The Best Electrolyte Drinks in 2024 to Keep You Hydrated

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Our Picks for the Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2024:

• Best Overall Electrolyte Drink: BodyArmor Lyte
• Best Electrolyte Drink for Keto: Transparent Labs Hydrate Electrolyte Formula
• Best On-the-Go Electrolyte Drink: Protekt Hydration
• Best Electrolyte Drink for Hangover: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
• Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate
• Best Electrolyte Drink with Natural Sweetener: Nooma
• Best Electrolyte Drink for Runners: Gatorade Gatorlyte
• Best Personalized Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration
• Best Gluten-Free Electrolyte Drink: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
• Best Electrolyte Drink During a Workout: Berri Fit Active Hydration
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink: Buoy Hydration Drops

Proper hydration is more involved than simply drinking enough water. Our bodies also require important mineral compounds called electrolytes, which help to maintain the fluid balance in our bodies, regulate our blood pressure and preserve both nerve and muscle function. For most people, the foods and drinks we consume on a daily basis provide our bodies with enough mineral electrolytes to sustain proper hydration levels. However, individuals such as athletes who train multiple hours or even multiple times per day may require additional electrolyte supplementation to remain hydrated. This is because when you sweat, you lose water as well as electrolytes. 

Therefore, rehydrating with water alone is not enough to properly rehydrate the body. But don’t stress, even if you don’t know it, you have heard of these electrolytes before. The major ones involved in hydration include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium, and they are vital for optimal performance. This is why hydration supplements like electrolyte powders and sports drinks are so popular. In this article we’ve rounded up our top picks of 2024 for the best electrolyte drinks to help you learn who these supplements are made for and why they are beneficial, the different types available, how to find the best one for you.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Best Overall Electrolyte Drink: BodyArmor Lyte

Key features and specs:

• Form: Ready-to-drink liquid
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 18 grams of carbs, 2 grams of sugar, 40 milligrams of sodium

Why I picked it:

BodyArmor Lyte is our pick for the best overall electrolyte drink for two reasons: it has four of the main electrolytes the body uses to maintain hydration—sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium—and it's packed with B vitamins.

Cory Kessler, a NASM-certified nutrition coach, says the thing he likes most about BodyArmor Lyte is the carbs and sugar content. “One thing a lot of electrolyte drinks get wrong is reducing the carbs and sugar as low as they can,” he says. However, whether you use an electrolyte drink during a workout, after a workout or simply to hydrate throughout the day, BodyArmor Lyte’s two grams of natural sugar from coconut water can give your body a quick energy boost, while the 18 grams of carbohydrates can provide you a small amount of longer-lasting energy. 

What we love:

• Contains four of the seven main electrolytes needed by the body
• 18 grams of carbs and two grams of sugar can support your body’s energy during exercise
• Zero grams of added sugar

What to consider:

• Sweetened with erythritol, which can lead to nausea and bloating if consumed too frequently

Best Electrolyte Drink for Keto: Transparent Labs Hydrate Electrolyte Formula

Key features and specs:

• Form: Powder
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: Zero grams of carbohydrates, zero grams of sugar, 500 milligrams of sodium

Why I picked it:

Transparent Labs Hydrate is designed to help rapidly replenish lost electrolytes and contains 884 milligrams of mineral electrolytes per serving. This is a great intra-workout or post-workout supplement to prevent dehydration and enhance recovery. With products from Transparent Labs, you can also guarantee that they are free from any artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors and preservatives. The formula is also sugar free which is great if you’re following a weight loss or keto dietary program. Transparent Labs offers a subscribe and save plan which gives you free shipping and ten percent off your purchase.

What we love:

• 884 grams of mineral electrolytes per serving
• Subscribe and save plan
• Zero grams of carbohydrates and sugar free
• Free from artificial ingredients

What to consider:

• Only one flavor option available (Tropical Punch)

Best On-the-Go Electrolyte Drink: Protekt Hydration

Key features and specs:

• Form: Ready-to-mix liquid
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 0 grams of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 500 milligrams of sodium

Why I picked it

Our tester, nutrition coach Cory Kessler, says that Protekt Hydration is one of the best electrolyte drinks he’s tried. “What makes Protekt great,” Kessler says, “is that it comes in individual grab-and-go packets like popular electrolyte powders, but it mixes instantly because it’s a liquid.”

