Electrolyte drinks people reach for after drinking alcohol
We found no study on electrolyte drinks and hangovers in our reference list, so this page compares label contents only. We rank drinks on sodium and potassium per liter measured against the WHO oral rehydration formula [4], plus a lower sugar content. The ranking describes what is in each drink, not how anyone will feel after drinking it.
On current label data the top three are Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder, SALTT Electrolyte Drink Mix and DripDrop Zero Sugar Electrolyte Powder.
106 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
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy, and it never changes the data or rankings. Affiliate disclosure.
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.
- 0 g sugars per liter as mixed.
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
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Redmond (60-serving jar).
Label serving: 1 level scoop (7g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 2: 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.
- 0 g sugars per liter as mixed.
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
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
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 3: DripDrop Zero Sugar Electrolyte Powder
Why it ranks here
- 1,392 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 759 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $3.41 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 0 g sugars per liter as mixed.
Sodium per liter as mixed
DripDrop Zero Sugar Electrolyte Powder sodium per liter: 1,392 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.DripDrop Zero Sugar Electrolyte Powder label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 494 mg 1,392 mg Potassium 270 mg 759 mg Magnesium 60 mg 169 mg Carbs 4.5 g 13 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 15 kcal 42 kcal - Per serving
- $1.12
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $3.41
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at DripDrop (brand store) (32 sticks).
Label serving: Serving Size 4.5g (1 stick), mixed to 8 fl oz (237 mL).
Number 4: 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.
- 0 g sugars per liter as mixed.
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
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Waterboy (15-stick pouch).
Label serving: 1 Stick (6.2g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Why it ranks here
- 1,268 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 846 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- No recorded price, so it goes last in any tie.
- 0 g sugars per liter as mixed.
Sodium per liter as mixed
PRIME Rapid Rehydration Electrolyte Drink Mix sodium per liter: 1,268 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.PRIME Rapid Rehydration Electrolyte Drink Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 450 mg 1,268 mg Potassium 300 mg 846 mg Magnesium 56 mg 159 mg Carbs 1.5 g 4.2 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 8 kcal 21 kcal - Per serving
- price not checked
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- price not checked
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price not checked.
Label serving: 1 Stick (5.9g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 6: Biolyte On the Go Electrolyte Powder
Why it ranks here
- 1,543 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 846 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $2.14 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 19 g sugars per liter as mixed.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Biolyte On the Go Electrolyte Powder sodium per liter: 1,543 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Biolyte On the Go Electrolyte Powder label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 548 mg 1,543 mg Potassium 300 mg 846 mg Magnesium 12 mg 34 mg Carbs 8.3 g 23 g Sugars 6.8 g 19 g Calories 34 kcal 95 kcal - Per serving
- $1.56
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $2.14
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Biolyte (16-stick pouch).
Label serving: 1 Stick (17g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Number 7: up&up Sugar Free Hydration Drink Mix
Why it ranks here
- 1,121 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 803 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $1.41 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 0 g sugars per liter as mixed.
Sodium per liter as mixed
up&up Sugar Free Hydration Drink Mix sodium per liter: 1,121 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.up&up Sugar Free Hydration Drink Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 398 mg 1,121 mg Potassium 285 mg 803 mg Magnesium not on label not on label Carbs 4.5 g 13 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 11 kcal 32 kcal - Per serving
- $0.75
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $1.41
Check price at Target (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Target (20-count box of sticks).
Label serving: 1 stick (13g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Why it ranks here
- 1,078 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 1,480 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $2.11 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 0 g sugars per liter as mixed.
Sodium per liter as mixed
BODYARMOR Flash I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix sodium per liter: 1,078 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.BODYARMOR Flash I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 383 mg 1,078 mg Potassium 525 mg 1,480 mg Magnesium 49 mg 137 mg Carbs 0.8 g 2.1 g Sugars 0 g 0 g Calories 11 kcal 32 kcal - Per serving
- $1.08
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $2.11
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Walmart (6 sticks (Strawberry Kiwi), sold and shipped by Walmart.com).
Label serving: 1 Packet (7g), mixed to 16 fl oz (473 mL).
Why it ranks here
- 1,380 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 1,320 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $3.91 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 14 g sugars per liter as mixed.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Pedialyte Sport Electrolyte Drink (1 L bottle) sodium per liter: 1,380 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Pedialyte Sport Electrolyte Drink (1 L bottle) label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 490 mg 1,380 mg Potassium 468 mg 1,320 mg Magnesium 43 mg 120 mg Carbs 8.9 g 25 g Sugars 5 g 14 g Calories 32 kcal 90 kcal - Per serving
- $5.39
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $3.91
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Target (1 x 33.8 fl oz (1 L) bottle).
Label serving: 33.8 fl oz (1 L).
Number 10: Pedialyte Sport Powder Packs
Why it ranks here
- 1,374 mg sodium per liter as mixed, in the high band (in the upper half of the typical sweat sodium range).
- 1,268 mg potassium per liter as mixed.
- $3.07 per 1,000 mg sodium.
- 15 g sugars per liter as mixed.
Sodium per liter as mixed
Pedialyte Sport Powder Packs sodium per liter: 1,374 mg/L, in the High band (920 to 1,610 mg/L). Scale 0 to 2,500 mg/L.Pedialyte Sport Powder Packs label numbers per 12 fl oz and per liter Nutrient 12 fl oz Liter Sodium 488 mg 1,374 mg Potassium 450 mg 1,268 mg Magnesium 41 mg 116 mg Carbs 7.5 g 21 g Sugars 5.3 g 15 g Calories 30 kcal 85 kcal - Per serving
- $2.00
- Per 1,000 mg sodium
- $3.07
Check price at Amazon (opens in a new tab)Label checked . Source (opens in a new tab)
Price checked Sep 24, 2026 at Target (6 packets).
