The 7 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2024 (Tested and Reviewed)

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, supplementing your workouts with electrolytes and carbohydrates can provide more benefits over water alone in certain circumstances. (1) These tasty beverages can help deliver a spark to help keep your blood circulating and muscles contracting properly, often in the form of a convenient single-serving packet. Electrolyte drinks can also be useful when dealing with dehydration related to illnesses or pesky hangovers — don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

With so many formulations and flavors out there, though, it can be tough to decide on the best electrolyte drinks for your specific needs. So, we filled our cart with over 20 of top-performing electrolyte supplements and tested their prowess in replenishing our hydration levels and mineral balances. Through varied intensities and plenty of sweat, we’ve narrowed down our rankings to these top electrolyte drinks.

Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2024

• Best Electrolyte Drink Overall: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
• Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration
• Best All Natural Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free
• Best Electrolyte Drink for Runners: Onnit HYDRATech Instant
• Best Electrolyte Drink for Hangovers: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
• Best Electrolyte Drink When Sick: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

How We Tested and Chose the Best Electrolyte Drinks

The team at BarBend is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, dedicated fitness enthusiasts, and more. Working out is both work and play for us, so staying hydrated throughout our endeavors is always top priority. In determining the best electrolyte drinks, we tested over 20 products firsthand. Here are the factors we considered:

• Electrolyte Blend: Significant electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. We particularly focused on each pick’s sodium levels. Studies encourage consuming between 500 and 700 milligrams of sodium for exercise sessions lasting over one hour. (3) 
• Other Ingredients: Electrolyte drinks can also feature additional ingredients intended for supporting your workouts. For example, carbohydrates like glucose and sugar can help bolster energy levels in the throes of training, making them beneficial companions to the hydrating electrolytes. (4)
• Price Per Serving: In testing we found that most electrolyte drinks are under $2 per serving. For reference, that’s slightly more than the average price of a 20-ounce bottle of water ($1.50), all with the added benefits of included key ingredients. (5)
• Taste and Flavor Variety: There’s no sense in recommending an electrolyte drink if it doesn’t taste good, right? So, we looked at each pick’s flavor profile as much as possible, highlighting our favorites wherever relevant.
• Solubility: After mixing electrolytes with water, the product can form clumps or floaties. We mixed our products with a shaker bottle, blender, and standard water bottle to see which formules dissolved best. 
• Third-Party Testing: As with any supplement, getting a third-party seal of approval is a nice reassurance, especially when you remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA. We looked closely at each product’s certifications, noting when a pick was supported by third-party testers.

Best Electrolyte Drink Overall: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die

With single-serving packaging, naturally-sourced ingredients, and third-party certification, we’re big fans of this electrolyte drink from BUBS Naturals. Hydrate or Die packs a whopping 2,000mg of electrolytes into each dose, which can be great for replenishing vital minerals while working up a sweat. We also appreciate the added 10-gram serving of carbohydrates, which can be great for energy stores during longer training sessions. 

“BUBS Natural Hydrate or Die gets a 4 out of 5 for its formula,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “It scores high marks for its electrolyte to carbohydrate ratio, but the deductions stem from the high sodium content, as it may not be appropriate for all athletes.”

BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die is available in three flavors — Orange, Lemon, and Organic Coconut. Our tester did note, though, that there’s a definite presence of salt. “You know when you lick the sweat off your lips? It’s like that. There is orange flavor, but it’s VERY salty,” they said of the tested Orange offering, giving the flavor a 3 out of 5.

Additionally, we had no issues with Hydrate or Die’s solubility, giving the product a 5 out of 5 in this category.  After adding the serving to our shaker bottle, the powder dissolved completely after just a few shakes. 

