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Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes is our pick for the best electrolyte powder, whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply recovering from a hangover.
Many athletes and avid exercisers rely on electrolyte powders to replenish their electrolytes and hydration after workouts.
But with so many electrolyte powders on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
After reviewing more than 30 products, Healthline writers and sports dietitians Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT, and Ellen Landes, MS, RDN, CPT, along with our medical vetting team, narrowed down the options to the eight best (plus a few honorable mentions).
Keep reading to see which electrolyte powders made the cut.
While they’re not the best fit for everyone, the following products may be good options for those with specific needs:
If you need a high sodium option
With 1,000 mg of sodium per serving, the LMNT powder is formulated for prolonged exercise in high heat and for those who are known to lose more sodium through sweat than others. It also offers a straightforward ingredient list, free from sugars and artificial flavors and is available in multiple flavors.
If you want an electrolyte drink
BODYARMOR Flash I.V. may be a good option. Each bottle contains 530 mg of sodium per serving, along with potassium and magnesium.
Just keep in mind that it’s fortified with several vitamins, so it may not be appropriate if you’re taking other dietary supplements. It also contains 15 g of added sugar, which may be too much if you’re not engaging in strenuous or endurance exercise.
If you’re looking to change up flavors daily
DripDrop is a great choice, with a wide array of flavors, including sugar-sweetened and sugar-free options, many of which can be purchased in variety packs. The mix was originally designed for treating severe hydration and offers 9 g of carbs and 330 mg of sodium. However, it’s become popular with athletes as well.
The powder is also NSF Certified for Sport, making it a good option for competitive athletes. While most reviews on DripDrop are positive, some customers comment that it can be overly sweet.
If you want additional performance support
In addition to electrolytes, Thorne Catalyte contains 500 mg of taurine, an amino acid that may help support athletic performance and recovery, though research is mixed. It also provides B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin C.
Thorne is known for producing high quality supplements, and Catalyte electrolyte powder is NSF Certified for Sport, which means it’s a suitable option for competitive athletes. While the powder gets good reviews on taste, some reviewers note the lack of flavor options as a downside.
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
| Price per serving | Certified Safe for Sport | Calories | Added sugar | Caffeine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes | $0.90 | yes | 10 | 0 g | — |
| Gnarly Sports Nutrition Hydrate | $0.75 | yes | 30 | 4 g | — |
| Nuun Sport Hydration | $0.61 | yes | 15 | 1 g | 40 mg (select flavors) |
| Cure Hydrating Drink Mix | $1.51 | no | 25 | 0 g | — |
| Zeal Naturals Enhanced Electrolytes Powder | $0.35 | no | — | — | — |
| Skratch Labs Hydration Everyday Drink Mix | $0.93 | no | 10 | 0 g | — |
| Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix | $1.04 | no | 80 | 19 g | Raspberry Limeade: 50 mg |
| Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel | $0.80 | no | 100 | 25 g | 35 mg (select flavors) |
Note that the price per serving may vary depending on where you shop and the size of the container you purchase. Additionally, many companies offer discounts for buying in bulk or through a subscription.
When researching electrolyte powders, the following factors were considered:
- Price: Does the product provide a good value for the cost?
- Taste: Will people actually enjoy using the powder? Davidson personally tried some products, while for others, she relied on customer reviews for feedback on flavor.
- Nutrients: Is the product nutritionally optimized to support recovery? Davidson paid particular attention to calories, carbohydrates, sugars, and electrolytes, with the largest focus on sodium and potassium.
- Certifications: Does the product have any certifications that make it stand out? For example, Informed Sport certified and NSF Certified for Sport are third-party certifications that are important for competitive athletes.
- Variety: The list above includes a variety of electrolyte supplement options in terms of sizes, flavors, and forms, including powders and tablets.
- Added ingredients: What does the ingredient list look like? For example, does the product contain caffeine, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural or artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors? And do those ingredients provide a potential benefit or downside?
- FDA compliance: All the brands and products on the list above comply with the labeling guidelines required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Vetting: The electrolyte powder brands and products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
Electrolyte powders are most commonly associated with athletes and avid exercisers. These powders are designed to replenish lost electrolytes that can occur with sweating or during certain illnesses.
Sodium is the main electrolyte and mineral lost through sweat, so most electrolyte powders focus mainly on replenishing it. Sodium also helps support fluid retention, allowing you to stay more hydrated during physical activity.
Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride are other electrolytes you’ll often see in electrolyte supplements since they’re also lost through sweat, though in smaller amounts.
