Hi, I’m Amber!
I'm a Doctor focused on Urology with a passion for nutrition and healthy lifestyles. After years of schooling, I'm committed to cut through fancy marketing and find an electrolyte powder that actually works!
I went on a journey to find the best electrolytes powder in the market for my family. I applied a methodological approach and found the product that wins on the most important factors: taste, health benefits, ingredients and price.
Sometimes supplement brands are not very transparent and the most important information is hard to find. Read on to see how I scored the products I tried, discover the details behind each score and learn from how I found these hidden nuances — so you don't have to!
In a perfect world, we'd all be getting the electrolytes and hydration our body needs to function well and for us to live our best healthy lives. However, for some — like me! — life gets crazy sometimes and this becomes mission impossible; for others — like my husband! — let's just say plain water is not their drink of choice and they avoid it whenever they can (often substituting for unhealthy beverages).
Studies show over 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Electrolyte powders were created to help us absorb the water we drink more effectively and replenish the essential nutrients lost during our busy lives. Contrary to popular belief, electrolyte supplements are not just meant for athletes. Instead, they are something most people should be taking daily to feel their best.
Firstly, I wanted to make sure I tested all of the leading electrolytes powders out there, but I also wanted to be fair in my process, so I used the criteria below:
I purchased and carefully tested 11 products (in the picture above) that passed this test and would then go through the process below:
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Firstly, I wanted to make sure I tested all of the leading electrolytes powders out there, but I also wanted to be fair in my process, so I used the criteria below:
I purchased and carefully tested 11 products (in the picture above) that passed this test and would then go through the process below:
Ingredients
Health Benefits
Taste
Price
Texture
Ease to Make
I wanted my electrolytes powder to have the right ingredients from the best sources. My goal was to start thinking about health in a more preventive (vs reactive way). I didn't want to take something because of fancy marketing, but make sure I was getting what my body needs.
However, the best electrolytes powder is the one you'll actually take everyday, and if it doesn't taste good, the likelihood of that happening decreases. At least I knew I wouldn't stand a chance with my husband. Taste is a crucial factor!
I also wanted to make sure the powder was easy to make and I was comparing prices in the most effective way possible (per serving).
So, here are the nitty gritty conclusions I made during my experiment and I’ll give more information on the electrolytes powder I ended up choosing. Dive in and feel free to leave any comments of your own if you’ve tried any of these brands!
There's a lot of BS surrounding electrolytes & hydration powder so it’s hard to cut through the noise. I spent hours researching and speaking with nutrition specialists & doctors to determine what actually matters. I'll share what I learned below and hopefully this helps you too!
Let’s start with what electrolytes are and why your body needs them.
Electrolytes are essential minerals—including sodium, magnesium, and potassium—that carry an electric charge and are vital to many key functions of the body. Some of these functions include balancing fluids (hydration), muscle contractions (cramps), nutrient conversion (energy) and nerve response (focus & mood). Your body loses valuable electrolytes through a variety of daily activities including exercise, sleep, caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
What about hydration powder? Well, hydration powder -- of which Electrolytes are the primary ingredient -- is described by WebMD as a “dietary supplement that helps the body absorb water more efficiently than water alone. The nutrient combination in hydration powder is formulated to relieve symptoms of dehydration.”
According to the National Library of Medicine, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. To combat this epidemic, hydration powders started being endorsed by multiple doctors and nutritionists as compliments to a quality diet.
Kirsten Screen, a registered dietitian and certified dietitian nutrition coach, has high regard for electrolytes stating, ”In other words, hydration powders are an immediate gap-stop for vital functions that are put under constant demand in normal daily function—and under extra pressure when we’re active.”
★ Overall Rating
My ABSOLUTE favorite! Nectar Essential Daily Hydration checked all of my boxes: ️
(1) Ingredients and Health Benefits: Nectar’s research backed formula, organic ingredients and health profile are what make this product really special. Nectar is the only hydration powder we tested that is made with organic fruit and has no artificial ingredients. The product is sugar free, zero calorie and actually good for you. Finally, Nectar’s formula includes a number of electrolytes not found in many of the other products we tested.
(2) Taste: Nectar actually tastes really good. It's fresh, refreshing and it dissolves really well in water. We tried all six flavors and it was the only hydration powder that wasn’t overpowering and that we could stand drinking throughout the entire day.
