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My family lovingly calls me the "hydration enforcer." Apparently, I constantly pester them about how much water they've consumed—the importance of proper hydration simply can't be understated. And, while it's no secret that water is a literal lifeline, there are still those hot, sweaty times (i.e., mid-workout) when water alone just doesn't cut it. These are the times that we should replenish with the best electrolyte powders.
Our electrolytes are made from minerals such as sodium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are often lost through sweating (sometimes after a bout with a nasty stomach bug). That's why we must include electrolyte replenishers in our toolkit to ensure we're properly fueling our bodies to support exercise and fast recovery.
One of the most popular ways to replenish your electrolytes is with a sports drink like Gatorade. However, there are now a slew of choices, including beverages, tablets, supplements, and packets, that can help replenish your essential minerals. In this review, we take a deeper look at the best electrolyte powders. Plus, we provide other recommendations for electrolyte replenishers to give you ample options for hydration.
The Best Electrolyte Powders - Our Top Picks
- Featured Pick: Force Factor Liquid Labs Energy
- Best Overall Electrolyte Powder: Gainful Hydration
- Best Electrolyte Powder for Swimmers: Xwerks Motion
- Best Electrolyte Powder for Running: Transparent Labs Hydrate V3
- Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: Jacked Factory Hydrasurge
- Best Electrolyte Powder for Athletes: Transparent Labs Intra
- Best Electrolyte Powder for Working Out: Kaged Hydra Charge
- Best Electrolyte Powder with Collagen: Vital Proteins Hydration Collagen
- Best Electrolyte Powder for Endurance: Kaged Hydra Charge
- Best Electrolyte Powder for Golfers: Jacked Factory Hydrasurge Stick Packs
- Best Electrolyte Powder for On the Go: Kaged Hydra Charge Variety Pack
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers are of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Featured Pick - Force Factor Liquid Labs Energy
SPECS
- Ingredients: Calcium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, sodium, taurine, coconut water powder, vitamin B12, vitamin C
- Dosage: 1 stick
Force Factor Liquid Labs Energy is a travel-friendly packet containing a powdered mix of five essential electrolytes, 40 milligrams of calcium, 50 milligrams of magnesium, 290 milligrams of chloride, 350 milligrams of potassium, and 200 milligrams of sodium from Himalayan pink salt. This powdered electrolyte drink mix also features ingredient blends for energy, focus, hydration, and immune health. Each box of Force Factor includes 20 sticks in Mango Margarita or Fruit Punch flavors.
What We Like
- Travels easy
- Mixes well and tastes great
- Current promo is Buy 1, Get 1 Free
- Subscribe-and-save discount
What We Don't Like
- Contains sugar
- Uses a proprietary energy blend
BUY: Force Factor Liquid Labs Energy
Best Overall Electrolyte Powder - Gainful Hydration
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium), cane sugar, caffeine, and L-theanine
- Dosage: 1 packet
Gainful is a subscription supplement brand that offers a hydration product that's tailored to fit your personal needs. In single-serving packets, the hydration powder provides four essential electrolytes. It comes in two refreshing flavors, strawberry lemonade, and lemon-lime, that aim to quench thirst and hydrate. Made with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, it provides additional energy support with caffeine and L-theanine.
Recent studies suggest that L-theanine may be beneficial for better mental health and movement accuracy in athletes when paired with caffeine and tyrosine.(2,3) Keep in mind there are 150 milligrams of caffeine in one serving, which may be high if you're sensitive to caffeine.
This electrolyte powder can be taken daily and benefits athletes of all levels. These factors, plus the fact that Gainful Hydration is made for you with your workout intensity, frequency, and sweat levels in mind, are why we ranked it best overall. All you have to do is take a 5-minute quiz that customizes a hydration product for you. If you felt it couldn't get much better, you should know every Gainful customer gets complimentary access to their own Registered Dietitian, further supporting their nutrition and fitness goals.
What We Like
- Packets are easy to travel with
- Sweetened with stevia and cane sugar
- Tastes good
- Customers say it offers energy without the crash
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
What We Don't Like
- Limited flavors
- Only available in single-serving packets
- May be high in caffeine for those who are sensitive to caffeine
Best Electrolyte Powder for Swimmers - Xwerks Motion
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium), cluster dextrin, and branched-chain amino acids
- Dosage: 1 scoop (34g)
Swimmers are submerged in water all the time, but that doesn't make proper hydration any less important. Xwerks Motion contains a unique carbohydrate called cluster dextrin that may be transformational for sports such as swimming because it lowers exercise stress and prolongs exhaustion, so you may be able to swim for longer. The cluster dextrin works synergistically with three electrolytes and branched-chain amino acids with benefits to support recovery. Though it contains fewer electrolytes than other brands, it makes up for it with its three essential amino acids, isoleucine, valine, and leucine. One drawback of the supplement is that it contains soy, so if you're allergic, you'll need to find another electrolyte powder.
