Electrolyte Powder Buying Guide

Dehydration is a serious issue that affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. Even here in the United States, where we take drinking water for granted, an estimated 75% of Americans experience some level of dehydration. 

Dehydration can lead to a host of symptoms including muscle cramps, fatigue, brain fog, nausea, and more. And if you exercise regularly, live in a hot climate, or simply don't drink enough water, you're at greater risk of dehydration.

That's why more and more are turning to electrolyte powders. Electrolytes are essential for your body's most vital functions from breathing to pumping blood. They also help optimize hydration, promote better energy, cognition, and physical performance. And unlike sports drinks, quality electrolyte powders are more potent and contain far less sugar. 

But with so many options on the market, finding the right electrolyte powder can be tricky. That's why we put together this quick and easy guide to show you what to look for in an effective product, including a list of the top 5 electrolyte powders of the year. 

Traditional Sports Drinks vs. Electrolyte Powders

Traditional sports drinks are decent sources of electrolytes, however they have one major downfall: sugar. The average sports drink contains almost 2 grams of sugar per serving—slightly less than a can of soda. 

All those extra calories can seriously undercut your workout. Additionally, any sugar you don't use right away is stored as fat, which is much harder to burn. 

Electrolyte powders have several built-in advantages over sports drinks. For starters, they typically offer more potent doses of essential minerals. Powders—especially those that come in stick packs—are convenient to take on-the-go and less wasteful than plastic bottles. 

Most importantly, electrolyte powders are far less sugary than sports drinks, and several options are sugar free, which makes them ideal for people on low-calorie, sugar-free, or keto diets.