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The Best Electrolyte Packets for Workouts, Travel and Hot Days

Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick

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Top picks at a glance

  1. 1
    LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    Best sugar-free packet

    LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    Sodium 1,000 mg · Potassium 200 mg

  2. 2
    Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    Best for travel and flavor

    Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    Format Stick packs · Electrolytes Yes

  3. 3
    DripDrop Hydration Relief

    Best rehydration formula

    DripDrop Hydration Relief

    Form Stick packs · Electrolytes 3× sports drink

Electrolyte packets are single-serve sticks you pour into a bottle of water, which makes them the easiest format for a gym bag, a long run or a flight. The three best-sellers take different approaches: LMNT is high-sodium and sugar-free, Liquid I.V. adds vitamins and fruity flavor, and DripDrop follows the oral-rehydration model with a modest amount of sugar to help absorption.

Our picks

  1. LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    #1Best sugar-free packet

    LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    1,000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium and magnesium per stick, with 0 g of sugar. The pick for heavy sweaters, long sessions and low-carb or fasting days; it's very salty, so it's not for sipping all day at a desk.

    Sodium 1,000 mgPotassium 200 mgAmazon Full facts →
  2. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    #2Best for travel and flavor

    Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    An electrolyte blend with sodium and potassium plus vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and C, in lots of fruity flavors. It's sweetened, so it drinks more like a sports drink, and tear-pour-shake makes it the easiest stick for flights and hot days out.

    Format Stick packsElectrolytes YesAmazon Full facts →
  3. DripDrop Hydration Relief

    #3Best rehydration formula

    DripDrop Hydration Relief

    Developed by a physician on the WHO oral-rehydration model, with 3× the electrolytes of a typical sports drink and a fraction of the sugar, mixed into 8 fl oz of water. Used by athletes and the military, it's the one to reach for after a hard, sweaty session.

    Form Stick packsElectrolytes 3× sports drinkAmazon Full facts →
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What to look for

Sodium per packet
Sodium is what you mostly lose in sweat. LMNT's 1,000 mg suits long, sweaty sessions; for a short workout or a desk day a lighter packet, or plain water, is enough, since most adults already eat plenty of sodium.
Sugar or sugar-free
A little sugar helps the gut absorb sodium and water, which is why rehydration formulas include some. For everyday sipping, a sugar-free packet avoids the added sugar. Check the Nutrition Facts for grams of sugar per stick.
Potassium and magnesium
A good packet includes some potassium; magnesium is a bonus. Amounts vary widely between brands, so compare the panel rather than the front of the box.
How much water per packet
Packets are dosed for a set volume of water. Too little and the drink is very salty or sweet; too much and you may not notice the difference. Follow the directions on the stick.
Blood pressure and kidneys
High-sodium packets aren't for everyone. If you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney issues, or follow a low-sodium diet, ask your doctor before using them regularly.

Frequently asked questions

LMNT vs Liquid I.V. vs DripDrop: which is best?

LMNT if you want the most sodium and zero sugar; Liquid I.V. if you want flavor, vitamins and a travel-friendly stick; DripDrop if you want a rehydration formula built to replace fluids after heavy sweating. For a light workout, any of them is more than enough, and water may be all you need.

Are electrolyte packets good for runners?

On long or hot runs, yes: you lose sodium in sweat, and a packet in your bottle replaces it along with fluid. For runs under an hour in mild weather, water is usually enough. Salty sweaters (white marks on your cap or shirt) tend to benefit most.

How many electrolyte packets can you have a day?

For most healthy adults, one or two on days you sweat a lot is plenty; the rest of the time your food covers it. Don't take high-sodium packets several times a day without a reason, and follow the serving directions on the box.

Where can I buy electrolyte packets?

LMNT, Liquid I.V. and DripDrop are sold on eBay in boxes and variety packs; our links go to a search for each so you can compare sellers and prices. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Check the best-before date on food items.

Sources