Moreover, it's higher in calories and pricier than other electrolyte supplements. Improve your swimming workouts with Xwerks Motion in your water, and you can replenish your electrolytes much faster than with water alone. For best results, take the supplement during or after your swim session.
What We Like
- Easy to mix
- Contains branched-chain amino acids for muscle growth and performance
- Contains cluster dextrin
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for those with soy allergies
- Fewer electrolytes than other brands
- High in calories compared to other types of electrolytes mixes
- Limited flavor options
- Expensive
Best Electrolyte Powder for Running - Transparent Labs Hydrate V3
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium), taurine, organic coconut water powder, and senactiv (panax notoginseng and rosa roxburghii)
- Dosage: 1 scoop (7.6g)
It's imperative to keep your electrolytes balanced when out on long runs. Hydration in running means steering clear of the awful effects of dehydration, like headaches and muscle cramps. We recommend the Transparent Labs Hydrate V3, which aims to replenish your electrolytes rapidly before or after your run. This hydration powder doesn't contain any artificial flavors or colors. However, it has added vitamins and minerals, four critical electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, and taurine and herbs. A recent animal study on physical performance found that supplementing with taurine may boost endurance.(4)
Furthermore, the product is free of caffeine and offers mineral and herbal ingredients that support hydration, muscle recovery, and muscle contraction. One scoop easily mixes with 8-12 ounces of water which you can take one to three times daily. Though customers rave about its taste, it only comes in one flavor. You can save money on your first purchase and get free shipping.
What We Like
- Sweetened with Stevia
- Affordable
- Subscribe and save program
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or sweeteners
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Not for those with coconut (tree nut) allergies
- Limited flavor options
BUY: Transparent Labs Hydrate V3
Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder - Jacked Factory Hydrasurge
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium), taurine, coconut water powder
- Dosage: 1 scoop (4.5g)
The best sugar-free electrolyte powder goes to Jacked Factory Hydrasurge which offers clean ingredients gym-goers can rely on. This product is set apart thanks to its six mouthwatering flavors, including Peach Mango and Strawberry Kiwi. According to customer reviews, the flavors don't disappoint, and there's no worry about added sugars since the powder is sweetened with Stevia. Surging with five essential electrolytes while others contain four, Hydrasurge includes phosphorus, a bone-supporting mineral vital for energy production. Like other electrolyte powders, they also add coconut water to prevent muscle cramps. Plus, the product includes taurine for optimal athletic performance, even at the highest intensities.
What We Like
- Contains 5 essential electrolytes
- Comes in 6 delicious flavors
- Made in a cGMP-certified facility
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Recommendations to take up to three times a day will make the product run out more quickly.
BUY: Jacked Factory Hydrasurge
Best Electrolyte Powder for Athletes - Transparent Labs Intra
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium), essential amino acids, citrulline malate, L-tyrosine, coconut water powder, elevATP, astragalus, and Panax notoginseng extract
- Dosage: 1 scoop (18.7g)
The Transparent Labs Intra product offers a simple solution for athletes to get the best hydration during workouts. With its electrolyte powder, the supplement offers four electrolytes and a robust blend of premium essential amino acids to maximize athletic performance, aid muscle protein synthesis, and lower muscle protein breakdown during periods of weight loss. Simply mix the powder into 12-16 ounces of water for a naturally sweet flavor from Stevia extract. Though there are only two flavor options, customers report the mix tastes good. Without using caffeine, they make a point to include a plant energy source in a blend called elevATP. Boost your hydration along with your performance on and off the field with Transparent Labs Intra.
What We Like
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners
- Sweetened with Stevia
- Packs a robust blend of essential amino acids
- Customers love the tastes
What We Don't Like
- Not for those with coconut (tree nut) allergies
- Limited flavor options
Best Electrolyte Powder for Working Out - Kaged Hydra-Charge
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium), B vitamins taurine, tyrosine, coconut water powder, and caffeine
- Dosage: 1 packet (6.5g)
Whether it's cardio day or leg day, your body needs fuel and hydration. Kaged Hydra-Charge has you covered with five essential electrolytes and coconut water powder to quench your thirst and supply your body with everything you need to pump up your workout routine. The product offers immune-supporting herbs, energizing B vitamins, and beneficial amino acids, and combines plenty of antioxidants to help your body combat the stress that may come from intense exercise. Customers say it's both tasty and easy to mix.
