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Best Electrolyte Supplements Of 2024
Add hydration, endurance, & recovery support to your workout with a quality electrolyte powder.
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Electrolytes can electrify your workout — literally. These essential minerals send electrical charges throughout your body, helping to regulate energy levels & endurance, muscle function, and healthy cognition.
Traditionally, electrolytes have been added to flavored beverages and served up as sports drinks.
In the modern era of sports nutrition, electrolyte powders are taking over as a convenient, nutrition-first way to support peak performance and form healthy hydration habits.
Keep reading to learn why electrolytes are essential for your overall health, what to look for and avoid in a high-performance blend, and finally, we'll share 5 product recommendations that are sure to keep charged and fully hydrated!
Primary Benefits of Electrolytes
Help maintain optimal hydration levels
Promote energy & endurance
Support healthy cognition
Aid in muscle recovery & tissue repair
Offer protection against everyday cramps
If your body is a circuit board, electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are the electricity conductors, transmitting important information throughout your body's "wiring."
These electrical impulses regulate fluid levels, signal tissue repair, encourage energy production, and so much more.
As you sweat, you lose electrolytes. Just as a disruption in an electrical circuit can lead to a malfunction, electrolyte imbalance can affect your ability to properly hydrate and result in muscle fatigue, making it harder to push yourself during a workout and recover effectively.
"If your body is a circuit board, electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are the electricity conductors."
Luckily, a good electrolyte powder can make it easier than ever to keep your body replenished with these vital minerals. These small, travel-friendly packets are loaded with naturally derived ingredients that support workout intensity while fighting everyday muscle cramps and soreness.
But, not all electrolyte powders are created equal.
There are seemingly endless electrolyte formulas available. When shopping, look for a blend of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride that work together while playing their own special function in your body.
Further, some formulas elevate their electrolyte blend with complementary ingredients like apple cider vinegar, vitamin C, and other antioxidants for added metabolism and immune support.
For best results, here's a shortlist of key ingredients to look for in a premium electrolyte powder.
Key Ingredients to Look for
Sodium
Sodium is a crucial electrolyte that supports proper fluid balance and muscle function in your body. It also plays a huge role in facilitating nerve signaling and communication in the brain.
When you're low on sodium, nerve communications are disrupted, which can cause brain fog, dizziness, and even headaches.
Potassium
Every muscle, including your heart, relies on potassium to expand and contract. Low potassium levels can lead to irregular heartbeat, muscle rigidity, and cramping.
Chloride
Chloride aids in fluid regulation and helps deliver oxygen to your cells. Additionally, it supports pH levels and plays a crucial role in forming stomach acid, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.
Vitamin C
Though not itself an electrolyte, vitamin C is a staple ingredient in many electrolyte blends, thanks to the supportive role it plays in collagen production, immune health, and nerve function.
It can also help reduce common oxidative stress brought on by rigorous activities like running and weight training.
What To Avoid
Artificial Sweeteners
Some brands hope to improve their formula’s taste by adding artificial sweeteners. However, some evidence suggests artificial sweeteners could work against your health goals. Avoid common ones like aspartame, acesulfame, and sucralose.
High Sugar
Your body expends additional water to process and eliminate excess sugar, counteracting the full benefits of electrolyte supplementation. Of course, more sugar also means more calories, which can undermine your workout goals if you're on a low-calorie diet.
Artificial Dyes
Artificial dyes are often used to color sports drinks, but we now know they’re unnecessary and could even cause an allergic reaction in some people. Look for a product that uses natural coloring like beta carotene or beetroot.
A quality formula is perhaps the most important consideration when it comes to electrolytes. But it's not the only thing. Here are a few bonus tips to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck!
Bonus Checklist
Stick Packs
Stick packs take the hassle out of hydration on-the-go. Unlike tubs, sticks are lightweight, portable, and contain pre-measured serving sizes (so you can leave the measuring spoons at home).
Money-Back Guarantee
You should never have to invest in a product that doesn't work for you (especially when you're buying 30-days' worth—or more!) When it comes to supplements, look for a robust return policy of at least 60 days or more.
Works With Your Diet
Many (but not all) electrolyte powders cater to various diets, including vegan, keto, low-carb diets, etc. Look for dietary seals, or at the supplement facts, to know if the product is compatible with your diet.
GMP Compliant
A Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification ensures that your electrolyte powder was manufactured safely and responsibly. GMP certification is a guarantee from trustworthy authorities that your powder is free of adulterants.
Subscription Plan
A quality electrolyte powder will make you feel so good, you won’t want to stop! With a subscription plan, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to re-order. Plus, good subscription plans come with a discount, giving you the best value.
Top 5 Electrolyte Powders of 2024
Now that you know what to look for and avoid in a quality product, it’s time to shop. Check out our list of must-have electrolyte powders of 2024!
