7 Electrolyte Powders Ranked: The 2026 Data-Driven Comparison

Picking an electrolyte powder shouldn't require a chemistry degree. But when every brand screams "optimal hydration" and buries the actual numbers in fine print, comparing them feels impossible. So we pulled the labels, checked the prices, and lined up seven of the most popular electrolyte powders on the same yardstick: sodium, potassium, magnesium, sugar, and cost per serving.

The result? These brands are not interchangeable. The sodium gap between the top and bottom of this list is 810 mg per serving. The sugar range spans from 0 to 17 grams. And price per serving swings from $0.53 to $1.49. Those differences matter.

The Full Comparison Table

A dash means the brand does not disclose that nutrient on their label. Now let's break down what those numbers actually mean for you.

The Rankings

1. LMNT -- The Sodium King for Serious Athletes

LMNT delivers 1,000 mg of sodium and 60 mg of magnesium per stick with zero sugar. That's double the sodium of Liquid IV and nearly four times the sodium of Nuun, packed into a single-serve packet you can toss into a gym bag. The lack of formal certifications (NSF, vegan, etc.) means badge-conscious buyers should look elsewhere, but the formula itself is straightforward and clean.

Pick this if: You train hard, sweat heavy, or follow a keto diet. LMNT was built for people who actually need aggressive sodium replacement -- endurance athletes, construction workers in July, anyone doing two-a-days.

2. Pedialyte -- Clinical-Grade Recovery

Pedialyte leads the entire field with 1,080 mg of sodium and 780 mg of potassium per serving. Originally designed for pediatric dehydration, it has become the go-to for illness recovery and hangover mornings. The 13 grams of sugar are intentional -- glucose accelerates fluid absorption through the gut lining, which is why hospitals use oral rehydration solutions with sugar. At $0.79 per serving, the price is hard to beat.

Pick this if: You're recovering from illness, a rough night out, or any situation involving rapid fluid loss. Pedialyte's potassium content (780 mg) is also unmatched, making it the broadest electrolyte profile on this list.

3. Drip Drop -- Zero Sugar, Medical Roots

Drip Drop was developed from oral rehydration research and delivers 660 mg of sodium per stick without any sugar. Six certifications (including Non-GMO, Vegan, and Kosher) back up the clean-label claims. The brand doesn't disclose potassium or magnesium on the label, which is a transparency gap, but the sodium-to-zero-sugar ratio makes it a strong pick for anyone who needs rehydration without carbs.

Pick this if: You want a sugar-free option with more sodium than most competitors and care about certifications. Drip Drop fits well in travel medical kits and hot-climate field bags.

4. Skratch Labs -- Fuel and Electrolytes Combined

Skratch Labs takes a different approach: 370 mg of sodium, 220 mg of potassium, 30 mg of magnesium, and 17 grams of sugar from real cane sugar. This is not a low-carb product. It's designed for endurance athletes who need calories alongside electrolytes during long efforts. Six certifications and a clean-label ingredient list (no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives) make it a favorite among cyclists and ultra-runners. At $0.98 per serving, the price-to-value ratio is solid.

Pick this if: You're riding, running, or hiking for hours and need both fuel and electrolytes. The carbohydrates are a feature, not a bug -- they keep your engine running during multi-hour efforts.

5. Liquid IV -- The Gateway Electrolyte

Liquid IV puts 500 mg of sodium and 370 mg of potassium into a sweet, fruit-forward stick pack with 11 grams of sugar. The flavor is approachable -- options like Cotton Candy and Strawberry Lemonade taste more like a treat than a supplement. Non-GMO and Gluten-Free certifications cover the basics. At $1.49 per serving, it's the most expensive option here, and the sodium content sits in the middle of the pack.

Pick this if: You want something that tastes good without tasting medicinal. Liquid IV works well for travel days, mild dehydration, and people who are new to electrolyte supplements and don't want a salty shock.

6. Nuun -- Tablets for the Certification-Conscious

Nuun's effervescent tablets dissolve in water and deliver 300 mg of sodium, 150 mg of potassium, and 25 mg of magnesium with just 1 gram of sugar. Three certifications (including NSF Certified for Sport) make Nuun the go-to for collegiate and professional athletes subject to substance testing. The tablet format is wildly portable -- a tube fits in a jersey pocket. But with only 300 mg of sodium, this is a light hydration option, not a heavy-sweat replacement.

Pick this if: You need an NSF-certified product, prefer tablets over powder, or want a light daily electrolyte boost that won't disrupt your stomach.

7. Ultima Replenisher -- Budget-Friendly and Keto-Friendly

Ultima costs just $0.53 per serving, making it the cheapest option by a wide margin. It delivers 270 mg of sodium, 325 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium with zero sugar. Four certifications (Keto, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and non-GMO) round out a solid label. The sodium is the lowest on this list, so Ultima isn't for athletes chasing aggressive replacement. But for everyday hydration on a budget, the electrolyte balance is respectable.

Pick this if: You want a daily electrolyte powder that won't break the bank or spike your blood sugar. Ultima is excellent for desk workers, light exercisers, and anyone who drinks it throughout the day rather than chugging it post-workout.

How We Ranked Them

Our ranking weights sodium most heavily because sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat, and replacing it is the core job of any electrolyte powder. After sodium, we considered the overall electrolyte profile (potassium and magnesium), sugar content, price per serving, and certifications.

This creates a ranking biased toward performance and recovery. If your priority is taste, Liquid IV might move up. If budget matters most, Ultima takes the crown. If you need NSF certification, Nuun wins outright. The table above gives you the raw numbers so you can re-rank based on what matters to you.

Quick Decision Guide

The Bottom Line

No single electrolyte powder is "best." The right one depends on how much you sweat, whether you want sugar, how much you're willing to spend, and whether certifications matter. But the numbers don't lie: LMNT and Pedialyte deliver the most sodium per serving, Ultima and Nuun keep costs and sugar low, and Skratch Labs is the only option that doubles as actual fuel.

Use the table. Match it to your life. And if you're still unsure, start with the scenario guide above -- it'll point you to the right powder in under 10 seconds.