New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.
You’ve likely heard of electrolytes (you know, the essential minerals — sodium, calcium, and potassium — that are vital for the body).
After a night of drinking or a grueling workout, your body could be running low on some of these vital nutrients. Hence, you’ve probably seen electrolyte drinks and powders rise in popularity. Several brands even claim to be backed by a little nutritional science.
“Electrolyte drinks are a category of sports beverages designed with electrolytes in their formulas to replenish what is lost in times of need,” Jeremie Walker, MD, MBA, consulting physician at Opt Health, told the New York Post. “Most electrolyte drinks will have a balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and sometimes calcium or chloride.”
Electrolytes aren’t limited to just drinks. Powders, much like protein powders, have also seen an influx in demand, with popular brands like Liquid I.V. and LMNT offering convenient, on-the-go packets. This form is an easily absorbable medium to increase your electrolyte count and help replenish fluids that may have been lost during your sweat sessions, or after staying out too late.
“Electrolyte powders are concentrated forms of electrolytes and flavorings that you add to your own water or beverage of choice when needed,” Walker added. “Just like the ready-to-go electrolyte drinks, they often contain a balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other additives.”
Ahead, the Post Wanted Team tested the best electrolyte drinks and powders, as recommended by our team of medical experts. We dished out our honest opinions on taste, texture, packaging, formulation, and more. Read on for our full review.
Following, you’ll find an in-depth FAQ section filled with essential info about electrolytes, incorporating these wellness supplements into your diet, and more.
Amazon
Pros:
Each serving delivers around 1000 mg of potassium, which is higher than most competitors
High-quality ingredients like Pink Himalayan salt (instead of table salt)
Available in travel-ready stick packs and larger bags
Sugar-free formula, keto-friendly
Cons:
The higher potassium count could cause some side effects
A little more difficult to dissolve in liquid
Exactly what the Doctor ordered — no really, our experts have recommended this brand for good reasons. Dr. Berg’s Sports Hydration Electrolytes incorporate real, high-quality ingredients like fine Pink Himalayan Sea Salt and trace minerals sweetened with stevia, rather than sugar. Many users report better hydration after supplementing with this powder, and say that it helps support energy levels, too.
Michelle Moezam
New York Post Review: Dr. Berg is one of the better-for-you electrolyte supplements on the market. We probably wouldn’t recommend it to individuals who are sensitive to potassium or are on any medications, but the higher-potassium count is ideal for active people and athletes (AKA this will replenish your lost water). The flavor of the Himalayan Sea Salt is preferable over other salty formulas we tried, and the stevia aftertaste wasn’t overpowering. It does require a bit of mixing to create a smooth consistency.
Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Sugar: 0g
Factor
Pros:
Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12
Convenient single-serve packs
1800mg of electrolytes per serving (5X more than the leading sports brand)
Lower-calorie and no added sugar
Cons:
Sold via a monthly subscription plan, which may not suit everyone’s preferences
Factor’s specially-formulated blend for energy and immune system support packs in a whopping 1800 mg of electrolytes with added vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. As part of Factor Form’s subscription service, it’s delivered every 4 weeks, making it a convenient choice for anyone trying to meet long-term hydration goals.
Use Promo code FJ-VMS-40OFF-NYPOST for 40% off orders over $65.
Michelle Moezam
New York Post Review: Strong, crisp, and bursting with flavor, Factor Form’s Hydration Boost is a refreshing formula that dissolves in seconds, with barely any mixing necessary. Yes, it’s potent, and you can taste the sodium, but that was just more proof that it works. It has a pretty sweet profile, too, which was shocking considering there’s zero added sugar. Our favorite part? The single-serve backs also make it very easy to dose out, without spilling or wasting powder. A huge win if you’re in a hurry.
Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 480mg | Sugar: 1g
Liquid I.V.