(3) Price: Shockingly - even with the highest quality ingredient profile - Nectar was the best value of all hydration powders we tested. At under $1.00 per serving, it was significantly cheaper than other major brands including Liquid IV, Drip Drop and LMNT.
★ What I love ️
OK, did I say already how good this actually tastes? It was by far the best tasting product I tried. I would even categorize five of the six flavors as delicious (I’m not a fan of orange generally). The freshness of the organic fruit comes across in its taste and smell. Taste wasn't as much of a priority for me (as ingredients and health benefits were) but if you're seriously considering making a habit out of it, this has to be a pleasant drink. So, for those who want to think of their health in a more preventive (vs reactive) way and have optimal hydration levels, Nectar is what I recommend after my research and tasting journey. I felt really great after drinking it daily for 30 days: more energized, focused, and ready for my day!
★ What could be better
We didn’t have any major items Nectar could improve on. Ideally, we’d like to see a couple more flavors introduced over the next year (since we’re drinking it daily). Also, this product only sells online and it can run out quickly. As of now, the product is currently available on Amazon and the Nectar website!
★ Description
Our lives are more dehydrating than ever. That's why we created Nectar - a clean rapid hydration mix designed to be taken daily. Made with no sugar, fillers, or artificial ingredients, Nectar provides the perfect balance of electrolytes to boost the absorption of your water. With hydration checked off your to-do list, you'll have more energy to focus on the important things in life.
★ Ingredients
Nectar is made with only 7 ingredients and is Sugar Free & Zero calorie. It is the only electrolyte powder we tested that does not contain “Natural” flavors (where brands hide ingredients that are unhealthy under a blanket term). Additionally, it is the only electrolyte powder that is designed for daily use. This was very important for us as dehydration is a constant battle and an effective hydration powder should be used daily in order to maintain optimal hydration levels.
One aspect of Nectar that stood out is that the product has a healthy 100mg of Sodium as opposed to competitors who pack their products with 500mg+ of salt. Unless you are an endurance athlete or severely (in the hospital) dehydrated, adding 500mg of salt to your daily routine is incredibly unhealthy and dangerous for your heart.
Nectar is also one of the only electrolyte powders that contains calcium - an electrolyte that his involved in skeletal mineralization, contraction of muscles, the transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and secretion of hormones. In order for an hydration powder to be most effective, it must contain as many of the electrolytes as possible (Nectar contains 6 of the 7).
Finally, Nectar contains significantly more potassium - an essential electrolyte that helps the body maintain normal levels of fluid inside our cells - than other competitors we tried. Potassium also helps muscles to contract and supports normal blood pressure.
★ What I love ️
Cure Hydration has a decent taste and uses organic "flavor" (we don't like that it's "flavor" and not actual fruit). Additionally, the product has a number of different unique flavors. At the time of testing the product, Cure used Organic Coconut Water powder but has since switched to cheaper Non-Organic Coconut Water powder.
★ What could be better
We were very excited when we tried Cure because of all the claims by the company that it was a healthier option than the alternatives. But, we we're disappointed with much of what we found. The product is priced very high and is difficult to drink daily (due to the taste). Additionally, Cure is missing important electrolytes including Calcium and Magnesium. For the price, were expecting a more complete nutrition profile as well as premium ingredients.
★ Description
Based on the World Health Organization's gold standard of rehydration, known as Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), each packet contains electrolytes and glucose to facilitate hydration. Cure's plant-based formula has no added sugars, just natural fruit flavors you'll love to drink.
★ What I love ️
Dr. Berg is a major influencer who has a number of different health products on the market. As such, we had very high expectations for this product. It has a great nutrition profile that contains 5 of 7 electrolytes. Additionally, the product only contains 40mg of salt (which is low - but healthier than 500mg+ competitors). The product also has a wide variety of flavors.
★ What could be better
Given the product is backed by Dr. Berg, we were very surprised to see how low quality the ingredients used were. On the electrolyte side, the product includes the cheapest molecule form of electrolytes - lactate. On the flavor side, the product includes no organic ingredients and "flavor." Given Dr. Berg's popularity & knowledge, we assumed this product would have the highest quality ingredients possible. I can only assume it is a 3rd party who comes up with is products and he just signs off on them.
