Best electrolyte powder

Hiking person with a water bottle
(Image credit: Thom Holmes on Unsplash)

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated. But if you’ve been exercising at high intensities or for long periods, like on long hikes, bike rides, or runs, water or standard soft drinks just don’t cut it. You need beverages that contain electrolytes, electrical-charged minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which play a key role in balancing the fluids inside your body. 

The best electrolyte-enhanced drinks will replenish energy expended during exercise and help prevent muscle cramping and other symptoms of dehydration. Look for electrolyte powder for drinks that contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium, as they will give you the maximum benefits of electrolytes. 

Best overall

electrolyte powder

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Liquid I.V. hydration multiplier packets

Convenient packets with five essential vitamins

This electrolyte supplement drink mix delivers hydration to your bloodstream quickly thanks to Celluar Transport Technology that enhances the absorption of water and nutrients. The single-serve travel-friendly packets, when mixed in 16oz of water, provide the same hydration as drinking two or three bottles of water. They include five essential vitamins, including B3, B5, B6, B12, and C, and have a sunny citrus taste.

Best sugar-free

electrolyte powder

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DripDrop ORS electrolyte powder

Sugar-free drink mix with immunity-boosting ingredients

Created by a doctor, DRipDrop ORS has a patented mix of electrolytes and glucose plus potassium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C to rehydrate and boost your immunity. It’s been formatted to treat dehydration without the sugar or stickiness of traditional sports drinks. Less expensive than an IV, it will relieve symptoms faster than sports or pediatric drinks.

Best for vitamins

electrolyte powder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Key Nutrients electrolyte powder

Six electrolytes and 12 vitamins and minerals

This rehydrating drink mix contains six key electrolytes, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It’s keto, GMO-free, sugar-free, and has no calories with stevia extract used for sweetness. The formula also includes 12 additional vitamins and minerals for an extra nutritional boost. Each container includes 90 servings.

Best for bags

electrolyte powder

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Nuun Sport electrolyte drink tablets

Hydrating drinks tablets in a sturdy tube

Drop these tablets into water for a hydrating drink that is designed with complete electrolytes and no artificial flavoring or sweeteners (it uses Stevia instead). This clean, hydrating non-GMO formula is available in four flavors, Lemon Lime, Tri-Berry, Citrus Fruit, and Orange. Keep a tube in your gym bag, car, or hiking pack so you’re always ready to rehydrate.

Bottom line

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A good electrolyte powder will let you make drinks that will rehydrate you during the most intense exercise. For arduous hikes, trail runs, and bike rides, you owe it to your body to help the recovery process with nutritionally balanced beverages that will restore your electrolyte balance and rehydrate you quickly and safely. We recommend the Liquid I.V. hydration multiplier packets. They will rehydrate you quickly with low sugar and give a boost of other vitamins and minerals. The single-serve packets are convenient and fit easily into a backpack or pocket. And the drink tastes good too!

We also like Nuun Sport electrolyte drink tablets. Coming in a tough tube, they are easy to keep on hand when you need them and have a good range of flavors to deliver their electrolytes.

Advnture team

Launched in July 2020, Advnture is the ideal destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Whether you're into epic hikes through the wilderness, camping trips with the family, climbing with your friends, or looking for a trail running personal best, our team of experts will point you in the right direction, with top buying advice and in-depth guides to help you get the most of your time in the backcountry.