Muscle Insider
New member
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...
The post The 7 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2023 (Tested and Reviewed) appeared first on BarBend.
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.
The 7 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2023
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
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 and consulted other user reviews. We looked at each pick’s ingredients list for relevant doses of key minerals, along with other common factors like third-party approval, solubility, price per serving, and (of course) taste.
Additionally, we looked at how convenient these electrolyte powders were in terms of storage and portability. After all, it can be much easier to have a single-serving packet at the ready rather than a full tub of powder for the sake of rapid rehydration. Now, let’s get into our findings.
Best Electrolyte Drink Overall: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
These convenient single-serve packs of electrolytes are great for on the go and come in a research-backed ratio to help keep you hydrated. They have high-quality, all-natural ingredients and are certified by NSF.
Shop BUBS Naturals
Specs
Pros
Cons
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 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.
Additionally, we had no issues with Hydrate or Die’s solubility. After adding the serving to our shaker bottle, the powder dissolved completely after just a few jostles. We didn’t notice any grittiness or “floaties” during sips, which can be present sensations with less soluble options.
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.
Sodium is the predominant electrolyte lost in perspiration, and it’s recommended that you supplement your training with 500mg to 700mg of the mineral for every hour of high-intensity exercise. (3) If you’re not really pushing yourself and rapidly losing fluids, you may be better off with a less potent formulation.
Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration
Gainful Hydration
Gainful Hydration
Gainful hydration is available in three tasty flavors and multiple customer reviews back their popularity. You can also customize your formulation with added doses of caffeine for energy, or extra electrolytes for supporting your sweat-riddled workouts.
Shop Gainful
Specs
Pros
Cons
Having an electrolyte drink that tastes good can make getting to your recommended levels all the more enjoyable. Thankfully, Gainful’s Hydration profile has tons of positive customer reviews stating how each flavor option is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. “The only hydration water I can actually finish. My favorite is strawberry lemonade,” notes one satisfied athlete.
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. Gainful’s “Super Sweaty” makeup adds an additional 100mg of sodium and 50mg of magnesium to the build for totals of 400mg and 200mg respectively, which can be helpful if you often find yourself sweaty and parched post-workout.
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. This can leave you with residue at the bottom of your bottle that needs to be swished around with extra water for full consumption. It can be a minor inconvenience, especially when trying to quickly hydrate on the go.
Best All Natural Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate
This product contains 500 mg of a coconut water powder complex that can potentially help keep with satiation thanks to coconut water’s fiber content. Plus, it's combined with a dose of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and taurine for a complete electrolyte supplement.
Shop Transparent Labs
Specs
Pros
Cons
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. Hydrate does contain tree nuts as a listed ingredient, though, which may be an allergen for some.
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.
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
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free
This impressive electrolyte drink relies on stevia leaf extract to create that sweet, enjoyable taste in each refreshing sip. Plus, the included doses of sodium and potassium can help with replenishing key minerals when suffering from dehydration.
Shop Liquid I.V.
Specs
Pros
Cons
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).
We like the makeup of this Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier and found no issues in its effectiveness in testing. After long, sweaty workouts, we still felt energized and quenched, which can be attributed to the impressive 510mg dose of sodium.
Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier also features eight vitamins and nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 that can be excellent for boosting your everyday wellness, too.
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
Onnit HYDRATech Instant
Onnit HYDRATech Instant
Onnit contains a blend of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are all hydrating electrolytes. In addition, this formula contains only 7g of sugar, which is much lower than many sports drinks on the market.
Shop Onnit
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 7 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2023 (Tested and Reviewed) appeared first on BarBend.
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.
The 7 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2023
- 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
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 and consulted other user reviews. We looked at each pick’s ingredients list for relevant doses of key minerals, along with other common factors like third-party approval, solubility, price per serving, and (of course) taste.
Additionally, we looked at how convenient these electrolyte powders were in terms of storage and portability. After all, it can be much easier to have a single-serving packet at the ready rather than a full tub of powder for the sake of rapid rehydration. Now, let’s get into our findings.
Best Electrolyte Drink Overall: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
These convenient single-serve packs of electrolytes are great for on the go and come in a research-backed ratio to help keep you hydrated. They have high-quality, all-natural ingredients and are certified by NSF.
Shop BUBS Naturals
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.89
- Electrolyte Blend: 670mg sodium, 1,030mg chloride, 248mg potassium, 50mg magnesium, 5mg calcium
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
- Available Flavors: Lemon, Orange, Organic Coconut
Pros
- The formulation includes 10 grams of carbohydrates, which can be great for athletes needing an energy boost during workouts.
- The single-serving packaging is convenient for on-the-go hydration, and the powder mixes easily in a shaker cup.
- BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die is 100 percent NSF for Sport Certified.
Cons
- Our tester noted that the taste is very salty, which may deter some athletes.