★ Description
Replenish your electrolytes with Dr. Berg Electrolyte Powder Raspberry & Lemon Flavor. This high-quality electrolyte powder is easy to dissolve and perfect for workouts. Each serving is loaded with 1000 mg of potassium. Electrolyte Powder Raspberry & Lemon is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee!
★ What I love ️
LMNT has exploded fueled by a seemingly endless marketing budget. The product has zero sugar and contains high quality forms of sodium, magnesium and potassium. If you're an endurance athlete (meaning you're participating in incredibly strenuous activity daily), LMNT is an amazing product for you.
★ What could be better
LMNT was originally developed for endurance athletes. They've since tried to expand their market by targeting health conscious consumers. But, there is no way around it, 1,000mg of extra salt a day is simply dangerous for your health. There are endless studies showing that too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Americans eat on average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day and the FDA recommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300mg per day. Adding 1,000mg of salt per day on top of normal intake is dangerous - regardless of how much fancy marketing you see.
★ Description
LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't. LMNT is perfect for anyone interested in a keto, low-carb or intermittent fasting lifestyle, and a gluten-free diet. Our electrolyte supplement fights against the low-carb fatigue and keto fog to keep energy levels high
★ What I love ️
Nuun is everywhere in the running community. The product comes in small, dissolvable tablets that are easy to toss into a water bottle on the go. If you're running a marathon (where Nuun mostly advertises) the product isa great choice! It's also a good choice if you want slight carbonation.
★ What could be better
Nuun was originally developed for endurance athletes. They've since tried to expand their market by targeting health conscious consumers. This means that the nutrition profile is not designed for daily use. The product contains no calcium and also has very low potassium content. If you're looking for a daily hydration supplement (and are not a marathon runner), there are much better options out there for you.
★ Description
Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets and powders are proactive hydration solutions with clean ingredients† that hydrate better than water alone to keep you muuving!
★ What I love ️
Ultima is one of the original electrolyte powders. I like that the product has so many flavor options (11 total) and is fairly priced. Ultima has a decent nutrition profile that contains 5 of 7 electrolytes. Additionally, the product only contains 55mg of salt (which is low - but healthier than 500mg+ competitors).
★ What could be better
As one of the more affordable electrolyte power options, it's no surprise Ultima uses very low quality ingredients (both the flavorants and molecule forms of the electrolytes). Potassium Phosphate & Aspartate as well as Calcium Ascorbate have a much lower absorption rate than the Citrate form of the molecules. Taste-wise, it's very clear Ultima is using cheap ingredients. The product has a strong artificial taste (we assume this is because the "other natural flavors" on the ingredient list).
★ Description
Your daily hydrating drink mix and water enhancer without the sugar, carbs, and calories. Naturally sweetened electrolyte drink powder with organic stevia leaf and infused with real fruit flavor extracts that will truly quench your thirst.
★ What I love ️
Redmond is a major salt company that came out with an electrolyte powder a couple of years ago. We like that product uses the highest quality form of salt that contains trace minerals (similar to Himalayan pink salt). We also liked that the product has 6 different flavors and sells bulk tubs (though they are higher-priced).
★ What could be better
Redmond Re-Lyte was developed for athletes. The product has very high levels of sodium (810mg) and potassium (400mg) which is only healthy if you're involved in daily strenuous activity. Additionally, we just couldn't get past the taste of the product. Between the "natural flavors" and coconut water powder - Re-Lyte was one of the harder products to drink. Finally, we had a very difficult time fully dissolving the product (even using a milk frother).
★ Description
We developed Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration with a team of fitness experts determined to create an effective, refreshing hydration mix you can feel good about drinking daily. Designed to support any and every lifestyle, this sugar-free blend of Redmond Real Salt and essential electrolytes contains everything you need to hydrate better, so you feel better.
★ What I love ️
Liquid IV sugar free was released after Liquid IV got tons of bad press about the level of sugar in its products. We liked that the product is lower calorie and has a lighter taste than the original version of Liquid IV. We also like that there is a 30 day money-back guarantee for the product on Liquid IV's website.
