Electrolyte powder packets are relatively new to the electrolyte and hydration market, and since their introduction, their use among athletes has skyrocketed. You might have considered trying them yourself and wanting to make the right choice.
Based on customer reviews, we have identified the five electrolyte packets in the market that are delicious, healthy, and convenient to use.
Key takeaways
Here are our top 5 picks for the best electrolyte powder packets
- Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder
- Nuun Sport Drink Tablets
- Liquid I.V.
- LMNT Electrolyte Powder
- Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Packets
Keep reading to explore what electrolyte powders are and a quick rundown of these electrolyte powder packets.
Nuun Sport Drink Tablets
Nuun Sport Drink Tablets are created with Oral Rehydration Therapy in mind to rapidly deliver essential minerals and fluids to the body so it can rehydrate faster than water alone.
Besides Vitamin C and B12, they pack all essential minerals: sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which can potentially help you avoid muscle cramps and pain.
Another great thing is that Nuun Sport Drink Tablets include avocado oil, which is not only an excellent source of natural electrolytes but also packed with fiber, micronutrients, and healthy fats to boost heart health.
For athletes looking for an extra boost in their energy, some flavors of Nuun Tablets also contain caffeine. This can help keep you going when lunchtime sleepiness hits.
Nuun Sport Drink Tablets are an excellent choice for endurance athletes looking to get a fast-hydrating solution without consuming too many calories.
Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder
You don’t have to be a super athlete to drink electrolyte powders. Sometimes, people just need a little boost when it’s hot outside. Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder is an excellent choice for people of all fitness and energy levels!
It contains all the essential electrolytes in a decent amount, such as 1,000mg (1g) of potassium, 75mg of calcium, 120mg of magnesium, and 40mg of sodium.
Sodium and potassium are particularly important for adequate hydration and regulating the body’s fluids. However, while many athletes get plenty of sodium from their food, getting sufficient potassium is usually tricky.
Athletes and gym freaks are especially concerned about their potassium intake because how much their muscles contract depends on the amount of potassium in the body. That’s where Dr. Bergs Electrolyte Powder is a lifesaver containing an incredible 1g of potassium per serving.
Another great thing about this product is that it is sweetened with stevia, a healthy choice for adding sweetness without calories. Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener that your body doesn’t digest and simply leaves your body as waste.
Dr. Bergs also includes malic acid, which improves muscle fatigue when added to magnesium and is ideal for replenishing after intensive exercise.
Overall, Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder is a great product for those looking for quick hydration and an optimal combination of vital electrolytes with low calories and sugar levels.
LMNT Electrolyte Powder
High in sodium, LMNT Electrolyte Powder is a great fit for athletes who are looking for rapid recovery and hydration after an intense physical session. Each serving of LMNT powder contains 60mg of magnesium, 200mg of potassium, and an incredible 1,000mg (1g) of sodium.
Sodium plays a critical role in our body when it comes to retaining water, so maintaining an adequate amount of sodium is vital for athletes and highly active individuals who, on average, lose 7 grams of sodium per day through sweating in warmer temperatures. Increasing sodium levels in the body may also benefit those on low-sodium diets like keto or paleo diets.
Because of its high sodium content, LMNT electrolyte powder may not be an ideal choice for people who are not very active or those whose diet mostly consists of processed foods. However, it can be an excellent choice of electrolyte drink for highly active individuals who sweat a lot.
Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Packets
Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Packets is another great product marketed toward daily hydration. Ultima Replenisher is a well-trusted brand that has been around for over 25 years now.
They present their hydration electrolyte packets as a product that addresses your everyday hydration needs regardless of your daily activity level.
Each serving of Ultima Replenisher provides 65mg of calcium, 250mg of potassium, 55mg of sodium, and 100mg of magnesium, so nothing too exaggerated here, but what stands out is that it comes in a variety of great tasting flavors such as passionfruit and lemonade and contains no carbs and sugar. It is also certified as Non-GMO, caffeine-free, Gluten-free, and dairy free.
Unlike other sports drinks, it contains chloride for joint support and phosphorus to boost cell repair. On top of that, you’ll also get a boost of zinc, chromium, copper and vitamin C, and more. Small but sufficient quantities of these important minerals provide the perfect post-workout boost without compromising flavor.
Liquid I.V.
Liquid IV electrolyte powder is created using Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to rapidly deliver essential minerals and fluids to the bloodstream so our body can rehydrate faster. CTT makes use of a combination of sodium, glucose, and potassium to quickly deliver necessary nutrients to the body and keep it hydrated.
Rapid hydration means it is a good option for intense workouts that deplete the body of essential minerals through sweating.
What stands out in the recipe of Liquid IV is that it includes B Vitamins such as B3, B6, and B12, which are known for balancing cholesterol levels, improving metabolism, and managing the body’s red blood cells.
The recipe uses a higher-calorie sweetener. This may not be a problem for people with very high physical activity, as they will burn it off quickly. They may even enjoy the sweeter taste. It also contains about 100mg of caffeine.
