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Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply recovering from a hangover, Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes is our pick as the best electrolyte powder.

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 27 products, Healthline writer and sports dietitian Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT, along with Healthline’s medical vetting team, narrowed the options down to the 9 best. Keep reading to see which electrolyte powders made the cut.

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

Price per servingCertified safe for sportCaloriesAdded sugarCaffeine
Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes$0.90yes100 g
Kaged Hydra-Charge$0.50yes5<1 gyes; amount not disclosed
Zeal Naturals Enhanced Electrolytes Powder$0.36no
Thorne Catalyte$0.93yes30<1 g
Pure Encapsulations Electrolyte Energy Formula$0.70no303.5 g
Gnarly Sports Nutrition Hydrate$0.75yes304 g
Nuun Sport Hydration$0.75yes151 g40 mg (select flavors)
Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix$1.10no8019 g• Raspberry Limeade: 50 mg
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel$0.80no10025 g35 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.

Healthline writer and sports dietitian Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT, reviewed 27 products, and only 9 ultimately passed both Davidson’s review and our internal vetting process.

When researching electrolyte powders, the following factors were considered:

  • Price: Does the product provide a good value for the cost?
  • Taste: Is the powder something people will actually enjoy using? 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 are in compliance with 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.
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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 60–90 minutes or longer — and are at risk of dehydration and sodium losses due to excessive sweating.

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 (for example, sports performance versus general use), the manufacturer may provide specific dosing instructions.

Which electrolyte powder you might 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.

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.

Also 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.