Best Electrolytes & Hydration Tablets – 2024 Buying Guide
We tested and reviewed dozens of the top electrolyte and hydration tablets and found the SaltStick was the best for hydration and recovery. Read our full review below to learn more.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
When it comes to staying hydrated and keeping our bodies properly balanced with the right nutrients and electrolytes, it is important to use reliable products.
We are counting on these tablets to help us stay healthy and safe while we are out for a run or are working out so they need to be effective. Here at RunnerClick, we made sure to test every product we featured and ensured that they are effective and easy to use.
The product you choose must make you hydrated and this must lead to increasing muscle performance. Usually, these type of products helps with muscle cramps which aren’t very rare in runner’s world. The effects should be visible fast and you should feel the boost of energy.
Materials
We had to make sure that they were made from the best ingredients available.
A good option is to search for electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, etc. Many tablets are reinforced with vitamins that will let you perform better.
Carbohydrates are the next thing you should consider. They’re used with electrolytes usually when you work out more than an hour and it’s rather intensive training.
We also made sure to look at the ingredient list for each product that we tried and tested. The ones that make it onto our top 10 list here are made from the finest of ingredients and are formulated to work correctly and reliably when you need them the most.
Product Purity
We looked at product purity which in this case we focused on calories and artificial flavoring
It is important to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or needless additives in the products we consume. We also have to make sure that the ingredients listed are correct and sourced from pure and reliable sources.
The RunnerClick review team took this upon our selves and we checked every product we tested and made sure the product label is correct and the ingredients are pure.
While doing our research, we’ve discovered that many people tend to ask how many calories are in each tablet. There are many different versions of electrolytes, some have more calories, the others are advertised are low calories products.
We think that it shouldn’t matter very much here as while running, you burn so many calories that one or two tablets won’t make a difference.
There’s one thing that we really don’t like about some electrolytes/ hydration tablets - artificial flavors. We avoided putting products like these on our list.
Side Effects
Most people have zero negative side effects while taking this type of product, but it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before starting to take any nutritional supplement.
During our testing, we made sure to find the hydration tablets that have the fewest reported side effects and that the ones that were reported were minor and short-lived. Unless you have an allergy to something used in the tablet itself, you should not have any worry about the side effects of any of the options we featured on our list.
Value
We looked for the best hydration tablets at a good price. We also made sure they were all high-quality products as well.
The final factor we took into account during our search and review of the best hydration and electrolyte tablets on the market is the overall value that they offer.
We rated value based on several points including the price, the dosage, the purity of the ingredients, the reliability of the results, and user reviews from past consumers. All of this combined gave us an idea of how valuable each product could be for you!
10 Best Electrolytes and Hydration Tablets
1. SaltStick
This option has been endorsed by elite athletes and is great for preventing and reducing muscle cramping, minimize heat stress, and keeping your electrolyte levels high. They're great for runners, people who work outside in the heat, and even travelers because they help you to digest foods that are unfamiliar.
Read moreEffectiveness and Materials
These get rave reviews for how well they work. n fact, they work so well at replacing electrolytes that if you're NOT already extremely deficient in electrolytes, they may give you a funny feeling when you take them. These capsules have 215 mg of sodium, 63 mg of potassium, 14 mg of calcium, 22 mg of magnesium, and 100 IU Vitamin D per capsule.
Product Purity and Side Effects
Based on our research, the company seems to source its ingredients naturally. This one also has no nuts or soy, is gluten-free, and contains no high fructose corn syrup or sweeteners. We only found a few instances of mild side effects such as upset stomach and headache, but these seemed to be very individual and happened to people who had certain medical conditions.
Value
These run a little on the high end, but users mostly felt they were worth it because of how well they work at replacing electrolytes.
2. Nuun Hydration
The body loses a lot while it sweats, which is why hydration tablets can be such a useful way to quickly replenish yourself. Nuun hydration can be dissolved into 16 oz of water (or less if you don’t mind a stronger taste), delivering a blast of 4 essential electrolytes: 360 mg of Sodium, 100 mg of Potassium, 25 mg of Magnesium and 13 mg of Calcium.
Read moreThe benefits of this boost run the gamut from a reduced risk for cramping all the way to improved muscle performance.
