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.
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.