The 7 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2024 (Tested and Reviewed)

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, supplementing your workouts with electrolytes and carbohydrates can provide more benefits over water alone in certain circumstances. (1) These tasty beverages can help deliver a spark to help keep your blood circulating and muscles contracting properly, often in the form of a convenient single-serving packet. Electrolyte drinks can also be useful when dealing with dehydration related to illnesses or pesky hangovers — don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

With so many formulations and flavors out there, though, it can be tough to decide on the best electrolyte drinks for your specific needs. So, we filled our cart with over 20 of top-performing electrolyte supplements and tested their prowess in replenishing our hydration levels and mineral balances. Through varied intensities and plenty of sweat, we’ve narrowed down our rankings to these top electrolyte drinks.

Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2024

• Best Electrolyte Drink Overall: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
• Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration
• Best All Natural Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free
• Best Electrolyte Drink for Runners: Onnit HYDRATech Instant
• Best Electrolyte Drink for Hangovers: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
• Best Electrolyte Drink When Sick: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

How We Tested

The team at BarBend is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, dedicated fitness enthusiasts, and more. Working out is both work and play for us, so staying hydrated throughout our endeavors is always top priority.

In determining the best electrolyte drinks, we tested over 20 products firsthand and consulted other user reviews. We looked at each pick’s ingredients list for relevant doses of key minerals, along with other common factors like third-party approval, solubility, price per serving, and (of course) taste.

Additionally, we looked at how convenient these electrolyte powders were in terms of storage and portability. After all, it can be much easier to have a single-serving packet at the ready rather than a full tub of powder for the sake of rapid rehydration. Now, let’s get into our findings.

Best Electrolyte Drink Overall: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $1.89
• Electrolyte Blend: 670mg sodium, 1,030mg chloride, 248mg potassium, 50mg magnesium, 5mg calcium
• Third-Party Tested: Yes
• Available Flavors: Lemon, Orange, Organic Coconut

Pros

• The formulation includes 10 grams of carbohydrates, which can be great for athletes needing an energy boost during workouts.
• The single-serving packaging is convenient for on-the-go hydration, and the powder mixes easily in a shaker cup.
• BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die is 100 percent NSF for Sport Certified.

Cons

• Our tester noted that the taste is very salty, which may deter some athletes.
• Athletes not needing a ton of sodium replenishment may be better off with a lower dose.
• Other electrolyte drinks offer a more robust flavor variety.

With single-serving packaging, naturally-sourced ingredients, and third-party certification, we’re big fans of this electrolyte drink from BUBS Naturals. Hydrate or Die packs a whopping 2,000mg of electrolytes into each dose, which can be great for replenishing vital minerals while working up a sweat. We also appreciate the added 10-gram serving of carbohydrates, which can be great for energy stores during longer training sessions.

BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die is available in three flavors — Orange, Lemon, and Organic Coconut. Our tester did note, though, that there’s a definite presence of salt. “You know when you lick the sweat off your lips? It’s like that. There is orange flavor, but it’s VERY salty,” they said of the tested Orange offering.

Additionally, we had no issues with Hydrate or Die’s solubility. After adding the serving to our shaker bottle, the powder dissolved completely after just a few jostles. We didn’t notice any grittiness or “floaties” during sips, which can be present sensations with less soluble options.

We really enjoyed BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die for supplementing our hydration in training, but feel it may be a bit too powerful for some. The 670mg of sodium can be great for replenishing levels during intense activity, but that’s a lot of salt to ingest if you’re just performing a light workout without a lot of sweating.

Sodium is the predominant electrolyte lost in perspiration, and it’s recommended that you supplement your training with 500mg to 700mg of the mineral for every hour of high-intensity exercise. (3) If you’re not really pushing yourself and rapidly losing fluids, you may be better off with a less potent formulation. 

Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $1.43
• Electrolyte Blend: 300mg sodium (400mg with Super Sweaty formulation), 150mg potassium, 150mg magnesium (200mg with Super Sweaty formulation), 50mg calcium
• Third-Party Tested: No
• Available Flavors: Tropical Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime

Pros

• Customers have stated that the available flavors are a nice blend of sweet and salty.
• The formulation is made without GMOs, preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and dyes.
• Gainful Hydration can be customized to your sweat levels.

Cons

• This electrolyte powder doesn’t dissolve fully at times, leaving some residue at the bottom of your bottle.
• Athlete’s not wanting a subscription-based service should look elsewhere.
• There is no present third-party testing.

Having an electrolyte drink that tastes good can make getting to your recommended levels all the more enjoyable. Thankfully, Gainful’s Hydration profile has tons of positive customer reviews stating how each flavor option is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. “The only hydration water I can actually finish. My favorite is strawberry lemonade,” notes one satisfied athlete.

Additionally, we appreciate how Gainful keeps this electrolyte drink clean with a makeup that’s free of GMOs, preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and dyes. We did not see any presence of third-party testing in our research, though, so athletes that need to be extra cautious with their supplements may want to go with an option that carries that extra stamp of approval.

Gainful’s Hydration is also one of the more customizable electrolyte drinks we’ve gotten our hands on. Outside of choosing your desired flavor — either Tropical Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, or Lemon Lime — you can also opt for a caffeinated or non-caffeinated blend for an extra jolt of energy.

You can also customize your formulation based on your sweat levels. Gainful’s “Super Sweaty” makeup adds an additional 100mg of sodium and 50mg of magnesium to the build for totals of 400mg and 200mg respectively, which can be helpful if you often find yourself sweaty and parched post-workout.

Lastly, we do recommend paying attention to your mixing regimen with this electrolyte drink. In testing, we found that the powder doesn’t dissolve fully without ample shaking. This can leave you with residue at the bottom of your bottle that needs to be swished around with extra water for full consumption. It can be a minor inconvenience, especially when trying to quickly hydrate on the go.

Best All Natural Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $0.75
• Electrolyte Blend: 500mg sodium, 250mg potassium, 84mg calcium, 50mg magnesium
• Third-Party Tested: Yes
• Available Flavors: Peach Mango, Tropical Punch

Pros

• Hydrate is Informed Choice-certified and free of any artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives.
• The 500mg of sodium per serving can be great for heavy sweaters. 
• Athletes on a budget will appreciate the sub-$1 price per serving.

Cons

• The tubbed form of this electrolyte drink can be less convenient than options that offer single-serving packaging.
• Transparent Labs Hydrate is available in just two flavors.
• This electrolyte drink contains tree nuts, which may be an allergen for some.

Athletes wanting an all-natural makeup for their electrolyte drink can be challenged to find a cleaner formulation than Transparent Labs’ Hydrate profile. Like the brand’s other impressive offerings for pre-workout and whey protein powder, this tasty supplement is certified by Informed Choice and contains no artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives. Hydrate does contain tree nuts as a listed ingredient, though, which may be an allergen for some.

Our tester really enjoyed the effectiveness of this electrolyte drink, saying they felt a definite sense of hydration in both pre- and post-workout scenarios. “As a pre-workout it’s a great way to increase muscle endurance,” they added.

We also appreciate the more prominent 500mg serving of sodium in this electrolyte drink, which can be ideal for heavy sweaters. Sodium is the predominant electrolyte lost in sweat, so replenishing this mineral is key when it comes to defending against fluid loss.

Sadly, those looking for an ultra-convenient method of rehydration may want to look elsewhere. Unlike other electrolyte drinks in this round-up offering single-serving packaging, Transparent Labs Hydrate is only available in a tub. This is great for keeping costs per dose to just 75 cents, but it’s less beneficial when trying to keep a dose in your back pocket or gym bag for quick replenishment.