Additionally, Nuun Hydration tabs have less than 1g of carbs, they are relatively low in calories, have no added sugar, and best of all no harsh additives/flavors. Let us show you what more can Nuun offer to you.
3. TRIORAL
Trioral oral rehydration salts are medical grade hydration tablets approved by the world health organization. This formula is the result of extensive research sponsored by WHO’s Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development.
Read moreThese packets are an effective, cheap, and safe way to rehydrate your body fast. Although the primary use of these is often “medical”, in nature they can offer a real benefit to runners. Particularly ones who like to meet their edge and push their body to the limits.
These packets are neatly pre-sealed, pre-measured, and ready to go with a liter of water. If you’re looking for a rehydration tablet with some real oomph, this is undoubtedly it.
4. GU Hydration
You get twelve effervescent tablets with four different flavors to choose from. The sodium levels are at 320 mg which serves to stabilize personal water balance.
Read moreWith just ten calories per tablet, these are full of electrolytes to revitalize during a run or right after a run.
They come in light delicate flavors which work well with an effervescent drink, you get 320 mg of needed sodium with each tab/drink.
The cost of this is a little higher than some of the other products on this list but, that is because you are getting more bang for your buck as they say.
5. Science in Sport
Science in sport may be the brand you look for when it comes to hydration tablets. It may be a less known brand but it’s really worth it to test it. These tablets will help you to maintain water balance even if you sweat a lot.
Read moreThe brand manages to provide a good amount of electrolytes but they make very good taste.
Our biggest surprise was when we’ve discovered there’s Cola taste and it’s absolutely delicious. Even if you’re not a fan of cola, there are different tasty choices.
It really fast dissolves in the water and the tube is rather portable- it has about 15 centimeters.
6. Hydralyte
The combination of glucose and electrolytes will let you prevent dehydration and keep running much longer than ever. The tablets are packed in the tube. One tube contains 20 tablets and it is quite affordable.
Read moreThe tube has less than 20 cm in length so you can put it easily into your sports bag. The product was made on the base of WHO criteria of effective rehydration.
Sucralose is the sweetener in this product, but it’s very safe and good for runners with diabetes. Suitable for people who don’t tolerate lactose.
This option isn’t tested on animals so it’s also for vegetarians and vegans. It’s much more effective than most energy drinks on the market as there are more electrolytes and less sugar.
7. Nuun Vitamins
Nuun is a very popular brand when it comes to hydration tablets. One key way this product differs from other is a slighter lower amount of sodium and a higher dose of vitamins.
Read moreThese are great for staying properly hydrated, healthy, and boosting your immunity in general.
The tablet tubes are easily portable taste great, and absorb quickly in the gut. If you’re someone with a sensitive stomach the Tangerine Lime is particularly soothing and easy to digest.
There are 16 tablets in each tube. Just mix one tablet in 16 ounces of water and you are ready to hydrate!
8. LyteCaps
LyteCaps is one of the most liked names when it comes to hydration products, and their electrolyte tablets are no exception.
Read moreThe LyteCaps tablets are an excellent alternative to inundating yourself with the sugar found in Gatorade or Powerade.
These tablets also have a pretty substantial kick, containing a blend of vitamins and minerals. There’s L Tyrosine in this product.
There are 30 serving on one package and in addition, the price is very competitive.
9. Trace Minerals Research
This product gets good marks for users based on its effectiveness and amount of trace minerals above and beyond just those that are necessary for hydration.
Read moreMost users found this to be very effective at its purpose, and we found that not just athletes are using this, but also students and people who spend all day at work on their feet for how good it works.
Besides electrolytes, this option also contains magnesium and L-taurine to help your body assimilate its nutrients and give you a wide spectrum of benefits beyond just hydration, such as more energy and stamina, and a reduction in cramps.
10. Hi Lyte
These are perfect for serious runners, cyclists, yogis, and endurance athletes. The company prides themselves on their natural ingredients and the salt in these is sourced from the Great Salt Lakes in Utah.
Read moreThis option got really good reviews for its ability to stop cramps and headaches and to do so very quickly after you've taken it.
The ingredients in this product are sourced naturally and reported to be pure, and the company seems to take pride in this aspect of its operation. They are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and keto certified.
We found few cases of reported side-effects, and in most cases, they seemed to be based on an existing medical condition and weren't representative of most user's experience.
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