Did you know that, according to researchers, 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated? That's a pretty shocking statistic, but stay calm. Increasing your water intake can help—and so can hydration powders, which replenish the nutrients your body loses while it is in a dehydrated state. These powders are formulated to dissolve when mixed into water and provide a boost in essential minerals and electrolytes. They're especially beneficial to drink after exercising when you've likely sweated out the electrolytes that keep your body in tip-top shape. "Hydration packets have sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in them to help the body move fluids around efficiently," explains Holly Klamer, MS, RDN. "These minerals can also be lost in sweat. Therefore, a hydration packet can help quickly replace them."
With so many different hydration powders on the market, however, how can you be certain you're drinking the right formula for your needs? "You should choose an option that provides the electrolytes you are specifically looking for," adds Leah Forristall, RD, LDN. "For most athletes, active individuals, or anyone who is simply sweating a lot on a hot day, this will be sodium and potassium." Once you start adding hydration powders to your water, Steve Theunissen, RDN, says you can expect to experience physical benefits including regulated blood pressure, balanced blood pH, and improved muscle contraction. Ahead, we've rounded up some expert-recommended options to help you keep your electrolyte levels in order.
Related: Is Drinking Regular Water the Only Healthy, Thirst-Quenching Way to Hydrate?
Liquid IV's powders boost hydration thanks to an ideal ratio of minerals. "It has about 500 miligrams of sodium and 380 miligrams of potassium, making this a great source of electrolytes," Forristall says. "One of the reasons I recommend this powder is because it has more sodium than potassium, which isn't the case for all sports drinks." Because of its combination of sodium, potassium, and glucose, Liquid IV will hydrate more efficiently than water alone, Forristall explains.
Forristall likes Nuun Sport's offering because of their convenience (the powder comes in tablet form, which makes it easy transport) and its ingredients. "Nuun is a lower sugar option, but still contains an appropriate electrolyte ratio," she says.
While Ultima may have lower electrolyte levels than other powders, Klamer recommends the brand partially for its minerals that are not in other hydration formulas. "It may be more suitable for those trying to increase hydration without worrying about replacing minerals from heavy sweat loss," Klamer says.
DJ Mazzoni MS, RD, CDN, CSCS recommends the unflavored version of LMNT powder because it only contains electrolytes sodium, potassium. and magnesium—and that's it. "There are no other flavorings or filler ingredients, which is rare for a hydration powder," Mazzoni says.
CURE's hydration mix is made from coconut powder, and is naturally sweetened by stevia extract and monk fruit. "This powder contains essential electrolytes lost through sweat," Mazzoni says, "and the formulation is superior to most commercial hydration powder products due to the lack of added sugars and preservatives."
Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RDN recommends Hydralyte products since their formulation is based on the World Health Organization's formula for rehydration. "It's trusted by doctors and medical institutions to help rehydrate patients, and it's easier and less invasive than an IV," Bazilian says, "but works just as well as an everyday hydration aid." Bazilian is partial to the strawberry lemonade powder—it has a refreshing taste.
DripDrop, says nutritionist Juliana Tamayo, MS, is perfect for anyone who experiences dehydration after a workout and is conveniently packaged to use on the go. The doctor-formulated powder is a "great source of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc," she adds.
Available in five fruity flavors, HydrationUP Electrolyte Drink Mix will give you a boost in electrolytes and vitamin C. Dr. Michael Murray, the Chief Scientific Advisor for iHerb, notes that this powder mixes easily with a nearly 1:1 ratio of sodium and potassium—plus there are no artificial ingredients. "It is a great choice for quick, effective hydration and electrolyte replacement," Dr. Murray says.
"This powder helps to amp up workouts while keeping you hydrated without unnecessary added sugars, which is rare for these products," says nutritionist Lisa Richards. HRDWRK, an electrolyte powder, contains sodium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as essential B vitamins.
Re-Lyte contains all the typical minerals in a hydration packet, plus calcium. Amy Lippert, a nutritional therapy practitioner, mentions that this product comes in a 30-serving container, which helps reduce waste. Additionally, Lippert shares that the brand's formulations are made without sugars and are vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly.