The 10 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Hydrant Hydration Drink Mix

View On Drinkhydrant.com

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  4.5/5
• Flavor
  4/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs:

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, potassium, magnesium | Sodium: 260 mg/serving | Carbohydrates: 5 g/serving | Third-party Tested: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.60

Why We Recommend It

Hydrant Hydration Drink tops our list because it's made with simple ingredients, with a balance of sodium, glucose, and other electrolytes (including magnesium, potassium, and zinc). It contains moderate amounts of sodium and carbohydrates (260 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of carbohydrates from cane sugar), making it suitable for a variety of uses.

We like that it is naturally flavored with fruit juice powder and colored with red beet juice powder. It does not contain any artificial sweeteners and is instead sweetened with cane sugar and monk fruit extract. We tested the blood orange flavor, which has a pleasant, sweet citrus aroma, with a mildly sweet flavor with no aftertaste. It dissolves quickly and completely in water, leaving no particles at the bottom of the glass. It comes in convenient single-serve packets, perfect for on-the-go.

Things to Consider

• It is relatively lower in sodium and carbohydrates compared to others on our list, making it more suitable for everyday use and lighter exercise.
• It is only available in three flavors: Fruit Punch, Lemon Lime, and Blood Orange

Who It's For

This is a great option for those looking for a hydration boost in a variety of settings. It's suited to those that want a product without artificial sweeteners and flavorings and that like a milder flavor.

Best Tasting

DripDrop Electrolyte Powder Packets

View On Amazon $36 View On Walmart $36 View On Dripdrop.com

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  4.5/5
• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, potassium, magnesium | Sodium: 330 mg/serving | Carbohydrates: 9 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.70

Why We Recommend It

DripDrop Electrolyte Powder is another versatile powder that topped our list thanks to a great flavor that our testers really loved. It contains a balance of sodium, glucose, and other electrolytes (including magnesium and a small amount of potassium), so you can use it in many different settings. It also contains zinc and 80% Daily Value of vitamin C, making it a good option if you're fighting a cold or seeking extra immune support. We also like that they come in convenient single-serve packets, perfect for on-the-go and travel.

DripDrop offers 10 different flavors, including watermelon, berry, mango, passion fruit, fruit punch, strawberry lemonade, and more. In testing, we loved the watermelon flavor's sweet and slightly salty taste, which also left us feeling refreshed and hydrated. We also like that it dissolves quickly and completely in water and that they use fruit and vegetable juices for coloring and natural flavorings.

Things to Consider

• It contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener. While safe to consume, research is mixed on the potential long-term side effects of artificial sweeteners. Some studies show that when consumed in excess, artificial sweeteners may lead to increased sugar cravings, and could potentially have negative effects on the gut microbiome.
• A single-serving of this powder may not contain adequate sodium and glucose to rehydrate and refuel after longer or more intense exercise.
• If you're using this powder more than once a day if you are not exercising, the sugar and sodium can add up.
  

Who It's For

This is a great option for those looking for a hydration boost including those engaging in lower to moderate intensity exercise, those traveling, fighting a cold, and other situations where you might be dehydrated (for hot climates, replenishing fluid loss through sweat, or for fighting a hangover). We do not recommend consuming this multiple times a day as a water flavoring.

Best Unflavored

Buoy Electrolyte Drops

View On Walmart $13 View On Justaddbuoy.com $39 View On IHerb

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  5/5
• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

Key Specs:

Form: Liquid Drops | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride | Sodium: 50 mg/serving | Carbohydrates: 0 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.75

Why We Recommend It

Buoy Electrolyte Drops are unflavored electrolyte drops that are undetectable in taste or texture when added to water or any beverage of your choice. Each one-drop servings contains 50 grams of sodium, but you can easily adjust the dosage by adding more drops or using it multiple times per day, depending on your needs.

In addition to sodium, it contains very small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium (<1% Daily Value), and 3% DV of chloride per drop, which is lower than other products on our list. It does provide a B-vitamin boost with vitamins B1, B5 and B6 as well as plant-based antioxidants. The only additional ingredients in this product are purified water and organic citric acid.

Things to Consider

• Keep in mind that these drops do not contain any carbohydrates, so if you are looking to rehydrate faster and replenish energy stores, try mixing it into juice or another beverage with carbohydrates, or pairing it with a carbohydrate source (like a banana, which also adds a boost of potassium).
• Because there is only 50 grams of sodium and trace amount of other electrolytes per serving, it may take multiple drops to get an adequate dose, depending on your needs.
• We noticed an off-putting, plastic-like smell when opening the bottle, but it disappeared when mixed into water and other beverages, and did not affect the taste or smell of the drink.

Who It's For

Buoy electrolyte drops are good for people who are looking for a convenient, flexible electrolyte supplement. The dosage can be easily adjusted, and it is free of added sugars, carbohydrates, or sweeteners. It also works for people who use electrolyte supplements often, as they offer a monthly subscription service as well (which brings down the cost per serving).

