The Best Electrolyte Supplements For Fasting, Athletes, And More

We’re told to drink water while we exercise for good reason — as you sweat and your body gradually becomes dehydrated, you lose electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that conduct electricity in water, and in doing so, help the body maintain a host of functions — including muscle contraction and regulating blood pressure. Common electrolytes include potassium, sodium chloride, magnesium, and calcium. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking water and/or electrolyte supplements during exercise to avoid excessive changes in hydration levels and maintain electrolyte balance. (1)

The National Athletic Trainers Association recommends additional electrolyte supplementation for those who engage in intense exercise for more than an hour at a time, or in areas of excessive heat. (2) Additionally, electrolytes may be beneficial for folks suffering from dehydration related to illness, diarrhea, or vomiting. Regardless of your particular need for electrolyte supplementation, there are plenty of options available on the market, including powders, liquids, and gels — we think these are the best electrolyte supplements available.

Best Electrolyte Supplements

• Best Electrolytes Overall: Transparent Labs Hydrate
• Best Electrolytes for Mixing: Onnit HYDRATech Instant
• Best Tasting Electrolytes: Swolverine INTRA
• Best Electrolyte Powder for Fasting: Transparent Labs Hydrate
• Best Electrolytes for Athletes: Swolverine INTRA
• Beat Electrolytes for Keto: Keto K1000 Electrolyte Powder
• Best Electrolyte Gels: GU Energy Gel Shots
• Best Electrolyte Drinks for Older People: Electrolit Electrolyte Hydration
• Best Electrolytes for On the Go: Onnit HYDRATech Instant

Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems or injuries. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.

Best Electrolytes Overall

There are a ton of different types of electrolyte supplements with options like powders, pre-mixed drinks, and other options. This is our favorite one at the moment as it provides not only electrolytes, but extras for potentially improving hydration — all at a decent price.

Transparent Labs Hydrate

This powder doubles as not only an electrolyte supplement, but a hydration product that you can mix into water or other powders. Unlike some sports drinks, this isn’t loaded with carbs or sugars and features an all-natural formula with natural sweeteners. Each serving provides 84mg of calcium, 50mg of magnesium, 500mg of sodium, and 250mg of potassium as the electrolyte matrix.

The hydration focused ingredients are 500mg of coconut water powder and 50mg of senactiv™. (3) To potentially aid in regulating electrolyte balance, you’ll also receive 1,000mg of taurine in every scoop too. (4) You can pick this up for around $28.99 for a 40-serving container (around $0.72 per serving). One downside though is that this only comes in the Tropical Punch flavor.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Hydrate

• Anyone who wants an electrolyte supplement that covers your basic electrolytes and also offers some hydration ingredients.
• Folks who like to vary their timing of electrolyte supplementation will be happy to note this formula can be taken pre-, intra-, or post-workout, and still provide the same potential benefits. 
• Customers looking for a reasonably priced electrolyte supplement will be happy with this around $0.72 price per serving.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Hydrate

• Anyone who prefers a gel or liquid electrolyte supplement will want to look elsewhere as this is a powder.
• Folks who prefer a more robust blend that includes pre-workout or post-workout ingredients.
• Those who don’t like Tropical Punch flavor will want to look elsewhere for their electrolytes.

This product offers a healthy blend of important electrolytes, coconut water extract, and taurine to potentially replace what you lose from tough workouts. It comes at an affordable price of around $0.72 per serving — that price tag is hard to beat.

Best Electrolytes for Mixing

If you prefer a powder electrolyte supplement, and you’re looking for a powder that mixes seamlessly into water, you’ll like this formula. 

Onnit HYDRATech Instant

Onnit packed in a bunch of micronutrients in HYDRATech Instant and it contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, this powder will keep you hydrated without leaving any leftover particles behind in your cup. Simply combine one packet with eight to 12 ounces of water (depending on how strong you want the flavor) one to three times per day, and you’re set.

