5 Quality Electrolyte Powders In 2024 To Keep You Hydrated

Primal Hydration by Primal Harvest is a refreshing electrolyte powder drink mix featuring a powerful blend of essential minerals, coconut water, and vitamins. Expertly formulated to support proper hydration, it contains the essential minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium as well as vitamins C, B3, B5, B6. and B12. The formula contains powdered coconut water - nature’s own source of electrolytes for an additional hydration boost. This premium hydration formula is also suitable for a wide range of diets and lifestyles.*

The powder mixes easily into water and comes in a delicious lemon-berry flavor. Plus, it comes in convenient on-the-go pouches that are easy to take with you anywhere! The formula is third-party lab tested and made in US with globally sourced ingredients in a GMP-certified facility. 

Primal Hydration delivers excellent value and quality for a reasonable price. You may also note that the brand’s excellent customer service scores and 90-day money-back guarantee, which is why it was number one on this list.

• Blend of electrolytes: sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium
• Includes vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, B12 and coconut water
• Sweetened with stevia and vegan-friendly
• Refreshing lemon-berry flavor
• Easy-to-mix, on-the-go formula
• Standard price
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

PROS

CONS

• Only available online
• Due to popularity, sometimes runs out of stock

BOTTOM LINE

2. Keto Electrolyte Powder Packs

by LMNT

PROS

• Contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium
• No sugar or carbohydrates
• Suitable for a wide range of dietary needs
• Convient travel pouches
• Gluten-free

CONS

• Lacks calcium and vitamins
• Price
• Salty taste

BOTTOM LINE

Keto Electrolyte Powder Packs by LMNT is formulated with 3 ingredients: sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The formula contains zero added sugar or carbohydrates, making it suitable for a wide range of diets, just like our number one product on this list. It comes in travel packs making it convenient to carry on trips or on-the-go. 

Some may like the minimal ingredient list but others would have preferred the addition of more minerals and vitamins. Additionally, some users found that even though they felt the product was beneficial - the high sodium content resulted in a very salty flavor, which may not be for everyone (although they offer a very reasonable money-back guarantee for this reason).

A+

GRADE

B+

GRADE

3. Electrolyte Drink Tablets

by Nuun

PROS

• Contains a range of electrolytes: sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and chloride
• Transportable packaging

CONS

• Contains 1 g of added sugar
• No vitamins

BOTTOM LINE

Nuun Sports: Electrolyte Drink Tablets by Nuun are formulated with sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and chloride. Although it contains a variety of minerals, it has much lower quantities of some of them than other electrolyte supplements on this list. It has zero artificial flavors or colors and is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. However, these tablets contain 1 g of added sugar (listed as dextrose in the ingredients list). This may not be suitable for those watching their sugar and carbohydrate intake. You might also would have liked to see some vitamins included in the product. 

C+

GRADE

4. Hydration Multiplier

by Liquid I.V.

PROS

• Contains the minerals sodium, potassium, glucose
• Also includes B vitamins and vitamin C
• Convenient on-the-go sachets

CONS

• Contains 11 g added sugar
• Does not contain magnesium or calcium

BOTTOM LINE

Hydration Multiplier by Liquid I.V. is formulated with sodium, potassium, and glucose. It also contains B-vitamins and vitamin C. You may like that it was available in travel pouches, making it easy to take on-the-go. That being said, the electrolyte mix was lacking the minerals calcium and magnesium, which we were looking for. The addition of glucose into this electrolyte formula results in an additional 11 g of added sugar and carbohydrates. This may be something that those who are watching their sugar and carb intake may want to note.

C+

GRADE

5. Sport Hydration Drink Mix

by Skratch Labs

PROS

• Formulated with sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium
• Fresh lime & lemon flavor
• Vegan-friendly formula

CONS

• Only contains 39 mg potassium
• Contains 19 g added sugars
• No travel sachets

BOTTOM LINE

Sport Hydration Drink Mix by Skratch Labs comes in last place on our list. This hydration drink mix delivers 380mg of sodium as well as magnesium, potassium and calcium. However, it’s good to note that it only contains 39 mg of potassium per serving which is less than some other products on this list. It comes in a fresh lime and lemon flavor. You may note the addition of cane sugar as this meant the product contains 19 g added sugars per serving. This increases the number of calories in the drink resulting in 80 calories per serving.It also contains 21g of carbohydrates which may not suit those watching their carb intake. 

C

GRADE

Our Choice

Learn More

Based on feedback from 3739 users of Primal Harvest 

Electrolyte Powders in 2024

What To Look For

What To Avoid

Important Criteria

Primal Hydration by Primal Harvest

Keto Electrolyte Powder Packs by LMNT

Hydration Multiplier by Liquid I.V. 

Electrolyte Drink Tablets by Nuun

Sport Hydration Drink Mix by Skratch Labs

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Third-Party Tested

Subscription Service

Note: We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information.

• Feeling energized*
• Feeling like their physical performance was strong*
• Feeling sufficiently hydrated*

​

• Many reported being satisfied about their activity levels*
• Endurance during physical activity* 
• Finding it easy to recover after a workout* 

​

• Feeling satisfied with their physical performance, stamina, and recovery*
• Feeling less fatigue*
• Feeling good about maintaining a physically active lifestyle* 

6 + Months

3 – 6 Months

1 – 2 Months

Who might benefit from an electrolyte powder?

