Electrolytes for heavy and salty sweaters, ranked by sodium
The best electrolytes for heavy and salty sweaters sit in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range or above it. Unlike our everyday lists, saltier ranks higher here: full points at 1,610 mg/L, the top of that range [1], plus credit for how much sodium one serving delivers. Drinks under 920 mg/L are left out.
On current label data the top three are 1st Phorm Hydration Sport, Waterboy Weekend Recovery and Waterboy Workout Hydration.
50 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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Number 1: 1st Phorm Hydration Sport
Why it ranks here
- 2,537 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 634 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $1.54 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 1,200 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
1st Phorm Hydration Sport sodium per liter: 2,537 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L), above the 0 to 2,500 mg/L scale.1st Phorm Hydration Sport label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 900 mg 2,537 mg Potassium 225 mg 634 mg Magnesium 23 mg 63 mg Carbs 0 g 0 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 0 kcal 0 kcal - Per serving
- $1.85
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $1.54
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at 1st Phorm (Box of 20 single-serve packets).
Label serving: 1 Packet (7.1g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 2: Waterboy Weekend Recovery
Why it ranks here
- 2,368 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 740 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $1.86 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 1,120 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Waterboy Weekend Recovery sodium per liter: 2,368 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Waterboy Weekend Recovery label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 840 mg 2,368 mg Potassium 263 mg 740 mg Magnesium 38 mg 106 mg Carbs 0.8 g 2.1 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 4 kcal 11 kcal - Per serving
- $2.08
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $1.86
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Waterboy (12-stick pouch).
Label serving: 1 Stick (6.5g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 3: Waterboy Workout Hydration
Why it ranks here
- 2,114 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 846 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $1.67 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 1,000 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Waterboy Workout Hydration sodium per liter: 2,114 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Waterboy Workout Hydration label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 750 mg 2,114 mg Potassium 300 mg 846 mg Magnesium 38 mg 106 mg Carbs 0.8 g 2.1 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 8 kcal 21 kcal - Per serving
- $1.67
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $1.67
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Waterboy (15-stick pouch).
Label serving: 1 Stick (6.2g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 4: BASE Lytes Electrolytes
Why it ranks here
- 4,000 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 1,600 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $2.99 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 1,000 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
BASE Lytes Electrolytes sodium per liter: 4,000 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L), above the 0 to 2,500 mg/L scale.BASE Lytes Electrolytes label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 1,420 mg 4,000 mg Potassium 568 mg 1,600 mg Magnesium 85 mg 240 mg Carbs 1.4 g 4 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 14 kcal 40 kcal - Per serving
- $2.99
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $2.99
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at BASE Performance (Single 8 g pouch).
Label serving: 8 g (1 pouch), mixed to 8.5 fl oz (250 mL).
Number 5: LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes
Why it ranks here
- 2,114 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 423 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $1.50 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 1,000 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes sodium per liter: 2,114 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 750 mg 2,114 mg Potassium 150 mg 423 mg Magnesium 45 mg 127 mg Carbs 0.8 g 2.1 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 4 kcal 11 kcal - Per serving
- $1.50
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $1.50
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at LMNT (30-count box of stick packs (one-time purchase)).
Label serving: 1 stick pack (6g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 6: LMNT Sparkling Electrolyte Water
Why it ranks here
- 2,114 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 423 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $2.50 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 1,000 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
LMNT Sparkling Electrolyte Water sodium per liter: 2,114 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.LMNT Sparkling Electrolyte Water label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 750 mg 2,114 mg Potassium 150 mg 423 mg Magnesium 45 mg 127 mg Carbs 0.8 g 2.1 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 4 kcal 11 kcal - Per serving
- $2.50
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $2.50
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at LMNT (36 x 16 fl oz cans (3 x 12-packs)).
Label serving: 1 can (16oz).
Number 7: SALTT Electrolyte Drink Mix
Why it ranks here
- 2,047 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 865 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $1.83 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 968 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
SALTT Electrolyte Drink Mix sodium per liter: 2,047 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.SALTT Electrolyte Drink Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 726 mg 2,047 mg Potassium 307 mg 865 mg Magnesium 134 mg 376 mg Carbs 0.1 g 0.4 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 2 kcal 6 kcal - Per serving
- $1.77
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $1.83
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at SALTT (30-stick pouch).
Label serving: 1 Stick Pack (6.6g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 8: Pickle Juice Sport
Why it ranks here
- 3,417 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 292 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $2.39 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 820 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Pickle Juice Sport sodium per liter: 3,417 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L), above the 0 to 2,500 mg/L scale.Pickle Juice Sport label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 1,213 mg 3,417 mg Potassium 104 mg 292 mg Magnesium not on label not on label Carbs 0 g 0 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 0 kcal 0 kcal - Per serving
- $1.96
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $2.39
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Pickle Juice (12 x 16 fl oz bottles (24 label servings)).
Label serving: 8 fl oz (240 mL).
Why it ranks here
- 1,712 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 846 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $0.95 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 810 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder sodium per liter: 1,712 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 608 mg 1,712 mg Potassium 300 mg 846 mg Magnesium 38 mg 106 mg Carbs 0 g 0 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 0 kcal 0 kcal - Per serving
- $0.77
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $0.95
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Redmond (60-serving jar).
