We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
People lose electrolytes through sweating, exercise, and illness. Electrolyte powder can help people recover these minerals and promote exercise ability and recovery.
- Best with amino acids: BodyHealth PerfectAmino Electrolytes | Skip to review
- Best single-serving pouches: Key Nutrients Electrolytes Hydration Packets | Skip to review
- Best with extra magnesium: UCAN Hydrate Electrolyte Packets | Skip to review
- Best for longer workouts: Pure Encapsulations Electrolyte/Energy Formula | Skip to review
- Best with collagen: Vital Proteins Hydration + Collagen | Skip to review
- Best with organic ingredients: Orgain Hydro Boost | Skip to review
- Best climate-neutral: Nuun Sport Hydration | Skip to review
- Best for flavor variety: Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix | Skip to review
- Best with taurine: Kaged Hydra-Charge | Skip to review
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for amino acids: BodyHealth PerfectAmino Electrolytes
- List price: from around $24
- Servings: 30 or 60 servings
- Flavors: strawberry, mixed berry, watermelon, orange
- Sugar per serving: sugar-free
As well as sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and trace minerals, each serving of this electrolyte powder contains a 2,000-milligram (mg) blend of eight essential amino acids.
BodyHealth states that the minerals and amino acids can help support athletes in recovering or preparing for intense activity.
This product may also be a good option for people following a sugar-restricted diet: according to BodyHealth, this recipe is sugar-free. However, it does contain the sweetener stevia.
The powder is also vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten, soy, egg, and dairy. BodyHealth states it is keto and paleo-friendly and GMP-certified.
How to use
BodyHealth recommends adding one scoop or 5.2 grams (g) to 8–14 ounces (oz) of cold water and mixing thoroughly.
Best single-serving pouches: Key Nutrients Electrolytes Hydration Packets
- List price: around $20
- Servings: 20 servings
- Flavors: 10 including peach mango, grape, lemonade, and raspberry
- Sugar per serving: sugar-free
These pouches are perfect for traveling and consuming on the go. Each purchase includes 20 single-serving packets that contain six electrolytes: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and chloride.
Additional ingredients include other vitamins and minerals such as biotin, niacinamide, and copper. While this recipe is sugar-free, it does contain stevia.
Other benefits include being suitable for vegans, using non-GMO ingredients, and being GMP-verified.
How to use
Key Nutrients recommends mixing one pouch with 16 oz of water before or after a workout.
Best for extra magnesium: UCAN Hydrate Electrolyte Packets
- List price: around $15
- Size: 12 servings
- Flavors: watermelon, berry, lemon-lime, pineapple
- Sugar per serving: sugar-free
These travel-sized packets contain five electrolytes and no artificial ingredients. UCAN states that this product contains up to two times more magnesium than other popular brands, which may help boost energy.
UCAN also says that this powder does not have any calories or added sugars. However, like many zero-sugar products, it does contain stevia.
How to use
People should mix one packet with 16–10 oz of water.
Best for longer workouts: Pure Encapsulations Electrolyte/Energy Formula
- List price: around $28
- Servings: 40 servings
- Flavors: lemon-lime
- Sugar per serving: 3.5 g
This powder is only available in one flavor: lemon-lime. It features a blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates, which Pure Encapsulations states can help delay fatigue and boost energy.
The company also says that it designed this product to power people through workouts lasting 2–3 hours. The blend of nutrients may help promote stamina and mental focus.
This product is GFCO.org-verified gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from dairy and soy. It is suitable for use by both vegetarians and vegans.
However, this powder does contain 3.5 g of sugar per serving. People who are looking to avoid extra sugar in their diet may wish to choose another product.
How to use
Pure Encapsulations recommends mixing one scoop (8.5 g) with 8–10 oz of water about 20 minutes before an intense workout.
Best with collagen: Vital Proteins Hydration + Collagen
- List price: around $26
- Servings: 21 servings
- Number of flavors: tropical blast
- Sugar per serving: 1 g
Along with 880 mg of electrolytes, this electrolyte powder contains 5 g of collagen peptides and B vitamins. This product may be a good option for people who want to boost their collagen as it may help support healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints.
This powder contains niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, 5 g of protein, and 100% of a person’s recommended daily value of vitamin C.
As the collagen comes from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, this powder is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. However, it is gluten and dairy-free.
How to use
Vital Proteins recommends mixing 1 pouch with 12 oz of water.
Best with organic ingredients: Orgain Hydro Boost
- List price: around $27
- Servings: 16 servings
- Flavors: orange tangerine, berry, lemon-lime, mango
- Sugar per serving: 9 g
Each individual stick pack of this electrolyte powder delivers up to five times the electrolytes of standard sports drinks, with half the sugar, according to Orgain.
The electrolyte powder contains USDA-certified organic ingredients and an organic superfood powder. The sodium comes from pink Himalayan salt.
Additional benefits include a blend of sodium, citrates, and glucose to speed electrolyte delivery. It is Kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and does not use GMO ingredients.
However, this product contains organic cane sugar, leading to 9 g of sugar per serving. While the company states this has less sugar than traditional sports drinks, some people may prefer zero-sugar alternatives.
How to use
Orgain suggests pouring one packet into a bottle or shaker of water and mixing it thoroughly. People can add more water to change the sweetness of the drink.
Best climate-neutral: Nuun Sport Hydration
- List price: around $30
- Servings: 40 servings
- Flavors: juice-box mix, citrus berry mix
- Sugar per serving: 1 g
This product delivers electrolytes in a dissolvable tablet form. The compact tube may make it a good option for people who want an easy way to replenish their electrolytes on the go, as it is more convenient than bringing a large powder container.