Note: Individual results may vary. The benefits stated are based on personal experiences and subjective feedback and may vary from person to person.

Why are electrolytes so important for hydration?

Most of us know that we need to drink enough water to stay hydrated. Yet electrolytes are just as important for hydration. Not only do we need electrolytes to keep our muscles and nerves working - they are also important for maintaining fluid balance. [3] 

For us to be properly hydrated, there should be the correct amount of water inside and outside of each cell in the body. Electrolytes, sodium and potassium in particular, may help maintain the balance of fluids by keeping the cells from being too full or from shriveling up. 

When we sweat we lose water and electrolytes, which may lead to dehydration if both aren’t replenished. Dehydration can have some pretty significant effects on the body and symptoms can range from mild to severe.[4]

Certain groups of people might want to pay extra attention to their electrolyte intake, especially before, after or during certain activities. This includes anyone who:

• Muscle weakness or cramping*
• Headaches*
• Confusion*

• Fatigue*
• Fast or irregular heartbeat*
• Numbness or tingling*

Possible signs of electrolyte imbalance:

Potential signs of dehydration:

Feeling tired*

Dry mouth, eyes, and lips*

Infrequent urination*

Feeling thirsty*

Dark yellow urine*

Dizziness or lightheadedness*

Long periods of activity and exercise, especially in the heat, may lead to dehydration. As well as vomiting, loose stools, drinking too much alcohol, or being in the sun for too long.

Dehydration can also cause a loss in electrolytes which may lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Although mild electrolyte imbalance is not usually noticeable, severe electrolyte imbalance may cause some signs. 

Here are few things to try to avoid when shopping for a quality electrolyte powder:

• Exercises for long periods of time (especially in the heat)* 
• Does other activities that lead to a lot of sweating*
• Participated in prolonged periods of activity in hot weather*
• Sits in the sun for a long time*

• Is under the weather and hasn’t rehydrated*
• Follows a keto or low-carbohydrate diet* 
• Feels their fluid intake hasn’t been sufficient*
• Has had a late night out on the town*

How might you benefit from a adding an electrolyte powder to your routine?*

Everyone has individual needs and the experience of making changes in your wellness routine will vary from person to person. Here are some examples of how including more daily electrolyte powder may look for different people:

All electrolyte powders are NOT created equal.

Unfortunately, some generic hydration supplements may contain sugars, calories, or artificial sweeteners. Some may not have the right balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. 

Choosing a high-quality electrolyte formula all comes down to knowing what to look for and what to try to avoid so that you never waste your time or hard-earned money.

Why are electrolytes important when on a low-carb or keto diet?

If you’re on a ketogenic, low-carbohydrate diet you may need to pay a little extra attention to your electrolyte intake. Why, you might wonder? Following a ketogenic diet means having a low intake of carbohydrates, moderate intake of protein, and a high fat intake. Most people follow this type of diet for weight loss goals, although it may have some other purported benefits.

How to find the right electrolyte supplement? 

When it comes to choosing an electrolyte supplement, it can get pretty complex. Thanks to their skyrocketing popularity, there are countless options out there. But remember -

On a keto or low-carb diet, the body switches from using carbohydrates as fuel to using fat. When it does this, it uses up the carbohydrates that have been stored in the muscles and liver - also known as glycogen stores. 

Because glycogen is stored with water, less glycogen causes water and electrolyte loss through urine. Additionally, keto dieting may cause additional water loss due to its diuretic effect. Some people on a keto diet may also not eat a wide variety of foods which can contribute to electrolyte imbalance. [5]

Sodium

Potassium

Calcium

Magnesium

Contains Vitamins

Less Than 10 Calories Per Serving

Convenient On-The-Go (ie Stick Packs)

No Gluten

No Dairy

Plant-Derived Sweetener

• Instant-mixing, delicious formula
• With essential electrolytes and vitamins
• Third-party laboratory tested
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Note: Please seek medical attention if you are experiencing moderate to severe dehydration signs. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your personal physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Note: Please seek medical attention if you are experiencing moderate to severe signs. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, nor are they intended to be substitutes for professional medical health advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for accurate advice, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

• Unclear Labels: A quality electrolyte supplement should clearly list exactly what’s included in the formula. Avoid products lacking transparency that don’t list all of the specific ingredients included in the formula.
• Missing Safety Testing & Certifications: Choose an electrolyte supplement that has been independently third-party lab tested and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. These precautions will guarantee that the product is quality and free from unwanted extras, such as contaminants, traces of heavy metals, or pesticides.
• False or Misleading Claims: Beware of any supplements that claim their product treats or cures any specific disease or ailment, or promises miraculous, unrealistic, or misleading results. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new supplement routine.
• Suspiciously Cheap Products: When it comes to your health, this is definitely not an area to test out suspiciously cheap products. There are plentiful options to choose from that are high value and still affordable. In this case, you do get what you pay for!

1. Taylor EB, Jones K. “Adult Dehydration.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310416/.

2. Shrimanker S, Bhattarai I. “Electrolytes.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082167/.

3. Campbell, Iain. “Physiology of Fluid Balance.” Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, Elsevier, 25 Nov. 2009, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1472029909002215.

4. NHS Choices, NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/.

5. Ketogenic Diet - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499830/.

To see a list of our other references, please click here. 

CITATIONS

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

 Note: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, nor are they intended to be substitutes for professional medical health advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for accurate advice, diagnosis, and treatment plan.