★ What could be better
Liquid IV sugar free replaced sugar with allulose which is not allowed to be sold in Europe because of the lack of research around the ingredient. I personally believe normal Liquid IV is incredibly unhealthy due to the high amount of sugar in the product. But, if you are forced to stick with Liquid IV, I would recommend the normal version of the product (even with its unhealthy amount of sugar) over the new sugar free version packed with an unstudied, potentially dangerous ingredient. Aside from the use of Allulose, we did not like that the product contains 500mg of salt (much too much for the average adult) and low quality ingredients. The product is also one of the most expensive we tasted.
★ Description
Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free is a great-tasting, Non-GMO electrolyte drink mix powered by a proprietary Amino Acid Allulose Blend to hydrate better than water alone with 0 sugar and 0 artificial sweeteners. 1 stick contains 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink with 8 vitamins and nutrients for faster hydration and everyday wellness. It’s the smart 0 sugar hydration solution
★ What I love ️
BioSteel is new to the market and backed by Quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The product has a strong nutrition profile including 5 of 7 electrolytes. Additionally, BioSteel also contains a number of other vitamins and minerals.
★ What could be better
It feels like BioSteel packed as many ingredients as it could into the product without any thought around proper levels. For example, the product contains 5mg of magnesium - less than 1% of the daily recommended value. Of the 11 products we tested, this was also the most artificial tasting one (which makes sense given flavors like "ice pop"). We wish the product had higher quality ingredients and dissolved better.
★ Description
BioSteel's mission is to create the healthiest and most trusted sports hydration products on the planet. Whether you're a pro-athlete, the next generation of athletes, a weekend warrior or just living your everyday life, BioSteel is the better for you hydration option. The best kept secret in sports is no longer a secret.
★ What I love ️
Waterboy is all over the market due to its celebrity founders. The product is designed for hangovers (it works if you're very, very hung over) and is described as a "weekend recovery" formula. We like that it is vegan and gluten free and has no added sugar.
★ What could be better
To start, Waterboy is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. They market the product as having 3x the electrolytes as competitors - but this is just packing the product with an insane amount of sodium. There is no way around it, 1,130mg of extra salt a day is simply dangerous for your health. There are endless studies showing that too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Americans eat on average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day and the FDA recommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300mg per day. Adding 1,130mg of salt per day on top of normal intake is dangerous - regardless of how much fancy marketing you see.
★ Description
Most electrolyte mixes and electrolyte drinks on the market are made for kids, general hydration or sports or and are LOADED with sugar. Waterboy weekend recovery is made specifically to help adults. Waterboy includes L-theanine, ginger and vitamins to help you bounce back faster
★ What I love ️
Following Liquid IV's lead, Drip Drop released a sugar free version of their product after backlash from consumers. The new sugar free version of Drip Drop is a step up from the original product due to the lower calories. We also liked the levels of sodium and magnesium found in the product.
★ What could be better
Drip Drop replaced sugar with Maltodextrin and Sucralose - two ingredients arguably much worse than sugar (even if they are lower calorie). Drip Drop sugar free is a decent product, but the extremely high price (almost 2x the price per serving than my first choice, Nectar) makes it hard to justify buying. If the product included higher quality ingredients (organic & the most absorbable forms of the electrolytes), this would be ranked higher. Important Note: We did not include normal Drip Drop in our rankings due to the unhealthy level of sugar found in the product.
★ Description
DripDrop’s formula uses ORS science to activate a hydration shortcut known as the sodium-glucose cotransport system. Accelerating fluid absorption into the bloodstream 2-3x so you can feel better faster. And, unlike most electrolyte drink mixes, it tastes amazing
★ What I love ️
Liquid IV is the original hydration powder. But, given the dangerously high levels of sugar found in the product and slue of better products out there, we can not recommend this product.
★ What could be better
Liquid IV is absolutely packed with sugar. The best way I can describe it - imagine taking a can of soda and pouring in 500mg of salt - that concoction would have the same nutrition profile as a stick of Liquid IV. The FDA recommends adults have less than 22g of sugar daily - one stick of Liquid IV has over half the recommended daily sugar intake. The "CTT" technology Liquid IV advertises does make sense scientifically - but was developed by the World Health Organization for children dying of malnourishment in third-world countries. Americans already have too much sugar and sodium in their diet. Simply put, CTT is incredibly unhealthy for Americans to utilize on a daily basis. If you are extremely, extremely hungover or running a marathon, Liquid IV would be a good choice. Otherwise, consuming Liquid IV is bad for your health.
