Launched in November 2024, Posca Hydrate is a sports drink that sits in an entire new category. It’s a sugar free carbonated mixture of vinegar and water, and tastes surprisingly better than you’d think it would. It was inspired by the ancient Roman warriors who drank a vinegar-based hydration formula, Posca Hydrate brings this tradition into the modern era with a sugar-free, stimulant-free, hypertonic drink.
“That’s the interesting thing—it’s a new category,” says Posca Hydrate co-founder, sommelier and comedian Merrick Watts. “Which is incredibly exciting but also very, very challenging. You’re not just competing with existing drinks; you’re educating people about something they’ve never seen before.”
Posca’s partnership took centre stage at Thriving on the Frontline, an event held on the Gold Coast on the 15th or March. The event, aimed at first responders and veterans, marked a major milestone for the newly established Aussie Frontline Foundation, an ex-service organisation (ESO) committed to supporting those who serve.
Posca Hydrate, the brainchild of Watts, was there as its hydration partner, with medical consultant to Posca, Dr Dan Pronk as founder of Aussie Frontline Foundation. This collaboration is more than just a symbiotic business partnership—it’s on a genuine mission to support Australia’s frontline workers with both practical resources and by creating innovative commercial partnerships.
How Hydration Works
Water constitutes approximately 50-60% of an adult’s body weight and plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes. Become dehydrated and things go pear-shaped fast. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, impaired concentration, and reduced physical performance. Not what you want when your life depends of being alert, sharp and ready to act.
Unlike most mainstream sports drinks, which often contain 30-40g of sugar per serving to spike energy levels artificially, Posca Hydrate takes a different approach. Its hypertonic formulation –which means solutes has a higher concentration of solutes ( eg. electrolytes) than the body’s own fluids — is designed for sustained hydration, allowing electrolytes to be absorbed gradually rather than causing rapid spikes and crashes. This makes it an ideal choice for frontline workers, athletes, gladiators or anyone pushing their physical limits.
It contains four essential electrolytes—potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium—to help replenish lost minerals during physical exertion. Its red wine vinegar component adds a unique health boost, with antioxidants and compounds like resveratrol, which has been linked to improved metabolism and longevity.
Two thousand years ago, there was clearly a perceived and evidential benefit if gladiators drank it.
Aussie Frontline: A New ESO with a Clear Mission
The Aussie Frontline Foundation was founded by Dr Dan Pronk and Mali Briggs, both with firsthand experience in the world of frontline service. Unlike some traditional ex-service organisations (ESOs), which have been criticised for bureaucracy and inefficiency, Aussie Frontline is designed by first responders, for first responders.
Its goal? To provide tangible support, education, and mental health resources to those who put their lives on the line—police officers, firefighters, paramedics, ADF personnel, and veterans.
Through its partnership with Posca Hydrate, Aussie Frontline has already begun making an impact. A portion of Posca’s proceeds is being directed to fund free, confidential mental health support, and future initiatives aim to provide educational workshops, physical training resources, and community-building programs.
Dr Dan Pronk: From the Battlefield to the Boardroom
A key figure in both Aussie Frontline and Posca Hydrate, Dr Dan Pronk is no stranger to high-performance environments. A former SAS doctor, he served on the frontline in Afghanistan, where he saw firsthand the importance of hydration, endurance, and recovery as well as some things he wished he hadn’t.
After leaving the military, Pronk earned an MBA and became a successful entrepreneur, co-founding multiple businesses. He’s also an author, with books like The Combat Doctor and The Resilience Shield, and the Average 70kg Dickhead which explore mental toughness, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
Dr Pronk’s expertise played a critical role in validating Posca Hydrate’s scientific credibility. He ensured that the drink wasn’t just another wellness fad but a truly effective hydration solution backed by sound medical research.
Dr Pronk was adamant about the product’s efficacy. “I could stand up there in a court of law, hand on heart and say that it does what it says it does.”
👉 Find out more about Posca Hydrate here: (https://www.poscahydrate.com)\ 👉 Support Aussie Frontline’s mission: (https://www.aussiefrontline.com.au)
