Electrolytes: What We’ve Learned After Testing 20+ Products

Welcome to a new series from the co-founders of ELEAT, Hywel & Hugh, where we share our own experiences and recommendations across the world of health and nutrition. We’re not elite athletes, but we are busy, active people who take our training and nutrition fairly seriously… most of the time anyway.

This week we’re diving into electrolytes, something we’ve had a lot of experience with, thanks to CrossFit sessions, endurance training, and the general chaos of everyday life. Between the two of us, we’ve tested over 20 different electrolyte blends - some were great, some did nothing, and some just made us feel a bit weird.

So here’s our take on what’s worth your time (and money), plus a few important bits you should know before loading on salts.

What Are Electrolytes and Do You Really Need Them?

Electrolytes are essential minerals: mainly sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They help regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function. We naturally lose them through sweat, so during intense training or hot conditions, topping up can make a noticeable difference in energy, focus, and recovery.

Do you need an electrolyte supplement every day? Probably not if you’re eating a balanced diet and not sweating buckets. But if you’re training hard, racing, spending long hours outdoors, or just feel sluggish and crampy mid-workout, they can be a game changer.

When We Use Them

1. After tough training sessions

2. In the mornings - especially in summer when it's hot

3. During endurance events or hot weather workouts

4. On a hangover

5. On long travel days or flights

How We Chose Our Favourites

We ranked each electrolyte we tried based on performance, taste, ingredients and value for money.

This is 100% unbiased. We do know and work with some brands but several we know and have a relationship with didn’t make this list, and we’re always aiming to keep it honest.

Best for Performance: Precision

Rating: 9/10

This brand is seriously dialled in for athletes. Their products come in different strength levels depending on how much sodium you lose in sweat, which is a clever and genuinely useful approach.

Top pick: 1000 Hydration Sachet 

Other solid options: Puresport, Styrkr

Best for Everyday Use (Non-Athletes): Oshun

Rating: 9/10

You don’t need to be in beast mode to benefit from electrolytes. Oshun’s original blend is a great option for daily hydration, especially if you’re prone to feeling flat or forget to drink enough water.

Top pick: Oshun Original Bottle

Other solid options: Hunter & Gather, Four Five, Humantra, Vidrate

Best Value: High5

Rating: 6/10

Tried and tested at various running events - straightforward, good ingredients, and doesn’t break the bank.

Top pick: ZERO Electrolyte Tablets - Citrus flavour

Honourable mention: Phizz, SIS – widely available and solid for general use.

⚠️ A Quick Note on Overuse

Electrolyte products are great when used strategically, but they’re not something you need to be sipping all day, every day. Overdoing it especially sodium can cause issues if you’re not losing much through sweat so watch out. 

Final Thoughts

Electrolytes aren’t just for ultra-marathoners or pro triathletes anymore. Whether you’re chasing a PR, trying to feel sharper at the gym, or just getting through a long, hot day - the right electrolyte can make a big difference.

We’ll continue to test, compare, and share the stuff that actually works for us, so you don’t waste time (or money) on products that don’t. 

Got an electrolyte you think we should try next? Drop us a message, we’re all ears (and sweat).

– Hywel & Hugh, Co-Founder's of ELEAT💧