What We Like
- Offers vitamins
- Subscribe and save program
- Contains immune-supportive herbs like elderberry
- Rich in antioxidants to fight stress and inflammation
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Contains high amounts of caffeine
- Limited flavor options
Best Electrolyte Powder with Collagen - Vital Proteins Hydration + Collagen
SPECS
- Ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides, dipotassium phosphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
- Dosage: 1 packet (11g)
If you need to up your hydration games, you might look to Vital Proteins Hydration + Collagen which combines grass-fed pasture-raised collagen with four electrolytes. Many people are seeking collagen supplements, which research reports may help with skin elasticity, hydration, and moisture.(5) Though more studies are needed to prove a link, collagen supplements may also assist with joint health, and any active individual knows that's a bonus.(6) You'll further support your energy levels with the B vitamins, plus protect your immune health with vitamin C, a crucial vitamin and antioxidant. Stevia and monk fruit sweeten up the powder, though many customers complain it tastes bitter and is hard to drink after mixing.
What We Like
- Sweetened with Stevia and monk fruit
- Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails
- Can be mixed with hot or cold foods and beverages
What We Don't Like
- Limited flavor options
- Only comes in single-serving packets
- Many customers complain of a poor, bitter taste
BUY: Vital Proteins Hydration + Collagen
Best Electrolyte Powder for Endurance - Kaged Hydra-Charge
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium), taurine, coconut fruit water powder, and SPECTRA (herbal and plant blend)
- Dosage: 1 scoop (4.8g)
Kaged Hydra-Charge made our list again/. Health-forward endurance athletes may gravitate towards it because of its hefty antioxidant blend coming from 29 plants and herbals. It also possesses five electrolytes you'll want to maintain good hydration status. The immune-supportive supplement is low-cost and comes in six mouthwatering fruit flavors, from Glacier Grape to Strawberry Yuzu.
Furthermore, if you're looking to swap sugary sports drinks for something with higher nutritional value, Kaged Hydra-Charge may be what you're looking for because it has under a gram of sugar. Customers are pleased with the product's taste and affordability. People with caffeine sensitivity may tolerate this product as the company states there's only 1.2 milligrams per serving.
What We Like
- Loaded with antioxidants to help immune health
- Comes in 6 flavor options
- Affordable
- Third-party tested
- No artificial colors or flavors
What We Don't Like
- It contains a proprietary blend (SPECTRA) which makes it hard to know the quantities of each ingredient in the blend
Best Electrolyte Powder for Golfers - Jacked Factory Hydrasurge Stick Packs
SPECS
- Ingredients: Electrolytes (calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium), taurine, coconut water powder
- Dosage: 1 stick pack (4.7g)
It can get scorching hot on the golf course. But by throwing some Jacked Factory Hydrasurge packets in your golf bag, you can stay hydrated and relaxed when it's time to show off your golf swing. Packed with five essential electrolytes, its easy-to-carry stick packs include phosphorus for energy production. Like other electrolyte powders, they added coconut water to help you master your posture and stance without muscle cramping. Plus, the product includes taurine to make sure your performance on the course is the best possible. If the product doesn't work for you, the company provides a no-fuss money-back guarantee.
What We Like
- Contains 5 essential electrolytes
- Made in a cGMP-certified facility
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- More pricey compared to buying the container version
- Limited flavor options compared to buying the container version
BUY: Jacked Factory Hydrasurge Stick Packs
Best Electrolyte Powder for On the Go - Kaged Hydra-Charge Variety Pack
- Ingredients:
- Electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium), taurine, coconut fruit water powder, and SPECTRA (herbal and plant blend)
- Dosage: 1 packet (5.1g)
Kaged Hydra-Charge is also sold packaged in individual sticks, thereby making it easy to take with you when you're pounding the pavement. When your day is jam-packed and you're on the go, it's great to have something that provides sustained energy to keep you going at a steady pace.
The product delivers a tasty blend of five electrolytes, taurine, coconut fruit water, and a whopping blend of 29 plant-based nutrients with antioxidant power. Coming in two flavors, the variety pack offers a delicious vegetarian-friendly blend without artificial flavors and colors. Quench your thirst and power up your next gym trip with the travel-easy packets.
What We Like
- The pack offers 2 flavors
- Easily portable
- Affordable
- Third-party tested
- No artificial colors or flavors
What We Don't Like
- It contains a proprietary blend (SPECTRA) which makes it hard to know the quantities of each ingredient in the blend
BUY: Kaged Hydra Charge Variety Pack
Are Electrolyte Drinks Beneficial?
Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium found in our bodies.(1) Electrolytes are important for keeping you hydrated and balancing your acidity and alkalinity (aka pH levels). Additionally, they play a part in how your nerves and muscles function. Under normal circumstances, our bodies receive enough electrolytes through food and fluids, so a healthy, balanced diet is crucial.
However, during particularly intense sweat sessions, our electrolyte levels can get out of whack because our bodies can't replenish them fast enough. When this happens, we can become dizzy and weak and develop headaches, dry mouth, and nausea. Severe electrolyte imbalances from sodium and potassium can manifest through neurological problems like confusion and delirium, muscle weakness, and muscle cramps—greatly impacting physical performance and total health.
Electrolytes found in electrolyte drinks and powders can come to the rescue to keep our electrolyte levels in check.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Electrolyte Powder
Form
Electrolyte replacements come in forms such as flavored water, non-flavored water, powder, dissolvable tablets, and other supplements. Consider what best fits into your lifestyle and your preferences as far as taste and texture.
Ingredients
If you have certain dietary restrictions, make sure that your drink doesn't contain ingredients you can't ingest. Pay special attention to the amount of sodium in the added electrolytes. While sodium can keep you hydrated, it also enhances water retention. Try to strike a healthy balance between the extra sodium you're putting in your body and the amount you're sweating out.
Many of the pre-made electrolyte drinks also contain carbohydrates from sugar. We need carbs because they're converted to glucose, which provides most of our energy. So if you're doing intense physical work, your body can benefit from some sugar, but remember that you'll need to use it up so that it doesn't convert into fat.
Other Electrolyte Options
If electrolyte powders aren't your jam, there are many other options available for you. Check out our favorite alternative options:
- Best Drink: Pedialyte Electrolyte Drink
- Best Water: Pedialyte Electrolyte Water
- Best Supplement: Klean Electrolyte Supplement Capsules
- Best Chews: SaltStick FastChews, Electrolyte Replacement Tablets
- Best Concentrate: Hi-Lyte Electrolyte Supplement
- Best Tablet: Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets
FAQs About Electrolyte Drinks
What is the healthiest electrolyte to drink?
There isn't one single electrolyte option that’s the healthiest. Rather, the healthiest electrolyte drink depends on your individual needs and dietary restrictions. As a general rule though, most electrolyte powders work well for those looking to limit their sugar intake since they’re generally lower in sugar than sports drinks.
What is the most effective electrolyte?
While it’s important to make sure that all the minerals that makeup electrolytes are properly balanced when you're working out you want to make sure that you’re getting enough sodium. When we sweat we lose a lot of sodium, and if we don't replenish it, it can lead to muscle cramps.
What is better than Gatorade for electrolytes?
If you’re looking for an electrolyte supplement that doesn’t contain as much sugar and calories as Gatorade, there are several alternatives (like the ones included in this list). These include powder mixes, tablets, and natural drinks like coconut water, which provide many of the same benefits of Gatorade without the added carbohydrates and artificial colors.
Do any drinks contain electrolytes?
Several drinks and supplements, such as milk, coconut water, sports drinks, and Pedialyte, contain many electrolytes. You can consume these drinks before, during, or after intense exercise to replenish electrolytes lost during sweat.
Pill Organizers | Electrolyte Drinks | Protein Bars | Energy Gels | Hydration Packs | Food Storage Containers | Eating Healthy While Traveling
References
- Electrolytes - Statpearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
- Hidese, Shinsuke, et al. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Oct. 2019.
- Zaragoza, J; Tinsley, G; Urbina, S; Villa, K; Santos, E; Juaneza, A; Tinnin, M; Davidson, C; Mitmesser, S; Zhang, Z; Taylor, L. Effects of Acute Caffeine, Theanine and Tyrosine Supplementation on Mental and Physical Performance in Athletes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Komine, S; Miyazaki, T; Ishikura, K; Matsui, T; Miyoshi, T; Ra, SG; Honda, A; Soya, H; Miyakawa, S; Ohmori, H. Taurine Supplementation Enhances Endurance Capacity by Delaying Blood Glucose Decline during Prolonged Exercise in Rats. Amino Acids, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Al-Atif, H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Mobasheri, A; Mahmoudian, A; Kalvaityte, U; Uzieliene, I; Larder, CE; Iskandar, MM; Kubow, S; Hamdan, PC; de Almeida, CS; Favazzo, LJ; van Loon, LJC; Emans, PJ; Plapler, PG; Zuscik, MJ. A White Paper on Collagen Hydrolyzates and Ultrahydrolyzates: Potential Supplements to Support Joint Health in Osteoarthritis? Current Rheumatology Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
About the Author
Sosha is a staff writer for ACTIVE.com and a CrossFit enthusiast. Her work’s been featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
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