We really enjoyed BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die for supplementing our hydration in training, but feel it may be a bit too powerful for some. The 670mg of sodium can be great for replenishing levels during intense activity, but that’s a lot of salt to ingest if you’re just performing a light workout without a lot of sweating. Iit’s recommended that you supplement your training with 500mg to 700mg of the mineral for every hour of high-intensity exercise. (3) 

Our team also gave this product a 3.5 out of 5 in the cost category. At $1.89 per serving, this is among the more expensive electrolyte supplements on this list. So, if you’re shopping on a budget, another pick may be preferable. 

Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration

Having an electrolyte drink that tastes good can make getting to your recommended levels all the more enjoyable. “I tried the Tropical Mango flavor and I absolutely love it,” one of our testers said, rating the flavor a 5 out of 5. “It’s not overly salty, nor does it taste artificial.”

Additionally, we appreciate how Gainful keeps this electrolyte drink clean with a makeup that’s free of GMOs, preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and dyes. We did not see any presence of third-party testing in our research, though, so athletes that need to be extra cautious with their supplements may want to go with an option that carries that extra stamp of approval.

Gainful’s Hydration is also one of the more customizable electrolyte drinks we’ve gotten our hands on. Outside of choosing your desired flavor — either Tropical Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, or Lemon Lime — you can also opt for a caffeinated or non-caffeinated blend for an extra jolt of energy.

You can also customize your formulation based on your sweat levels. “I definitely got a boost from this electrolyte,” our tester noted, giving the effects a 4.5 out of 5. “I definitely notice it more when I’m running and sweating, compared to a lower-intensity workout. I’m going to start adding this to my pre-workout routine before running.”

Lastly, we do recommend paying attention to your mixing regimen with this electrolyte drink. In testing, we found that the powder doesn’t dissolve fully without ample shaking, giving this category a 3 out of 5. This can leave you with residue at the bottom of your bottle that needs to be swished around with extra water for full consumption.

Best All Natural Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate

Athletes wanting an all-natural makeup for their electrolyte drink can be challenged to find a cleaner formulation than Transparent Labs’ Hydrate profile. Like the brand’s other impressive offerings for pre-workout and whey protein powder, this tasty supplement is certified by Informed Choice and contains no artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives. 

“Transparent Labs Hydrate gets a 4.25 out of 5 for its formula, with deductions stemming from the included tree nuts and proprietary blend,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. 

Our tester really enjoyed the effectiveness of this electrolyte drink, saying they felt a definite sense of hydration in both pre- and post-workout scenarios. “As a pre-workout it’s a great way to increase muscle endurance,” they added, giving the effects a 5 out of 5. “I definitely felt more hydrated.”

We liked the flavor but it’s definitely stronger than you might expect. After trying the Tropical Punch, our tester thought it tasted incredibly concentrated, giving the flavor a 3 out of 5. Even when mixed with more water, we found it difficult to dilute the taste. Luckily, we had no issues with solubility, though.

We also appreciate the more prominent 500mg serving of sodium in this electrolyte drink, which can be ideal for heavy sweaters. Sodium is the predominant electrolyte lost in sweat, so replenishing this mineral is key when it comes to defending against fluid loss.

Sadly, those looking for an ultra-convenient method of rehydration may want to look elsewhere. Unlike other electrolyte drinks in this round-up offering single-serving packaging, Transparent Labs Hydrate is only available in a tub. This is great for keeping costs per dose to just 75 cents, but it’s less beneficial when trying to keep a dose in your back pocket or gym bag for quick replenishment.

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free

If you’re looking for a sugar-free solution to keeping your body hydrated, consider this convenient profile from Liquid I.V.. The brand is one of the most trusted in the space, and this sugar-free option can provide similar hydrating qualities to its sugar-powered brethren (more on that electrolyte drink in a bit).

“Liquid IV gets a 4 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “It contains essential vitamins and electrolytes that can support your best workout and recovery. However, deductions stem from its high sodium content and added sugars.”

After testing this product, we liked the makeup of this Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier and found no issues in its effectiveness. After long, sweaty workouts, we still felt energized and quenched, which can be attributed to the impressive 510mg dose of sodium.