Label serving: 14.1 g (1 packet), 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 | Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder | 1,712 mg | 846 mg | 0 g | 0 kcal | $0.95 | 99.8 of 100 |
| 2 | SALTT Electrolyte Drink Mix | 2,047 mg | 865 mg | 0 g | 2 kcal | $1.83 | 92.4 of 100 |
| 3 | DripDrop Zero Sugar Electrolyte Powder | 1,392 mg | 759 mg | 0 g | 15 kcal | $3.41 | 91.5 of 100 |
| 4 | Waterboy Workout Hydration | 2,114 mg | 846 mg | 0 g | 8 kcal | $1.67 | 90.8 of 100 |
| 5 | PRIME Rapid Rehydration Electrolyte Drink Mix | 1,268 mg | 846 mg | 0 g | 8 kcal | price not checked | 89.5 of 100 |
| 6 | Biolyte On the Go Electrolyte Powder | 1,543 mg | 846 mg | 6.8 g | 34 kcal | $2.14 | 86.4 of 100 |
| 7 | up&up Sugar Free Hydration Drink Mix | 1,121 mg | 803 mg | 0 g | 11 kcal | $1.41 | 86.1 of 100 |
| 8 | BODYARMOR Flash I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix | 1,078 mg | 1,480 mg | 0 g | 11 kcal | $2.11 | 85.1 of 100 |
| 9 | Pedialyte Sport Electrolyte Drink (1 L bottle) | 1,380 mg | 1,320 mg | 5 g | 32 kcal | $3.91 | 85.1 of 100 |
| 10 | Pedialyte Sport Powder Packs | 1,374 mg | 1,268 mg | 5.3 g | 30 kcal | $3.07 | 84.6 of 100 |
How we ranked
Any format qualifies if it carries at least 230 mg/L of sodium as mixed and lists sugars on the label. We use the WHO oral rehydration solution as a reference for salt content because it is the best documented recipe for a salt and sugar drink: 75 mmol/L sodium and 20 mmol/L potassium [4]. Using it as a yardstick is not a claim that it, or any drink here, helps a hangover.
- Who qualifies
- Any format with at least 230 mg sodium per liter as mixed. 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 40 points for sodium per liter as mixed, with full points at 1,720 mg/L, the sodium in the WHO oral rehydration solution formula, falling in a straight line to none at 0 mg/L and at twice that amount. Up to 30 points for potassium per liter, with full points at 782 mg/L, the potassium in the same formula. Up to 30 points for low sugar: full points at 0 g per liter, falling in a straight line to none at 60 g per liter, the carbohydrate in a 6% sports drink. The WHO formula is used as a reference for salt content only. It is not evidence that any drink changes how a hangover feels. 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 the evidence says
Alcohol and fluid. The ACSM position stand on fluid replacement says alcohol can increase urine output and delay full rehydration, and advises moderation after exercise when rehydration is the goal [6]. That statement is about recovery from exercise, and ACSM rates the evidence behind it as limited.
Electrolyte drinks and hangovers. Our reference list has no study testing electrolyte drinks on hangover symptoms. We have not added one, and we do not claim an effect. If a brand’s packaging says otherwise, that is the brand’s claim, not ours.
Meals replace electrolytes too. For most people, normal meals with water replace the sodium and potassium lost in sweat [6].
What the labels show
Sodium and potassium. Sodium scores best at the WHO formula’s level and loses points above or below it, so the saltiest powders do not win by default. Classic sports drinks carry much less sodium.
Sugar. Lower sugar earns more points here, since a morning-after drink is not fuel for exercise. The sugar column shows grams per 12 fl oz.
Price. Bottles are convenient when you do not want to mix anything. Powders cost less per 1,000 mg sodium. Both costs appear under each product.
FAQ
Are electrolytes good for a hangover?
We could not find evidence in our reference list either way, so we make no claim. ACSM notes that alcohol can increase urine output and delay rehydration [6]. This page compares what each drink contains on its label so you can choose on facts rather than packaging.
What is the best electrolyte drink for a hangover?
We cannot rank drinks by effect on hangovers, because no study in our reference list measures that. The list above ranks label contents instead: sodium and potassium per liter against the WHO oral rehydration formula, and lower sugar. Read it as a comparison of ingredients, not of results.
Do sports drinks help hangovers?
There is no study on this in our reference list. Classic sports drinks are mostly sugar and water with modest sodium, while oral rehydration style drinks and salt-focused powders carry much more sodium. The table shows sodium per liter and sugar per 12 fl oz for each, so you can compare them directly.
Should I drink electrolytes before drinking alcohol?
We have no evidence either way, and we do not give advice on alcohol. What we can say from the ACSM position stand is that alcohol can increase urine output [6]. If you are worried about how alcohol affects you, a doctor or pharmacist is the right person to ask.
Why does this page use the WHO oral rehydration formula?
It is the best documented recipe for a drink of water, salt and sugar, published with exact amounts [4]. That makes it a fair yardstick for comparing salt content across brands. We use it only as a reference point for what is in a drink, not as evidence that any drink here helps a hangover.
Oldest label check in this list (Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder): . Source (opens in a new tab)