Electrolytes are minerals – like sodium and potassium – which can conduct electrical impulses in the body. When we exercise, we lose electrolytes through our sweat, so it’s important to replace them during or after exercise if you can, which is where electrolyte products come in.

When choosing an electrolyte drink to use, think about the form the product is in – powders dissolve faster than tablets, so are quicker to consume. If you want a product that will help before and after exercise, then look for an electrolyte drink that contains extra ingredients which can boost your immune system or aid your running performance.

Maintaining your electrolyte levels can make or break a long run as well as your ability to recover between runs or workouts. But do you know why that’s the case, or how to keep your body topped up?

In this article, we’ll be reviewing a collection of electrolyte drinks, what we like about them and what we don’t like, to give you a better idea of what to look for when thinking about fuelling your next run.

SOS Hydration

SOS sells electrolytes in powder form – they sell a range of different flavours, with some available in a large pouch rather than single servings or a multipack. SOS state that these products have been medically formulated, and can actually be prescribed on the NHS or distributed in emergency situations where people are suffering from extreme dehydration.

They are also Keto certified and contain no artificial colours or preservatives. Their products are vegan, gluten-free, and are 10 calories per stick.

Model: Electrolyte Drink Mix

Available Worldwide: YES

No. of flavours: 5

Calories per serving: 10

Vegetarian / Vegan: VeganCost per unit: £0.79

Our verdict: A little bit salty for us, but you do find that with electrolytes anyway. But when the citrus kicks in, it does taste quite nice.

Available here: [Amazon] https://geni.us/aRA0S

TORQ

Torq’s Hydration Drink Powder helps to rehydrate your body in a couple of different ways. The powder tops up your electrolyte levels with a mix of 5 different key electrolytes, but it also provides the body with a 15g mix of mono- and poly-carbohydrates. When carbohydrates are absorbed into the body, this also tends to cause fluid to be drawn in and absorbed as well, which further assists your body’s hydration process.

Torq’s products are 100% natural and do not include any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Torq states that the composition of the drink shouldn’t leave a residue in your mouth, nor should it have an aftertaste – let’s put that to the test!

Model: Hydration Drink Powder

Available Worldwide: International distributors

No. of flavours: 3

Calories per serving: 60

Vegetarian / Vegan: VeganCost per unit: £0.67

Our verdict: This is a nice tropical flavour, less salty than the SOS Hydration pack and is pleasant.

Available here: [Amazon] https://geni.us/sg41s0D

PRECISION HYDRATION

Precision Hydration sells its product in 3 different formats: tablets, powder – or ‘packets’, and capsules.

The packets and tablets are hypotonic, which means they will aid the flow of fluids into your body and your cells during exercise. The capsules are a portable method for carrying electrolytes during runs and can be swallowed with plain water.

Like Torq’s products, the packets contain a small amount of carbohydrate to enable faster absorption into the bloodstream, whereas the tablets are low-calorie and contain very little carbohydrate.

Precision hydration has sweat tests that users can complete either online or at one of their Advanced Sweat Test Centres that allows them to work out how much sodium you lose through exercising, and therefore which strength of the product you should take.

Model: PH 1500

Available Worldwide: YES

No. of flavours: 1

Calories per serving: 10

Vegetarian / Vegan: VeganCost per unit: £0.89

Our verdict: There’s a far stronger taste to this one than some of the others it’s much fizzier. The aftertaste actually is not so profound but it does taste good.

Available here: [Amazon] https://geni.us/d7hz8ai

ACTIVE ROOT

Active Root’s Original Ginger ElectroLite Tub contains root ginger, which can help to settle the stomach on a run.

If you don’t fancy a tub, then they also sell electrolyte sachets. These contain 400mg of sea salt to provide hydration, as well as 8g of cane sugar for fuel. The tub only comes in one flavour, but the sachets have a couple of different options including ginger, ginger and peppermint, and ginger and green tea.

The product has an all-natural gluten-free formula and is made in a nut-free environment.

Model: Original Ginger ElectroLite Tub

Available Worldwide: YES

No. of flavours: 1

Calories per serving: 33

Vegetarian / Vegan: Vegan Cost per unit: £0.99

Our verdict: The ginger in this gives it a real kick! If you like your drinks strong, this will be for you but if now, perhaps it’s one to avoid.

Available here: [Amazon] https://geni.us/pcNX

HYDRANT

Hydrant’s Hydrate range contains sodium, magnesium, potassium and zinc compounds that help to replenish your electrolyte stores and your body’s energy.

According to Hydrant, the electrolytes in the Hydrate range mirror your bloodstream’s ratio for quick replenishment, whilst sugar speeds up the absorption process, and low osmolality helps nutrients get drawn into the body faster.

There are 8 flavours available in the Hydrate range, including three with no added sugar. They all contain real fruit juices, and the range of flavours has increased since we reviewed Hydrant’s products last year.

The Hydrate range is vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO.

Model: HYDRATE

Available Worldwide: YES

No. of flavours: 8

Calories per serving: 25

Vegetarian / Vegan: Vegan Cost per unit: £1.00

Our verdict: It tastes like drinking a fruit juice. It’s very subtle we’d say that’s close to tasteless. If you don’t want a lot going on then that’s going to appeal quite a lot to some people it’s not too salty and it doesn’t taste sugary at all.

Available here: https://trc.social/3zskqre

Interesting in finding out more? Watch the full episode with more selected products below.