Best For High-Intensity Exercise

Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix

View On Amazon $22 View On REI $22 View On Skratchlabs.com

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  5/5
• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs:

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium | Sodium: 380 mg/serving | Carbohydrates: 21 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.98

Why We Recommend It

Skratch Labs is a company dedicated to sports nutrition, offering a range of hydration and recovery mixes, energy chews, and bars. We like that Skratch Labs Sports Hydration Drink Mix contains the electrolytes lost in sweat, with 380 milligrams of sodium per scoop, as well as smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Each serving contains 21 grams of carbohydrates from quick-absorbing sugars, which provide energy during longer or high-intensity workouts, and also help your body hold onto fluids to help you rehydrate more quickly. It also works as a post-workout recovery drink to replenish electrolytes and energy stores.

We tested the lemon-lime flavor, which has a refreshing citrus taste that is not artificial tasting or overpowering, with a balance of sweet and salty flavor. We also love the simple ingredients in this product, sweetened with cane sugar (no artificial or alternative sweeteners) and flavored with lemon and lime juice and oils. It comes in a variety of other flavors, including strawberry lemonade, fruit punch, pineapple, and raspberry limeade. While their electrolyte supplements are not third-party tested, Skratch Labs is a food company, so their products are regulated by FDA guidelines.

Things to Consider

• This product contains a relatively high amount of added sugar, designed for those actively burning energy through moderate to intense exercise.
  
• While the majority of the product dissolved in water after 30 seconds of stirring, we noticed some powder collected at the bottom of the cup. However, it is smooth to drink, and does not have a grainy texture.
• You'll need a fairly large amount of water for this powder to properly dissolve (16 ounces, or two cups), so keep in mind that you'll need a large water bottle or cup.

Who It's For

This product is for those engaging in moderate to high-intensity or endurance exercise, actively burning energy and losing fluids through sweat.

Best Caffeinated

Tailwind Nutrition Caffeinated Endurance Fuel

View On Amazon $40 View On REI $30 View On Gnc.com

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  5/5
• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  4.8/5
• Value
  5/5

Key specs:

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium | Sodium: 303 mg/serving | Carbohydrates: 25 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.96

Why We Recommend It

According to research, it might be good to be a caffeine lover if you're an athlete: More than one study show that moderate doses of caffeine can benefit endurance performance. Using Tailwind Endurance Fuel while exercising can serve a triple boost, with quick-absorbing carbohydrates for fuel, electrolytes, and caffeine.

One scoop of Tailwind Endurance Fuel contains 35 milligrams of caffeine (about the amount in half a cup of coffee) along with 25 grams of carbohydrates as sugar per serving. It also contains the electrolytes lost in sweat, with 303 milligrams of sodium, and smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The recommended dosage is 2 to 3 scoops in 24 ounces of fluid per hour of exercise for long endurance workouts or 1 to 2 scoops for shorter workouts.

We like that this product contains simple ingredients with quick absorbing carbohydrates as dextrose (glucose) and sucrose, sea salt, organic raspberry flavor, organic caffeine, and electrolytes. It also ranked a 5/5 for flavor, with a delicious raspberry taste that is not overly saturated or artificial tasting, with an ideal balance of sweet and slightly salty.

Things to Consider

• This product contains a high amount of added sugar, designed for those actively burning energy in more moderate to intense exercise settings.
  
• While the powder seemed to dissolve completely in water with 30 seconds of stirring, we did notice a slightly grainy texture. However, it was still enjoyable to drink.
• While one serving of this powder contains a relatively small amount of caffeine, it can add up if you are having more than a serving, so this may not be the best choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine or if you're working out in the evening.
  

Who It's For

This product is best for those engaging in high intensity exercise, actively burning energy, and looking for an added caffeine boost pre-workout.

Best for Everyday Use

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder

View On Amazon $21 View On Thrive Market $45 View On IHerb

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  4.8/5
• Flavor
  4.5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs:

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride | Sodium: 55 mg/serving | Carbohydrates: 0 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.63

Why We Recommend It

We like Ultima Replenisher as an everyday option that can be used as a water flavoring and consumed more than once a day, even when not exercising. It is a zero calorie option with no added sugar, with a lower amount of sodium at 55 milligrams per scoop. It also contains 110% Daily Value of vitamin C for immune support and 25% DV of magnesium, as well as a range of essential minerals, including small amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and chloride.

We tried the Peach Bellini, which has a subtle but refreshing peach flavor that is not overly salty. It tastes slightly sweet from the stevia, but is not overpowering. We also like that it is smooth to drink, with no clumps or graininess when mixed with water.

Things to Consider

• This powder is not intended to accelerate hydration and restore electrolytes and energy stores in more intense exercise settings, as it has no carbohydrates and a relatively small amount of sodium.
  
• While the majority of the product dissolved in water after 30 seconds of stirring, we noticed some powder collected at the bottom of the cup. We also noticed a slight artificial peach aftertaste that lingers a bit.

Who It's For

Ultima Replenisher is for those looking for an electrolyte supplement that can be used multiple times a day to add flavoring to your water, without added sugar or calories. Keep in mind, it does have vitamins and minerals added, so be sure not to overdo it, especially if you are taking other supplements. If you are using it simply as a water flavoring, stick to 1 to 3 servings per day, alternating with regular water.