Label serving: 1 level scoop (7g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 10: Santa Cruz Paleo Electrolytes
Why it ranks here
- 3,376 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the very high band (saltier than typical sweat).
- 1,266 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $1.25 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 800 mg sodium in one serving.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Santa Cruz Paleo Electrolytes sodium per liter: 3,376 mg/L, in the Very high band (1,610 to 2,500 mg/L), above the 0 to 2,500 mg/L scale.Santa Cruz Paleo Electrolytes label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 1,198 mg 3,376 mg Potassium 449 mg 1,266 mg Magnesium 90 mg 253 mg Carbs 3 g 8.4 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 0 kcal 0 kcal - Per serving
- $1.00
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $1.25
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Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Santa Cruz Paleo (30-serving tub (5.7 oz / 162.6 g)).
Label serving: 1 scoop (5.42g), mixed to 8 fl oz (237 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 | 1st Phorm Hydration Sport | 2,537 mg | 634 mg | 0 g | 0 kcal | $1.54 | 100 of 100 |
| 2 | Waterboy Weekend Recovery | 2,368 mg | 740 mg | 0 g | 4 kcal | $1.86 | 99.1 of 100 |
| 3 | Waterboy Workout Hydration | 2,114 mg | 846 mg | 0 g | 8 kcal | $1.67 | 97.6 of 100 |
| 4 | BASE Lytes Electrolytes | 4,000 mg | 1,600 mg | 0 g | 14 kcal | $2.99 | 97.6 of 100 |
| 5 | LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes | 2,114 mg | 423 mg | 0 g | 4 kcal | $1.50 | 97.6 of 100 |
| 6 | LMNT Sparkling Electrolyte Water | 2,114 mg | 423 mg | 0 g | 4 kcal | $2.50 | 97.6 of 100 |
| 7 | SALTT Electrolyte Drink Mix | 2,047 mg | 865 mg | 0 g | 2 kcal | $1.83 | 97.2 of 100 |
| 8 | Pickle Juice Sport | 3,417 mg | 292 mg | 0 g | 0 kcal | $2.39 | 95.3 of 100 |
| 9 | Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder | 1,712 mg | 846 mg | 0 g | 0 kcal | $0.95 | 95.2 of 100 |
| 10 | Santa Cruz Paleo Electrolytes | 3,376 mg | 1,266 mg | 0 g | 0 kcal | $1.25 | 95.1 of 100 |
How we ranked
Any format qualifies if it reaches the sodium floor when mixed as the label says. Most of the score is sodium per liter, capped at the top of the sweat range. Part of it is sodium per serving, full at 1,189 mg/h, the average hourly loss in endurance athletes [2]. A small share is potassium.
- Who qualifies
- Any format with at least 920 mg sodium per liter as mixed, the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range. 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
- Unlike the everyday lists, saltier ranks higher here. Up to 75 points for sodium per liter as mixed, rising in a straight line to full points at 1,610 mg/L, the top of the typical sweat sodium range. Saltier drinks get no extra points. Up to 15 points for sodium per serving, with full points at 1,189 mg, the average hourly sodium loss measured in endurance athletes. Up to 10 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 if you sweat heavily
Two different things: volume and saltiness. A heavy sweater loses a lot of fluid. A salty sweater loses a lot of sodium per liter of sweat. Some people are both. Sweat rate typically runs 0.5 to 2 L/h, and sweat sodium 230 to 1,610 mg/L [1]. Multiply the two and hourly losses spread widely.
Measure before you buy. Weigh yourself before and after a typical session and use the sweat rate calculator. The hydration calculator turns that into sodium per hour and matches products to it.
Sodium per serving as well as per liter. If you drink less than the label volume, a salty stick still delivers its full sodium. Each product lists its per-serving sodium in the notes.
Thirst still sets the volume. More salt does not make it safe to drink more than you sweat [5].
FAQ
What are the best electrolytes for heavy sweaters?
On label data, the best options reach at least 1,610 mg/L of sodium per liter when mixed as directed, the top of the typical sweat range [1], and deliver close to 1,189 mg/h in a single serving. The list above shows sodium per liter and per serving for each product.
How do I know if I am a salty sweater?
Only a sweat test gives a number, and even a patch on one spot of skin is an estimate. Research shows sweat sodium varies several-fold between people, from about 230 mg/L to 1,610 mg/L [1]. Without a test, assume you sit somewhere in that range.
How much sodium does a heavy sweater lose?
Hourly loss is sweat rate multiplied by sweat sodium. Endurance athletes in one large dataset averaged 1,189 mg/h an hour, with plenty well above that [2]. Our sodium per hour guide shows how to work out your own figure from a sweat test.
Can an electrolyte drink be too salty?
A drink saltier than your sweat tastes strong, and it replaces more sodium per liter than you lose. That is why this ranking gives no extra points past 1,610 mg/L. Powders let you add more water to dilute them, which lowers the sodium per liter while keeping the sodium per serving.
Should heavy sweaters drink more water?
Drink to thirst. The 2015 hyponatremia consensus recommends thirst as the guide and warns that drinking more than you sweat is the main cause of low blood sodium in long events [5]. Weighing yourself before and after exercise shows how well your drinking matched your sweat loss.
Oldest label check in this list (1st Phorm Hydration Sport): . Source (opens in a new tab)