruit punch after that strenuous walk while bargain-hunting? Grab a grape-flavored sports drink for ultimate Frisbee. Enjoy your sports drink combos- we guarantee there are plenty of options to choose from!

This year’s ads from Pepsi and Coca-Cola promise to provide some of the best entertainment of the day, including the game itself. From the sneak previews the companies are sharing (hyperlinked below), the ads promise to be a mix of cutting-edge technology, feel-good humor and even a new twist on an old classic.

Pepsi has told Sip & Savor that it plans to run between five and six minutes of advertising during the Super Bowl, saying it will be the largest advertiser in the game.

Though Pepsi is still finalizing a few Super Bowl ad selections for its variety of products, it has given us this rundown of when viewers can expect to see most of its advertising. Look for ads for Pepsi/Forever Young and Pepsi Max/I’m Good during the game’s First Quarter; SoBe Lifewater/Lizard Lake in the Second Quarter; and then Pepsi Max/Monkey and SoBe Lifewater/Dancing Man in the Fourth Quarter.

You’ll have to tune in to the game to catch Forever Young and Dancing Man. Ad selections for the Gatorade brand are still being made as well. But here’s a fun behind-the-scenes video on the making of Lizard Lake. It features NFL stars Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck and Matt Light with their best ballet moves (and ballet gear), as well as Lee the Lizard and the cast of the upcoming DreamWorks movie Monsters vs Aliens.

Coca-Cola plans to entertain with a nod to the digital age and to one of its most classic commercials.

The company is confirming plans to run ads called Avatar and Heist for its Coca-Cola product. And taking advantage of the Pittsburgh Steelers playing in yet another Super Bowl, Coca-Cola will air a commercial for Coke Zero called Mean Troy that does a modern take on the company’s classic Mean Joe Greene ad from the Steel Curtain era. “Mean Troy” is the Steelers All-Pro Safety Troy Polamalu.

Coke is keeping a tight wrap on the ending to Mean Troy, which promises a special twist on the original. It’s a twist that the Coke folks and Mean Joe say you won’t want to miss. Steelers’ fans, listen closely to this interview with Mean Joe on the making of new ad; he provides an intriguing connection between the two ads and the Super Bowl years in which they will have aired.

PepsiCo, which is the parent company of Pepsi and the Frito-Lay brands, will run ads for Doritos and Cheetos in the first half of Sunday’s game as well.

These great companies never disappoint with their quality products. And their advertising never disappoints on Super Bowl Sunday.

So wait for those drawn-out Instant Replay reviews before you break to the restroom or kitchen. You need to stay nice and comfortable in your chair for the commercials. Let our companies refresh and entertain you.