Best electrolyte drinks and tablets to keep you hydrated, tested by our fitness editor

Feeling tired, sluggish, and struggling with headaches? Dehydration is the most likely cause. Even if you aren’t thirsty, most of us aren’t drinking as much water as we should be. In fact, a 2024 report from PureGym showed a shocking 78 per cent of people in the UK drink less than the daily 1.5-2.5L recommended by the NHS.

Alongside a lack of fluids, studies have shown that poor sleep has also been linked to dehydration and exercise and strain on your body play a big role.

During hot weather, the risk of dehydration skyrockets because we’re likely to sweat even more than usual. However, this has added risks. When we sweat, we don’t lose water; we lose essential minerals too.

Electrolytes, a group of minerals comprising sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate and bicarbonates, are the building blocks of our health and wellbeing. These minerals carry an electric charge and regulate essential chemical reactions in the body. They also play a big part in how hydrated and energised we feel.

While electrolytes are mostly made by the body, when you’re dehydrated, levels can drop significantly and lead to cramps, headaches and more severe health issues.

Fortunately, we can top up our electrolytes using powders, pills and ready-to-drink sodas packed with minerals. Though you might not need them all the time, there are certainly instances where they can help.

If you’re not drinking enough water or you’re consuming caffeine or alcohol in hot weather, without electrolytes, you’re likely to feel unwell, and if you’re drinking booze, your hangovers will probably feel even worse.

PhD neuroscientist Dr Paul Anastasiades explains that “alcohol is a diuretic and so increases water loss through urination. If consumed in large quantities, this can lead to dehydration and hangovers. Although dehydration is not the sole cause of a hangover, it is one of the simplest symptoms to treat. By rehydrating – for example, using oral rehydration solutions comprising glucose and electrolytes – you can keep yourself feeling fresh.”

Professional athletes use electrolytes to hydrate and stabilise quickly, but the minerals have also become a go-to for the wellness crowd, and plenty of people who aren’t planning to run a marathon are incorporating essential hydrating minerals into their morning routines.

In the past, these products have always tasted a little unpleasant. However, these days, there are lots of delicious, effective options to choose from.

We set out to test the best electrolyte products available to see if they stood up to both the taste test and the claims on their packaging. Keep scrolling to find out which ones impressed.

How we tested

There are a few things to consider when it comes to electrolytes. First, you’ll want to check the balance of ingredients against your daily recommended dose. Most products are perfectly balanced for optimal replenishment, so we checked everything to make sure we weren’t under- or over-served on any one component. Where relevant, we tested how quickly and how well each product mixed with water. You’ll want to stir most drinks after adding an electrolyte product, as there may be some sediment at the bottom of your glass, but there shouldn’t be any large clumps or lumps. Finally, we tested for flavour. Electrolytes can often have a salty, slightly unpleasant taste, but it shouldn’t be unbearable.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Emilie Lavinia is The Independent's Fitness and Wellbeing Editor. Emilie has reported on health, wellness, sex and technology for more than a decade, investigating everything from the best activewear and fitness classes to supplements, spas and sleep. When it comes to electrolytes, she knows the brands to trust and has tested each formula thoroughly over several months.

The best electrolytes for 2025 are:

• Best overall – Willpowders watermelon electrotide sachets: £35, Willpowders.com
• Best budget buy – Myprotein hydrate sachets: £17.49, Myprotein.com
• Best for hydration at home – Ancient and Brave true hydration: £25.60, Ancientandbrave.earth
• Best all-in-one – Phizz 3-in-1 hydration, electrolytes and vitamins: £15, Amazon.co.uk
• Best for when you’re on the go – Punchy variety pack: £24, Amazon.co.uk