The 14 Best Electrolyte Drinks of 2025, Tested

As a sports dietitian and certified athletic trainer, I’m frequently asked about electrolyte drinks I recommend. While most are marketed to “hydrate” and offer “electrolytes,” they all contain different doses of various ingredients, so it may take some time to determine which product will work best for your needs. In general, dietitian and exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, advises looking for an option that contains a higher amount of sodium compared to other ingredients, as sodium is the most abundant electrolyte lost during sweating.

I was part of a team that tested over 35 popular electrolyte drink products, defined what sets them apart, and provided guidance on how to use them effectively. We evaluated them in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home for their flavor, texture, aftertaste, smell, nutrition, and value to find the top options on the market. We also consulted with three nutrition experts to get their takes on how to make the best choice for various needs. After all that sipping, we narrowed it down to a stellar group of top contenders with a wide range of hydration benefits. 

• What Are Electrolyte Drinks?

  Electrolyte drinks contain electrolytes, which are a group of micronutrients that the body relies on for several important functions, including maintaining muscle and nerve health, as well as regulating fluid and acid-base balance.

  These drinks can be found in various forms and formulations, including powdered varieties, ready-to-drink beverages, dissolvable tablets, and concentrated drops.

  Mohr notes that sodium, magnesium, and potassium are the three main electrolytes to look for in an electrolyte drink, adding that sodium is the most abundant electrolyte lost through sweating.

• Who Should Use Electrolyte Drinks?

  A variety of factors can impact the levels of electrolytes in your body, most notably exercise and other physical activity. Sweat losses contribute significantly to a reduction in electrolyte levels; therefore, individuals with high sweat rates or those who exercise frequently should pay particular attention to replenishing their electrolytes. 

  Mohr adds that not everyone needs electrolyte drinks, but they can be especially beneficial for those who exercise in a hot, humid environment.

• What to Look For

  • Regulation and Testing: Many electrolyte products are marketed as dietary supplements and receive only minimal oversight from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means consumers must review labels and choose products carefully. If the product has a “Nutrition Facts” label, then it is recognized by the FDA as a food or drink. If the product has a “Supplement Facts” label, it’s not subject to the same strict process to ensure purity, dosage, or label accuracy. Athletes may want to seek out the additional assurance of third-party testing from organizations like NSF or Informed Sport, which conduct independent testing on products and provide a seal of approval to verify that it’s free of banned substances. 
  • Key Ingredients: Professional triathlete and board-certified specialist in sports nutrition, Kim Schwabenbauer, PhD, RD, CSSD, recommends choosing a drink that contains at least 150 milligrams of sodium and 60 milligrams of potassium per 8 ounces to replace two key electrolytes lost in sweat. Carbohydrates can offer a form of easily digestible calories for energy to help fuel workouts, and they can actually enhance the absorption of electrolytes. She notes that additional carbs are only necessary if you’re working out at a high intensity for over an hour, suggesting that 30 grams of carbohydrates per hour is a good starting point. 
  • Additives, Vitamins, and Caffeine: Many products contain sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit, flavorings, and colorings, and some may also include additional vitamins and minerals, as well as stimulants like caffeine. Schwabenbauer recommends aiming for an electrolyte drink without artificial sweeteners or preservatives to help prevent gastrointestinal (GI) issues and food sensitivities. Be mindful of the ingredients in the electrolyte option you select to ensure it works best for your needs. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure whether an electrolyte product is suitable for you.

• How We Tested

  The Verywell Fit Team Tests the Best Electrolyte Drinks

  Our testing team put extensive time and effort into being transparent about the electrolyte products we tested. We conducted our research, examined 21 evidence-based studies, analyzed over 250 ingredients, and consulted with three qualified nutrition experts to help us properly evaluate every product we tried. To find the best electrolyte drinks, we tested over 35 options at home and in our Lab, preparing and serving them as directed by the manufacturer. When testing electrolyte drinks, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

  • Flavor: We taste each product, noting how accurately it matches the advertised flavor. We also note the potency and sweet or salty qualities. Is the flavor overly strong? Can other drinks mask the flavor? Does the flavor impact our enjoyment during our workouts? 
  • Texture: We review each product’s texture, noting whether it’s smooth, clumpy, grainy, separated, or otherwise hard to work with. For electrolyte drops and powders, we pay attention to how long it takes to dissolve, the amount of stirring required, and whether any product remains at the bottom of the glass. Does it dissolve quickly? Does it require rigorous stirring? Does it have a generally pleasant texture?
  • Aftertaste: We assess each product for an aftertaste, noting how long it lingers and whether we had to eat or drink something afterward to mask it. Is the aftertaste barely noticeable or pleasant? Is the aftertaste unpleasant? Does the aftertaste go away on its own?
  • Smell: We assess the aroma of each product upon opening it. Is it salty, sweet, or chemical-smelling? We note whether the smell is consistent with the flavor listed on the packaging and if the smell affects its taste when we drink it.
  • Nutrition: Our nutrition editors carefully analyze each electrolyte product based on its ingredient quality and rate it according to its intended use, whether for daily routine or more rigorous physical activity. We also consider whether the product has undergone independent verification, third-party testing, and associated certifications.
  • Value: We wait to check each product’s price until all other key categories have been evaluated. We only select products whose quality exceeds their value and that we’d readily recommend to friends and family.