8 Best Electrolyte Powders for Athletes [Expert Review]

Momentous Fuel stands out in a crowded sports nutrition market, thanks in large part to its direct collaboration with elite sports dietitians and professional coaches. This partnership ensures that every ingredient and ratio is grounded in real-world human performance science.

One of the most compelling features is the 3:1 glucose to fructose ratio, a formulation backed by research to maximize carbohydrate absorption without overwhelming the gut. For anyone who’s ever done any kind of endurance training or racing, you’ll know this is a huge consideration. This dual-source strategy helps athletes efficiently replenish glycogen stores during extended sessions, minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) distress.

Another standout ingredient is isomaltulose, a low-glycemic carbohydrate that provides steady, sustained energy. In testing this product during multiple 90-minute to 2-hour training runs and hikes, I noticed a consistent energy curve—no spikes, no crashes, as well as consistent mood. It’s especially effective for those longer workouts where pacing and fuel management matter most.

Formulated specifically to support workouts lasting over 60 minutes, Momentous Fuel delivers a clean, smooth drink that mixes easily and digests well—even during higher-intensity efforts. It’s light on the stomach and provides a noticeable mental and physical boost.

Importantly for athletes, it holds the NSF Certified for Sport certification, meaning it has been rigorously tested for banned substances and contaminants, and its purity, safety, and efficacy is guaranteed.

For those on the go, you’ll be glad to know it comes in convenient travel packs, as well as the regular 15-serving jar.

That said, the premium price point is worth noting. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the quality of ingredients and the thoughtful formulation justify the cost for serious athletes.

If you're looking to upgrade your fueling strategy with something trusted by the pros, Momentous Fuel is well worth checking out. And if you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance and recovery, you might be interested in some of the supplements included in this article.

Key Things to Know About This Product

• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes

• Gluten Free: Yes

• GMO Free: Yes

• Vegan: Yes

• Third-party tested: No

Product Details:

• Price: $21.95

• Number of Servings: 20

• Flavors: 6 - Lemon-Lime, Strawberry-Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Pineapple, Orange, Raspberry Limeade (caffeinated) 

• Key Electrolytes and Nutritional Info (per Serving):

  • Sodium: 400 mg

  • Potassium: 50 mg 

  • Calories: 80

  • Carbohydrates: 19 g (includes 19 g added sugar)

• Serving Size: 1 scoop (22 g)

• Subscription: Yes - save 10%

• Free shipping: Yes - on orders over $49

Pros:

• Made with real fruit for flavor, avoiding artificial ingredients

• Suitable for various dietary needs: gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, and kosher

• Great variety of flavors, all of which are palatable and easy to drink

• More cost-effective than others

Cons:

• No third-party testing

• Lower calorie and carb content

Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix is a thoughtfully formulated electrolyte drink that’s designed to optimize hydration during exercise. Each serving delivers 400 mg of sodium and 19 g of carbohydrates, effectively replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat and providing a steady energy source. The 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio makes it easy to absorb while the mild, palatable flavors are tasty and easy to get down, no matter how long you’re training or racing. The mix is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and kosher, accommodating various dietary preferences.

It is gentle on the stomach, minimizing gastrointestinal distress during intense workouts. While the sugar content may be higher than some alternatives, it is not unnecessarily sweet or sugary. It provides a lower carb and calorie content than others reviewed in this article, although there are other higher carb mixes available in the product range. Overall, it offers a balanced blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates, making it a reliable choice for athletes seeking effective hydration and energy support during exercise.

Key Things to Know About This Product

• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes, within 30 days of purchase

• Gluten Free: Yes

• GMO Free: Yes

• Vegan: Yes

• Third-party tested: Yes, Informed Choice

Product Details:

• Price: $39.99

• Number of Servings: 50

• Flavors: 8 - including two caffeinated options

• Key Electrolytes and Nutritional Info (per Serving):

  • Sodium: 310 mg

  • Potassium: 90 mg 

  • Calories: 100

  • Carbohydrates: 25 g (includes 25 g added sugar)

• Serving Size: 1 scoop (27 g)

• Subscription: Yes - save 15%

• Free shipping: Yes - on orders $60

Pros:

• Cost effective

• Wide variety of flavors

• Third-party tested

• Easy on the gut

• Good electrolyte and calorie content

• Caffeinated options

• Available in single-serve sachets as well as 50- or 30-serve pouches

Cons:

• Higher sugar content - it is intended for longer endurance training and racing

A popular choice with ultra runners and triathletes, Tailwind Nutrition’s Endurance Fuel is easy to drink and will keep you feeling well hydrated and well fueled for hours. It comes in a wide variety of flavors (including Dauwaltermelon, named after the popular ultrarunning champion Courtney Dauwalter, who is one of their sponsored athletes), all of which are easy to get down, no matter how hard you’re working.

