As a sports dietitian and certified athletic trainer, I’m frequently asked about electrolyte drinks I recommend. While most sports drink choices are marketed to “hydrate” and offer “electrolytes,” they all contain different doses of various ingredients. In general, dietitian and exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, advises looking for options that contain a higher amount of sodium compared to other ingredients, as sodium is the most abundant electrolyte lost when you sweat. I was part of a team that tested over 35 popular electrolyte drinks—these are the top 14 options that I stand by as a sports dietitian.
Top Picks
Editor's Note
Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology.
Always consult a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure it is suitable for your individual needs and to determine the appropriate dosage.
The Verywell Fit Team Tests the Best Electrolyte Drinks
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What Are Electrolyte Drinks?
Electrolyte drinks contain electrolytes, which are a group of micronutrients that the body relies on for several important functions, including maintaining muscle and nerve health, as well as regulating fluid and acid-base balance.
These drinks can be found in various forms and formulations, including powdered varieties, ready-to-drink beverages, dissolvable tablets, and concentrated drops.
Mohr notes that sodium, magnesium, and potassium are the three main electrolytes to look for in an electrolyte drink, adding that sodium is the most abundant electrolyte lost through sweating.
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Who Should Use Electrolyte Drinks?
A variety of factors can impact the levels of electrolytes in your body, most notably exercise and other physical activity. Sweat losses contribute significantly to a reduction in electrolyte levels; therefore, individuals with high sweat rates or those who exercise frequently should pay particular attention to replenishing their electrolytes.
Mohr adds that not everyone needs electrolyte drinks, but they can be especially beneficial for those who exercise in a hot, humid environment.
Electrolyte drinks can also be helpful during illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
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What to Look For
- Regulation and Testing: Many electrolyte products are marketed as dietary supplements and receive only minimal oversight from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means consumers must review labels and choose products carefully. If the product has a “Nutrition Facts” label, then it is recognized by the FDA as a food or drink. If the product has a "Supplement Facts” label, it’s not subject to the same strict process to ensure purity, dosage, or label accuracy. Athletes may want to seek out the additional assurance of third-party testing from organizations like NSF or Informed Sport, which conduct independent testing on products and provide a seal of approval to verify that it’s free of banned substances.
- Key Ingredients: Professional triathlete and board-certified specialist in sports nutrition, Kim Schwabenbauer, PhD, RD, CSSD, recommends choosing a drink that contains at least 150 milligrams of sodium and 60 milligrams of potassium per 8 ounces to replace two key electrolytes lost in sweat. Carbohydrates can offer a form of easily digestible calories for energy to help fuel workouts, and they can actually enhance the absorption of electrolytes. She notes that additional carbs are only necessary if you’re working out at a high intensity for over an hour, suggesting that 30 grams of carbohydrates per hour is a good starting point.
- Additives, Vitamins, and Caffeine: Many products contain sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit, flavorings, and colorings, and some may also include additional vitamins and minerals, as well as stimulants like caffeine. Schwabenbauer recommends aiming for an electrolyte drink without artificial sweeteners or preservatives to help prevent gastrointestinal issues and food sensitivities. Be mindful of the ingredients in the electrolyte option you select to ensure it works best for your needs. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure whether an electrolyte product is suitable for you.
Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydration also contains 100% Daily Value of vitamin C per serving. Verywell Fit
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How We Tested
Our testing team put extensive time and effort into being transparent about the electrolyte products we tested. We conducted our research, examined 21 evidence-based studies, analyzed over 250 ingredients, and consulted with three qualified nutrition experts to help us properly evaluate every product we tried. To find the best electrolyte drinks, we tested over 35 options at home and in our Lab, preparing and serving them as directed by the manufacturer. When testing electrolyte drinks, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.
- Flavor: We taste each product, noting how accurately it matches the advertised flavor. We also note the potency and sweet or salty qualities. Is the flavor overly strong? Can the flavor be masked by other drinks? Does the flavor impact our enjoyment during our workouts?
- Texture: We review each product's texture, noting whether it’s smooth, clumpy, grainy, separated, or otherwise hard to work with. For electrolyte drops and powders, we pay attention to how long it takes to dissolve, how much stirring is required, and whether any product remains at the bottom of the glass. Does it dissolve quickly? Does it require rigorous stirring? Does it have a generally pleasant texture?
- Aftertaste: We assess each product for an aftertaste, noting how long it lingers and whether we had to eat or drink something afterward to mask it. Is the aftertaste barely noticeable or pleasant? Is the aftertaste unpleasant? Does the aftertaste go away on its own?