Not only will you receive your basic electrolytes, but this powder also keeps the sugar much lower than your average sports drink — it only contains seven grams, which is still something, but definitely not as much as the more common 20 grams you may find in other sports drinks. It comes in two flavors — Tangerine and Lime — and 30-pack boxes for a full month’s supply.

Who Should Buy Onnit HYDRATech Instant

• Folks who prefer a powder supplement and want something that mixes well with water will like this powder. 
• Athletes who want hydration without too much sugar. This product has only 7g of sugar compared to other sports drinks that may contain up to about 20 grams. 
• Folks who like individual serving packets they can bring with them on the go. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit HYDRATech Instant

• If you’re looking for a product that is 100 percent sugar-free, look elsewhere. This product still contains 7g of sugar, even though that number is much lower than many sports drink brands. 
• People who want more than two flavors to choose from — you only have Tangerine and Lime with this product. 

Onnit contains a solid number of hydrating ingredients and comes in two tasty flavors, both of which mix great with eight to 12 ounces of water.

Best Tasting Electrolytes

Sometimes you just want a great-tasting product to keep you hooked on a supplement regimen, and this pick delivers. While this electrolyte supplement only has two flavors to choose from, these flavors are some of the best-tasting on the market. 

Swolverine INTRA

Don’t blame us if you become hooked on this tasty electrolyte powder. It comes in two delicious flavors — Tropical Blast and Cherry Frost — both of which are sippable all day, despite this being an intra-workout supplement. It’s naturally flavored and sweetened with sucralose, so if you don’t like the aftertaste of stevia, you won’t have to worry about that. Every scoop has an electrolyte and B vitamin blend, essential aminos, and a hydration mix. You’ll receive 105mg of calcium, 37mg of magnesium, 135mg of sodium, and 87mg of potassium. 

In addition, there’s 4,300mg of essential amino acids to potentially aid in recovery and performance. Swolverine’s hydration mix provides 500mg of coconut water powder and 400mg of pink Himalayan salt, along with ginseng for energy and pomegranate for antioxidants. You can purchase a 30-serving container for around $44.99 (or about $1.50 per serving). 

Who Should Buy Swolverine INTRA

• Folks who just want a great tasting electrolyte supplement will like the two objectively great flavor options here.
• Anyone who wants more ingredients included in their electrolyte supplement for a potential boost in muscle recovery and hydration. 
• Those who prefer a powder electrolyte supplement over gels or liquids. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine INTRA 

• Those who want a straightforward electrolyte supplement with little in the way of extras.
• People on a budget may be able to find cheaper alternatives on this list.

Swolverine INTRA is not just great for its ingredient list and all-natural blend of electrolytes, aminos, and hydration ingredients — it’s also one of the tastier options on the market with two delicious flavors.

Best Electrolyte Powder for Fasting

When it comes to fasting, adding a little coconut water to an electrolyte powder can help with satiety due to its fiber content. (3)(4) This pick includes a coconut water powder complex, which makes it especially beneficial for those who may want to stay fuller longer.

Transparent Labs Hydrate

With 500 mg of a coconut water powder complex, the Transparent Labs Hydrate can potentially help keep with satiation thanks to coconut water’s fiber content. Coconut water is also hydrating in itself, so combined with a dose of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and taurine, this pick contains more electrolytes than most on the market.

This product is clean of additives and artificial ingredients, but it only comes in three flavors — Tropical Punch, Watermelon, and Strawberry Lemonade, so if you are looking for variety outside of that, this may not be the right pick for you.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Hydrate

• Anyone who’s fasting and looking for a potential boost in satiety from coconut water powder complex. 
• Athletes who want extra hydration from the additional coconut water powder complex. 
• Customers looking for a clean ingredient list. 
• Folks looking for a cost-effective electrolyte supplement option. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Hydrate

• Those who want a larger variety of flavors to choose from. 
• Anyone who prefers a gel or liquid electrolyte supplement. 

For a reasonable price, this pick includes an additional supplement of coconut water powder complex, which has the potential to increase satiety and keep you fuller for longer, which is great for anyone who is consistently fasting.