At $39.99 for 50 servings, it is one of the most competitively priced products, while also offering peace of mind from third-party testing (certification from Informed Choice). It is designed for endurance events, so its calorie and carb content is higher than others reviewed in this article. With 25 g of added sugar, it might not be the best option for those looking to minimize their sugar intake or for those doing shorter workouts.

Key Things to Know About This Product

• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes

• Gluten Free: Yes

• GMO Free: Yes

• Vegan: Yes

• Third-party tested: No

Product Details:

• Price: $24.99

• Number of Servings: 16

• Flavors: 15+ including Lemon Lime, Passionfruit, Tropical Punch

• Key Electrolytes and Nutritional Info (per Serving):

  • Sodium: 560 mg

  • Potassium: 370 mg 

  • Calories: 50

  • Carbohydrates: 13 g (includes 11 g added sugar)

• Serving Size: 1 stick (16 g)

• Subscription: Yes - save 30%

• Free shipping: Yes - on orders $40+

Pros:

• Huge variety of flavors

• High electrolyte content

• More cost effective than others reviewed

• Suitable for various dietary needs: gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free

• Convenient, portable stick packets

Cons:

• Lower carb and calorie content compared to other options reviewed

• More packaging, less environmentally friendly

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder is a popular choice among endurance athletes for its high electrolyte content and portable stick packets that are ideal if you’re on-the-go. While it does boast a higher electrolyte content than many of the other products reviewed here, it is lower on carbohydrate and calorie content, making it a better option for shorter activities or if you have other sources of fuel.

Customers love the wide variety of flavors available and, at $1.56 per serving, it’s one of the more cost-effective options reviewed here. Those who prefer less packaging might want to opt for a different product as each serving comes in a stick packet inside of a larger pouch. 

Key Things to Know About This Product

• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes

• Gluten Free: Yes

• GMO Free: Yes

• Vegan: Yes

• Third-party tested: Yes, Informed Sport certified 

Product Details:

• Price: $31.99 

• Number of Servings: 15

• Flavors: Neutral/original

• Key Electrolytes and Nutritional Info (per Serving):

  • Sodium: 500 mg

  • Potassium: 125 mg 

  • Calories: 120

  • Carbohydrates: 30 g (includes 12 g added sugar)

• Serving Size: 2 scoops 

• Subscription: Yes - save up to 20% and free shipping

• Free shipping: On orders over $65

Pros:

• Good electrolyte & carb content

• Easy to titrate based on fueling needs

• Third-party tested with Informed Sport certification

• Trusted and used by elite endurance athletes

• Free video consultation available to discuss your fueling needs

• 2:1 glucose:fructose ratio makes for easy absorption

Cons:

• Premium pricing

• Limited flavors available

Precision Fuel & Hydration's Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix is designed to support athletes during high-intensity workouts by delivering 30g of carbohydrates and 500mg of sodium per 500 ml serving. This formulation aids in maintaining energy levels and replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat.

The mix utilizes a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio, facilitating efficient carbohydrate absorption and utilization. Its mild, citrus-based flavor is crafted to minimize flavor fatigue, making it palatable during prolonged exercise sessions, which some people love, but those looking for more flavor variety might prefer other options.

Additionally, the drink mix is vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial ingredients, catering to various dietary preferences. Importantly for athletes, it has been third-party tested and holds the Informed Sport certification, guaranteeing its safety, purity, and efficacy.

It is highly popular among elite and amateur endurance athletes, with many product reviews noting its gentle effect on the stomach and ease of digestion during intense activities, whether training or racing.

Priced at $31.99 for a 510 g pouch containing 15 servings, the Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix offers a practical solution for athletes seeking to optimize their fueling and hydration strategies. Its thoughtful formulation and positive user feedback make it a valuable addition to any endurance athlete's nutrition plan.