- Smell: We assess the aroma of each product upon opening it. Is it salty, sweet, or chemical-smelling? We note whether the smell is consistent with the flavor listed on the packaging and if the smell affects its taste when we drink it.
- Nutrition: Our nutrition editors carefully analyze each electrolyte product based on its ingredient quality and rate it according to its intended use, whether for daily routine or more rigorous physical activity. We also consider whether the product has undergone independent verification, third-party testing, and associated certifications.
- Value: We wait to check each product’s price until all other key categories have been evaluated. We only select products whose quality exceeds their value and that we’d readily recommend to friends and family.
Thoroughly Vetted and Reviewed
Electrolyte Drinks & Powders Tested
Ingredients Analyzed
Scientific Studies Reviewed
Compare Top Picks
 Best Electrolyte Drink Overall Hydrant Hydration Drink Mix | Best Electrolyte Drink Overall Hydrant Hydration Drink Mix | Amazon | $45 | Sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc | 260 milligrams/serving | 5 grams/serving | 4 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
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 Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink Thorne Research Catalyte | Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink Thorne Research Catalyte | Amazon | $32 | Sodium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, zinc, calcium | 485 milligrams | 5 grams/serving | > 1 gram/serving | Yes | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Electrolyte Drink for Everyday Use Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder | Best Electrolyte Drink for Everyday Use Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder | Amazon | $50 | Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, zinc | 55 milligrams/serving | 0 grams/serving | 0 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink DripDrop Electrolyte Powder Packets | Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink DripDrop Electrolyte Powder Packets | Amazon | $33 | Sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc | 330 milligrams/serving | 9 grams/serving | 7 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Electrolyte Drink for Athletes Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate Electrolyte Powder | Best Electrolyte Drink for Athletes Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate Electrolyte Powder | Amazon | $30 | Sodium, magnesium, potassium, chloride | 250 milligrams | 7 grams/serving | 4 grams/serving | Yes | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Unflavored Electrolyte Drink Buoy Electrolyte Drops | Best Unflavored Electrolyte Drink Buoy Electrolyte Drops | Amazon | $39 | Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium | 50 milligrams/serving | 0 grams/serving | 0 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Sparkling Electrolyte Drink LMNT Sparkling Electrolyte Water | Best Sparkling Electrolyte Drink LMNT Sparkling Electrolyte Water | Amazon | $33 | Sodium, potassium, magnesium | 1,000 milligrams | 1 gram/serving | 0 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Caffeinated Electrolyte Drink Tailwind Nutrition Caffeinated Endurance Fuel | Best Caffeinated Electrolyte Drink Tailwind Nutrition Caffeinated Endurance Fuel | Amazon | $40 | Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium | 310 milligrams/serving | 25 grams/serving | 25 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Electrolyte Drink With Antioxidants Kaged Hydra Charge | Best Electrolyte Drink With Antioxidants Kaged Hydra Charge | Amazon | $35 | Sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium | 105 milligrams | 1 gram/serving | 0 grams/serving | Yes | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Electrolyte Drink With Carbohydrates Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix | Best Electrolyte Drink With Carbohydrates Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix | Amazon | $22 | Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium | 400 milligrams/serving | 19 grams/serving | 19 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Electrolyte Drink for Heavy Sweaters REDMOND Hydration Electrolyte Mix | Best Electrolyte Drink for Heavy Sweaters REDMOND Hydration Electrolyte Mix | Amazon | $45 | Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium | 810 milligrams | 0 grams/serving | 0 grams/serving | Yes | Full Review | ||||||
 Electrolyte Drink With the Best Texture Vega Sport | Electrolyte Drink With the Best Texture Vega Sport | Amazon | $19 | Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium | 250 milligrams | 2 grams/serving | 0 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Electrolyte Drink for Travel Body Armor Flash IV Electrolyte Packets | Best Electrolyte Drink for Travel Body Armor Flash IV Electrolyte Packets | Amazon | $25 | Sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, zinc | 500 milligrams/serving | 1 gram/serving | 0 grams/serving | No | Full Review | ||||||
 Best Electrolyte Drink for Crampers Gatorlyte Rapid Hydration Electrolyte Powder | Best Electrolyte Drink for Crampers Gatorlyte Rapid Hydration Electrolyte Powder | Amazon | $17 | Sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium | 420 milligrams/serving | 12 grams/serving | 10 grams/serving | No | Full Review |
