The best electrolyte drinks and supplements for sports and health
- Josie Shillabeer
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
Our list of the best electrolyte drinks and supplements recommended by nutritional therapists. All options contain high-quality, natural ingredients with no nasties.
There are so many electrolyte drinks and supplements to choose from, but many contain incorrect levels of key electrolytes or nasty additives and fillers that are harmful to your health. Below you will find a list of the best electrolyte drinks and supplements used and recommended by nutritional therapists.
If you haven't read our post about what electrolytes are, who should use them and who should be careful, you can read it here.
The best electrolyte drinks and supplements - At a glance
Searching quickly for the best options for you? Check out our quick electrolyte recommendations list below.
Best for health conditions/therapeutic support: Bodybio
Best for low-intensity sports: Oshun
Best for high-intensity sports (sugar-free): LMNT
Best for high-intensity sports (contains sugar): Scratch Labs
Best for children & seniors: Oshun
Best for pregnancy/breastfeeding: Oshun, Bodybio, Ancient and Brave
Best for travel: Elete, Ancient and Brave
Flavour options: Humantra, LMNT, Redmond, Scratch Labs, NUUN
Informed Sport Certified: Elete, Humantra, Redmond, Scratch Labs, NUUN
Heavy metal tested: Oshun
Low sodium: Artah
Best budget option: Elete
Best electrolyte drinks and supplements for health and gentle exercise
Here is our list of all our top recommended electrolyte supplements, including liquid, powder, and tablets for health condition support, gentle exercise, and daily use.
Oshun electrolyte concentrate, made from inland seawater, comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle.
Ingredients: Concentrated inland sea water, purified water, and potassium chloride.
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 5ml (4 pumps) contains 90mg magnesium, 780mg chloride, 266mg potassium, and 250mg sodium.
Sizes: 250ml
Cost per day: 30p
Flavours: Neutral
Notes: Every batch is tested for heavy metals and contaminants. Safe to use for the whole family, including children, seniors, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Elete electrolyte concentrate is made from concentrated inland sea water sourced from the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA. This is a great option for those looking to try a smaller sample size prior to investing in a larger amount.
Ingredients: Concentrated inland sea water, purified water, and potassium chloride.
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 2.5ml 45g magnesium, 398mg chloride, 133mg potassium, 125mg sodium
Sizes: 25ml, 120ml, 250ml and 480ml
Cost per day: 26p
Flavours: Neutral
Notes: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, certified free of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) substances by Informed Choice
If you are looking for an electrolyte supplement that doesn’t contain seawater, e-lyte from Bodybio is a great option.
Ingredients: Magnesium (chloride & sulfate), sodium (chloride), potassium (phosphate, chloride, bicarbonate and iodide) and purified water.
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 7.5ml 65mg magnesium, 89mg sodium, 187mg potassium
Sizes: 118ml and 473ml
Cost per day: 52p
Flavours: Neutral
Notes: Pregnancy safe
Ancient and Brave True Hydration electrolyte powder is inspired by the naturally occurring electrolytes found in coconut water.
Ingredients: Coconut water powder, chicory root inulin, magnesium citrate*, tri-sodium citrate, calcium malate, pink Himalayan salt, tri-potassium citrate, chromium picolinate (*derived from a natural mineral source of marine origin).
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 6g 108mg magnesium, 30mg calcium, 210mg potassium, 48µg chromium
Sizes: 15x 90g sachets and 180g jar
Cost per day: £1.07
Flavours: Neutral
Notes: Available in a dark glass jar, suitable for breastfeeding or pregnant women, vegan and vegetarian
Artah Cellular Hydration Electrolyte Powder is a low-sodium formula. If you are not planning on using an electrolyte supplement to replace lost sweat, then this may be a great option for you, as most people get enough sodium from their diets.
Ingredients: Malic acid, inulin, Peruvian Maca root (standardised extract), magnesium citrate, Tri potassium citrate, calcium citrate 4 hydrate, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), citric acid, natural lemon flavour, natural orange flavour, Himalayan sea salt.
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 7g 60mg magnesium, 120mg calcium, 525mg potassium, 40mg sodium, 100mg Vitamin C, 600mg Peruvian maca root, 1300mg malic acid, 1200mg inulin
Sizes: 250g
Cost per day: £1.07
Flavours: Tart lemon
Notes: Introduce slowly to avoid digestive discomfort because this product contains the fibre inulin. A great fibre for the gut microbiome, but it needs time to adapt.
Humantra is a flavoured electrolyte powder that contains a mix of minerals and vitamins. It is a great option for those who like to flavour their water and would like the added boost of additional minerals. Zinc is best taken with food and vitamin A with a source of fat.
Ingredients: Example of ingredients from the berry pomegranate sachet.