Key Things to Know About This Product

• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes

• Gluten Free: Yes

• GMO Free: Yes

• Vegan: Yes

• Third-party tested: Yes, GMP-certified

Product Details:

• Price: $45

• Number of Servings: 30

• Flavors: Various, including Citrus Salt, Grapefruit Salt, Watermelon Salt

• Key Electrolytes and Nutritional Info (per Serving):

  • Sodium: 1000 mg

  • Potassium: 200 mg 

  • Calories: 10

  • Carbohydrates: 2 g (with zero added sugar)

• Serving Size: 1 stick packet (6 g)

• Subscription: Yes - save 10-15%

• Free shipping: Yes - on all U.S. orders

Pros:

• High electrolyte content

• Convenient, portable packets

• Wide variety of flavors

• Third-party tested

Cons:

• Low carb and calorie content; this is purely an electrolyte drink

• Very salty taste; might not be suitable for everyone

• More packaging than some products

LMNT is an electrolyte drink mix formulated to support hydration by providing a substantial dose of essential electrolytes without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Each serving contains 1,000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium, which makes it great for anyone taking part in activities that involve heavy sweating and/or looking to increase their sodium intake. Note that it has zero added sugar and has a low calorie content, so it’s not intended as a source of energy for training or racing.

It is available in various flavors, including Citrus Salt, Raspberry Salt, and Mango Chili, as well as an unflavored option for those who prefer a neutral taste. It is produced in GMP-certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) and products have a Certificate of Analysis for third-party testing.

Users have reported that LMNT effectively prevents muscle cramps during workouts. However, the high sodium content may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly individuals with conditions requiring sodium restriction. The lightweight sachets are convenient if you’re on-the-go, although some people prefer options that use less packaging. 

Key Things to Know About This Product

• Money-Back Guarantee: No

• Gluten Free: Not stated

• GMO Free: Not stated

• Vegan: Not stated

• Third-party tested: No

Product Details:

• Price: $38.99

• Number of Servings: 38

• Flavors: 4 - Orange, Lemon-Lime, Cherry, Watermelon

• Key Electrolytes and Nutritional Info (per Serving):

  • Sodium: 300 mg

  • Potassium: 140 mg 

  • Calories: 90

  • Carbohydrates: 22 g (includes 13 g added sugar)

• Serving Size: 1.5 tbsp (24 g)

• Subscription: Yes - save 10%

• Free shipping: Yes - on orders $75

Pros:

• Cost effective

• Four flavors

Cons:

• Doesn’t mix easily

• No third-party testing

Gatorade Endurance Formula is specifically designed for endurance athletes engaging in prolonged activities, such as marathons and triathlons. It offers a blend of carbohydrates and electrolytes to support hydration and energy needs during extended training and racing. For that reason, it’s not ideal for shorter workouts.

At $38.99 for 38 servings, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options on test. It comes in four flavors, and although they are palatable, they do have a slightly synthetic taste. Users also report it not mixing well and/or clumping.

There is no third-party testing or certification, so athletes looking for peace of mind about ingredients and sourcing might prefer other products. 

Key Things to Know About This Product

• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes - within 60 days

• Gluten Free: Yes

• GMO Free: Not stated

• Vegan: Not stated

• Third-party tested: Yes, NSF Certified for Sport

Product Details:

• Price: $32

• Number of Servings: 30

• Flavors: 1 - Lemon Lime

• Key Electrolytes and Nutritional Info (per Serving):

  • Sodium: 485 mg

  • Potassium: 96 mg 

  • Calories: 20

  • Carbohydrates: 5 g (includes >1 g added sugar)

• Serving Size: 1 scoop (10.4 g)

• Subscription: Yes - save 10-20%

• Free shipping: Yes, on all orders

Pros:

• Third-party tested

• Cost effective

• Good electrolyte content

• Free shipping

Cons:

• Lower carb/calorie content makes it a better choice for short workouts, not longer endurance training

• Only one flavor

Thorne Catalyte is a premium electrolyte supplement designed to support hydration, endurance, and recovery for athletes and active individuals. Its formulation includes a balanced blend of electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc—that closely mirrors the composition lost through sweat, aiding in effective rehydration. Additionally, it contains B vitamins, vitamin C, and D-ribose to support energy production and reduce muscle fatigue.

One of Catalyte's standout features is its NSF Certified for Sport® designation, ensuring it is free from banned substances and safe for competitive athletes. The lemon-lime flavor is light and not overly sweet, making it palatable during intense workouts. With only 20 calories and 1 gram of sugar per serving, it’s better suited to those doing shorter workouts. It may not be the best option for someone looking to consume carbs, calories, and electrolytes in one drink.

Users have reported improved hydration levels and reduced muscle cramps when using Catalyte during and after workouts. At $32 for 30 servings, it’s competitively priced.