Best Electrolytes for Athletes

Many electrolyte drinks can contain too much sugar, which can cause unwanted weight gain for athletes. This product has no added sugars but a lot of ingredients that can help support athletes.

Swolverine INTRA

This intra-workout formula was seemingly designed with athletes in mind. It features electrolytes to potentially replace what you lose through challenging workouts, amino acids, which may aid in recovery, and an endurance and hydration mix to help keep you hydrated. Each scoop delivers a strong dose of 4,300mg of essential amino acids, which might be beneficial for athletes who are having trouble recovering in time for their next workout. 

The electrolyte blend that INTRA includes features 105mg of calcium, 37mg of magnesium, 135mg of sodium, and 87mg of potassium — all decently dosed for athletes. You also won’t find any added sugars in here (like many sports drinks may contain) with only two carbs per serving. You can pick up your own 30-serving bottle of this electrolyte supplement for around $44.99 (about $1.50 per serving).

Who Should Buy Swolverine INTRA

• Anyone who doesn’t want to overload on sugar in their electrolyte supplement will appreciate that this only includes two grams of carbs while still providing electrolytes. 
• Athletes looking for an electrolyte blend that includes ingredients for recovery too will appreciate the essential amino acid blend in here. 
• Folks who are focused on hydration. INTRA has an entire 2,500mg mix for endurance and hydration here. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine INTRA

• Customers who want more than two flavors to choose from can find brands with a much wider variety of flavor options. 
• Athletes who prefer a gel or liquid electrolyte supplement — this is a powder.
• Those who prefer carbs in their electrolytes to potentially replenish glycogen stores lost through exercise.

While Swolverine INTRA offers a solid dose of electrolytes for anyone, its essential amino mix, and hydration mix make it particularly great for athletes who don’t want to overload on sugar.

Best Electrolytes for Keto

When you’re keeping sugar at bay on the keto diet, it’s still important to be able to get your electrolytes. While many powders do include sugar for taste, this pick has no added sugar but plenty of hydrating minerals.

Keto K1000 Electrolyte Powder

The Keto K1000 Electrolyte Powder contains all the right minerals without any additives. That means it has calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium, and potassium without any sugar or maltodextrin (which is a food additive that can spike your blood sugar).

The potassium content is also higher than most on the market coming in at 1,000 mg, which means it can potentially aid even more in keeping the proper fluid balance in your body. This product comes in three different flavors, but it’s worth noting that it is a little pricer than some other supplements for those who are on a budget.

Who Should Buy Keto K1000 Electrolyte Powder

• Anyone who’s following a keto diet and doesn’t want a product with sugar-spiking additives. 
• Those who want an electrolyte supplement high in potassium to help even more with fluid balance. 
• Folks who prefer a powdered electrolyte supplement. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Keto K1000 Electrolyte Powder

• Anyone who is looking for a less expensive electrolyte supplement.
• Customers looking for ample flavor options in their powder. 

While this product may be a bit pricier than some other electrolyte supplements, it’s clean, contains no sugar or maltodextrin, and has one of the highest potassium contents you’ll find to help really balance the fluids in your system.

Best Electrolyte Gels

Electrolyte gels are ideal for anyone who’s on the go — whether you’re taking them in your pocket on a long run or just throwing them in your gym bag, this pick is one of the easiest electrolyte supplements to transport.

GU Energy Gel Shots

GU Energy Gels are small packets of 450 mg of amino acids, 55 mg of sodium, and 20 mg of caffeine. They are super easy to use on the go — all you have to do is tear the top off and squeeze, so even if you are running, you won’t have to stop to consume them.

However, they don’t contain all of the minerals that many powder or liquid electrolyte supplements have, so you won’t be getting other common electrolyte ingredients like potassium or calcium. You can buy 8-counts of these packets in six different flavors or in variety packs. You’ll pay for the convenience factor of these gels though — they’re definitely pricier than most.