Liquid IV is certified as a gluten-free, NON-GMO, and dairy-free product. It comes in various flavors, all extracted from natural sources and convenient-to-use packets.
Here’s How These Brands Compare
An electrolyte powder should use low-calorie natural sweeteners instead of high-calorie refined sugar or glucose. The ingredients should have a combination of minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium and little to no artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or unnecessary preservatives.
Now that we’ve looked at the most popular brands, let’s compare them in terms of the minerals and sweeteners they have.
| (Per serving) | Liquid IV | Nuun | Dr. Berg | LMNT | Ultima |
| Calcium | 0mg | 15mg | 75mg | 0mg | 65mg |
| Magnesium | 0g | 20mg | 120mg | 60mg | 100mg |
| Potassium | 369.9mg (0.36g) | 200mg (0.2g) | 1000mg (1g) | 200mg (0.2g) | 250mg (0.25g) |
| Sodium | 500mg | 380mg | 40mg | 1000mg | 55mg |
| Sugar | 11g | 15g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Calories | 45cal | 60cal | 0cal | 0cal | 0cal |
What Are the Benefits of Electrolyte Powder Packets?
Electrolyte powders help athletes, and active individuals replace fluids, minerals, and electrolytes that are lost through sweat. Electrolytes are essential in regulating bodily functions such as muscle contractions, nerve signals, hydration, and blood pressure. Using electrolyte powder packets can be an efficient way to replenish these lost fluids during physical activity.
What Ingredients Go into the Best Electrolyte Powder Sachets?
Standing in the supplement aisle overwhelmed by the sheer selection of electrolyte powder sachets available? Check these items off before you choose:
| Things to Look for | Things to Avoid |
| Natural, low-calorie sweeteners. | Glucose, refined sugar, high-calorie sweeteners. |
| Natural colors derived from fruits and vegetables. | Artificial food dyes. |
| Low levels of preservatives. | Excess or multiple preservatives. |
| Effective minerals like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. | Unnecessary, ineffective ingredients. |
What Types of Electrolyte Powders Are Available?
Electrolyte powders come in a variety of forms, each offering unique benefits:
Packets / Sachets
The major benefit of electrolyte powder packets over other electrolyte powders is their convenience and ease of portability. The individual serving sizes make it easy to take your electrolytes with you wherever you go. They are lightweight, so they won’t weigh down your bag or pocket.
Also, they offer a mixed variety of flavors to choose from, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored with just one flavor.
Tablet form
Like sachets, tablets are great for travel and easily slipped into a small bag. Most of the tablets are carbonated with a very fizzy taste, which is not palatable to some people.
Bulk container
Designed to be measured out by the user using a scoop, bulk containers are generally a more cost-effective way to purchase electrolyte powders.
Is There a Natural Way to Replenish Electrolytes?
Yes, you can replenish electrolytes through dietary choices. However, you would need to eat a large quantity to match the levels of an electrolyte supplement.
Natural sources of Electrolytes:
- Fruit
- Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are packed with electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium.
- Vegetables
- Spinach and kale are full of essential minerals that help the body stay hydrated.
- Dairy products
- Yogurt and milk are significant sources of calcium, which is another important electrolyte for maintaining proper hydration levels.
If you’re looking for an alternative way to get your electrolytes without having to eat large quantities of fruits, dairy, or vegetables every day, electrolyte powder packets can be a great option. Since these packets come in different flavors, they can make staying hydrated enjoyable while still providing the correct number of electrolytes needed by the body each day.
What Electrolytes Do Doctors Recommend?
Doctors will often recommend electrolyte powder packets when someone is dehydrated or suffering from an illness that depletes the body of essential nutrients.
Common electrolytes recommended by doctors include sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Sodium helps regulate fluid balance. Potassium is used for muscle function and nerve signaling.
Magnesium assists with energy and digestion. Calcium helps with heart regulation, nerve and muscle contraction function. Most electrolyte powder packets contain all four of these key electrolytes.
It is important to read labels carefully before purchasing any powdered supplement to ensure you are getting all the necessary minerals while avoiding unwanted sugars or other additives that may not benefit your health goals.
Which Brand Do We Recommend?
As with any product, what may work for one person might not work for another person. Consult a healthcare provider before changing your diet or electrolyte balance.
If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, Liquid IV and Nuun may not be the best options, as they contain 11g and 15g of sugar, respectively.
If you’re looking for lots of electrolytes and benefits, then it may be worth considering a brand such as Dr. Berg. Dr. Berg’s is high in potassium and low in sodium, which may benefit someone on a low-sodium diet, such as someone with heart disease or other related illnesses.
If you are a highly active individual who sweats a great deal or if your exercise sessions are very intense and last over an hour, you may opt for LMNT or Liquid IV to balance sodium levels lost due to excessive sweating.
Conclusion
Electrolyte powder packets are a fantastic way to ensure your body is adequately hydrated and replenished with essential minerals. They are easy to carry, taste pleasant, and dissolve quickly into water. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your energy levels during exercise or recovery periods, then give powder packets a try!