“I enjoyed the flavor of Liquid I.V.,” our tester said, giving the taste a 5 out of 5. “I don’t think the formula is overly sweet and it’s only a tiny touch salty. The salt really helps the flavor shine.” You do need to mix with at least 16 ounces of water, though, otherwise the flavor is too pungent. 

Additionally, you can subscribe for repeat orders of Liquid I.V., which can be convenient for keeping your supplement shelf well-stocked. Plus, Liquid I.V. offers a 23 percent discount when you subscribe, making it a great solution for athletes on a budget.

As far as taste, we had no negative comments other than that the offerings aren’t as robust as other Liquid I.V. products. Some customers have noted, though, that the included stevia leaf extract can leave an unpleasant aftertaste, so be mindful of this when deciding on which flavor to add to your cabinet.

Best Electrolyte Drink for Runners: Onnit HYDRATech Instant

Electrolyte drinks can be especially beneficial for runners thanks to their influence on blood circulation and defense against muscle cramps. (2) For these cardio-focused athletes, we recommend HYDRATech Instant from Onnit.

We like how well-rounded the electrolyte blend is with this supplement, providing suitable doses of many significant minerals such as 260mg of sodium, 260mg of potassium, 130mg of calcium, and 25mg of magnesium. 

“Onnit HydraTech INstant is a convenient hydration support product,” Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, said, giving the formulation a 3.75 out of 5. “It’s tough to rate this product with such little information available, though.”

Plus, we like the included eight grams of carbohydrates, which can give runners a nice boost of energy. Our testers gave this one a 5 out of 5 for effects, as the carbs can provide some solid intra-workout fuel. We also like that it only contains seven grams of sugar, which is far less than most sports drinks (they carry around 20 grams of sugar per serving).

When preparing this electrolyte drink, we do recommend shaking your bottle thoroughly. Some customers have stated that this powder doesn’t dissolve as well as others they’ve tried. “Tastes good, just does not dissolve very well into the water,” notes one athlete. As a result, our team rated Onnit’s electrolytes a 3 out of 5 for solubility.

We also think the cost per serving is a little high, giving this category a 2 out of 5. This is the most expensive product on this list at two dollars per serving. Most others sit under two dollars per serving, so if you’re shopping on a budget, you can find cost-friendly options.

Best Electrolyte Drink for Hangovers: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die

The after-effects of a night out drinking are not fun for anyone, but the headaches, tiredness, and sensitivity to light aren’t the only symptoms of a hard-hitting hangover. (10) Your electrolytes can be all out of balance after a night on the town, so to get your body back to healthy metrics, we recommend BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die.

In just one serving, you can address a number of significant electrolytes with quality doses like 670mg of sodium, 1,030mg chloride, and 248mg of potassium, and the hydrating effects can help put those less-than-stellar symptoms at ease — at least somewhat.

We also appreciate the convenient single-serving packaging showcased with this electrolyte drink, which can be easily put in your pocket or at your bedside for quick refreshment when you need it. Granted, shaking a bottle or mixing a glass might not be the most desirable activity when all you want to do is lie in bed, but we did give the solubility a 5 out of 5, as it dissolved smoothly. 

Additionally, we enjoyed the available flavors of Lemon, Orange, and Organic Coconut, so those early-morning sips can be enjoyable. Our tester did state, though, that you need to be prepared for all of that included sodium. “This one is incredibly salty,” they said, giving the flavor a 3.75 out of 5.

If you’re an athlete that favors a wide array of flavors, BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die may be a little underwhelming. After all, there are other electrolyte drinks offering a slew of tastes and options well beyond the typical oranges and limes. If you’re dealing with a hangover, though, are you really going to forgo assistance just because the flavor isn’t your favorite? We think not.

Best Electrolyte Drink When Sick: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Like a hangover, dealing with an illness can also leave you dehydrated and with imbalances to your electrolytes, especially if your symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. While it’s always best to consult your personal healthcare provider when dealing with a sickness, Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier can also be a worthwhile tool for getting over a bug.

