How we test electrolytes
We enlisted a panel of nutritionists and dieticians – including Megan Foulsham, senior nutritionist, and Ruby Chauhan, nutritionist, at Calo – to help us put these hydration heroes to the test.
They judged each product on quality of ingredients, nutritional make-up and formulation, with only the ones that met their standards going forward to the next stage of testing.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our editors, food testers and fitness pros did shots of electrolytes (yes, really!) and rated each for its flavour, consistency, and ease of use.
Once all testing was complete, feedback was analysed, and final scores were awarded.
1
Best electrolytes tablets
Science in Sport Go Hydro Tablets (20 tablets)
1
Best electrolytes tablets
Science in Sport Go Hydro Tablets (20 tablets)
Now 16% Off
Score: 97/100
As one of the leading sports nutrition brands, Science in Sports certainly knows a thing or two about fuelling workouts. These top-scoring tabs, which earned an instant thumbs up from our nutritionists and in-house testers, were developed to keep the British sailing team hydrated during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
They contain optimal amounts of sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium, plus a healthy dose of B vitamins and green tea extract, to boost your energy levels and enhance mental focus. The zingy grapefruit flavour we tried was light and refreshing and the tablets dissolved easily in water, with no powdery residue lurking at the bottom of our water bottle.
Need an extra hit of energy? SiS also offers a caffeinated option.
Per tablet: 8kcal, 0.6g carbohydrates, 0.8g salt
2
Best electrolytes drink
BetterYou Magnesium Mineral Water
2
Best electrolytes drink
BetterYou Magnesium Mineral Water
Score: 97/100
Many electrolyte drinks taste salty and chalky, but this refreshing can from BetterYou is a genuinely delicious way to boost your hydration. Our panel praised the zingy lemonade-esque flavour and said it was extremely easy to glug down – exactly what you want post-workout or when you’re battling a hangover.
It contains an 180mg blend of high-quality magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate and Irish Sea minerals to help replenish your stores and fight fatigue, whether you’ve completed a 5k, or you simply need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
It’s a top choice if you’re looking for a low-calorie, low-sugar option (there are just 3g of sugar per 250ml can) and it scores highly for portability, too. Just be wary of overdoing it – each can contains 48% of your recommended daily magnesium allowance.
Per 330ml serving: 20kcal, 3g carbohydrates, 0.0075g salt
3
Best for strength options
Precision Hydration PH1000 (15 tablets)
3
Best for strength options
Precision Hydration PH1000 (15 tablets)
Score: 94/100
These citrus-flavoured tablets contain a mega 1000mg of sodium per litre when dissolved in 500ml of water, making them a top choice for hydrating after tough training sessions or when exercising in the heat. They’re also a great shout for the salty sweaters out there.
Our panel liked the natural zingy taste , which they thought would be easy to sip over long periods without getting bored. (Note, we tried the orange flavour). The thin texture was spot on and there was no unpleasant salty aftertaste, either. Hurrah!
Don’t need such a mighty hit of electrolytes? Precision Hydration offers a range of strengths to accommodate all needs.
Per serving: 16kcal, 2.2g carbohydrates, 1g salt
4
Best carbonated electrolytes
Punchy Everyday Hydration (12 cans)
4
Best carbonated electrolytes
Punchy Everyday Hydration (12 cans)
Score: 94/100
As the name suggests, this carbonated can from B Corp-certified brand Punchy is designed for daily hydration, not serious endurance sessions. It contains a blend of electrolytes (potassium, magnesium and pink Himalayan salt) along with vitamins C, D and zinc to keep you hydrated, prevent tiredness, fight muscle soreness and help support your immune system.
Like the BetterYou drink above, it was highly rated for taste and texture. Our panel loved the “light fizz” and said the tropical fruity flavour hit just the right level of sweetness.
It boasts a snappy, all-natural ingredients list, with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Keep in mind, however, that agave syrup has a high fructose content and may cause gut woes for those with sensitive stomachs.
Per 330ml serving: 56kcal, 13.5g carbohydrates
5
Best electrolytes powder
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (16 sticks)
5
Best electrolytes powder
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (16 sticks)
Score: 93/100
These handy sachets from viral electrolyte brand Liquid I.V. are great for slipping in your bag, whether you’re off to work out, travelling or just feeling dehydrated and groggy.
They’re powered by patented Cellular Transport Technology, which, the brand claims, provides the optimal ratio of sodium, glucose, potassium and water to encourage faster absorption into your bloodstream. Each stick also contains a healthy dose of vitamins including C, B3, B5, B6 and B12 – especially useful for those who follow a plant-based diet and want to up their intake.
The fine powder dissolved well in 500ml of water – with no unwanted lumps or residue – and testers said the sweet fruity flavour was pleasant, although the texture was a tad thick. Still, they’d happily mix it into their water bottles to help them stay on top of their hydration game.