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $1.86
• Electrolyte Blend: 510mg sodium (530mg with Lemon Lime flavor), 380mg potassium 
• Third-Party Tested: Yes
• Available Flavors: White Peach, Lemon Lime, Green Grape 

Pros

• The powder is sweetened with stevia leaf extract, so there’s zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
• Each serving contains over 500mg of sodium, which can be great for replenishment during hard training sessions.
• Liquid I.V. offers a subscription service that can save you 23 percent while also keeping you well-stocked with single-serving packages.

Cons

• Some customers have stated that the stevia leaf extract can leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
• Those looking for a more robust electrolyte blend may find this formulation underwhelming.
• There are less available flavors than other Liquid I.V. options.

If you’re looking for a sugar-free solution to keeping your body hydrated, consider this convenient profile from Liquid I.V.. The brand is one of the most trusted in the space, and this sugar-free option can provide similar hydrating qualities to its sugar-powered brethren (more on that electrolyte drink in a bit).

We like the makeup of this Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier and found no issues in its effectiveness in testing. After long, sweaty workouts, we still felt energized and quenched, which can be attributed to the impressive 510mg dose of sodium.

Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier also features eight vitamins and nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 that can be excellent for boosting your everyday wellness, too.

Additionally, you can subscribe for repeat orders of Liquid I.V., which can be convenient for keeping your supplement shelf well-stocked. Plus, Liquid I.V. offers a 23 percent discount when you subscribe, making it a great solution for athletes on a budget.

As far as taste, we had no negative comments other than that the offerings aren’t as robust as other Liquid I.V. products. Some customers have noted, though, that the included stevia leaf extract can leave an unpleasant aftertaste, so be mindful of this when deciding on which flavor to add to your cabinet.

Best Electrolyte Drink for Runners: Onnit HYDRATech Instant

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $2.00
• Electrolyte Blend: 260mg sodium, 260mg potassium, 130mg calcium, 25mg magnesium
• Third-Party Tested: Yes
• Available Flavors: Tangerine, Lime

Pros

• HYDRATech Instant features eight grams of carbohydrates per serving, which can be great for supporting your energy levels throughout long runs.
• The convenient single-serving packaging fits easily in a pocket or running belt for on-the-go rehydration.
• Each serving contains just seven grams of sugar, which is significantly lower than other sports drinks that often contain up to 20 grams.

Cons

• Onnit HYDRATech Instant is only available in two flavors.
• This is the most expensive electrolyte drink in this round-up.
• Some customers have stated that solubility leaves something to be desired on occasion.

Electrolyte drinks can be especially beneficial for runners thanks to their influence on blood circulation and defense against muscle cramps. (2) For these cardio-focused athletes, we recommend HYDRATech Instant from Onnit.

We like how well-rounded the electrolyte blend is with this supplement, providing suitable doses of many significant minerals such as 260mg of sodium, 260mg of potassium, 130mg of calcium, and 25mg of magnesium. Plus, the convenient single-serving packaging is easy enough to throw in a pocket or running belt when heading out for a few miles.

Additionally, we like the included eight grams of carbohydrates, which can give runners a nice boost of energy. When taking this supplement before jogging, we found we were able to maintain our intensity and felt no heightened sense of tiredness once we completed our routes.

Also, this Onnit profile contains just seven grams of sugar — it’s not a sugar-free solution by any means, but that serving is far less than most sports drinks that can carry up to 20 grams.

When preparing this electrolyte drink, we do recommend shaking your bottle thoroughly. Some customers have stated that this powder doesn’t dissolve as well as others they’ve tried, so give it a few extra jostles before taking that first sip. “Tastes good, just does not dissolve very well into the water,” notes one athlete.

Finally, while this can be an excellent pick for athletes on the run (pun intended), we do wish that Onnit offered this electrolyte drink in more flavors. Those that like to try new tastes every now and again can work through this roster rather quickly, so if you prefer a wider variety of flavors, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Best Electrolyte Drink for Hangovers: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $1.89
• Electrolyte Blend: 670mg sodium, 1,030mg chloride, 248mg potassium, 50mg magnesium, 5mg calcium
• Third-Party Tested: Yes
• Available Flavors: Lemon, Orange, Organic Coconut

Pros

• The robust blend including doses of sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help you quickly address electrolyte imbalances associated with a hangover. (10)
• The convenient single-serving packaging is easy to keep in-tote.
• The solubility is great with no issues of residue or clumps.