Kessler thinks Protekt Hydration has earned so many 5/5-star rating on Protekt’s website because it's not too sweet. “The sugar content in popular electrolyte drinks or powders gives many people pause. Stevia is a natural alternative, but it can be hit or miss with users because it seems to be sweeter than cane sugar.” However, Kessler says Protekt is saltier than other electrolyte mixes. “There are 500 milligrams of sodium in Protekt, so you're going to taste the salt," Kessler says, "but the stevia balances it out in my opinion.”

What we love:

• Mixes in water without requiring stirring or shaking
• Our tester loved all three flavors
• A unique on-the-go liquid that reviewers say mixes very well with water

What to consider:

• Low amount of potassium (100 milligrams) compared to other electrolyte drinks on the list, which contain 200-250 milligrams

Best Electrolyte Drink for Hangover: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die

Key features and specs:

• Form: Powder
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 10 grams carbs, seven grams sugar, 670 milligrams sodium

Why I picked it:

BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die is an electrolyte powder with five major electrolytes. The key nutrient in Hydrate or Die that can help reduce symptoms of a hangover is the 670 milligrams of sodium. According to research, one of the most effective ways to treat a hangover the day after alcohol consumption is to get your body rehydrated. Increasing your sodium intake is key to retaining fluids for longer periods of time, and Hydrate or Die has more sodium than most electrolyte drinks on the market.

Hydrate or Die also has seven grams of sugar and 10 grams of carbs—both of these are naturally occurring from the evaporated coconut water powder, which is an effective natural rehydration ingredient that will support your hydration efforts.

What we love:

• Naturally sourced electrolytes
• Higher sodium content than other electrolyte drinks
• Multiple flavor options
• Subscribe and save plan that offers a 15% discount

What to consider:

• Premium pricing at about $1.89 per serving

Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate

Key features and specs:

• Form: Powder
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 7 grams carbs, 4 grams sugar, 250 milligrams sodium

Why I picked it:

Gnarly Hydrate electrolyte powder is designed for sports and to replenish fluids when you’re sweating. That means that Gnarly Hydrate includes major electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, but it also includes additional B vitamins that support your body’s energy production process.

Gnarly Hydrate boasts a 4.9 out of 5 star rating with 168 reviews. Even though there are only three flavor options—Orange Pineapple, Berry Lemonade and Cherry Cola—over 80 percent of those 168 reviews mention the taste positively.

What we love:

• Contains five major electrolytes along with five B vitamins
• All flavors are NSF-content certified (screened for toxicity)
• Orange Pineapple flavor is NSF Certified for Sport
• Very affordable price at $0.68 per serving ($0.61 with subscription discount)

What to consider:

• Lower amount of sodium than other electrolyte drinks on our list

Best Electrolyte Drink with Natural Sweeteners: Nooma

Key features and specs:

• Form: Ready-to-drink liquid
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 7 grams of carbs, 5 grams of sugar, 110 milligrams of sodium

Why I picked it:

NOOMA is a hydration supplement that gets all of its nutrients from natural sources like pink himalayan salt (sodium) and coconut water (potassium). Its formula contains other mineral electrolytes like calcium and magnesium and uses the natural sweetener stevia leaf extract to enhance the flavor. 

NOOMA also contains organic coconut water from concentrate, which is an additional natural source of sugar and works quickly to rehydrate. NOOMA also guarantees that its hydration supplement is free from any artificial sweeteners or flavors while boasting a USDA-certified organic certification.

What we love:

• Naturally sourced nutrients
• Vegan, paleo and keto-friendly
• USDA-certified organic
• No added sugar

What to consider:

• Contains lower amounts of each electrolyte than other electrolyte drinks

Best Electrolyte Drink for Runners: Gatorade Gatorlyte

Key features and specs:

• Form: Ready-to-drink liquid
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 14 grams of carbs, 12 grams of sugar, 490 milligrams of sodium

Why I picked it:

Runners who need an extra hydration boost during endurance training should take a look at Gatorade Gatorlyte. This electrolyte drink was created to support athletes' need for hydration and energy during grueling workouts and long runs, with the tools to promote recovery thereafter. Electrolytes potassium, calcium, sodium and chloride keep you from losing too much fluid while exercising.

Gatorlyte does have 12 grams of added sugar, which will deter some users. However, distance runners likely know that carbohydrates in the form of sugar increase energy and performance, particularly in hot climates.

