This Is What Experts Actually Want You to Know About Electrolytes—Plus, the 6 Best Formulas to Shop

Over the last few years, I've really gotten into wellness. No, I'm not talking about green juice and Pilates; I'm talking about adjusting my diet to what my body actually needs, prioritising rest and muscle recovery (with my new fave PEMF mat), lowering my cortisol and learning which workouts work for me, not just what's trending. (Ironically, it is Pilates.) I've learnt that just because a wellness trend works for someone else, that doesn't mean it's right for me. However, that's not to say that I don't find it hard not to get swept up in the latest craze, and if there's one thing everyone is talking about right now, it's electrolytes.

Yes, I'm talking about those rehydration drinks that your mum used to buy for you after you'd been ill. Well, they've had quite a glow-up in recent years, and now everyone seems to be drinking them daily. To get to the bottom of whether we really need them, and to recommend the best ones on the market, I reached out to a range of experts and spent the last few months testing some of the most popular electrolytes out there. Keep scrolling to find out more...

What Are Electrolytes?

To understand whether you need to be taking electrolytes, I think it's important to understand what they actually are. "Electrolytes are essential minerals found in food and bodily fluids—including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium—that our bodies need to function normally," explains Vicky Pennington, a registered dietitian with over 30 years of experience as Boots UK’s nutrition expert.

"Electrolytes have an electric charge when they dissolve and play an important role in regulating the balance of bodily fluids, managing muscle contractions, transporting nutrients in and waste out of cells, and conducting electrical impulses around the body," she adds.

Who Needs to Take Electrolytes?

"Electrolytes are essential for normal bodily function, and we should get enough through a balanced diet. However, when we do certain activities that [cause us to] lose more fluid than normal, you may want to take an electrolyte product to help maintain balance," explains Pennington.

"When we lose fluids, whether through exercise, in the heat, illness, or simply not drinking enough, electrolytes are lost through this. Replacing water alone isn't always enough to restore proper hydration, because electrolytes help the body actually retain and use that fluid effectively," adds Alexa Abdelaziz, R&D nutritional science manager at Unilever.

As you can see, you don't need to take them every single day as social media suggests. "Our bodies naturally regulate electrolyte levels, so supplementation is only really necessary when you are experiencing an imbalance, which occurs most commonly when we have lost more fluid than normal," Pennington says.

Are There Are Downsides to Taking Electrolytes?

There aren't many downsides to electrolytes, but you do have to be careful not to take too much. "It’s probably not suited to everyone. For example, anyone with kidney issues or on dialysis should be cautious, since sodium intake needs to be carefully managed when the kidneys are already under strain," says Elissa Corrigan, founder of female supplement brand Elle Sera. "There’s also a risk the other way. I know women having two or three electrolyte drinks a day, and their sodium intake was unbelievably high as a result, which isn’t good for you either. More isn’t automatically better here."

Of course, it's always best to consult your doctor for the best advice, but if you are thinking of adding electrolytes to your wellness routine, check out my top picks below...

The Best Electrolytes, Tried & Tested

• Best Overall: Liquid I.V. Sugar Free Mango Pineapple Electrolyte Powder, £19
• Best Refreshing Taste: SULT Electrolytes Watermelon Berry, £31
• Best Immunity Benefits: Phizz Daily Immune+, £9
• Best Added Skin Benefits: Wellthy by Boots Daily Hydration+ Radiant Skin, £7
• Best for On-the-Go: Punchy Electrolytes Daily Hydration Reset Tropical, £18

1. Liquid I.V. Sugar Free Mango Pineapple Electrolyte Powder

If I had to take one electrolyte for the rest of my life, it would definitely be this one from Liquid I.V. Not only is the flavour absolutely delicious, but I love that you can shop for sugar-free versions. The powder is easy to mix with water and contains eight vitamins and minerals, including B3, B5, B12 and C, alongside sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. I genuinely looked forward to taking these and can see myself repurchasing them for years to come.

2. SULT Electrolytes Watermelon Berry

Sult is a relatively new brand, but it's already making waves in the wellness industry. If you want a refreshing (and delicious) flavour, I highly recommend Watermelon Berry. It's the ultimate pre- or post-workout treat. Zero-sugar and plant-based, with a blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphorus, and packaged in a stylish sachet, I can see why these electrolytes are all over my social media.

3. Phizz Daily Immune+

These electrolytes are my go-to when I'm under the weather. Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the tablet is quick and easy to add to your morning water to boost your immune system. Think vitamin C, vitamin D, iron and zinc, all working together to help you feel your best. I'll be honest, they aren't as yummy as some other flavours in this roundup, but the citrusy taste is easy to drink, and I love the added benefits.

4. Wellthy by Boots Daily Hydration+ Radiant Skin

If you didn't know, Boots has its own wellness range called Wellthy, which has a wide range of electrolytes, all with different benefits. I was so impressed by the entire range, especially the taste and value for money, but I was most intrigued by this particular iteration. Designed for radiant skin, each sachet contains the brand's vegan collagen builder, six different electrolytes, vitamin C, biotin, niacin, hyaluronic acid and zinc. Don't get me wrong, this definitely isn't the sort of product where you'd notice a difference straight away, but if you do want electrolytes with added vitamins and skincare benefits, I highly recommend them. Oh, and they're absolutely delicious.

5. Punchy Electrolytes Daily Hydration Reset Tropical

I think I have about ten packets of these Punchy electrolytes in my gym bag, as they are so easy to use on the go. All the flavours are delicious (tropical is my favourite), and they are quick and easy to mix with water. The formula contains seven electrolytes and minerals and five immunity vitamins (vitamin C, D, B3, B6 and B12), which, in my opinion, is everything you could want.

6. Wellthy By Boots Daily Hydration+ Rest & Restore

I never thought I'd be drinking electrolytes before bed, but here we are. Another delicious concoction from the Wellthy by Boots team: this blueberry flavour is one of the nicest electrolyte powders I've come across. It contains lemon balm, magnesium glycinate and L-theanine to help you feel relaxed and restful, and I don't know if it's placebo, but I swear I sleep better when I drink this.

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