Cons

• There aren’t as many available flavors than you’d find with other electrolyte drinks.
• The taste is very salty, according to our tester, which may be unpleasant after a night of drinking.
• Hungover athletes wanting a quick solution may prefer a pre-made beverage over this powdered makeup.

The after-effects of a night out drinking are not fun for anyone, but the headaches, tiredness, and sensitivity to light aren’t the only symptoms of a hard-hitting hangover. (10) Your electrolytes can be all out of balance after a night on the town, so to get your body back to healthy metrics, we recommend BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die.

In just one serving, you can address a number of significant electrolytes with quality doses like 670mg of sodium, 1,030mg chloride, and 248mg of potassium, and the hydrating effects can help put those less-than-stellar symptoms at ease — at least somewhat.

We also appreciate the convenient single-serving packaging showcased with this electrolyte drink, which can be easily put in your pocket or at your bedside for quick refreshment when you need it. Granted, shaking a bottle or mixing a glass might not be the most desirable activity when all you want to do is lie in bed, but it’s still more convenient than just trying to deal with your hangover without any sense of support.

Additionally, we enjoyed the available flavors of Lemon, Orange, and Organic Coconut, so those early-morning sips can be enjoyable. Our tester did state, though, that you need to be prepared for all of that included sodium. “Yowsa, that’s salty,” they said.

If you’re an athlete that favors a wide array of flavors, BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die may be a little underwhelming. After all, there are other electrolyte drinks offering a slew of tastes and options well beyond the typical oranges and limes. If you’re dealing with a hangover, though, are you really going to forgo assistance just because the flavor isn’t your favorite? We think not.

Best Electrolyte Drink When Sick: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $1.56
• Electrolyte Blend: 500mg sodium (510mg with other flavors), 370mg potassium
• Third-Party Tested: Yes
• Available Flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Seaberry, Tropical Punch, Piña Colada, Concord Grape, Golden Cherry, Acai Berry, Guava, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Watermelon

Pros

• The formulation includes vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C, all of which can be helpful when dealing with an illness.
• Hydration Multiplier uses Liquid I.V.’s Cellular Transport Technology, which can create an osmotic effect that causes the body to absorb water faster, according to the brand.
• This is the largest flavor variety in this round-up.

Cons

• Those looking to limit their sodium intake may want to avoid the 500mg per serving.
• Our tester noted that mixing with less than the recommended 16 ounces of water can create too strong of a flavor profile.
• Residue can form at the bottom of your cup if you don’t shake or mix this electrolyte drink thoroughly.

Like a hangover, dealing with an illness can also leave you dehydrated and with imbalances to your electrolytes, especially if your symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. While it’s always best to consult your personal healthcare provider when dealing with a sickness, Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier can also be a worthwhile tool for getting over a bug.

This trusted electrolyte drink is widely available, so picking up a box of single-serving packages is easy enough when strolling through the drug store. Plus, there are 12 flavors to choose from, giving your otherwise depleted body a nice, enjoyable refreshment during supplementation.

Mixing the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is simple enough, although we have witnessed a few instances where the powder didn’t dissolve completely upon initial shakes. A quick swirl of water is usually enough to get the leftover residue off the bottom and into your mouth, though.

Additionally, our tester noted that you should definitely abide by the recommended 16 ounces of water. “If you try and short it, it turns out grainy and much too pungent … don’t ask me how I know that,” they said.

Outside of the included electrolyte blend, Hydration Multiplier also boasts five essential vitamins that can also play a part in getting your body back to a healthier state. Each serving includes vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C, which can help with supporting your digestive, immune systems — a definite plus when trying to overcome a sick day.