What we love:

• High amounts of electrolytes sodium, magnesium and chloride
• No artificial sweeteners or flavors
• Three flavors to choose from, and a variety pack is available

What to consider:

• Sweetened with 12 grams of sugar which won’t be suitable for users trying to go sugar-free

Best Personalized Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration

Key features and specs:

• Form: Powder (individual packets)
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: Varies based on your quiz results

Why I picked it:

Gainful offers a completely personalized electrolyte drink mix that will cater to your specific dietary needs. While its subscription plan is pricier than other hydration supplements on the market, its product are engineered to help you achieve your personal health and fitness goals. A monthly Gainful subscription also grants the consumer complimentary access to Gainful’s team of registered dietitians (RDs). 

The ingredients that can be included in your hydration supplement include stevia leaf extract or cane sugar for sweetness and energy, mineral electrolytes including calcium citrate, magnesium glycinate, sodium citrate and potassium citrate for hydration, and L-theanine and natural caffeine for increased focus and reduced fatigue.

While I can’t tell you the exact quantity and type of ingredients that will be in your hydration formula, I can review my personalized supplement. I started by answering a series of questions on the Gainful website regarding my physical activity level, the types of exercise I perform, the amount that I sweat and my personal dietary preferences. From there Gainful suggested my personalized hydration formula (you can always change what’s included by messaging the Gainful team). 

My hydration supplement had 400 milligrams of sodium, 200 milligrams of magnesium, 50 milligrams of potassium and two grams of added cane sugar. It also included just enough added sugar to activate the sodium-glucose cotransporter which hydrates you more effectively than water alone. Since I already use a pre-workout for my training I also decided to forgo the additional options of caffeine and L-theanine in my formulation.

What we love:

• Convenient single-serve packets
• Caffeinated option available
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly
• Free from artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners

What to consider:

• Subscription based service only
• Limited flavor options available (Lemon-Lime and Strawberry Lemonade)

Best Gluten-Free Electrolyte Drink: Liquid I.V. Zero Sugar

Key features and specs:

• Form: Powder
• Key electrolytes: Sodium and potassium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 5 grams of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 530 grams of sodium

Why I picked it:

If you’re looking for a gluten-free electrolyte powder for hydration, Liquid IV zero-sugar Hydration Multiplier is a great option. This hydration powder is an allergen-friendly, and, according to the company, it's free of gluten, dairy and nuts.

Liquid I.V. zero-sugar is sweetened with allulose, which is a naturally occurring sweetener made from fructose. It has minimal impact on your diet, and can be substituted for regular sugar without losing the benefit of increasing your water retention and speeding up hydration. 

What we love:

• Contains a high amount of sodium (530 milligrams)
• Sweetened with a natural sugar substitute that reviewers say leaves no aftertaste
• Contains over 100 percent of your daily value vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12
• Gluten-free

What to consider:

• Only contains two true electrolytes

Best Electrolyte Drink During a Workout: Berri Fit Hydration

Key features and specs:

• Form: Ready-to-drink liquid
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 8 grams of carbs, 6 grams of sugar, 45 milligrams of sodium

Why I picked it:

Berri Fit Active Hydration is unique because it's a plant-based hydration drink that provides the mineral electrolytes sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium—all from certified organic plant sources. 

This product is sweetened with agave and several fruit extracts that provide six grams of natural sugar without any artificially added sugars. The flavor options include Dragon Fruit, Tropical Punch and Mango. It also comes in a Lemon-Lime flavor that is a powder you can mix yourself.

What we love:

• Plant-based and non-GMO
• Well-reviewed flavors sweetened with agave
• USDA-certified organic ingredients

What to consider:

• Low amounts of electrolytes per bottle

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink: Buoy Hydration Drops

Key features and specs:

• Form: Liquid drops
• Key electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium
• Carbs, sugar, sodium: 0 grams of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 50 milligrams of sodium

Why I picked it:

Buoy Hydration Drops are a unique electrolyte supplement because you simply squeeze a drop of the liquid into your beverage of choice for added electrolytes. Buoy’s goal was to create electrolyte supplements without sugar and artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors that helped to replenish the mineral electrolytes athletes lost during training. 

Inside the Hydration Drops formula you'll find B vitamins (B1, B5 and B6) and five mineral electrolytes. Buoy Hydration Drops is also an unflavored supplement which can help it blend into any drink.

Related Post: For another sugar free electrolyte drink, check out our BioSteel Hydration Mix review.