Pros:
Very sweet flavor (even kids enjoy it)
Each serving includes Vitamin C and a spectrum of B vitamins
Wide range of flavors
Offered in single-serving, travel-friendly packets
Cons:
Each packet contains around 10 grams of sugar
Has faced allegations of false advertising claims
With over 30,000 purchases on Amazon in this month alone, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is a fan-favorite name in the electrolyte market. The formula isn’t just for hydration; it also contains 100% of the daily value of four B vitamins. Reviewers are impressed with how fast they work, mentioning that they wake up less groggy, with fewer body aches, and overall have more energy with Liquid I.V. There have been some questions over advertising claims, but the customer reviews continue to lean very positive on taste and toleration — and The Post agrees.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: Liquid I.V. has about 10 grams of sugar in one packet. That is a bit higher than most of us would prefer, and you definitely can taste the sugar. As one Post Wanted member put it, ‘it’s almost sweeter than a Gatorade.’ For kids or picky-eaters, this might be their go-to, but for those trying to avoid sugar, we’d skip it. The brand does donate millions of servings of Liquid I.V. and over 1% of its revenue to impact programs, so there is a philanthropic hook there.
Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 370mg | Sugar: 10g
Amazon
Pros:
Takes up less space and is easy to travel with
Low in sugar and calories (each tablet contains 1g of sugar)
Wide variety of tasty flavors to choose from
Cons:
The tablets take some time to dissolve, per testing
The higher potassium count could cause some side effects
Mixed reviews on the fizzy texture
On-the-go hydration that comes in more flavors than we can keep track of? Yes, please. Nuun Sport Hydration is among the most popular electrolyte supplements on the internet, and comes in handy blue tubes filled with tablets that you can plop right into any liquid. They dissolve on their own, no shaking necessary. Featuring five essential electrolytes and just a single gram of sugar, they’re an easy hack for staying hydrated.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: They’re viral on social media, ridiculously easy to take, and come in fun flavors like orange, tropical, and tri-berry. Check, check, check. Unfortunately, the flavor was a bit stronger than most of us expected, and the fizziness takes some time getting used to. But if you need something simple to travel with, this tube is a great choice. It’s also a bit more affordable than some other brands, with 60 servings per bundle. Keep in mind, they do have 1000mg of potassium.
Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Sugar: 1g
Amazon
Pros:
Loaded with a high-sodium count (1000 mg), which makes LMNT ideal for heavy perspirers
Ideal for keto, low-carb, and paleo diets
Variety pack features four flavors
Cons:
Higher sodium count could cause some side effects
Claims over the use of maltodextrin, a sugar, despite marketing itself as having “no sugar”
Formulated for serious athletes and people who sweat frequently, LMNT packs a punch with 1000mg of sodium in a single serving. It’s backed by a growing body of research that suggests optimal health outcomes occur at higher-than-recommended sodium levels. That being said, it may not be the best choice for people trying to watch their sodium levels.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: 1000 milligrams is a lot of sodium, so we were not surprised that LMNT tastes pretty it’s salty. Very salty, actually. One member of the Post Wanted team remarked that all he could taste was the salt — but if you’re serious about replenishing lost water, LMNT may be your best bet. Some users have suggested that this formula helps alleviate muscle cramps and fatigue, making it a go-to for post-gym recovery. Diluting with some extra water could help soften the flavor.
Sodium: 1000mg | Potassium: 200mg | Sugar: 0g
Amazon
Pros:
Good mix of sweetness and smooth consistency, per testing
Added essential vitamins and nutrients
Wide variety of flavors
Cons:
A bit more sugar than some other brands
The Liquid Death formula looks hardcore, but tastes very sweet. Each powder stick has 1000 milligrams of electrolytes and eight essential vitamins and nutrients (including Vitamin B6, B12, and magnesium). Reviewers say these drinks are easy to mix and are loved by the entire family. The added sugar helps, but the sodium-potassium ratio is fairly tolerable, too.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: If you’re sensitive about how electrolytes taste, Liquid Death is for you. Our team found that the formula was very refreshing, crisp, sweet, and balanced (one person remarked it would be a great mixer for drinks). There’s a wide variety of flavors, so you can switch things up. The packets are small are super portable, too. With eight essential vitamins on top of sodium and potassium, you really can’t go wrong with Liquid Death. They’re near the top of the editor’s list.