Flavour enhancer: Malic and citric acid; sodium chloride (Himalayan pink salt), natural pomegranate flavour with other natural flavouring, calcium lactate (calcium), di-potassium phosphate (potassium), colour: beetroot red; magnesium citrate (magnesium), sodium chloride, calcium ascorbate (Vitamin C), potassium carbonate, beta carotene (Vitamin A), natural flavouring, sweetener: steviol glycosides from stevia; potassium bicarbonate (potassium), anti-caking agent: silicon dioxide; methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12), calcium citrate (calcium), zinc citrate (zinc), potassium citrate (potassium), natural mixed berry flavour with other natural flavouring, chromium picolinate (chromium).
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 3.6g 26mg magnesium, 48mg calcium, 210mg sodium, 324mg chloride, 192mg potassium, 37mg phosphorus, 55µg chromium, 2.7mg zinc, 115mg Vitamin C, 130µg Vitamin B12
Sizes: 20 individual sachets
Cost per day: £1.40
Flavours: Black cherry, berry pomegranate, lychee, elderberry, Himalayan lime, apricot and mango
Notes: Plant-based, may contain milk and nuts, gluten-free, vegan, Informed Sport certified. Suitable for adults (check with a healthcare professional regarding children).
Best electrolyte drinks and supplements for high-energy or endurance sports
Here is our list of all our top recommended electrolyte supplements, including liquid, powder, and tablets for higher-intensity sports.
The LMNT electrolyte powder is best for endurance training, heavy sweating, and hot climates. It is known for a strong salty taste because of the higher levels of sodium.
Ingredients: Salt (sodium chloride), acidity regulator (citric acid), magnesium malate, potassium chloride, natural lemon & lime flavours, sweetener (steviol glycosides)
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 6g 60mg magnesium, 200mg potassium
Sizes: 12x 6g individual sachets
Cost per day: 95p
Flavours: Citrus, raspberry, orange, watermelon
Notes: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications, please consult with a healthcare professional before use. Keep away from children. Keto & Paleo.
A great natural sports supplement with good mineral levels.
Ingredients: Example of ingredients from the Unflavoured option
Ancient sea salt (Redmond Real Salt®), potassium (as potassium citrate), magnesium (as magnesium malate, magnesium glycinate)
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 5g 60mg magnesium, 1585mg chloride, 500mg potassium, 75mg calcium, 1000mg sodium
Sizes: 30x 5g sachets or 375g tube
Cost per day: 67p
Flavours: Unflavoured, watermelon lime, pina colada, lemon lime, strawberry, mango, mixed berry
Notes: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications, please consult with a healthcare professional before use. Keep away from children.
One of the most respected sports science formulas on the market. Contains easily absorbed carbohydrates, perfect for endurance sports.
Ingredients: Example of ingredients from the lemon and lime option
Cane sugar, dextrose, sodium citrate, citric acid, magnesium lactate, calcium citrate, potassium citrate, lemon oil, lime oil, lemon juice, lime juice, ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 22g 400mg sodium, 50mg magnesium, 18mg Vitamin C, 50mg calcium, 50mg potassium
Sizes: 440g
Cost per day: 90p
Flavours: Lemon & lime, strawberry lemonade, fruit punch, orange, raspberry limeade (caffeine)
Notes: Contains sugar, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, kosher, vegan. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications, please consult with a healthcare professional before use. Keep away from children.
Nuun Sport electrolyte is the only effervescent tablet found on our list of top recommended electrolyte drinks and supplements.
Ingredients: Citric acid, dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, less than 2% of natural flavour, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, stevia leaf extract, avocado oil, beet juice (for colour)
Nutrient levels: Per serving of 5g (1 tablet) 300mg sodium, 133mg potassium, 13mg calcium, 67mg Vitamin C, 50mg chloride, 25mg magnesium
Sizes: 10 tablets per packet
Cost per day: 75p
Flavours: Tri-berry, raspberry, strawberry lemonade, lemon lime, orange, mango
Notes: vegan, Keto, gluten-free. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications, please consult with a healthcare professional before use. Keep away from children.
DIY supplement drink recipe
You don't always have to opt for a sports drink or electrolyte supplement; sometimes all you need is a simple DIY drink that you can make at home. Made up of three ingredients, this is a great drink for those who are looking for an extra boost.
Ingredients
Coconut water
Orange juice or cherry juice
Sea salt
Method
In a glass or bottle, pour in half coconut water, half juice, and a pinch of sea salt. This contains a plentiful supply of electrolytes, sugar, and antioxidants. You can adjust the recipe to suit your needs. If you are looking to reduce your sugars, increase the amount of coconut water. If you require more glucose, you can add Manuka honey.
Remember, you only need to consume a sugary electrolyte drink if you are exercising for more than one hour or are excessively sweating, working your muscles, or recovering from an illness. Many people are reaching for these drinks when they are unnecessary, meaning they are spending unnecessary money and taking longer to reach their health goals.
Would you like to learn more about how electrolytes can help support your health? Check out our online course 'Hydration and electrolytes: Are you drinking enough of the right things?'.
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