If you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, keep in mind that it is a little higher in sugar (11g) than some of the other options on this list.
Per 16g serving: 45kcal, 11g carbohydrates, 570mg sodium
6
Best for flavour
Humantra Hydration Sticks (20 sticks)
6
Best for flavour
Humantra Hydration Sticks (20 sticks)
Score: 91/100
According to our tasting panel, these popular hydration sticks – which come in a range of flavours like black cherry and Himalayan lime – are “very drinkable”. They likened the flavour (which was neither too sweet nor too salty) to a light fruit squash and said the fine powder dissolved well in water.
The convenient sachets also got our nutritionists’ seal of approval. They contain the key electrolytes needed to maintain fluid balance and support hydration, along with vitamin B12 – a useful addition for veggies and vegans. They’re also free from artificial flavours and colours, using Stevia leaf as a sweetener instead.
As a bonus, the supplement is Informed Sport certified, which provides an extra layer of quality assurance.
Per 5g serving: 10kcal, <1g carbohydrates, 200mg sodium
7
Best for focus
Good Salt Focus - Lemon & Lime
7
Best for focus
Good Salt Focus - Lemon & Lime
Score: 91/100
These colourful sachets from Good Salt come in a powder form, making them easy to tear open and pour into water. Available in six flavours, including raspberry lemonade and tropical punch, the vegan electrolytes also contain ingredients to support with either focus, rest or movement – we tested the lemon & lime for improved focus, which includes green tea extract for better concentration and B vitamins to support brain health.
Our nutritionist rated the ingredients, explaining that the amount of green tea extract included is “a clinically relevant dose for supporting focus and calm alertness”. She added that it’s best for light exercise, general hydration and focus support. It could be one to avoid if you exercise heavily, because although the sodium count is high, it contains very few carbohydrates.
That said, our panel of testers enjoyed the lemon & lime flavour, saying it was sharp and sweet, without being overly salty. They did say the electrolytes need a good stir for the formula to dissolve properly.
Per serving: 2kcal, 0.4g carbohydrates, 400mg sodium
8
Best unflavoured electrolytes
Elete Electrolyte Hydration Drops (120 ml)
8
Best unflavoured electrolytes
Elete Electrolyte Hydration Drops (120 ml)
Score: 90/100
If you’re looking for a simple way to stay on top of your hydration, these electrolyte drops are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. They’re flavourless, so you can add them to whatever you’re already sipping throughout the day.
The drops contain a blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride, with zero calories or sweeteners. Thanks to the unprocessed formula, they’re gentle on the stomach, making them a good option if you’re prone to gut issues.
Our nutritionist noted that, unlike some other electrolyte brands on the market, the formula helps to gradually reintroduce sodium into the bloodstream – allowing your body’s salt levels to recover in a more controlled, gentle way. While the drops aren’t designed for pro-athletes, they can offer a helpful hydration boost if you tend to feel thirstier after yoga or a HIIT class.
Per 2.5ml serving: 0kcal, <0g carbohydrates, 125mg sodium
9
Best for travel
Free Soul Hydrate (30 sachets)
9
Best for travel
Free Soul Hydrate (30 sachets)
Score: 89/100
Free Soul is best known for its viral greens powder (you can read about it in our best greens powders roundup) but its electrolytes should be on your radar, too.
Our nutritionists rated the ingredients list, which includes key electrolytes, sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium malate – a type of magnesium which is particularly easy to absorb, supports muscle function and helps reduce cramping. Each serving also provides a dose of vitamin C and zinc to boost post-workout recovery.
Flavour-wise, the balance of sharp citrus with a hint of sweetness was a hit with our panellists, who said the drink was “really light and fresh” and “not overpowering at all.” As a bonus, the sachets are handy for endurance events or taking on holiday.
The product swerves sugar and is sweetened with stevia instead. Just note, this can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort for some.
Per 7g serving: 3.6g carbohydrates, 2.17g salt
10
Best for an energy boost
Wellthy by Boots Daily Hydration+ Energy & Focus (12 sachets)
10
Best for an energy boost
Wellthy by Boots Daily Hydration+ Energy & Focus (12 sachets)
Score: 87/100
Boots has launched its own wellness range, Wellthy, which includes a selection of electrolyte powders with added vitamins and minerals. We tried the Energy & Focus sachets, which contain vitamins C, B6 and B12 to give you a lift when your energy dips, plus pantothenic acid and guarana, a natural source of caffeine, to help you stay sharp throughout the day. There are also six key electrolytes to support hydration.
The zesty lime and mint flavour was popular with our taste testers, with one likening it to a zingy ice lolly. The artificial smell and colour were a little off-putting but crucially, the flavour was refreshing and not too cloying.