We also appreciate the included Cellular Transport Technology, which according to the brand. creates an osmotic effect that causes the body to absorb water faster. We’ve experienced this sensation firsthand, and enjoy how quickly the refreshment is when compared to plain old tap water or other beverages.

Finally, while Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier may seem like a must-have for your next battle with a cold, we do recommend reading the ingredients list before putting a serving down the hatch. For one, the included 500mg of sodium can be great for replenishing electrolytes during a workout, but it may be too potent of a dose for someone that hasn’t lost a lot of fluids.

Additionally, there are 11 grams of sugar, which may be a little much for some. Still, though, for days when your body is run down and you’re searching for solutions to help you feel better, this electrolyte drink can be a nice lifeline to have in the medicine cabinet.

Read our full Liquid I.V. Review.

How We Chose the Best Electrolyte Drinks

Electrolytes are essential for supporting normal body functions, including maintaining electrical neutrality in cells and conducting action potentials in the nerves and muscles. (2) With that level of influence on our working out and daily habits, we made sure to leave no stone unturned while looking at the best electrolyte drinks available today. Here are the main factors we considered when curating this round-up.

Electrolyte Blend

Significant electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. While having one or more of these minerals present in an electrolyte drink is favorable, we particularly focused on each pick’s sodium levels.

Sodium is predominantly lost in sweat, so replenishing this specific mineral should always be top of mind when supplementing with an electrolyte drink. Studies encourage consuming between 500 and 700 milligrams of sodium for exercise sessions lasting over one hour. (3) 

Other Ingredients

Electrolyte drinks can also feature additional ingredients intended for supporting your workouts. For example, carbohydrates like glucose and sugar can help bolster energy levels in the throes of training, making them beneficial companions to the hydrating electrolytes. (4) We made sure to indicate which picks housed these key additives as they related to their intended uses.

Additionally, we understand that not every athlete shares the same diet and nutritional preferences, so we looked at a handful of sugar-free and all-natural electrolyte drinks to help this round-up cater to a wider audience. As always, if you’re curious about the precise makeup of a given pick, be sure to read the full ingredients list before adding it to your cart.

Price Per Serving

Hydration is a daily responsibility, so being able to afford your electrolyte drinks day in and day out can make regular supplementation more approachable. In testing we found that most electrolyte drinks come in at under $2 per serving, each with a high sense of quality and performance. For reference, that’s slightly more than the average price of a 20-ounce bottle of water ($1.50), all with the added benefits of included key ingredients. (5)

Now, we did notice that larger tubs of electrolytes proved to be more cost efficient, with some getting costs per serving down to under $1, but you do lose the convenience of single-serving packaging with these options. We recommend taking your wants and needs into consideration before opting for one form or the other.

Taste and Flavor Variety

There’s no sense in recommending an electrolyte drink if it doesn’t taste good, right? So, we looked at each pick’s flavor profile as much as possible, highlighting our favorites wherever relevant.

Naturally, we also understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to flavors. So, we tried to search for electrolyte drinks with decent assortments of different available tastes. Not only does this give more athletes a chance to enjoy the product from the start, but we’ve also found that more variety can help defend against flavor fatigue in the long run.

If you become burned out of, say, a lemon-flavored electrolyte drink, it’s nice to still reap those nutritional benefits without having to change formulations entirely. As such, we’ve included the available flavors for each pick above for added convenience and clarity.

Solubility

Electrolyte drinks are commonly available in a powdered form, meaning you need to mix the supplements with water before consumption. That seems easy enough, but it can be disheartening if you’re left with clumps of powder or “floaties” once you go to take your first sip.

Because this statistic is less upfront across the product pages, we got hands-on with the above electrolyte drinks to get a feel for how soluble they were during mixing. We’ve tested a majority of these picks in various blending disciplines, from a shaker bottle, to a full-scale blender, and even somewhat-full water bottles.