“With 3 times more electrolytes than the average sports drink, this product can help you replenish lost electrolytes faster than water alone,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, who gave the formula a 4 out of 5. However, it does contain added sugars, which may not be ideal for everyone.

This trusted electrolyte drink is widely available, so picking up a box of single-serving packages is easy enough when strolling through the drug store. Plus, there are 12 flavors to choose from, which our testers liked. “I really liked the flavor of Liquid I.V.,” our tester says, giving the taste a 5 out of 5. “I did notice some saltiness but nothing overbearing.”

Mixing the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is simple enough, although you do need to use the 16 ounces, otherwise it won’t dissolve perfectly. “If you try and short it, it turns out grainy and much too pungent … don’t ask me how I know that,” they said, rating the solubility a 4.5 out of 5.

Outside of the included electrolyte blend, Hydration Multiplier also boasts five essential vitamins that can also play a part in getting your body back to a healthier state. Each serving includes vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C, which can help with supporting your digestive, immune systems — a definite plus when trying to overcome a sick day.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Cellular Transport Technology

Finally, while Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier may seem like a must-have for your next battle with a cold, we do recommend reading the ingredients list before putting a serving down the hatch. For one, the included 500mg of sodium can be great for replenishing electrolytes during a workout, but it may be too potent of a dose for someone that hasn’t lost a lot of fluids.

Read our full Liquid I.V. Review.

The Benefits of Electrolyte Drinks

We’re not opposed to maintaining daily hydration levels through the recommended 3,000mL of water per day, but electrolyte drinks can help boost those experiences through a number of factors. (6) Below are some of the top potential perks associated with consuming electrolyte beverages as they relate to health and fitness.

• Improved Hydration: Supplementing with these mineral-rich powders can be beneficial when partaking in strenuous exercise, during bouts with illness, dealing with extreme heat, and even morning hangovers. 
• Better Recovery: Electrolytes also promote blood clotting and bone health, as well as tissue growth and repair. (2) These perks can do wonders for creating a well-rounded environment for recovery.
• Overall Wellness: Studies also indicate that routinely drinking electrolytes and water can improve your mood and cognitive functions along with fewer instances of anxiety and hostility. (7)
• Convenience: Most electrolyte drinks come in single-serving packets, eliminating the need for measuring out scoops or toting large tubs with you when on the go. Plus, the powders typically dissolve quickly after a few shakes, making the mixing process simple.

Who are Electrolyte Drinks For?

Electrolyte drinks can be considered safe for most healthy individuals, but it’s always wise to consult with your personal healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your daily regimen.

That said, electrolyte drinks can be particularly helpful for athletes taking part in extended training sessions, as well as individuals suffering from sudden fluid losses through illness, diarrhea or vomiting.

Proper Electrolyte Dosages

The amount of electrolytes you should consume depends greatly on a number of factors, including your age, activity level, and diet habits. Below are the recommended daily doses for some of the most significant electrolytes often found in electrolyte drinks, per the Dietary Reference Intakes: (8)

• Sodium: 2,300 mg/day
• Potassium: 4,700 mg/day
• Chloride: 3,600 mg/day
• Magnesium: 3,500 mg/day
• Calcium: 1,000 mg/day 
• Phosphorus: 700 mg/day

Again, your needs may differ depending on your diet and activity levels, but these metrics can be a good general guideline to see if you’re taking in enough vital minerals.

How to Choose the Best Electrolyte Drink for You

Maintaining your hydration levels is pivotal to keeping your body healthy and supported when working out, and electrolyte drinks can be great tools for keeping these metrics in check. Below are a few factors worth considering when deciding on a proper electrolyte drink for your routine.

