8 Best Electrolyte Drinks 2025, According to Sports Nutritionists

What do electrolytes do?

Electrolytes are more than just a buzzword—they are all about balance, keeping your body at optimum levels of hydration on a cellular level. “Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, they carry an electric charge when dissolved in fluid, hence the name,” Hayley Miller, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., a registered dietitian and therapist in Los Angeles tells us. “While best known for hydration, the electric charge transmits messages between your nerves and muscles so you can properly function. Additionally, they aid in the maintenance of your blood pH, which is crucial for ensuring you feel your best. An imbalance can leave you feeling off and put your bodily function out of balance.”

To put it in layman’s terms: “Electrolytes are involved in just about every function of the human body to keep it running efficiently,” says nutritionist team Taylor Brower R.D., a registered performance dietician in Boulder, CO and Hilary Kave M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., a registered nutritionist and specialist in sports dietetics. “Eventually, if you lose enough fluid and electrolytes in sweat without replacing them, it can throw your body’s balance out of whack and leave you feeling sluggish, crampy, or even a little foggy,” Brower and Kave add.

What is the best source of electrolytes?

Electrolytes can only be replenished via food and drink, and the quickest way to get them is through an electrolyte drink. “Electrolyte drinks can help quickly improve hydration and balance minerals. This makes them convenient for athletes or those recovering from being sick,” says Dr. Chris Mohr, Fitness and Nutrition Advisor at Garage Gym Reviews. However, some have a lot of added sugars and or unnecessary calories, for the average person who exercises. “Look for drinks with minimal added sugar and a balanced mix of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, unless you’re working out in the intense heat or consistently, for longer than an hour. Electrolyte powders may be good alternative for those avoiding, or limiting, added sugars.”

Should I drink beverages enhanced with electrolytes?

It depends! As Mohr explains to us, if you have recently lost a significant amount of sweat due to exercise or illness, reaching for an electrolyte drink is a quick and efficient way to replenish them. However, the average (non-sweating) person does not need an electrolyte drink, despite their popularity. That’s due to electrolytes being a part of most people’s existing diets. Electrolytes can be found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and dairy, while processed foods are also regularly fortified with electrolytes (most frequently, sodium!).

Is it possible to drink too many electrolytes?

“While overdoing it on electrolytes is rare, it’s not impossible,” say Brower and Kave. “The good news? If you have healthy kidneys, they’re excellent at flushing out excess electrolytes and keeping you in the safe zone. While it would take an extreme amount of electrolytes to make you seriously ill, they’re not meant to be consumed recklessly every day. Stick to using electrolyte drinks when you’re sweating hard, going long, or recovering.”

How to choose the best electrolyte drink

Take note of the ingredients. When searching for an electrolyte drink, Miller says it’s most important to look for two main ingredients: sodium and sugar. (Yes, sugar!). While sodium is the main element lost in sweat, adding sugar into the mix “helps your body to absorb fluids more quickly, helping to expedite the rehydration process,” she explains. Just make sure your electrolyte drink isn’t too stuffed with additives and excess sugars, as those can dehydrate you again. Natural sugars from coconut water, fruit juices, and even milk might be better choices for those who are sugar conscious.