1. Hydration
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Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 3/3 major electrolytes
- Sugar free
- Vegan, keto
- 1500 mg of ACV
- 2g carbs
- 365-day money-back guarantee
- Gives back - provides clean water to people in need with every purchase
CONS
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
Hydration contains all the major electrolytes—sodium, chloride, & potassium—in effective doses (500mg, 460mg, & 400mg, respectively) for optimal hydration. It also includes 800mg of buffered vitamin C for added muscle and immune support.
Hydration is also the first-ever electrolyte powder made with apple cider vinegar, a natural source of electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous. ACV is also known to aid energy production and support healthy metabolism.
It's also 100% sugar free, vegan, keto, and contains just 5 - 10 calories per serving. Hydration comes in 3 flavors and is available in 15- and 24-count variety packs.
This product has drawn highly positive feedback, with consumers citing flavor, zero-sugar formula, and ACV as their favorite features.
Essential Elements has also partnered with Water.org to bring clean water to communities in need. To top things off, they also offer a subscription plan & a 365-day money-back guarantee.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. Electrolyte Drink Tablets
Total Ranking
9.5/10
A
Overall Grade
PROS
- 3/3 major electrolytes - in low doses
- 15 calories
- 1g sugar
- Keto, vegan
- 120-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Low doses of major electrolytes
- Tablets aren't as convenient on the go
- Low doses of calcium and magnesium
The Bottom Line
Unlike other entries on this list, Nuun's electrolytes come in tablet form. While more convenient than a tub of powder—or a sports drink—you don't quite have the luxury of carrying around a single serving (unless you feel like stuffing a tablet in your pocket).
There's a lot to like about Nuun's formula: it has only 15 calories, 1g of sugar, and 4g of net carbs. It's also Non-GMO, vegan, and keto friendly.
However, it contains low doses of the 3 major electrolytes, clocking in with just 300 mg sodium, 150 mg potassium, and 50 mg chloride.
For what it's worth, this product contains calcium and magnesium, however in very low doses. On the plus side, Nuun offers a strong, 120-day money-back guarantee.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
3. Hydration Multiplier
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 3/3 major electrolytes - in low doses
- Non-GMO
- GMP compliant
- Vegan
- Positively reviewed
- Subscription plan
CONS
- 50 calories per serving
- Low in chloride
- 11g of sugar
- 12 grams net carbs
- Unspecified return policy
The Bottom Line
Liquid IV’s Hydration Multiplier is one of the most recognizable products of its kind on the market today, thanks in part to its association with the World Health Organization and charitable work around the globe.
With 11g of sugar, 12g of net carbs, and 50 calories, this product is workable, but not ideal for low-cal, sugar-free, or keto diets. On the plus side, it offers a healthy dose of vitamin C and energy-supporting B vitamins.
Hydration Multiplier also contains major electrolytes like sodium (500mg) and potassium (370mg). While it technically contains chloride in the form of mined salt, the exact amount isn't significant enough to be listed in the supplement facts.
Liquid I.V. does not provide a clear return policy on their website, however, you can contact customer support to learn more.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. LMNT
Total Ranking
8.7/10
B
Overall Grade
PROS
- 3/3 major electrolytes - in low doses
- 10 calories
- Sugar free
- 2g carbs
- Keto, vegan
- Anytime returns
CONS
- Low on potassium
- Chloride content unspecified
The Bottom Line
LMNT positions itself as the world's premiere keto-friendly electrolyte supplement. Low-carb, ketogenic diets shy away from electrolyte-rich foods, making it all the more important for adherents to find electrolytes elsewhere (hence LMNT's formula).
As you might expect from a keto-friendly electrolyte mix, LMNT is completely sugar free and has just 2g of carbs and 10 calories per serving.
While it contains all 3 major electrolytes, plus magnesium, it falls short on potassium, with just 200mg/serving. It also contains a whopping 1000mg of sodium, which again, may benefit the keto diet, but might be a bit much for some other folks.
It's also worth noting that, although chloride is listed in the form of potassium chloride and sodium chloride, it's unclear just how much of this electrolyte is in each serving.
On the bright side, LMNT is devoted to ensuring customer satisfaction with a zero-questions-asked, anytime return policy.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
5. DripDrop ORS
Total Ranking
7.9/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 2/3 major electrolytes
- Keto
- Subscription plan
CONS
- Lacks chloride
- 35 calories
- 9g net carbs
- 30-day return policy
- 7g of sugar
The Bottom Line
DripDrop ORS contains 2 major electrolytes, including 330 mg of sodium and 185 mg of potassium—relatively low doses. Most noticeably, this formula lacks chloride.
It is unclear whether or not DripDrop is vegan, and while it's technically keto, it contains 9g of carbs. It's also teetering on the high side in terms of calories.
ORS’ DripDrop isn’t without its merits, though. It also includes magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc for additional muscle and immune support.
However, DripDrop could have offered a stronger return policy than 30 days.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageWith Research From
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
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