Who Should Buy GU Energy Gel Shots

• Long distance runners who need an energy gel they can easily take with them on their runs.
• Anyone who prefers the convenience of a packet over having to mix a powder with water every time they need some hydration. 
• Athletes who want a good dose of amino acids that may help with tissue repair and nutrient absorption. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy GU Energy Gel Shots

• Folks who want more of a variety when it comes to the minerals included in their electrolyte supplement.
• Those who are looking for a less expensive electrolyte supplement.

If you’re looking for convenient electrolytes you can grab on the go, these packets won’t do you wrong — plus, the amino acids can also help with tissue repair as the product’s sodium may help keep you hydrated.

Best Electrolyte Drinks for Older People

It’s especially important for elderly folks to stay hydrated to ensure everything keeps running properly as they age. This pick comes pre-portioned, which makes it super easy to drink.

Electrolit Electrolyte Hydration

This drinkable electrolyte supplement is super convenient and contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and ions for optimal hydration and absorption. Since it’s pre-portioned into bottles, you don’t have to worry about mixing any powders into the appropriate amount of liquid, and you can buy these bottles in packs of 12.

They come in 12 flavors, but they are a bit more expensive than other supplements on the market — you’re paying for the high-quality ingredients and the convenience when it comes to Electrolit.

Who Should Buy Electrolit Electrolyte Hydration

• Elderly folks who want a convenient pre-portioned drink to keep them hydrated. 
• Anyone who prefers drinking their electrolytes vs. eating a gel. 
• Athletes who need something they can bring with them in their gym bag to drink after a workout. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Electrolit Electrolyte Hydration

• Customers looking for a cost-effective electrolyte supplement. 
• Folks who want a clean drink without any artificial flavors or additives. 

While Electrolit Electrolyte Hydration is great for anyone looking for a liquid electrolyte supplement, it’s especially great for elderly folks who need something convenient, easy-to-drink, tasty, and effective.

Best Electrolytes for On the Go

If you travel a lot or just want an electrolyte supplement you can easily throw in your gym bag, this product comes in convenient one-serving packets. 

Onnit HYDRATech Instant

It may not be the most convenient to take a big jug of electrolyte powder with you every time you hit the road. You can buy this supp in a 30-pack of individual one-serving packets, so it’s much easier to pack your electrolytes in a carry-on or gym bag.

They provide sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium for hydration, and offer an ideal 2:1 ratio of glucose to fructose that doesn’t overdo it on the sugar (like many sports drinks do). HYDRATech Instant only comes in Tangerine or Lime, however, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, this product may not be for you.

Who Should Buy Onnit HYDRATech Instant

• Folks who want individual packets of electrolyte powder they can easily pack in their bag when they’re on the go. 
• Anyone who doesn’t want too much sugar. This product only contains 7g in a 2:1 ratio of glucose to fructose, which is much less than your average sports drink. 
• Customers who like tangerine or lime — these are the only two flavor options. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit HYDRATech Instant

• Folks who prefer to eliminate sugar entirely can find electrolyte supplements with zero sugar.
• Anyone who doesn’t like tangerine or lime as this product only comes in those two flavors. 
• Customers who want added ingredients — like taurine — along with their electrolytes can find more robust ingredient lists. 

Onnit is ideal for those who need individual packets they can easily bring with them when they leave the house or hop on a plane, and though this product does contain some sugar, it still provides all your necessary electrolytes to help keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Benefits of Electrolyte Supplements

Though drinking 64 ounces (or more) of water a day is always the best way to stay hydrated, electrolyte supplementation doesn’t hurt and can be ideal in situations where your electrolytes have been especially depleted. These instances include periods of illness, morning hangovers, after long or intense workouts, or perspiring in extreme heat.