Electrolyte Blend

When searching for a quality electrolyte drink, one of the main minerals to look for is sodium. Sodium is the predominant electrolyte lost in sweat, so replenishing these mineral levels during supplementation is key. Other electrolytes can be included in the formulation in various doses to help support your athletic performance and daily hydration. 

Be sure to take your fitness goals and daily needs into consideration when looking through ingredients lists. If you’re wanting to support extended workouts, it can be best to look for robust blends including doses of multiple electrolytes that can work to replenish your levels during training. If you just want to boost your daily hydration, a simple makeup of just sodium can suffice.

Price Per Serving

Most electrolyte drinks are fairly affordable, with many coming in under $2 per serving. Conveniences like single-serving packaging and pre-made beverages can elevate the price, so it’s important to take this into account.

If you don’t mind measuring out your servings from a tub, you can potentially save some money. If you prefer to have your rehydration solution at the ready without much fuss, expect to pay a little more for such luxuries.

Regardless, make sure that your chosen electrolyte drink fits neatly into your budget before adding it to your cart. You don’t want to dry up your wallet for the sake of quenching your thirst.

Flavor Variety

Studies show that drinking flavored water can help influence your fluid intake. (9) After all, you’re likely to favor a drink that tastes good over a beverage lacking any flavor, right? So, it’s important to look for electrolyte drinks offering flavors that appeal to your palette. Look through the offerings to ensure your pick has an option you’d likely enjoy.

It’s also wise to look for electrolyte drinks offering some sense of variety in the flavor department. This can help defend against flavor fatigue after extended supplementation while still delivering the same sense of replenishment. The available flavors don’t need to be extensive, but having a little room for mixing things up can be a nice touch.

Third-Party Testing

Like other supplements, electrolyte drinks are not regulated by the FDA, which can allow room for malpractice when it comes to the dosages and makeup of each formulation. So, to reassure yourself that your chosen pick actually delivers its listed minerals, it can be helpful to look for products that have been approved for consumption by a separate third party.

This can be especially helpful for athletes governed by certain organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency and NCAA. Popular third-party testing companies include Informed Choice, Informed Sport, and NSF.

Best Electrolyte Drinks FAQs

References

1. Shephard, R. J. (2007). American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: Exercise and Fluid Replacement. Yearbook of Sports Medicine, 2007, 254–255.
2. Shrimanker, I., & Bhatttarai, S. (2023, July 24). Electrolytes – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
3. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: Exercise and fluid … Kentucky High School Athletic Association. (n.d.). https://www.khsaa.org/sportsmedicine/heat/exerciseandfluidreplacement.pdf?goal=0_84979a60af-d2531f5c20-&mc_cid=d2531f5c20&mc_eid=[UNIQID]
4. Holesh, J. E., Aslam, S., & Martin, A. (2023, January). Physiology, carbohydrates. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083823/
5. The True Cost of Bottled Water. Optimum Water Solutions. (2022, June 10). https://drinkoptimum.com/the-true-cost-of-bottled-water/
6. Meinders, A.-J., & Meinders, A. E. (2010). [how much water do we really need to drink?]. Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20356431/
7. Cousins, A. L., Young, H. A., Thomas, A. G., & Benton, D. (2019). The effect of hypo-hydration on mood and cognition is influenced by electrolyte in a drink and its colour: A randomised trial. Nutrients, 11(9), 2002. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769552/
8. Dietary reference intakes: Electrolytes and water – mt. san antonio college. Mt. San Antonio College. (n.d.). https://www.mtsac.edu/kinesiology/sportsnutrition/documents/DRI_Electrolytes_Water.pdf
9. Szlyk, P. C., Sils, I. V., Francesconi, R. P., Hubbard, R. W., & Armstrong, L. E. (1989). Effects of water temperature and flavoring on voluntary dehydration in men. Physiology & Behavior, 45(3), 639–647. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2756057/ 
10. Swift, R., & Davidson, D. (1998). Alcohol hangover: Mechanisms and mediators. Alcohol health and research world. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761819/