★ Description
Hydration Multiplier is a great-tasting, Non-GMO electrolyte drink mix powered by Cellular Transport Technology (CTT)®️ to hydrate faster and more efficiently than water alone. 1 stick contains 3x the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks with 5 essential vitamins.
★ What I love ️
Pedialyte is the original hydration product for sick children. It has been around for 20 years now and is a great solution when someone is sick and needs to rehydrate. The product has many flavors and recently released a sugar free version.
★ What could be better
Pedialyte is absolutely packed with sugar. The best way I can describe it - imagine taking a can of soda and pouring in 500mg of salt - that concoction would have the same nutrition profile as a stick of Pedialyte. The FDA recommends adults have less than 22g of sugar daily - one bottle of Pedialyte has over half the recommended daily sugar intake. Americans already have too much sugar and sodium in their diet. Simply put, Pedialyte is incredibly unhealthy for Americans to utilize on a daily basis. If you are extremely, extremely hungover or running a marathon, Pedialyte would be a good choice. Otherwise, consuming Pedialyte is bad for your health.
★ Description
Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus liters are a great way to rehydrate quickly and replace lost fluids and electrolytes to feel better fast.
★ What I love ️
I like the price. This product is definitely on the cheaper end of the spectrum. They still have some of the important electrolytes, and all the important certifications, and no added sugars. I also appreciate the fact that Key Nutrients electrolytes can be found not only online, but also in brick and mortar stores across the country.
★ What could be better
Every time I notice a cheaper electrolytes powder, I wonder why it is lower than the average. In this case, first of all, the ingredients are very low quality (both the flavorants and molecule forms of the electrolytes). Taste-wise, it's very clear they're using cheap ingredients. The product has a strong artificial taste and both my husband and I really had to choke down each serving.
★ Description
Key Nutrients’ Electrolyte Powder is the perfect hydration supplement for all. Suitable for all ages and diets, everyone can enjoy our caffeine-free drink mix. Free from artificial colors and sweeteners, give your immune system the extra boost to fight off illness, fatigue and hangovers!
★ What I love ️
I like the price. This product is definitely on the cheaper end of the spectrum (though they seem to be increasing it). They still have some of the important electrolytes, and all the important certifications, and no added sugars. I also appreciate the fact that Venture Pal electrolytes can be found not only online, but also in brick and mortar stores across the country.
★ What could be better
Every time I notice a cheaper electrolytes powder, I wonder why it is lower than the average. In this case, first of all, the ingredients are very low quality (both the flavorants and molecule forms of the electrolytes). Taste-wise, it's very clear they're using cheap ingredients. The product has a strong artificial taste and both my husband and I really had to choke down each serving.
★ Description
Your body deserves the very best, and we are committed to delivering just that! Our Hydration Boost is infused with 7 essential electrolytes, with each stick containing an impressive 2784mg, ensuring hydration that is 3 times faster than water alone. Crafted with 0 sugar and enriched with 5 essential vitamins, as well as real fruit ingredients for a refreshing taste, this product comes in a convenient single-serving, travel-friendly package, making it the perfect hydration companion.
So to recap, I was looking for an electrolytes powder because life gets crazy sometimes and I wanted to make sure I did my best to stay optimally hydrated. To be honest, I didn't go into this thinking I'd fall in love with any of them, let alone start a subscription and create a new morning ritual.
Nectar Essential Daily Hydration checked all of my boxes. It has a wide range of high quality nutritious ingredients with multiple health benefits, from energy to focus to recovery, it actually tastes delicious (light and refreshing) and has the best price.
Their ingredient list is as transparent as it can be, front and centered on their site and packaging. The product contains 5 out of 7 essential electrolytes that our body needs to function in the best way possible and is flavored with organic ingredients. Nectar also checks the box for all the main allergies with a nut, gluten, dairy, caffeine and sugar-free product.
Overall I'm thrilled that I found a electrolytes powder that is healthy and tastes good. I hope you found this review helpful and that you also find your daily electrolytes powder that can help make sure you're getting what you need every day!