A few of the main minerals found in electrolyte supplements are sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals can potentially help with nervous impulses, contracting muscles, keeping you hydrated, and regulating your body’s pH levels, all of which should keep your body functioning properly. (6)

How We Chose the Best Electrolytes

Electrolytes play a key role in helping our bodies function properly. As folks lose bodily fluids — either through exercise, exposure to warm temperatures for a long period, vomiting, diarrhea, or alcohol consumption — they also lose electrolytes. Losing electrolytes can impact athletic performance, cause an increase in muscle cramps, and generally lead to increased feelings of fatigue or discomfort.

For that reason, taking an electrolyte supplement may be very beneficial for exercising for an extended period of time, working outdoors in an exceptionally hot environment, or even taking a long flight. In comparing various types of electrolyte supplements, we considered a few key factors.

Form

Ultimately, one form is not necessarily better than the other, so we selected different forms of electrolytes for this list that may suit different people’s lifestyles better than others. Athletes may find pre-portioned gels or bottles of liquid electrolytes more convenient than mixing up a powder, particularly if you’re in the middle of an endurance race. Whereas others may be more concerned with how much supplementation they are getting for their money — powder is much easier and cheaper to buy in bulk. No matter your preference, there’s an option on this list that will suit you.

Additives

As it is with any supplement, some people may be more concerned with additives and artificial ingredients than others. While many artificial ingredients are not inherently harmful, we have included all-natural options on this list for those who are trying to keep a diet clean of any additives. We’ve also included some options with artificial coloring or flavoring, or sugar though, so make sure you are reading the labels before you buy if this is something that is important to you. If there’s anything artificial in any of these products, we’ve mentioned it in this list for your convenience.

Taste

Rest assured that all the supplements on this list are objectively tasty. While some options may taste better than others, there are no options on this list that inherently taste bad. We’ve also tried to include picks that have a variety of flavors to choose from, so you’re not just stuck with one flavor option. When it comes to sticking to a supplement regimen, sometimes taste is one of the biggest priorities, and that is reflected in how we chose the supplements for this list.

Cost

We realize that different buyers may have different budgets. Powders will be the most cost-effective option for electrolyte supplementation since you can buy them in bulk and mix them yourself. But for those who are willing to spend a little extra money, we’ve also included individual gel packets and pre-portioned bottles of liquid electrolytes if convenience is more a priority than the cost is a deterrent. No matter the price, all of the electrolytes on this list are of high quality for their price range.

How Much Do Electrolyte Supplements Cost?

With so many different types of electrolyte supplements available on the market, it can be difficult to compare apples to oranges, or in this case, powders to gels or drinks. As with any supplement, there is a range of prices and options that electrolyte products tend to fall within.

Best Electrolytes Overall	Transparent Labs Hydrate	$28.99 Per serving: $0.72
Best Electrolytes for Mixing	Onnit HYDRATech Instant	$59.95 Per serving: $1.99
Best Tasting Electrolytes	Swolverine INTRA	$44.99 Per serving: $1.50
Best Electrolyte Powder for Fasting	Transparent Labs Hydrate	$28.99 Per serving: $0.72
Best Electrolytes for Athletes	Swolverine INTRA	$44.99 Per serving: $1.50
Best Electrolytes for Keto	Keto K1000 Electrolyte Powder	$32.86 Per serving: $0.66
Best Electrolyte Gels	GU Energy Gel Shots	$12.80 Per serving: $1.60
Best Electrolyte Drinks for Older People	Electrolit Electrolyte Hydration	$35.99 Per serving: $2.99
Best Electrolytes for On the Go	Onnit HYDRATech Instant	$59.95 Per serving: $1.99

When purchasing an electrolyte supplement, you can expect to pay somewhere between $12 and $60 per container. We’ll acknowledge that there is a large gap between those two numbers, but the price per serving is where the real cost is more apparent. Bulk powders can be less than $1.00 per serving while ready-to-consume electrolyte products generally run between $1.50 and $3.00 per serving.

What to Consider Before Buying Electrolytes

Staying adequately hydrated is important for maintaining your health, especially during very intense, long workouts, endurance running, swimming or biking, or extended exposure to an excessively hot environment. Here are a few things to consider about electrolyte supplements before you decide which one is best for you.

