Electrolytes & Hydration: a simple buying guide

Electrolyte and hydration products in every format: effervescent tablets, powders and sachets, capsules, ready-to-drink bottles and cans, and concentrated drops. Electrolytes are the salts you lose in sweat, mainly sodium, with smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride.

The number that matters most is sodium per serving, because it varies widely: everyday tablets tend to be modest, while products for long, hot or heavy-sweat sessions contain much more. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance, and potassium contributes to normal muscle function. Some products add carbohydrate for fuel, caffeine, vitamins or amino acids, so check the label for sugar and caffeine if you want a plain electrolyte. The range includes Applied Nutrition Body Fuel and Endurance, Naughty Boy Hydration, Kaged Hydration, XO Fitness Daily Hydration, Phizz, Weider Victory Endurance, Optimum Nutrition Electrolyte, Stacker2 Electrolyte Hydrate, EHP Labs Hydreau and more. For sessions under an hour in cool conditions, water is usually all you need. Our guide to the best electrolytes in the UK compares sodium, sugar and value.

Shop the range: Hydration & Electrolytes at NE Commerce

How to choose an electrolyte

  • Sodium: more for long, hot or salty-sweat sessions; less for everyday use.
  • Sugar: zero-sugar for everyday hydration; carbohydrate versions for long sessions.
  • Caffeine: some hydration drinks contain caffeine; check the label.
  • Format: tablets and sachets are easy to carry; drinks are ready to go.

Related ranges and guides

FAQs

What is the best electrolyte drink in the UK?

The best choice depends on how much you sweat, how long you train and whether you want sugar or caffeine. Compare sodium, sugar and cost per serving; our best electrolytes guide does this for popular products.

Electrolyte tablets or powder: which is better?

Tablets are easy to carry and portion; powders and sachets often contain more per serving and can include carbohydrate. Both work, so choose the format you will actually use.

When should I take electrolytes?

They are most useful during and after long or hot sessions, or when you sweat heavily. For shorter sessions, water is usually enough.

Do electrolytes contain sugar?

Some do and some do not. Zero-sugar tablets and powders use sweeteners; carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks include sugars for fuel. Check the nutrition panel.

Ready to compare? Browse our full Hydration & Electrolytes range.

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