Nuun may also appeal to those who are more environmentally conscious and those who would rather purchase from a company with several certifications. Nuun states that it is:
- Orthodox Kosher Union-certified
- GFCO.org-certified gluten-free
- American Vegetarian Organization-certified vegan
- Non-GMO Project-verified
- Informed Sport-verified
- Climate Neutral-certified
- Certified B-Corporation
This product does contain 1 g of sugar. While this is less sugar than some other products, people on a sugar-restricted diet should take this into account.
How to use
A person simply drops one tablet in 16 oz of water and waits for the tablet to dissolve before drinking.
Best for flavor variety: Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix
- List price: around $20
- Servings: 20 servings
- Flavors: 11 flavors including blue raspberry, tropical, and mocktini
- Sugar per serving: sugar-free
This electrolyte powder is sugar-free and contains vitamin C, zinc, and trace minerals, alongside the electrolytes a person may need to boost their energy and hydration.
The Electrolyte Mix is vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly. It is also non-GMO and caffeine free. While it is sugar-free, the company does sweeten the powder with stevia.
This powder is available in 11 flavors, and people can purchase a variety pack. This may benefit those who prefer to switch up flavors regularly.
How to use
Each purchase includes 20 sachets. A person pours one sachet into 16 oz of water and mixes it thoroughly.
Best with taurine: Kaged Hydra-Charge
- List price: around $30
- Servings: 60 servings
- Flavors: glacier grape, apple limeade, fruit punch, orange mango, pink lemonade, strawberry yuzu, watermelon (caffeinated)
- Sugar per serving: less than 1 g
This powder is reportedly suitable for use every day. As well as electrolytes, it contains an antioxidant blend of 29 fruits and vegetables and 1 g of taurine to help support the immune system and body function.
Learn more about foods high in electrolytes here.
According to Kaged, this product is naturally flavored and does not contain any artificial colors or dies. It is vegan and gluten-friendly, and each serving contains 5 calories and less than 1 g of sugar.
However, the powder does contain freeze-dried coconut water powder. People who have a coconut allergy should avoid this product.
How to use
Mix one scoop (5.1 g) with water.
The following table compares the electrolyte powders in this article on price, flavors, and more.
| List price | Servings | Flavors | Sugar per serving | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BodyHealth | from around $24 | 30 or 60 servings | • strawberry • mixed berry • watermelon • orange | sugar-free |
| Key Nutrients | around $20 | 20 servings | • peach mango • blue raspberry • cherry pom • grape • lemonade • lemonade/raspberry • orange • pink lemonade • raspberry • watermelon | sugar-free |
| UCAN | around $15 | 12 servings | • watermelon • berry • lemon-lime • pineapple | sugar-free |
| Pure Encapsulations | around $28 | 40 servings | lemon-lime | 3.5 g |
| Vital Proteins | around $26 | 21 servings | tropical blast | 1 g |
| Orgain | around $27 | 16 servings | • orange tangerine • berry • lemon-lime • mango | 9 g |
| Nuun Sport | around $30 | 40 servings | • juicebox mix • citrus berry mix | 1 g |
| Ultima Replenisher | around $20 | 20 servings | • blue raspberry • cherry pomegranate • grape • lemonade • mixed fruit • mocktini • orange • pink lemonade • raspberry • tropical • watermelon | sugar-free |
| Kaged | around $30 | 60 servings | • glacier grape • apple limeade • fruit punch • orange mango • pink lemonade • strawberry yuzu • watermelon (caffeinated) | less than 1 g |
People may consider the following before purchasing electrolyte powders:
- Length of workout: People who are working out for shorter periods of time — up to 1 hour — are unlikely to need to replenish their electrolytes. Longer workouts that lead to muscle cramping are a sign a person may need electrolytes.
- Ingredients: Many powders contain additional ingredients, such as caffeine, fruit and vegetable extracts, and vitamins. People with allergies should always check the ingredients list before purchasing.
- Sweeteners: An electrolyte powder usually has either cane sugar or stevia to sweeten the taste. People who are on sugar-restricted diets, or those who are sensitive to sweeteners, should always check how manufacturers sweeten their products.
- Form: Some companies offer containers of loose powder, whereas others offer individual serving sachets or tablets. People should decide which is most beneficial for their uses before purchasing.
The body requires an appropriate level of electrolytes in order to perform basic activities, such as maintaining fluid balance, muscle contraction, and a functioning nervous system.
Athletes of all levels may use electrolyte powders before, during, and after workouts to support their ability to perform and recover from exercise.
Electrolytes are also beneficial for people who are
People who are exercising for over an hour should consider using electrolyte powder before, during, and after intense exercise. If a healthcare professional prescribes or recommends electrolytes, a person should take them as directed.
It is important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer when mixing the powder or tablet with water. Usually, a person mixes one scoop, a single-serving packet, or a tablet with up to 16 oz of water.
Here we answer some common questions about these products.
Is it OK to drink electrolyte powder every day?
Most electrolyte powder manufacturers recommend using their products whenever a person exercises or needs a hydration boost.
However, it is possible drinking electrolytes unnecessarily
How do I know if my electrolytes are low?
People may have low electrolytes if they
People who are dehydrated often have low electrolytes. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dark yellow urine, less frequent urination, and dry mouth.
Are powdered electrolytes good for you?
Powdered electrolytes offer a quick and easy way to hydrate and replenish electrolytes.
Electrolytes are minerals that the body needs to perform basic functions. People who exercise, live in hot or humid climates, or who have an illness that leads to dehydration, may benefit from electrolyte supplementation.
There are several options available to purchase online. People should always read the ingredients list to ensure it is suitable for their needs.