Electrolyte powders may also contain other ingredients to support athletic performance, such as caffeine, amino acids, and simple sugars.
Additionally, depending on the product and its marketed use, electrolyte powders may be fortified with essential nutrients or contain proprietary blends with ingredients such as antioxidants, herbs, adaptogens, or other potential health-promoting compounds.
For the average person, electrolyte powders are often unnecessary, especially if you’re consuming a nutritionally adequate diet.
Instead, electrolyte powders are often recommended for athletes who do vigorous physical activity for long periods — typically 60 to 90 minutes or longer — and are at
An electrolyte powder may also benefit people who:
- sweat excessively (this may be described as salty sweat, which causes visible white sweat stains on clothing)
- spend a lot of time in hot outdoor environments
- have physically demanding jobs, such as roofing and landscaping
- are experiencing ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, or both due to an illness
Because high alcohol intake can lead to fluid losses through vomiting, increased urination, and other factors, some people may find an electrolyte powder helpful if they’re experiencing a hangover.
Ultimately, electrolyte powders are useful for anyone experiencing fluid loss and looking for a quick way to replenish lost electrolytes.
Most electrolyte powders come in a container with a scoop or in single-use packets. In some cases, they’re also available in tablet form.
Though instructions vary, most electrolyte powders can be stirred into water and consumed immediately.
Depending on the intended use, the manufacturer may provide specific dosing instructions.
Which electrolyte powder to purchase depends on your intended use, goals, and preferences. Additional factors to consider include:
- Form: Depending on your preferences and ease of use, you may wish to purchase an electrolyte powder in a container with a scoop, in single packets, or in tablet form.
- Price: When deciding whether an electrolyte powder fits your budget, be sure to consider the cost per serving. Additionally, some companies offer discounts if you buy in bulk or sign up for a subscription.
- Third-party testing for sport: If you’re an athlete competing in high level sports, you may want to make sure your electrolyte powder is certified Safe for Sport. Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport are third-party testing companies that ensure products are free of substances that are banned by major sporting organizations.
- Sodium content: Sodium is the main electrolyte lost through sweat, so you should aim to replace sodium during periods of excessive sweating.
- Other electrolytes: Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are additional electrolytes lost in smaller amounts through sweat. Therefore, powders containing small amounts of these nutrients may be beneficial.
- Sugar content: If you’re doing endurance training (such as long-distance running, cycling, or hiking), you may benefit from products that are high in simple carbs in the form of sugar to fuel your exercise. However, for non-endurance training, you likely don’t need a powder with a large amount of sugar.
- Other ingredients: Depending on your preferences and exercise goals, you may wish to include or avoid certain ingredients, such as natural sweeteners (like stevia or monk fruit), artificial sweeteners (like sucralose), caffeine, B vitamins, amino acids, and artificial colors or flavors, just to name a few.
Electrolyte powders may benefit people who are losing large volumes of fluids and electrolytes, such as athletes, people with physically demanding jobs, and people who are sick. For the average person, electrolyte powders are usually unnecessary.
Your body is very efficient at regulating your electrolyte levels, so consuming extra electrolytes is generally safe.
However, consuming too much sodium can increase the risk of certain health issues, such as high blood pressure, while too much potassium can lead to heart issues, like arrhythmia and even heart attacks.
Electrolyte powders can also be dangerous for people with end stage kidney disease.
Always be sure to follow the dosage information provided by the manufacturer and consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations.
While there are many great electrolyte powders, the most effective electrolyte powder will contain a good mixture of sodium and potassium to help replenish lost electrolytes through sweat. Our top pick is Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes.
Another factor to consider is the length of the activity. If you’re doing any long-distance endurance activity, then you may want to take an electrolyte powder that also has added carbohydrates in the form of sugar, since these will provide your muscles with quick energy to support your performance.
If you’re a competitive athlete, then it’s best to look for an electrolyte powder that is Informed Sport certified or NSF certified, meaning it is third-party tested and doesn’t contain any banned substances by various sports organizations.
Beyond this, the best electrolyte is one that you enjoy and fits your budget.
Electrolyte powders can be helpful during strenuous exercise or other times when you’re sweating a lot.
When selecting an electrolyte powder, be sure to consider the ingredients, nutritional profile, flavor options, cost, and third-party certifications to determine which product is best for you.
Keep in mind that you might not need to take an electrolyte powder every day or at all. It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before adding an electrolyte powder to your wellness and exercise routine.