What we love:

• Contains five different electrolytes and three B vitamins
• Unflavored liquid drops that mix into any beverage
• No sugar, carbs or calories

What to consider:

• Low amounts of all nutrients, which may not work for intense exercise

How to Choose the Best Electrolyte Drink for You

When choosing the best electrolyte drink for your health and fitness goals, you want to look at a number of different factors including the overall quality of the ingredients and dosages, the price point of the supplement and both positive and negative customer reviews. You should also verify that the supplement is manufactured by a reputable company. A good rule of thumb is to purchase products from companies that are manufactured in cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) facilities that are regulated by the FDA.

You also want to consider why you are taking the product in the first place. For example, if you are an athlete who works out multiple times a day, then a product with added sugar might be beneficial for quickly restoring your muscle glycogen levels before your next training session. On the other hand, if you are on a weight loss program, then you would likely want to avoid the added sugars and extra calories that come with it.

Related Post: Does Drinking Water Help You Lose Weight? 

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Electrolyte Drinks

We followed the same guidelines as above when choosing the best electrolyte based supplements to include in our article. We looked at the ingredients, and ensured that they were included in scientifically effective dosages. We also looked into the cost of each product, the customer reviews and our own first-hand experience using these supplements. We do our best to ensure that you are purchasing a high quality supplement that generates the results you are looking for.

Benefits of Electrolyte Drinks

There are many benefits to using electrolyte drinks, but these supplements are best put to use by athletes who train multiple times per day, people who sweat significantly during training sessions and those who workout in very hot and humid environments. In these scenarios, it is critical to replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat in order to maintain optimal hydration, athletic performance and overall health. 

The problem is that water alone is ineffective at rehydrating the body. This is where the electrolyte based supplements come into play. These products provide the body with the necessary minerals it needs to prevent dehydration, fatigue and poor performance. It is also important to note that in most cases, a well balanced diet should provide enough electrolytes for most people, and electrolyte supplements may not be necessary.

Who Benefits from Electrolyte Drinks?

Electrolytes aren’t a “nice to have”; they’re absolutely necessary for your body, especially your nervous system. While electrolyte supplements are commonly used and associated with athletes, the truth is everyone can benefit from electrolytes to maintain healthy hydration levels during exercise and supply your body elements it needs to keep running smoothly. They can be particularly helpful if you're not getting enough electrolytes from diet alone, or in cases where hydration may not be up to par.

Electrolyte Drink FAQs

How can I replace my electrolytes?

There are several ways to replace electrolytes in the body. The first is through eating a well-balanced diet that includes electrolyte rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Another way is to drink fluids rich in electrolytes. These electrolyte beverages include coconut water, sports drinks, electrolyte supplements and even pickle juice. All of the foods and hydration drinks on this list contain significant amounts of the mineral electrolytes including sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium that our bodies need.

When should I take electrolytes?

It is best to take electrolytes during your training session and prior to dehydration taking place. This means that instead of waiting to ingest your sports drink or electrolyte supplement until after an intense workout, you should start consuming it around 30 minutes to an hour into your training session. This way, you are proactively replenishing your electrolyte levels before they are completely depleted.

Can you take too many electrolytes?

It is possible to consume too many electrolytes, which can lead to some serious medical conditions. This is why most people do not need to supplement with electrolytes unless they are sweating excessively, training for over one and a half hours per day, or working out in extreme environments. As with all supplements, we always recommend that you consult with your primary healthcare provider before adding a new dietary supplement to your routine.

How do you know if your electrolytes are low?

The main outcome of an electrolyte imbalance in the body is dehydration. Possible symptoms include nausea, headaches, vomiting, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, confusion and in severe cases seizures and cardiac arrest. If you ever feel light headed, nauseous or weak during a training session, you should stop what you are doing, take a break and rehydrate.

How long does it take to replenish electrolytes?

The length of time it takes to replenish electrolytes in the body depends on a number of different factors. These include the individual's hydration levels prior to training, the amount of electrolytes lost through sweat and the severity of the electrolyte imbalance at the end of their training session. Another factor is that the composition of sweat varies considerably between individuals, meaning that certain people lose more electrolytes than others during perspiration. In most cases, if electrolyte rich foods or drinks are consumed after training, it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to replenish your electrolyte balance. Although, in cases of severe dehydration, it can take up to 24 hours to recover and you will likely need intravenous fluids.

Final Thoughts

When just grabbing your water bottle alone isn’t enough to keep you hydrated, electrolyte drink mixes are great additions to your routine if you are someone who actually needs them. For the general population, these supplements will provide little value and may even be detrimental if used incorrectly. However, for athletes and individuals who train multiple hours per day, these supplements can be fantastic tools for maintaining optimal hydration levels and athletic performance.

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