Sweating it out during a workout or feeling beat by the heat? Reaching for an electrolyte powder might be just what you need. These convenient supplements replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, helping combat fatigue, muscle cramps, and dehydration. But with a dizzying array of options on the market, choosing the right one can feel like a challenge. Dive deeper and discover the top contenders in the world of electrolyte powders formulated to suit various needs and preferences. From sugar-free and vegan options to those packed with additional vitamins and antioxidants, we’ll help you find the perfect electrolyte powder to keep you hydrated and performing at your peak.
It’s important to know that electrolyte powders aren’t just for consumption during exercise but also post-workout. A study linked those who drink water containing electrolytes to being less likely to develop muscle cramps after working out. That’s a big deal to marathoners. Muscle cramps affect approximately 39 percent of runners and 60 percent of bicyclists. Basically, any time you’re losing water from your body, it’s important to rehydrate. And if you need to hydrate fast, electrolytes can help you do that. So, whether you are an avid exerciser or you’re feverish, sweat a lot, fly on a plane, spend time outdoors or experience a hangover, you may benefit from replenishment. Keep reading for the five best electrolyte powders that are most recommended by our 10 sources. Drop any suggestions in the comments below!
The List: Best Electrolyte Powders, According to Experts
1. Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix
Treeline Review throws down the gauntlet, declaring Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix the “ultimate choice” and their pick for “Best Overall” and “Budget Pick.” This electrolyte powder punches above its weight class, ticking all the right boxes without burning a hole in your wallet. Reviewers rave about its affordability, ease of mixing into beverages, and inclusion of all the essential electrolytes to keep you hydrated. Plus, it comes in convenient single-serving packets, perfect for tossing in your gym bag or backpack.
For those with a sweet tooth, Golf Digest sings the praises of Ultima’s lemonade flavor. They describe it as “refreshing” even after enduring a day under the sun, with a sweetness akin to a “sorbet dessert with a touch of salt.” Some reviewers mentioned a bit of sediment after mixing, but it doesn’t seem to affect the overall taste or texture. So, if you’re looking for a delicious, effective, and affordable electrolyte powder, Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix is a strong contender to consider.
2. Key Nutrients Electrolyte Recovery Plus
Watching your wallet but still want a top-notch electrolyte powder? Look no further than Key Nutrients, Good Housekeeping‘s pick for a budget-friendly option. It checks off everything you could want: zero carbs, zero sugar, and all the key electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) to keep you properly hydrated. Testers for Good Housekeeping also found it easy to drink and not overpoweringly sweet or salty – a plus for those with sensitive palates.
But Key Nutrients goes beyond just basic hydration. As Forbes points out, this powder boasts a whopping 12 vitamins and minerals, essentially transforming it into a multivitamin in powdered form. So, with each sip, you’re not only replenishing lost electrolytes, but also giving your body a boost of essential nutrients. This makes Key Nutrients a compelling choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a convenient and affordable way to support their overall well-being.
3. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Sometimes water just doesn’t cut it, especially after an intense workout or a long day under the summer sun. That’s where Liquid I.V. steps in, promising rapid rehydration and a powerful electrolyte punch. Greenbelly says each stick pack is like gulping down two or three bottles of water, but with triple the electrolytes of your average sports drink.
They’ve packed their formula with B vitamins, providing a natural energy boost without the jitters often associated with caffeine. Plus, Greenbelly finds the flavor to be a delightful balance of sweet and salty, thanks to the inclusion of extra salt.
Liquid I.V.’s commitment to social good is another reason to love this brand. Rolling Stone says that with every purchase you make, they donate a serving to someone in need. So, by replenishing your own electrolytes, you’re also helping to keep others hydrated. Liquid I.V. proves that staying healthy and giving back can go hand-in-hand.
4. XWERKS Motion
Hitting a plateau in your workouts? SI.com suggests Xwerks Motion as a potential game-changer. This powder boasts a unique formula designed to elevate the performance of athletes at all levels. The secret weapon? Cluster dextrin carbohydrates. Unlike your typical carbs, cluster dextrin is a specialized sports nutrition ingredient scientifically shown to improve overall carbohydrate energy. This translates to more power and stamina to push yourself further during your training sessions.
But Xwerks Motion doesn’t stop there. They’ve also included branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) – the holy grail for muscle recovery. These essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, help repair and rebuild muscle tissue after a tough workout, making Xwerks Motion the ultimate recovery drink, according to SI.com.
Swimmers, take note! ACTIVE points out another benefit of Xwerks Motion’s unique cluster dextrin. Studies suggest it can lower exercise stress and delay fatigue, allowing you to conquer those longer swims and dominate the lane. So, if you’re looking to optimize your workouts, enhance recovery, and potentially shave some time off your personal bests, Xwerks Motion is definitely worth a try.
5. Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix
Sweat it out during intense workouts? Verywell Fit gives Skratch Labs Drink Mixes a thumbs up for their balanced electrolyte profile, specifically designed to mirror what you lose through sweat. Each scoop delivers key ingredients like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to keep you properly hydrated and stave off fatigue.
To give you that extra push during long endurance events, they’ve added 21 grams of carbohydrates. These complex sugars provide sustained energy and help your body retain fluids, allowing for faster rehydration.
ActionHub appreciates the science-backed formula that mimics your body’s natural sweat composition. This optimal blend ensures rapid rehydration and maximum nutrient absorption. Plus, Skratch Labs ditches the artificial flavors and colors, opting for real fruit for a naturally refreshing taste that won’t leave you feeling like you’re guzzling down sugar syrup. So, next time you hit the gym or pound the pavement, consider Skratch Labs Sports Hydration Mix to keep you performing at your peak.
Sources:
- Treeline Review
- GolfDigest
- Good Housekeeping
- Forbes
- Greenbelly
- RollingStone
- SI.com
- ACTIVE
- Verywell Fit
- ActionHub
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.