7 Best Electrolytes for Athletes: Drops, Powders & More
Updated February 22, 2024.
It's mid-July and you're pounding the pavement, clocking mile after mile. Your body is in full-swing, but then it hits you—the exhaustion, the cramping, the light-headedness. That's your body telling you it's running low on electrolytes, those little powerhouses essential to your performance.
What do electrolytes do for you? Why are they so important for athletes? Electrolytes aren't just fancy buzzwords. They are critical minerals—sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to name a few—found in your blood, sweat, and urine. When dissolved in fluid, they conduct electricity, facilitating numerous body functions, including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance.
Given the plethora of electrolyte supplements in the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. Fear not, we've got you covered. Here's our rundown of the top 7 electrolyte supplements for athletes.
Our Top Picks for the Best Electrolytes for Athletes
1. Overall Best Electrolytes for Athletes: MAYU Electrolyte Drops
2. Best Electrolyte Powder: Tailwind Nutrition: Endurance Fuel
3. Best Electrolyte Drink: Gatorade: Endurance Formula
4. Best Electrolyte Capsule Supplements: SaltStick: Electrolyte Caps
5. Best Electrolyte Drops for Athletes: Keto Chow: Electrolyte Drops
6. Best Electrolyte Tablets: Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets
7. Best Sugar-Free Electrolytes: BioSteel: Hydration Mix
1. Best Electrolytes for Athletes Overall
Mayu Minerals' Electrolyte Drops are a game-changer for any athlete. Made from organic ingredients, this product provides 75 different minerals to support optimal body performance. To use, simply mix 40 drops into a liter (34 oz) of water and enjoy.
Why We Recommend It
We found that Mayu Minerals' Electrolyte Drops offer a great balance of quality and value. The high-quality, natural ingredients and the lack of additives make it an excellent source of electrolytes that can benefit even people with arthritis inflammation and joint pain.
Pros
- Organic, natural ingredients
- Provides 75 different minerals
- Easily mixed with water
- No additives, ensuring purity
Cons
- Requires proper dosing to avoid mineral overload
- Taste might be less appealing compared to flavored options
2. Best Electrolyte Powder for Athletes
Tailwind Nutrition's Endurance Fuel is a power-packed electrolyte blend. Add it to your clean water and benefit from hydration without stomach discomfort. Each 100 Calorie Serving contains 25g of added sugar (from non-GMO dextrose & non-GMO cane sugar). Simply add 2-3 scoops to 24 oz of water and shake. With seven flavors (two of which contain caffeine!), this product keeps your hydration routine interesting.
Why We Liked It
We believe in the hydration benefits of Tailwind Nutrition's Endurance Fuel. It's more than a powder; it's a fuel source that supports endurance. It strikes the perfect balance between price, flavor, and effectiveness, making it our go-to powder supplement.
Pros
- Easy to mix with water
- Multiple flavors for variety
- Specially designed for endurance
Cons
- Might not be suitable for those sensitive to taste
- Powder might clump if not stored correctly
» Do electrolytes hydrate you? Read more about the essential minerals in water
3. Best Electrolyte Drink for Athletes
The convenience of Gatorade's Endurance Formula makes it a winner. It's a ready-to-drink solution filled with sodium and potassium to support long workouts. Each 24 oz bottle contains two servings of 13 grams of added sugars. It's a great choice for hydration and recovery.
Why We Liked It
Gatorade's Endurance Formula ticks all the boxes for us. Its high sodium and potassium content, coupled with its convenience and availability, make it an excellent choice for endurance athletes.
Pros
- Ready to drink, convenient for on-the-go
- High sodium and potassium content for recovery
- Dual energy source
Cons
- May contain more sugar than other options
- Taste might not be appealing to everyone
4. Best Electrolyte Capsule Supplement for Athletes
SaltStick's Electrolyte Caps are a nifty solution for athletes. Packed with five essential minerals and a whopping 30 mg of caffeine per serving, they're designed to combat fatigue and maintain electrolyte balance during long workouts.
Why We Liked It
In our view, SaltStick's Electrolyte Caps are top-notch. They offer a convenient source of essential minerals and effectively help to reduce muscle cramping and heat stress. They're a must-have in any athlete's toolkit.
Pros
- Convenient and easy to carry
- Five essential electrolytes in one capsule
- Slow electrolyte release
Cons
- Not as immediate in effect as liquid solutions
- Might be harder to swallow for some
» Wondering if electrolyte water is good for you? Read more about the benefits of mineral water
5. Best Electrolyte Drops for Athletes
Keto Chow's Electrolyte Drops are sourced from Utah's Great Salt Lake. Just add half a teaspoon to 8 oz of water for a balanced hydration solution with no added extras.
Why We Liked It
We rate Keto Chow's Electrolyte Drops as one of our favorites. They're pure, effective, and simple to use. These drops are a versatile and convenient choice for everyday hydration.
Pros
- Pure and sourced from natural salts
- Suitable for those following a ketogenic diet
- Easy to use and carry
Cons
- Might have a strong mineral taste
- Requires careful dosage to avoid excess intake
» Learn more about electrolyte minerals in tap water
6. Best Electrolyte Tablets for Athletes
Nuun Sport's Electrolyte Drink Tablets are an easy and balanced way to hydrate. Portable and available in 13 flavors, these tablets are perfect for the athlete on the move. Each tablet dissolves in 16 oz of water.
Why We Liked It
We love Nuun's Electrolyte Tablets for their simplicity and balance. They dissolve easily in water, providing the right amount of electrolytes with a variety of flavors.
Pros
- Easy to use, dissolves in water
- Variety of flavors
- Portable for on-the-go use
Cons
- Flavor might be too mild for some
- Tablets might break if not handled with care
» Did you know there are different types of dehydration?
7. Best Sugar-Free Electrolytes for Athletes
BioSteel's Hydration Mix is probably the best sugar-free electrolyte supplement on the market. Choose from over ten flavors and enjoy hydration without the extra calories. Simply mix one scoop/packet with 8-16 oz water.
Why We Liked It
We think BioSteel's Hydration Mix is the best option for those seeking sugar-free electrolytes. Its range of flavors and high-quality ingredients make it stand out, offering a great solution for those who prefer flavored drinks during their workouts.
Pros
- Sugar-free and available in multiple flavors
- High-quality ingredients
- Contains B vitamins for added energy support
Cons
- Might need more than one scoop for high-intensity workouts
- Some flavors might not appeal to all taste preferences
Supercharge Your Athletic Performance With Electrolytes
Electrolytes are vital for maintaining athletic performance. Whether you're a professional athlete or someone with a physically demanding job, these minerals need to be replenished quickly. The method of supplementation is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.
Remember, the first step to beating your best time or lifting that heavy weight begins with adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment. Start exploring these electrolyte supplements today!