Third-Party Testing

As with any supplement, getting a third-party seal of approval is a nice reassurance, especially when you remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This lack of regulation can be especially problematic for athletes that need to abide by specific governing agencies such as the NCAA or World Anti-Doping Agency. We looked closely at each product’s certifications, noting when a pick was supported by third-party testers.

The Benefits of Electrolyte Drinks

We’re not opposed to maintaining daily hydration levels through the recommended 3,000mL of water per day, but electrolyte drinks can help boost those experiences through a number of factors. (6) Below are some of the top potential perks associated with consuming electrolyte beverages as they relate to health and fitness.

Improved Hydration

It’s always recommended that you drink water to stay hydrated, but electrolyte drinks can be helpful in staying quenched, too. Supplementing with these mineral-rich powders can be beneficial when partaking in strenuous exercise, during bouts with illness, dealing with extreme heat, and even morning hangovers. 

Better Recovery

Electrolytes also promote blood clotting and bone health, as well as tissue growth and repair. (2) These perks can do wonders for creating a well-rounded environment for recovery, allowing you to bounce back quicker from those hard training sessions.

Overall Health and Wellness

The significant minerals found in most electrolyte powders can do more than simply quench your thirst. Calcium, for example, can be great for supporting your bone strength, while magnesium is a solid tool for sleep performance. (2) Studies also indicate that routinely drinking electrolytes and water can improve your mood and cognitive functions along with fewer instances of anxiety and hostility. (7)

Convenience

Most electrolyte drinks come in single-serving packets, eliminating the need for measuring out scoops or toting large tubs with you when on the go. Plus, the powders typically dissolve quickly after a few shakes, making the mixing process as simple as one-two-three. Other supplements may require added attention when making a proper beverage, and let’s face it, those massive containers aren’t the most travel-friendly designs.

Who are Electrolyte Drinks For?

Electrolyte drinks can be considered safe for most healthy individuals, but it’s always wise to consult with your personal healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your daily regimen.

That said, electrolyte drinks can be particularly helpful for athletes taking part in extended training sessions, as well as individuals suffering from sudden fluid losses through illness, diarrhea or vomiting.

Proper Electrolyte Dosages

The amount of electrolytes you should consume depends greatly on a number of factors, including your age, activity level, and diet habits. Naturally, you should rely on your food intake to support your electrolyte levels first, but strenuous exercise or sudden losses of fluids through vomiting, diarrhea, or illness can leave your levels under par. Below are the recommended daily doses for some of the most significant electrolytes often found in electrolyte drinks, per the Dietary Reference Intakes: (8)

• Sodium: 2,300 mg/day
• Potassium: 4,700 mg/day
• Chloride: 3,600 mg/day
• Magnesium: 3,500 mg/day
• Calcium: 1,000 mg/day 
• Phosphorus: 700 mg/day

Again, your needs may differ depending on your diet and activity levels, but these metrics can be a good general guideline to see if you’re taking in enough vital minerals.

How to Choose the Best Electrolyte Drink for You

Maintaining your hydration levels is pivotal to keeping your body healthy and supported when working out, and electrolyte drinks can be great tools for keeping these metrics in check. Below are a few factors worth considering when deciding on a proper electrolyte drink for your routine.

Electrolyte Blend

When searching for a quality electrolyte drink, one of the main minerals to look for is sodium. Sodium is the predominant electrolyte lost in sweat, so replenishing these mineral levels during supplementation is key. Other electrolytes can be included in the formulation in various doses to help support your athletic performance and daily hydration. 

Be sure to take your fitness goals and daily needs into consideration when looking through ingredients lists. If you’re wanting to support extended workouts, it can be best to look for robust blends including doses of multiple electrolytes that can work to replenish your levels during training. If you just want to boost your daily hydration, a simple makeup of just sodium can suffice.

Price Per Serving

Most electrolyte drinks are fairly affordable, with many coming in under $2 per serving. Conveniences like single-serving packaging and pre-made beverages can elevate the price, so it’s important to take this into account.