Our nutritionist noted it delivers core electrolytes in a simple, low-carb format, making it ideal for light activity or those seeking everyday hydration. Note, that the added vitamins could push you above recommended levels if you’re already getting them elsewhere (rendering them unnecessary), while the inclusion of sweeteners and anti-caking agents could cause digestive discomfort for some.
Per serving: 2.4g carbohydrates, 240mg sodium
We also sampled the Hydration+ Rest & Restore sachets, which features magnesium glycinate, l-theanine and lemon balm to support your evening wind-down routine. It scored 86/100 in our tests.
11
TRIP Peach Yuzu Electrolytes (20 sachets)
11
TRIP Peach Yuzu Electrolytes (20 sachets)
Score: 85/100
TRIP’s CBD-infused drinks are extremely popular (they feature in our best adaptogens round-up), so we couldn’t wait to try the brand’s newly launched electrolytes. Key ingredients include coconut water powder, potassium chloride, pink Himalayan salt and a magnesium blend (glycinate and malate), along with calming ashwagandha and vitamins D3 and K2 to support bone health.
Our nutritionists rated the inclusion of high-quality magnesium and the use of stevia to naturally sweeten the product, without affecting blood sugar levels. They described it as a “multi-functional wellness product” to support daily hydration, noting that it’s not one to reach for if you’re engaging in high-intensity exercise.
Flavour-wise, our panel loved the “tropical” combination of peach and yuzu, saying that it wasn’t too salty or too sweet. There was no dodgy aftertaste, either.
Per 7.2g serving: <10kcal, 300mg sodium
12
Best value electrolytes
Phizz 3-in-1 Hydration Electrolytes & Vitamins Tablets (20 tablets)
12
Best value electrolytes
Phizz 3-in-1 Hydration Electrolytes & Vitamins Tablets (20 tablets)
Now 34% Off
Score: 85/100
Whether you need to bounce back after a sweat-soaked session or you’re feeling a little ropey, these convenient drop-into-drink tablets will help you on the road to recovery. Not only are they packed with key electrolytes (sodium, chloride, magnesium and potassium), they contain 18 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, zinc and B vitamins, to support athletic performance and boost overall wellbeing. According to the brand, one tab will help you rehydrate three times faster than drinking water alone.
We tried the tropical mango flavour, which was pleasantly fizzy and enjoyable to drink, but there are a host of options to try including classic orange, apple and mixed berry. They dissolved well in water and the tubes are handy for hydrating on the go.
Just make sure not to overdo it if you’re already taking multivitamins.
Per serving: 10kcal, 2g carbohydrates, 0.8g salt
13
Best electrolytes with caffeine
ViDrate Boost Natural Hydration (8 sachets)
13
Best electrolytes with caffeine
ViDrate Boost Natural Hydration (8 sachets)
Score: 84/100
These sachets, powered with a blend of electrolytes, energy-boosting B vitamins and a 90mg hit of caffeine, are a sound choice for hydrating during intense training sessions – especially when you’re flagging and need an extra boost.
Our nutritionist liked the inclusion of fibre (for added nutritional value) and stevia for natural sweetness and stable energy. Just keep in mind, stevia can cause gut issues for those with very sensitive stomachs.
Our team of testers tried the guava flavour, which went down well. They said it was “well-balanced” and not sickly sweet. The consistency was just right, too – it wasn’t syrupy or difficult to drink.
The brand also does a caffeine-free version, if you prefer.
Per 4g serving: 7kcal, 1.8g carbohydrates, 0.009mg salt, 90mg caffeine
14
Best naturally flavoured sachets
Dr. Vegan Hydrate+ Orange & Pineapple (15 sachets)
14
Best naturally flavoured sachets
Dr. Vegan Hydrate+ Orange & Pineapple (15 sachets)
Score: 84/100
Like the Punchy cans above on our list, these sachets swerve added sugars and artificial sweeteners, including stevia. Instead, they’re sweetened with natural flavours and monk fruit extract. To boost your hydration levels, they contain a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, plus vitamins C and B12 along with L-taurine, an amino acid that supports energy production and helps balance fluids, salts and minerals.
When mixed with 500ml of water, testers described the aroma as “sweet and sherbet-like”, while the flavour wasn’t too salty or too sweet and the consistency was smooth and light, making it easy to drink during exercise.
Per serving: 3kcal, 0.6g carbohydrates, 0.6g salt
15
Protein Works Genesis Advanced Hydration (30 servings)
15
Protein Works Genesis Advanced Hydration (30 servings)
Now 25% Off
Score: 83/100
If you’re looking for an electrolyte supplement in powder form, this option from Protein Works mixes well in water (no lumpy residue here) and tastes good.
Don’t be put off the by the fluorescent colour – panellists said the fruity taste (we tried the berry burst flavour) was “subtle and not too synthetic”. They also thought the drink was refreshing and everyone rated the sweet-salty balance.