Sodium: 570mg | Potassium: 390mg | Sugar: 4g
Amazon
Pros:
Tastes like candy, per testing (and still has no added sugar)
Includes B vitamins, antioxidants, and coconut water for natural electrolytes
Naturally flavored with no artificial colors, gluten-free, and caffeine-free
Cons:
Clumping is normal, requires some shaking
Higher price point than some other brands
Maybe you’ve already heard about it. PRIME Hydration + Powder is a supplement developed by Logan Paul and KSI’s brand, PRIME, and it’s still blowing up on social media. Users love the thirst-quenching flavors (think Strawberry Watermelon, Ice Pop, and Blue Raspberry), and the ingredients seem to stack up, as well. Rather than relying purely on sodium and potassium, PRIME also uses natural electrolytes from coconut water and antioxidants for a full-body energy fix.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: It’s hard to believe that there’s no added sugar in the PRIME Hydration + Powder, because it sure is sweet. One person on our team exclaimed that it tasted like a Jolly Rancher, while others compared it to Jelly Beans. For people with a sweet tooth, it’s your on-the-go hydration dessert. The incorporation of antioxidants and coconut water also makes it stand out from some competitors. If you’re seeking a more well-rounded supplement to target hydration and overall health, PRIME is your powder.
Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 700mg | Sugar: 2g
Amazon
Pros:
Handmade in the U.S
Uses real, toxin-free ingredients — fruits, sugar, and clean salt
Carbonated lightly with baking soda to delay fatigue
Cons:
Not individually packaged, so it’s a bit less portable than other options
More expensive
Higher sugar count (8 grams)
Ready for an electrolyte supplement made with real fruit? Sport Drink uses real, toxin-free ingredients to deliver lasting energy: fruits, sugar, and clean salt. It’s a simple formula, but reviewers say it’s effective, with some reporting that they “feel like a new person” after supplementing with Sport Drink. It’s not individually packaged, so the draw is that you’ll need to dose it out accordingly. The addition of magnesium can help with headaches, too — making this one of our favorite electrolyte brands for hangovers.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: This may not have been the most delectable electrolyte supplement we tested, but it’s all natural with zero artificial colors or flavors. You can see it in the color — it’s not one of those crazy, artificial bright pink powders that make you feel like you’ve just downed a gallon of simple syrup. The Sport Drink formula does have some sugar, and it’s carbonated lightly with baking soda to delay fatigue. Some people like this fizz — others do not. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, Sport Drink still offers a solid ratio of sodium to potassium, and a nice serving of magnesium to help with recovery.
Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 520mg | Sugar: 8g
Dryeater
Pros:
Has a subtle citrus flavor, per testing
Made with real fruit powders that you can taste
Proprietary IsoCell technology claims to improve water and micronutrient absorption
Cons:
Mild clumping reporter (requires heavy stirring)
The higher potassium count could cause some side effects
Premium-price point
Made with 25 clean and tested ingredients, DryWater distinguishes itself from some competitors by using real fruit — including raspberry, lemon, coconut water, and banana. These ingredients provide natural antioxidants, in addition to the 1000 milligrams of potassium and 380mg of sodium. DryWater also employs Proprietary IsoCell technology, which claims to improve water and micronutrient absorption. Many reviewers agree that it’s fast-acting, providing an immediate effect on hydration after tough workouts.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: It’s difficult to find an electrolyte drink with real fruits and ingredients you can pronounce, so DryWater definitely gets some points in that department. The flavors are not bad, either. It’s mildly sweet and just the right amount of citrus. There is a slightly dry mouth aftertaste, but it didn’t bother most of our testers. Bonus: The stick packs are small, light, and easy to carry, so you can take them with you anywhere.
Sodium: 380mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Sugar: 1g
Amazon
Pros:
Clear labeling on the front of the packet
Formula uses colors and flavors derived from natural sources
Incorporate magnesium, which can help with headaches
Subtle flavor
THORNE Daily Electrolytes are on the pricier side, but the ingredients are clean, there’s no added sugar, and the packaging is very easy to read. Along with an ample dose of sodium (derived from Himalayan Pink Salt) and potassium, THORNE incorporates 40 milligrams of magnesium, which can help with headaches. It’s also NSF Certified for Sport and trusted by over 100 professional sports teams.