If you don’t mind measuring out your servings from a tub, you can potentially save some money. If you prefer to have your rehydration solution at the ready without much fuss, expect to pay a little more for such luxuries.

Regardless, make sure that your chosen electrolyte drink fits neatly into your budget before adding it to your cart. You don’t want to dry up your wallet for the sake of quenching your thirst.

Flavor Variety

Studies show that drinking flavored water can help influence your fluid intake. (9) After all, you’re likely to favor a drink that tastes good over a beverage lacking any flavor, right? So, it’s important to look for electrolyte drinks offering flavors that appeal to your palette. Look through the offerings to ensure your pick has an option you’d likely enjoy.

It’s also wise to look for electrolyte drinks offering some sense of variety in the flavor department. This can help defend against flavor fatigue after extended supplementation while still delivering the same sense of replenishment. The available flavors don’t need to be extensive, but having a little room for mixing things up can be a nice touch.

Third-Party Testing

Like other supplements, electrolyte drinks are not regulated by the FDA, which can allow room for malpractice when it comes to the dosages and makeup of each formulation. So, to reassure yourself that your chosen pick actually delivers its listed minerals, it can be helpful to look for products that have been approved for consumption by a separate third party.

This can be especially helpful for athletes governed by certain organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency and NCAA. Popular third-party testing companies include Informed Choice, Informed Sport, and NSF.

Final Word

Electrolyte drinks can be helpful supplements for athletes wanting to replenish their hydration levels during extensive training. They can also be useful for keeping significant minerals at healthy levels when dealing with illnesses, hot environments, and even hangovers.

While supplementing with an electrolyte drink is no excuse for shoddy nutrition, they can be a worthwhile aid for most athletes, particularly those that routinely find themselves parched or dehydrated after long workouts. If you’re curious about adding these beneficial powders to your regimen, be sure to think about your activity levels, dieting habits, and (of course) flavor preferences before quenching your thirst. Once you have these metrics in order, feel free to mix up a beverage for yourself with one of the quality electrolyte drinks listed above.

FAQs

References

1. Shephard, R. J. (2007). American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: Exercise and Fluid Replacement. Yearbook of Sports Medicine, 2007, 254–255.
2. Shrimanker, I., & Bhatttarai, S. (2023, July 24). Electrolytes – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
3. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: Exercise and fluid … Kentucky High School Athletic Association. (n.d.). https://www.khsaa.org/sportsmedicine/heat/exerciseandfluidreplacement.pdf?goal=0_84979a60af-d2531f5c20-&mc_cid=d2531f5c20&mc_eid=[UNIQID]
4. Holesh, J. E., Aslam, S., & Martin, A. (2023, January). Physiology, carbohydrates. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083823/
5. The True Cost of Bottled Water. Optimum Water Solutions. (2022, June 10). https://drinkoptimum.com/the-true-cost-of-bottled-water/
6. Meinders, A.-J., & Meinders, A. E. (2010). [how much water do we really need to drink?]. Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20356431/
7. Cousins, A. L., Young, H. A., Thomas, A. G., & Benton, D. (2019). The effect of hypo-hydration on mood and cognition is influenced by electrolyte in a drink and its colour: A randomised trial. Nutrients, 11(9), 2002. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769552/
8. Dietary reference intakes: Electrolytes and water – mt. san antonio college. Mt. San Antonio College. (n.d.). https://www.mtsac.edu/kinesiology/sportsnutrition/documents/DRI_Electrolytes_Water.pdf
9. Szlyk, P. C., Sils, I. V., Francesconi, R. P., Hubbard, R. W., & Armstrong, L. E. (1989). Effects of water temperature and flavoring on voluntary dehydration in men. Physiology & Behavior, 45(3), 639–647. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2756057/ 
10. Swift, R., & Davidson, D. (1998). Alcohol hangover: Mechanisms and mediators. Alcohol health and research world. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761819/