Best for Athletes

Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate Electrolyte Powder

View On Gognarly.com

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  4.3/5
• Flavor
  4.5/5
• Texture
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs:

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, magnesium, potassium, chloride | Sodium: 250 mg | Carbohydrates: 7 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: Yes, NSF Certified for Sport | Our Overall Rating: 4.50

Why We Recommend It

When it comes to selecting supplements for competitive athletes, we recommend going with a product that is third-party tested for purity and potency, preferably through a trusted testing agency. We like Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate Electrolyte Powder, which is NSF Certified for Sport, so you can be sure it is free of banned substances.

This powder contains a moderate amount of sodium at 250 milligrams per scoop and 7 grams of carbohydrates (with 4 grams of added sugar). In addition to small amounts of additional electrolytes, including calcium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium, it also contains B vitamins to support energy metabolism and performance.

We tested the raspberry flavor, which has a strong flavor and is relatively sweet, from the cane sugar as well as the stevia leaf extract. It is refreshing to drink and has a smooth texture, but definitely better for those with a sweet tooth.

Things to Consider

• While this is a good option for athletes due to the NSF Certification, a single serving may not provide enough sodium to replenish losses through sweat during prolonged exercise.

Who It's For

Athletes or those looking for a product with a trusted third-party certification, with a moderate amount of sodium and carbohydrates. Those engaging in high-intensity or prolonged exercise would likely require more than one serving.

Best for Athletes Runner-up

Thorne Research Catalyte

View On IHerb $28 View On Thorne.com $28

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  4.5/5
• Flavor
  4/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs:

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, magnesium, potassium, chloride and calcium | Sodium: 485 mg | Carbohydrates: 5 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: NSF Certified for Sport | Our Overall Rating: 4.50

Why We Recommend It

For competitive athletes, we recommend sticking to a third-party tested product to ensure it is free from any banned substances. We like Thorne Research Catalyte electrolyte powder, which is NSF Sport Certified, tested for both purity and potency.

This product is higher in sodium with 485 milligrams per one scoop serving, making it a good choice for athletes or those exercising for prolonged periods with fluid loss through sweat. It also contains smaller amounts of potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, as well as zinc and B12. It also contains taurine, an amino acid that may improve exercise output and muscle recovery—however, the research on this particular substance is limited.

Things to Consider

• Keep in mind that this powder does not contain any added sugar (a quick-absorbing energy source) and only 5 grams of carbohydrates, so if you are looking to rehydrate faster and replenish energy stores, try mixing it into juice or another drink with carbohydrates, or pairing it with a carbohydrate source.
• It only comes in one flavor, which has a strong lime flavor that we found to be slightly overpowering, but it was not overly salty or sweet. It does dissolve quickly in water, but we noticed some residue on the bottom of the glass.
  

Who It's For

Competitive athletes or those looking for a third-party tested product with higher amounts of sodium. The flavor of this product is definitely geared towards those like citrus, particularly lime.

Best with Antioxidants

Kaged Hydra Charge

View On Amazon $35 View On Kaged.com View On Vitamin Shoppe

Our Ratings

• Nutrition
  4.5/5
• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  4.8/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs:

Form: Powder | Electrolytes Included: Sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium | Sodium: 115 mg | Carbohydrates: 1 g/serving | Third-Party Tested: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.73

Why We Recommend It

If you are looking for an everyday electrolyte supplement with an antioxidant boost, try Kaged Hydra Charge. It contains just 5 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates and a low to moderate amount of sodium at 115 milligrams, which makes it suitable to use in a variety of settings—including as a water flavoring outside of rigorous activity. If using it as an exercise supplement, you may need to supplement with additional sodium and carbohydrates, depending on how hard you're exercising and sweating.

In addition to sodium, it contains small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium and an antioxidant blend of a variety of different fruit, vegetable and herbal concentrates and extracts. Similar to Thorne Catalyte powder, it contains taurine, which can help aid in fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, and potentially enhance exercise performance and muscle recovery—though the jury is still out on these questions.

We tested the Pink Lemonade flavor, which ranked 5/5 for flavor with its bright and refreshing taste: It provided a balance of salty and sweet that left us feeling hydrated and wanting more. It dissolved quickly and almost completely in water, with only a few small particles left at the bottom of the glass.

Things to Consider

• It contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener. While safe to consume, research is mixed on the potential long-term side effects of artificial sweeteners. Some studies show that when consumed in excess, artificial sweeteners may lead to increased sugar cravings, and could potentially have negative effects on the gut microbiome.
• This product is not intended to replenish energy stores and rehydrate after more intense workouts or settings of excess fluid loss, as a single serving contains just 1 gram of carbohydrates and 115 milligrams of sodium.

Who It's For

With just five calories a serving, Kaged Hydra Charge is a tasty water enhancer for everyday use. It'll boost your electrolyte intake and provide plant-based antioxidants, all without added sugars.