Brooke Matalon
New York Post Review: THORNE has done a great job of masking the flavor of some of these minerals. The profile is far more muted and less salty than others we tried, which is ideal for those sensitive to strong flavors. It’s also very easy to read and truly tastes clean, free of filler and junk. It’s almost hard to believe that there is sodium and potassium in there, because the flavor is so mild. It’s a great electrolyte for someone who doesn’t really like the taste of electrolytes.
Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 370mg | Sugar: 10g
More hangover cures
Amazon
Activated charcoal is one of our in-house secret weapons for surviving hangovers. This gritty, tasteless powder binds to toxins, helping flush out your system. While good hydration and some electrolytes will certainly help, tossing a few of these capsules in your rotation might help your body bounce back faster.
Organic Belly Comfort Lozenges Lemon Ginger
Amazon
With “Belly Comfort” in the name, you know these soothing Organic Belly Comfort Lozenges are just what you’ll want to reach for when the night goes a little too long. They’re packed with real ginger and lemon, which experts recommend for reducing nausea, bloating, and even headaches. Just don’t skip the water. Lozenges are great, but they’re not magic.
Once Upon a Coconut Premium Coconut Water
Amazon
Another on-the-go hydration hero: coconut water. Aside from being delicious, coconut water is also naturally rich in electrolytes, thanks to the potassium count. Even one serving can help replenish what you lost and get you back to feeling normal. This premium version, by Once Upon a Coconut, is straight from the source, rather than concentrated, so you’re getting the most nutrients out of it.
How We Tested
While evaluating the best electrolyte supplements, our team consulted several health experts and tested each supplement based on four main factors: taste, texture, hydration, and packaging.
Brooke Matalon
Taste: In order to stay consistent with your hydration goals and boost recovery, you’ll want to find a flavor you can tolerate. Electrolytes have a good amount of sodium, which can create a salty profile. We looked for somewhat sweet, milder formulas that came in a range of flavors (so you can find your favorite). We considered the smell, aftertaste, artificial flavoring, and overall palatability while testing.
Texture: Texture is also very important, as some people can be sensitive to the grittier or clumpier formulas. While taste-testing the electrolyte supplements, are team looked for supplements that were smoother, balanced, and mixed easily. We made note of any formulas that felt dry, chalky, or if any residue was left on the bottom of the cup after drinking.
Hydration: While evaluating the best electrolyte supplements, we checked the daily value of several key nutrients that help replenish lost water, including sodium, potassium, and sugar. We also highlighted the inclusion of different ingredients, like B vitamins, magnesium, sea salt, and coconut water, to aid in recovery. Quality, purity, and ingredient testing were also considered.
Packaging: Packaging is also a key factor, as many electrolute users like to take these supplements on the go. We looked for supplements that came in small, lightweight, easy-to-open, pre-packaged packets. This helps eliminate the mess of scooping (and spilling) powders. Consideration was also given to brands using durable, eco-friendly packaging with visible labels on key ingredients.
An FAQ on Electrolyte Supplements and Hangover Cures
Ahead, our team of medical experts best explained what electrolytes are, their benefits, and what to know before incorporating an electrolyte drink or powder into your diet.
What are electrolytes?
“Electrolytes are essential minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, that have an electric charge and are vital for basic body functions like fluid balance, chemical reactions, and muscle contractions,” Kara Lydon, RD, registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and owner of Kara Lydon Nutrition, told The Post.
Electrolytes are found in the blood, urine, cells, tissues, and other body fluids.
What are the benefits of electrolytes?
The benefits of adequate mineral intake go way beyond maintaining hydration status.
“Without proper cellular hydration and function, we easily get fatigued, weak, and can even have convulsions,” Walker said. “So, there are many reasons one could be underserved in electrolytes, including poor nutritional intake, medicines, hormonal challenges, or excessive training.”
That said, maintaining optimal mineral intake based on your level of activity or other competing factors will support a healthy hydration status, which in turn powers all other operating systems.
What are the benefits of consuming electrolyte drinks?
“Replacing electrolytes during times of acute water and mineral depletion like excessive sweating from training, diarrhea, vomiting, or large burn injuries can be very beneficial to restoring a healthy water balance and cellular function,” Walker explained.
