The Best Electrolyte Powders, Tested by Registered Dietitians

ProsStreamlined and effective formulaThree solid flavorsEasy to travel withConsNo large tub offeringI’m a big fan of Thorne because they designed their supplements so that they can be used by the most elite athletes but are accessible to everyone else. This formula provides a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. And in keeping with their no-BS approach, there aren’t any sweeteners, colors, or fillers, keeping the blend non-GMO and gluten-free.Poured into the glass, the powder dissolves quickly and completely, leaving only the color and refreshing taste. I’m a fan of the flavors, which they kept to three heavy-hitters, and if you’re not picky, I recommend the variety pack so you can switch between them.We’ve seen that brands have been smartly moving away from carbohydrate formulas, so that you can customize your carb intake if you’re an athlete. That is the case here, with only a single gram of carbs. So if you’re looking for a quality, easy-to-drink electrolyte powder that can also travel with you, this is the best.Sodium490 milligramsCarbohydrates1 gramCertifications0 gramsFlavorsWatermelon, blood orange, mango limeadeOther electrolytes99 milligrams of potassium, 40 milligrams of magnesium, 750 milligrams of chloride, 70 milligrams of calciumPrice per serving$1.33ProsTub is more eco-friendly than individual packets No artificial colors or sweetenersGluten-freeConsTub size makes it hard to use on the goTransparent Labs Hydrate electrolyte powder includes multiple electrolytes and other nutrients like taurine and Senactiv, an adaptogen complex that supports muscle recovery. “It has 500 mg of sodium per serving, which fits ACSM’s recommendation for sodium replacement per hour,” says Alsing. You’ll also replace small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium.Each dose has 1,000 milligrams of taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that may help support muscle recovery. You can choose from six flavors, all sweetened with stevia, as this formula is carbohydrate and calorie-free.“I look for supplements to be third-party tested so you can trust the ingredients listed, and Transparent Labs is third-party tested,” says Alsing. It’s Informed Sport Certified, meaning it’s been tested for substances banned by major athletic regulating organizations, which gives peace of mind to competing athletes.This electrolyte powder only comes in a multi-serving tub, which could be seen as a downside if you want to take your electrolytes on the road often. But for us, it is a great way to reduce waste and if you’re taking electrolytes as part of your daily routine, you’re probably usually taking them at home.Sodium500 milligramsCarbohydratesNoneAdded SugarsNoneFlavorsRaspberry lemonade, peach mango, blue raspberry, arctic freeze, tropical punch, lemon-limeOther Electrolytes50 milligrams of magnesium, 84 milligrams of calcium, 250 milligrams of potassium, 1,000 milligrams of taurine, SenActiv, and coconut water powderPrice per Serving$1.33Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGluten and sugar-freeNot a carb source, so athletes can choose a separate fuel sourceSeveral flavor options to choose fromNo artificial sweeteners, colors, or fillersCons1,000 milligrams of sodium may not be necessary for most active guysFlavor may be too salty for someExperts and testers we consulted with say LMNT is a serious electrolyte supplement, providing 1,000 milligrams of sodium in each pack. With this much salt, you can expect the flavor to be, well, salty. After a 10-mile run or a hard, sweaty bike ride, we appreciate the replenishment, but the salty flavor may take a little getting used to for some people. However, other athletes like Munson, actually prefer that taste over some typical sports drinks, which can taste overly sweet. Personally, I tend to agree. The instructions include mixing a packet with 16 to 32 ounces of water, but you can always dilute it a little more to cut the salty flavor. I drink mine with about 12 ounces of water, and find the salty taste to be a bit stronger but still enjoyable at these proportions.“There are several flavors to choose from, which helps finding one you will enjoy and tolerate during your workouts,” says Alsing. You can choose from fruit flavors like citrus or watermelon or even a more decadent chocolate caramel. It’s sweetened with stevia leaf, and one packet has just 2 grams of carbohydrates. If you don’t like the taste of stevia, you can always choose the raw, unflavored option with no sweeteners added. Personally, I stick to the fruity flavors as I feel the salty taste is best when combined with citrus, berry, or melon notes.In addition to sodium, LMNT provides 200 milligrams of potassium and 60 milligrams of magnesium, electrolytes that are also lost through sweat, although in lower amounts than sodium. Personally, I find that drinking these electrolytes right in the morning keeps me better hydrated throughout the day.Read more: Best Supplements for MenSodium1,000 milligramsCarbohydrates2 gramsAdded SugarsNoneFlavorsGrapefruit salt, watermelon salt, citrus salt, lemonade iced tea, raspberry salt, mango chill, and raw unflavoredOther Electrolytes60 milligrams of magnesium, 200 milligrams of potassiumPrice per Serving$1.50ProsIncludes potassium and magnesium along with sodium