Best electrolyte powders, ranked by what the label says
Judged on the label alone, the best electrolyte powder puts sodium close to the middle of the typical sweat range, 920 mg/L [1], once mixed, and lists enough potassium. Very salty mixes lose points here because they suit heavy sweaters more than everyday use. Taste and branding earn no points.
On current label data the top three are Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Powder Sticks, Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder and UCAN Hydrate + Aminos.
70 of 148 products qualify; the top 10 are shown. Oldest label check: Sep 24, 2026. Oldest price check: Sep 24, 2026. How we ranked
The ranking
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Why it ranks here
- 888 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the moderate band (in the lower half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 634 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- No recorded price, so it goes last in any tie.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Powder Sticks sodium per liter: 888 mg/L, in the Moderate band (230 to 920 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Powder Sticks label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 315 mg 888 mg Potassium 225 mg 634 mg Magnesium 71 mg 201 mg Carbs 7.5 g 21 g Sugars 6.8 g 19 g Calories 34 kcal 95 kcal - Per serving
- price not checked
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- price not checked
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Price not checked.
Label serving: 1 stick (15g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 2: Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder
Why it ranks here
- 873 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the moderate band (in the lower half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 394 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $2.45 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder sodium per liter: 873 mg/L, in the Moderate band (230 to 920 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 310 mg 873 mg Potassium 140 mg 394 mg Magnesium 0 mg 0 mg Carbs 21 g 59 g Sugars 13 g 37 g Calories 90 kcal 254 kcal - Per serving
- $0.76
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $2.45
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Gatorade (brand store) (6 x 32 oz canisters (Lemon-Lime), about 38 servings each; listed as sold out on 2026-09-24).
Label serving: 1 1/2 scoops (24g), mixed to 12 fl oz (355 mL).
Number 3: UCAN Hydrate + Aminos
Why it ranks here
- 845 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the moderate band (in the lower half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 287 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $4.99 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
UCAN Hydrate + Aminos sodium per liter: 845 mg/L, in the Moderate band (230 to 920 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.UCAN Hydrate + Aminos label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 300 mg 845 mg Potassium 102 mg 287 mg Magnesium 50 mg 141 mg Carbs 1 g 2.8 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 10 kcal 28 kcal - Per serving
- $1.50
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $4.99
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at UCAN (Bag, 20 servings (200 g)).
Label serving: 1 Scoop (10g), mixed to 12 fl oz (355 mL).
Number 4: Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix
Why it ranks here
- 1,013 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 1,477 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $7.14 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix sodium per liter: 1,013 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 359 mg 1,013 mg Potassium 524 mg 1,477 mg Magnesium not on label not on label Carbs 9 g 25 g Sugars 6 g 17 g Calories 37 kcal 105 kcal - Per serving
- $1.71
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $7.14
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Cure Hydration (14 stick packs).
Label serving: 1 packet (8.3g), mixed to 8 fl oz (237 mL).
Number 5: Pedialyte Classic Powder Packs
Why it ranks here
- 1,036 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 782 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $4.53 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Pedialyte Classic Powder Packs sodium per liter: 1,036 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Pedialyte Classic Powder Packs label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 368 mg 1,036 mg Potassium 278 mg 782 mg Magnesium not on label not on label Carbs 11 g 32 g Sugars 9 g 25 g Calories 45 kcal 127 kcal - Per serving
- $2.22
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $4.53
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Walmart (8 half-size packets (8 x 0.3 oz / 8.5 g, Strawberry Lemonade) = 4 label servings of 17 g; sold and shipped by Walmart.com).
Label serving: 17 g (1 Packet), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 6: Tailwind Endurance Fuel
Why it ranks here
- 1,047 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 304 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $3.33 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Tailwind Endurance Fuel sodium per liter: 1,047 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Tailwind Endurance Fuel label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 372 mg 1,047 mg Potassium 108 mg 304 mg Magnesium 14 mg 41 mg Carbs 30 g 84 g Sugars 30 g 84 g Calories 120 kcal 338 kcal - Per serving
- $1.03
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $3.33
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Tailwind Nutrition (30-serving bag).
Label serving: 1 scoop (27g), mixed to 10 fl oz (296 mL).
Why it ranks here
- 1,057 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 994 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $3.67 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Instant Hydration Premium Electrolyte Drink Mix sodium per liter: 1,057 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Instant Hydration Premium Electrolyte Drink Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 375 mg 1,057 mg Potassium 353 mg 994 mg Magnesium 75 mg 211 mg Carbs 0.8 g 2.1 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 8 kcal 21 kcal - Per serving
- $1.83
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $3.67
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Instant Hydration (30-stick box).
Label serving: 1 Stick (7.3g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 8: Redmond Re-Lyte Energy Electrolyte Mix
Why it ranks here
- 1,057 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 740 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $2.18 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Redmond Re-Lyte Energy Electrolyte Mix sodium per liter: 1,057 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Redmond Re-Lyte Energy Electrolyte Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 375 mg 1,057 mg Potassium 263 mg 740 mg Magnesium 30 mg 85 mg Carbs 0 g 0 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 0 kcal 0 kcal - Per serving
- $1.09
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $2.18
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Redmond (Jar, 45 servings).
Label serving: 1 level scoop (6 g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 9: Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier Sugar-Free
Why it ranks here
- 1,057 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 782 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $3.34 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier Sugar-Free sodium per liter: 1,057 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier Sugar-Free label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 375 mg 1,057 mg Potassium 278 mg 782 mg Magnesium 64 mg 180 mg Carbs 3 g 8.5 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 15 kcal 42 kcal - Per serving
- $1.67
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $3.34
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Target (10 sticks (Strawberry Kiwi)).