“Drinking too much naked water (without electrolytes) in one sitting after any of the above conditions could cause hyponatremia, which could be fatal,” he warned.
And of course, the perceived enhanced performance and recovery that can be gained from these drinks is alluring to most.
What ingredients to look for in an electrolyte drink, according to experts
“When shopping for all these products to find the best fit for you and your needs, just like other manufactured industrial food products, it behooves you to always read the ingredient labels,” Walker said. “The fewer the ingredients, the better.”
If you’re engaged in long-distance runs for hours, you might need one with more sugar content than the person who just did a 30-minute HIIT workout. According to Walker, you don’t need sugar for the standard one-to-two-hour training sessions. In turn, lower time-framed workouts should be supplemented with low-to-no-sugar electrolyte replacements.
“You also want to avoid the artificial colorings like Red #40 and Yellow #5,” he added. “Most will have a respectable balance of the essential electrolytes that can enhance replenishment.”
How much sodium should be in an electrolyte?
Lydon recommended taking a look at the amount of sodium listed in an electrolyte drink and aiming for around 100 to 250 mg of sodium (unless you’re an elite athlete; you may need more).
“Many electrolyte drinks and powders contain very high amounts of sodium when the average person easily meets and even exceeds the daily amount of sodium recommended,” she noted.
However, electrolyte needs are highly individualized based on how intense your exercise is, how long you’re exercising for, and how you sweat (salty sweaters need more sodium), so she recommends consulting with your own individual sports dietitian to assess.
How often should one consume an electrolyte drink or powder?
There is certainly some uncertainty when it comes to how many electrolyte replacements a person needs throughout the day or week. For the everyday person or athlete who might run into the above problems, causing electrolyte/hydration imbalances, having two to three electrolyte drinks a week would be acceptable, according to Walker.
“You could get by with one a day, and there is no long-term data substantiating any harm, but we have to be aware of the tradeoffs — like extra sugar or artificial sweetener exposure and water quality of the product.”
When, exactly, should electrolyte drinks and powders be consumed?
“It’s best to consume electrolyte drinks during or right after exercise that lasts 60 or more minutes,” Lydon advised. “This is especially true on hot days or after intense workouts.”
Electrolyte drinks are also helpful to consume when you’re working out more than once a day.
Who should avoid the consumption of an electrolyte drink or powder?
You should always consult your doctor before consuming a sports-enhancing product like electrolyte drinks in any significant quantity, or “if you have concerning medical conditions that could be exacerbated by too much water and mineral replacement, like heart or kidney failure, to mention a few,” Walker noted.
Why does a hangover happen?
There are multiple reasons a hangover happens, according to Amy Goldsmith, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the founder of Kindred Nutrition & Kinetics.
“First, alcohol can make people urinate more. If they aren’t focusing on balancing hydration, they become dehydrated, which causes symptoms of dry mouth, dizziness, and headaches,” she explained. “Second, the body breaks alcohol down to acetaldehyde, which is a toxic substance. Although it is in the body temporarily, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and sweating.”
Goldsmith added that alcohol can also interfere with glucose production in the liver, which can lead to lower blood sugar levels. Alcohol can also impact sleep by decreasing REM cycles and the natural circadian rhythm.
This is why it’s important to ensure you are appropriately hydrated before drinking alcohol.
Can electrolytes help you recover from a hangover?
Goldsmith explained that electrolytes can prevent or speed up recovery from a hangover.
“The electrolytes assist with absorbing water and balancing electrolytes to help with hangover symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, or headaches,” she noted. “Research suggests a vitamin B complex that includes B1, B6, B12, and folic acid can assist with hangover symptoms.
She suggested looking for electrolytes that are NSF certified.
What are some other hangover cures?
“Since coconut water and regular water have a hydrating effect, they can help balance hydration, which in turn will decrease hangover symptoms of fatigue and headaches,” Goldsmith shared.
Goldsmith added that ginger can help with nausea. But, for people looking to prevent a hangover altogether, there is also a range of non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha that provide carbonation and support the gut.
“Kombucha will hydrate and has probiotics, which aid gut health and can combat stomach pains one may get from the inflammation of the GI lining,” she explained.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.