One of the healthiest and most important things you can do for your body is stay hydrated. Proper hydration is key not just for keeping thirst at bay, but it also plays a pivotal role in so many of your body’s systems — from your energy levels and brain function to proper digestion. Sure, drinking plenty of water will definitely ensure you stay hydrated. But sometimes your water needs a boost, whether you’ve had a long night out or are battling a cold. That’s where electrolyte powder comes in.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes help replenish certain minerals in the body that are depleted during a difficult workout, like sodium and potassium. Strenuous physical activity depletes your body’s store of electrolytes, but getting a boost of electrolytes after other dehydrating activities (like drinking, or being sick) can help your body re-energize and bounce back faster. If you’re feeling sluggish, thirsty or just want to maximize the potential of every sip from your water bottle, electrolyte powder can help you do just that.
How Do You Take Electrolytes?
Electrolytes can be consumed in a few different ways. The easiest way is through food — foods like chicken, avocado and watermelon all contain electrolytes and are a part of a super balanced diet that can help you stay hydrated. As is the case with most vitamins and supplements, from vitamin C to D, you can also consume electrolytes in supplement form.
Electrolyte powder is what we’re focusing on in this piece, and you can find a selection of our favorite brands below. There are many electrolyte powders that will do the job of multiplying your hydration, and keeping your body’s electrolyte levels sufficiently high. Some contain additional minerals or artificial flavorings, which is what differentiates them, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the ingredients and pick the brand that works best for you.
Related Stories
You can also take electrolyte tablets that are swallowed whole, rather than dissolved in a liquid, similarly to other vitamins.
Read More: The Best Electrolyte Tablets for Hydration in 2022
The Best Electrolyte Powders of 2022
1. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
BEST OVERALL
I’ve used Liquid I.V. before to ward off a hangover and it definitely works, without tasting too sugar-y or like it has a bunch of excess junk in it. I’ve had all of the flavors and the passion fruit, linked below, is definitely my favorite. It’s formulated to deliver hydration to the bloodstream faster than just water does through Cellular Transport Technology, or CTT, and it contains 5 essential vitamins including B3, B5, B6, B12 and vitamin C.
2. Propel Electrolyte Packs
BEST FLAVORS
Propel is a drink similar to Gatorade that also sells electrolytes in powder form that you can mix with water, and drink in your water bottle of choice. The electrolyte powder comes in a variety of flavors, including berry, grape and kiwi strawberry, among others. Propel contains electrolytes as well as vitamins B, C and E, and it contains no sugar. All you do is pour a packet into a 16.9 fluid ounce water bottle, and shake it until it’s sufficiently mixed.
3. Key Nutrients Electrolyte Powder
BEST INGREDIENTS
This electrolyte supplement from Key Nutrients is made non-GMO, gluten free, plant-based and keto-friendly with zero sugar and no calories. The mix contains six different key electrolytes including magnesium, potassium and calcium, among others. There are also 12 additional vitamins mixed into the formula including biotin, magnesium and vitamin C. It’s caffeine-free, easy to mix and drink in water and is suitable for all ages.
4. LMNT ELEMENTAL LABS Electrolyte Hydration Powder
BEST FOR PERFORMANCE
This electrolyte powder was formulated by athletes for athletes, or anyone who wants to optimize their performance in life. The mix contains only the essential ingredients with no fillers, artificial ingredients or other BS, and a perfectly formulated ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium. The mix is perfect for drinking first thing in the morning to kickstart your body’s morning routine, and it’s made to support healthy intermittent fasting. It’s also great for post-workout or post-travel day to replenish.
This pack comes with 12 different LMNT packets of different orange, citrus and grapefruit flavors, each of which contain 1,000 milligrams of sodium to help you body absorb the electrolytes optimally.
5. Dr. Berg’s Original Electrolyte Powder
QUALITY PICK
Dr. Berg also makes a solid electrolyte powder that’s raspberry & lemon flavored, and contains 13x more potassium than other common sports drinks for peak hydration. The formula is designed to give your body the nutrients it needs to boost energy levels and regulate blood sugar, as well as decrease muscle cramps and support peak nerve and muscle function as well. The mixture contains no sugar, maltodextrin or anything super artificial.
6. KEPPI Keto Electrolytes Powder
ALSO CONSIDER
This is another comparable electrolyte powder to the others that’s packed with key electrolytes like potassium citrate as well as magnesium and calcium to keep your body replenished. It contains zero sugar, carbs or artificial flavoring, and its raspberry lemonade flavor makes it great for curing or warding off a hangover. It also contains zero carbs and no sugar, so you only get what you need.
7. DripDrop ORS Electrolyte Powder Travel Packs
BEST FOR TRAVEL
Traveling is another activity, like tough workouts, that’s known to dehydrate you. These electrolyte powder packs from DripDrop were created by a doctor and formulated with electrolytes and glucose for quick hydration relief, whether you’re sick, hungover or just need a boost. They come in slim, ultra-portable travel packs of various flavors that are easy to mix in a glass of water anywhere, any time. Each pack contains three times the electrolytes and one third the sugar of other, competing sports drinks.