In terms of nutrition, our experts gave it a thumbs up. It contains sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium along with coconut water extract, which is naturally rich in electrolytes, to boost hydration levels. It also features a blend of B vitamins to help fight fatigue. Just note, it’s lower in sodium than some of the other options in this round-up, so it’s not one to reach for during intense endurance exercise or if you’re a very salty sweater.
Per 300ml serving: 19kcal, 4.6g carbs, 0.4g salt
16
Heights Hydrate+ (24 sachets)
16
Heights Hydrate+ (24 sachets)
Score: 80/100
Another natural option, this Heights powder comes in three cocktail-inspired flavours, including lime margarita, peach spritz and mango ginger mule. According to our panel (who tried the peach version) the fruity flavour is subtle and the texture is smooth when mixed with water, but there is a distinct salty taste. If you’re a fan of salt-rimmed margaritas, these sachets should be right up your street.
The blend is formulated with three key minerals – sodium, potassium and magnesium – in the same proportions as they’re found in our bodies, and they’re all sourced naturally, with zero artificial additives on the ingredients list. It also includes Cognizin® citicoline to aid mental focus and performance – just what you need when you’re flagging mid-activity or dealing with an afternoon slump at your desk.
Per serving: < 10kcal, 0g carbs, 500mg sodium
17
Innermost The Hydrate Blend (30 sachets)
17
Innermost The Hydrate Blend (30 sachets)
Score: 80/100
Innermost features in several of our sports nutrition round-ups, so it’s no surprise the brand’s electrolyte sachets performed well during testing. We tried the lemon and mint flavour, which reminded our panel of a “natural, refreshing lemonade”. They noted that it was tangy and not overly sweet, making it easy to sip on the go. The consistency – not too fizzy or gritty when dissolved in 500ml of cold water – was also a hit with testers.
Containing six electrolytes (chloride, magnesium, potassium sodium, calcium and phosporus) plus B and C vitamins for an extra boost, drinking this mid or post-workout should help you feel restored and rejuvenated. It’s free from artificial flavours and preservatives, too.
Per 4g serving: 4kcal, 0g carbohydrates, 12mg salt
18
Best high-protein option
Myprotein Clear Whey Hydrate
18
Best high-protein option
Myprotein Clear Whey Hydrate
Now 19% Off
Score: 79/100
If you’re fond of a protein shake, this powder blends electrolyte minerals and vitamins C and B with 11g whey protein for complete post-workout recovery. What's more, it contains just 47 calories per serving and zero sugar.
Due to how it’s processed, the whey is light and juicy, rather than milky, with a slight fizz and a fruity flavour. Some of our testers found it easier to drink than standard protein shakes, and it’ll tide you over until your dinner time. It is lower is salts than some of the other options in this round-up, so it's not one to reach for during or after intense exercise.
Per serving: 48kcal, 0.7g carbohydrates, 168.9mg sodium
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Kim Hawley is the senior sleep and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees the reviews of a broad range of products, from treadmills to mattresses. She has over 30 years' experience in the fitness industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification, a nutrition qualification and over 20 years of experience working in leading health clubs across the UK.
Sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, is an avid gym-goer and has been writing about health and wellness products for several years, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best supplements.
For this test, we also enlisted the help of sports nutritionists to cut through the noise and provide recommendations you can rely on.
And, of course, we use all the experience and expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute, where we test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market. We put each and every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Sarah is our wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. She can be regularly found on a yoga mat or training for a run, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best yoga leggings, hydration vests or running trainers. From fitness trackers to the best supplements, she also has extensive experience writing about the latest products and writing detailed honest reviews.
Prior to joining the GHI, Sarah was a freelance journalist for 10 years, specialising in health, fitness and travel for national newspapers and magazine. During her time at Women’s Health, she interviewed celebrities about their fitness routines, for the Telegraph she investigated the health risks of Lime Bikes and visited Thailand to look at the trend of longevity travel - while for the London Standard she wrote about topics including AI powered PTs and smart ice baths.
When she isn’t testing out the latest smart watches, lifting weights at the gym, or hopping on a flight, Sarah can be found running around South London or devouring the latest trending TV show.
Angela is our Head of Testing managing all categories from Food & Drink to Homes. She has over 14 years’ food industry experience, helping companies such as Sainsbury’s, Pret, Nando’s and Leon achieve sustainable growth through innovative product development – and she’s even cooked for Heston Blumenthal! Her sensory evaluation training and finely honed taste buds means she knows exactly what’s worth spending money on. She led the food and drink testing team, who test more than 1,000 products each year, for seven years. Angela is WSET wine level 2 certified and has been a judge five years in a row for the British Sandwich Awards and the Pizza and Pasta Awards.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.