Certified vegan and gluten-freeDissolves well ConsThe powder packet flavors are strong, which may be off-putting to some athletesNot only is Nuun Sport Powder certified gluten-free, but this product is also vegan and kosher. The Nuun tablets are effervescent, which can be difficult to drink while running or biking. But the Sport Hydration Powder has no fizz, making it a better option for athletes drinking them on the go. The powder sticks come in five flavors and have just one gram of added sugars along with stevia for a sweet flavor. While many people love the packet flavors, they are a lot stronger than the tablets, which may be off-putting for some athletes if you’re drinking them during a workout.Each packet has 300 milligrams of sodium, along with potassium and magnesium, making it a good all-around hydration drink for workouts lasting an hour or less. The packets are easy to tear and mix quickly into a water bottle for hydration on the go—no waiting for tablets to dissolve. And while Nuun is known more for their tablets, we find the powder packets to be the superior form when it comes to mid-workout hydration.Sodium300 milligramsCarbohydrates2 gramsAdded Sugars1 gramFlavorsStrawberry kiwi, pink lemonade, orange, lemon-lime, mixed berryOther Electrolytes15 milligrams of calcium, 150 milligrams of potassium, 25 milligrams of magnesium, 40 milligrams of chloridePrice per Serving$1.50Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDissolves easily with no grit or residueIncludes zinc for immune and hydration supportAffordable, especially with subscribe-and-save discountConsContains added sugar—may not suit low-carb or sugar-restricted dietsMunson is a big fan of the Drip Drop oral rehydration solution, as it dissolves really well, leaving very little sediment in the bottle. At just $1.12 per serving, the price here is pretty unbeatable—many competitors sit around $1.50 per serving, in comparison. There are several flavors to choose from, and by choosing a subscribe and save option, you can save 25 percent on each order, which makes it an even more affordable rehydration option as well.This formula has 330 milligrams of sodium in each serving and is free from gluten, soy, and certified vegan.This formula does have 7g of added sugars and a total of 9 grams of carbohydrates but is also one of the few that does not use stevia as a sweetener. Though 7g of sugar is higher than zero sugar brands, it’s a lot less than some competitors use (for example, Liquid I.V. has 11 grams of added sugar per serving).And unlike the other powders, this one has 15 percent DV of zinc, an essential trace mineral that helps with the absorption of water and electrolytes by the intestines, aiding hydration.If you’re looking for a zero sugar option, they have the Zero Sugar Variety which also has the addition of several B vitamins.Sodium330 milligramsCarbohydrates9 gramsAdded Sugars7 gramsFlavorsLemon-lime, berry, watermelon, lemon, orange, fruit punch, concord grapeOther Electrolytes185 milligrams potassium, 40 milligrams magnesium, 1.5 milligrams zincPrice per Serving$1.12Pros100% sugar-free, sweetened with allulose and steviaSolid dose of sodiumIncludes potassium and vitamin CConsAllulose may cause GI upset in some people if consumed in excessDoes not contain magnesium or calcium, which many other electrolyte supplements doLiquid I.V. has been in the electrolyte game a while but their original product contains 11g of added sugar. To keep up with competitors boasting formulas sans sugar, they released a sugar-free line and it does not disappoint. This updated formula is one of our favorite sugar-free electrolyte powders on the market, sweetened instead with stevia and allulose (a naturally occurring, low-calorie sugar that doesn’t spike blood glucose).Each stick delivers 500 milligrams of sodium, which meets ACSM’s recommendations and is ideal for heavy sweaters or endurance athletes. You’ll also get 370 milligrams of potassium, but you won’t find any magnesium or calcium in this product—which could be a miss for those looking for a complete electrolyte supplement rather than the heavily sodium-focused product here. It’s worth noting that Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free does contain vitamin C, niacin, and B vitamins, added micronutrients that many electrolyte supplements do not offer. This formula mixes easily into water and comes in unique flavors like white peach and rainbow sherbet. Just be aware that the sweetening agent allulose, while generally well-tolerated, may cause mild bloating or gas in some people.Sodium500 milligramsCarbohydrates5 gramsAdded SugarsNoneOther Electrolytes370 milligrams potassiumFlavorsGreen grape, lemon lime, mango pineapple, rainbow sherbet, raspberry lemonade, raspberry melon, white peachPrice per Serving$1.56Paul Kita is a Deputy Editor at Men's Health, where he has covered food, cooking, nutrition, supplements, grooming, tech, travel, and fatherhood at the brand for more than 15 years. He is also the author of two Men's Health cookbooks, Guy Gourmet and A Man, A Pan, A Plan, and the winner of a James Beard Award.Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.Marty Munson, currently the health director of Men's Health, has been a health editor at properties including Marie Claire, Prevention, Shape and RealAge. She's also certified as a swim and triathlon coach.