- Athletes not needing a ton of sodium replenishment may be better off with a lower dose.
- Other electrolyte drinks offer a more robust flavor variety.
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 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.
Additionally, we had no issues with Hydrate or Die’s solubility. After adding the serving to our shaker bottle, the powder dissolved completely after just a few jostles. We didn’t notice any grittiness or “floaties” during sips, which can be present sensations with less soluble options.
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.
Sodium is the predominant electrolyte lost in perspiration, and it’s recommended that you supplement your training with 500mg to 700mg of the mineral for every hour of high-intensity exercise. (3) If you’re not really pushing yourself and rapidly losing fluids, you may be better off with a less potent formulation.
Best Tasting Electrolyte Drink: Gainful Hydration
Gainful Hydration
Gainful Hydration
Gainful hydration is available in three tasty flavors and multiple customer reviews back their popularity. You can also customize your formulation with added doses of caffeine for energy, or extra electrolytes for supporting your sweat-riddled workouts.
Shop Gainful
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.43
- Electrolyte Blend: 300mg sodium (400mg with Super Sweaty formulation), 150mg potassium, 150mg magnesium (200mg with Super Sweaty formulation), 50mg calcium
- Third-Party Tested: No
- Available Flavors: Tropical Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime
Pros
- Customers have stated that the available flavors are a nice blend of sweet and salty.
- The formulation is made without GMOs, preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and dyes.
- Gainful Hydration can be customized to your sweat levels.
Cons
- This electrolyte powder doesn’t dissolve fully at times, leaving some residue at the bottom of your bottle.
- Athlete’s not wanting a subscription-based service should look elsewhere.
- There is no present third-party testing.
Having an electrolyte drink that tastes good can make getting to your recommended levels all the more enjoyable. Thankfully, Gainful’s Hydration profile has tons of positive customer reviews stating how each flavor option is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. “The only hydration water I can actually finish. My favorite is strawberry lemonade,” notes one satisfied athlete.
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. Gainful’s “Super Sweaty” makeup adds an additional 100mg of sodium and 50mg of magnesium to the build for totals of 400mg and 200mg respectively, which can be helpful if you often find yourself sweaty and parched post-workout.
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. This can leave you with residue at the bottom of your bottle that needs to be swished around with extra water for full consumption. It can be a minor inconvenience, especially when trying to quickly hydrate on the go.
Best All Natural Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate
This product contains 500 mg of a coconut water powder complex that can potentially help keep with satiation thanks to coconut water’s fiber content. Plus, it's combined with a dose of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and taurine for a complete electrolyte supplement.
Shop Transparent Labs
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.75
- Electrolyte Blend: 500mg sodium, 250mg potassium, 84mg calcium, 50mg magnesium
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
- Available Flavors: Peach Mango, Tropical Punch
Pros
- Hydrate is Informed Choice-certified and free of any artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives.
- The 500mg of sodium per serving can be great for heavy sweaters.
- Athletes on a budget will appreciate the sub-$1 price per serving.
Cons
- The tubbed form of this electrolyte drink can be less convenient than options that offer single-serving packaging.
- Transparent Labs Hydrate is available in just two flavors.
- This electrolyte drink contains tree nuts, which may be an allergen for some.
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. Hydrate does contain tree nuts as a listed ingredient, though, which may be an allergen for some.
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.
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
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free
This impressive electrolyte drink relies on stevia leaf extract to create that sweet, enjoyable taste in each refreshing sip. Plus, the included doses of sodium and potassium can help with replenishing key minerals when suffering from dehydration.
Shop Liquid I.V.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.86
- Electrolyte Blend: 510mg sodium (530mg with Lemon Lime flavor), 380mg potassium
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
- Available Flavors: White Peach, Lemon Lime, Green Grape
Pros
- The powder is sweetened with stevia leaf extract, so there’s zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
- Each serving contains over 500mg of sodium, which can be great for replenishment during hard training sessions.
- Liquid I.V. offers a subscription service that can save you 23 percent while also keeping you well-stocked with single-serving packages.
Cons
- Some customers have stated that the stevia leaf extract can leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
- Those looking for a more robust electrolyte blend may find this formulation underwhelming.
- There are less available flavors than other Liquid I.V. options.
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).
We like the makeup of this Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier and found no issues in its effectiveness in testing. After long, sweaty workouts, we still felt energized and quenched, which can be attributed to the impressive 510mg dose of sodium.
Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier also features eight vitamins and nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 that can be excellent for boosting your everyday wellness, too.
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
Onnit HYDRATech Instant
Onnit HYDRATech Instant
Onnit contains a blend of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are all hydrating electrolytes. In addition, this formula contains only 7g of sugar, which is much lower than many sports drinks on the market.
Shop Onnit
...
Click here to view the article.