Convenience

While electrolytes are a generally convenient supplement to take, there are some forms that are more convenient than others. If you’re a long distance runner or need something you can take with you on long hikes, a gel packet is going to be the easiest to bring with you. If you’re looking for something pre-portioned that you can just grab and go, a bottle of liquid electrolytes won’t slow you down.

But if you have the time and the patience to mix your powder in some water, you can buy these powders in bulk, and one purchase will last you much longer than individual packets of gel or bottled liquid electrolytes. Make sure you’re considering what will best suit your lifestyle and workout before you decide which form of electrolytes you want to buy.

Price

As far as supplements go, most forms of electrolytes are fairly inexpensive. However, the individual packets and pre-portioned options are going to be more expensive than the powder that you can buy in a bulk tub. Anything portioned out will be more convenient to take, but you’ll definitely pay for that convenience. Whereas the powder takes a little more time to mix with water, so since it requires a little more work, you will be able to find it at a cheaper price. Before you buy your supplement, decide on your budget and find a product that aligns.

When Should I Take Electrolytes?

When you take electrolytes depends on each individual lifestyle. Electrolytes are most necessary in cases where the body’s water supply has been especially depleted, which can be in extreme heat, after a night of heavy drinking, when you’re sick, or even after long, intense workouts. The fluid in your body contains electrolytes like sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals dissolve in water and produce ions that send electrical signals throughout the body to help it function properly. (7)

When water is depleted, the mineral balance is also thrown off — that’s why it’s particularly important to take in high doses of electrolytes when you’ve lost water. If you’re feeling lightheaded, having muscle cramps, or fighting with a headache after exercise or intense heat, you’ve likely already lost a good bit of electrolytes. So before going for an extended run or subjecting yourself to an activity or environment where you’ll be sweating intensely, it’s worth taking a precautionary dose of electrolytes to stave off cramps and dizziness (which can be caused by a lack of electrolytes).

Final Word

Electrolytes are a popular supplement for endurance and strength athletes who are keen on keeping their hydration levels consistent to avoid muscle cramps. They can be helpful in hot environments, after long workouts, during illness, or even for tending to a hangover — any activity that is causing you to lose excess fluids, electrolytes are there for you.

Before you click purchase on any one product in particular, consider your lifestyle, your workout preferences, and your budget. Once you’ve lined up your priorities, go ahead and test the waters with any one of these picks.

FAQs

References

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2. McDermott BP, Anderson SA, Armstrong LE, et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for the Physically Active. Journal of Athletic Training. 2017;52(9):877-895.
3. Saat M, Singh R, Sirisinghe RG, Nawawi M. Rehydration after exercise with fresh young coconut water, carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage and plain water. J Physiol Anthropol Appl Human Sci. 2002 Mar;21(2):93-104. doi: 10.2114/jpa.21.93. PMID: 12056182.
4. Burns M, Siegel DM. A Novel Skin Moisture Management Strategy. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 Jul 1;20(7):752-754. doi: 10.36849/JDD.5749. PMID: 34231993.
5. Cruzat V, Macedo Rogero M, Noel Keane K, Curi R, Newsholme P. Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation. Nutrients. 2018 Oct 23;10(11):1564. doi: 10.3390/nu10111564. PMID: 30360490; PMCID: PMC6266414.
6. Nuts, coconut WATER (liquid from coconuts) nutrition facts & Calories. Nutrition Data know what you eat. (n.d.). https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3115/2.
7. Rebello, C. J., O’Neil, C. E., & Greenway, F. L. (2016, February). Dietary fiber and satiety: The effects of oats on satiety. Nutrition reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4757923/.
8. What are electrolytes? Cedars. (n.d.). https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/electrolytes.html#:~:text=Erika%20Der%20Sarkissian%3A%20They%20do,they%20control%20nervous%2Dsystem%20function. 
9. National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. (1989, January 1). Water and electrolytes. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/.