Label serving: 1 stick (14g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Why it ranks here
- 1,057 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 264 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $3.50 per 1,000 mg sodium.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 1000 Electrolyte Drink Mix sodium per liter: 1,057 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 1000 Electrolyte Drink Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 375 mg 1,057 mg Potassium 94 mg 264 mg Magnesium 9 mg 25 mg Carbs 13 g 36 g Sugars 12 g 34 g Calories 49 kcal 137 kcal - Per serving
- $1.75
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $3.50
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Precision Fuel & Hydration (US store) (Box of 8 x 20 g packets).
Label serving: 1 packet (20g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Side by side
| # | Product | Sodium per liter | Potassium per liter | Sugars per 12 fl oz | Calories per 12 fl oz | Cost per 1,000 mg sodium | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Powder Sticks | 888 mg | 634 mg | 6.8 g | 34 kcal | price not checked | 98.4 of 100 |
| 2 | Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder | 873 mg | 394 mg | 13 g | 90 kcal | $2.45 | 97.6 of 100 |
| 3 | UCAN Hydrate + Aminos | 845 mg | 287 mg | 0 g | 10 kcal | $4.99 | 96.2 of 100 |
| 4 | Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix | 1,013 mg | 1,477 mg | 6 g | 37 kcal | $7.14 | 95.3 of 100 |
| 5 | Pedialyte Classic Powder Packs | 1,036 mg | 782 mg | 9 g | 45 kcal | $4.53 | 94.1 of 100 |
| 6 | Tailwind Endurance Fuel | 1,047 mg | 304 mg | 30 g | 120 kcal | $3.33 | 93.5 of 100 |
| 7 | Instant Hydration Premium Electrolyte Drink Mix | 1,057 mg | 994 mg | 0 g | 8 kcal | $3.67 | 93 of 100 |
| 8 | Redmond Re-Lyte Energy Electrolyte Mix | 1,057 mg | 740 mg | 0 g | 0 kcal | $2.18 | 93 of 100 |
| 9 | Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier Sugar-Free | 1,057 mg | 782 mg | 0 g | 15 kcal | $3.34 | 93 of 100 |
| 10 | Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 1000 Electrolyte Drink Mix | 1,057 mg | 264 mg | 12 g | 49 kcal | $3.50 | 93 of 100 |
How we ranked
We took every powder stick and tub in our database that lists sodium, worked out its sodium and potassium per liter at the water volume the label gives, and applied the score below. If you mix a powder with more or less water, the per-liter numbers change, so check the serving line under each product.
- Who qualifies
- Powder sticks and tubs. The label must list calories, carbohydrate, sugars, sodium (above 0 mg) and potassium. We do not rank a product whose panel we could not read in full.
- How the score works
- Up to 70 points for sodium per liter as mixed, with full points at 920 mg/L, the middle of the typical sweat sodium range. Points fall in a straight line either side: half points at 230 and 1,610 mg/L, the ends of that range, and none at 2,300 mg/L or more. Up to 30 points for potassium per liter, with full points at 196 mg/L, the average potassium in sweat. Ties go to the product whose label lists more nutrients, then to the lower cost per 1,000 mg sodium. A product with no recorded price goes last in a tie.
Scores use label data and published reference values only. Affiliate links and commission play no part. Read the full methodology.
What to look for in an electrolyte powder
Sodium per liter as mixed. This is the number that separates one powder from the next. Whole-body sweat usually carries 230 to 1,610 mg/L of sodium [1]. We aim for the middle of that range as the best all-round strength. If you sweat heavily or lose a lot of salt, the heavy sweaters list ranks the saltier mixes instead.
Potassium. Sweat holds far less potassium than sodium, about 196 mg/L on average [6]. Most powders clear that easily, so potassium rarely decides the order.
Carbohydrate. Zero-sugar powders suit short sessions and everyday use. For sessions longer than about an hour, carbs start to matter, and a powder with no sugar will not supply them. Our carbs per hour guide covers the targets.
Cost per 1,000 mg sodium. Price per stick hides how much salt you get. Dividing by sodium makes a cheap stick with little sodium and a pricier stick with a lot comparable. The cheapest electrolyte powder list ranks on that number alone.
FAQ
What is the best electrolyte powder?
On our label data, the best electrolyte powders mix to a sodium level near 920 mg/L, the middle of the typical sweat range, and list plenty of potassium. The ranking above applies that rule to every powder we track. Salt-heavy powders rank lower here and higher on the heavy sweaters list.
What makes a good electrolyte powder?
A good electrolyte powder states its sodium, potassium and serving water volume clearly, so you can work out what one liter contains. Beyond that, match it to the job: salt-heavy and sugar-free for daily use or short sessions, or sodium plus carbohydrate for long training. Price per 1,000 mg sodium tells you what you pay for the salt.
Is electrolyte powder good for you?
That depends on how much you sweat. The ACSM position stand says most people replace sweat sodium and potassium through normal meals [6]. Powders help most when you sweat heavily, train for long periods, or have little time to eat between sessions. Drink to thirst rather than to a fixed volume [5].
What is the best tasting electrolyte powder?
We do not score taste, because it is personal and we cannot measure it from a label. Every number in this ranking comes from the nutrition panel. If flavor matters most, pick two or three powders from the top of the list and buy the smallest pack of each before committing to a tub.
How much water should I mix an electrolyte powder with?
Use the volume on the label, which is the volume our numbers assume. Adding more water lowers the sodium per liter; adding less raises it. The serving line under each product shows the label amount and the volume we used, so you can scale the per-liter numbers yourself.
Oldest label check in this list (Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Powder Sticks): . Source (opens in a new tab)