Even if you’re constantly taking swigs from your trusty reusable water bottle, you may not be getting enough hydration, especially in extremely hot weather — and it’s well-documented that dehydration can be dangerous and sneak up quickly when temperatures are very high. Unfortunately, drinking a ton of water alone doesn’t always do the most to hydrate you, because you also need to make sure you’re getting in enough electrolytes.
For a previous HuffPost story about combatting heat exhaustion, Dr. Haris Vakil, a fellowship-trained primary care sports medicine physician with a board certification in family medicine and certificate of added qualification in sports medicine, said, “Staying hydrated with a balance of electrolytes, or salt loading leading up to the event, in conjunction with water is essential. Most individuals only drink water, and dilute necessary internal balancing salts, and cause more harm when ignoring electrolyte replacement.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, key electrolytes include sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chloride, phosphate and bicarbonate. You can get electrolytes through foods like leafy green vegetables, bananas and more, but when it’s not practical to bring food on the go — or you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative — electrolyte drink packets added directly to your water can boost your electrolytes and deliver fast hydration.
“Electrolyte drink packets (like Liquid I.V. or Nuun tablets) help to replenish key minerals lost through sweat,” Dr. John Gallucci Jr., a dual-licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer and the CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, told HuffPost in that same story.
There are tons of hydration boosters on the market, available in different flavors and in convenient packaging. (Remember that ingesting these products in excess can be dangerous — consult with your doctor if you’re unsure.) Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the most popular options, so you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your water and staying hydrated in the heat.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
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The classic, bestselling Liquid I.V. hydration multiplier
Liquid I.V. packets come in so many flavors and contains three times as many electrolytes as the leading sports drink, according to the brand. They’re also packed with eight vitamins and nutrients, and come in single-serving packets that you can toss into your bag and easily use on the go. Experts aren’t the only ones who like these packets, either — they’ve earned more than 84,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. These come in a ton of fruity flavors. Shopping writer Griffin Wynne likes to use these packets “on really hot days or when I’m under the weather to get extra hydration in.”
Promising Amazon review: “I was introduced to this product at a sweat lodge last winter. Since then I tell everyone that how great it is and usually provide them with a package for them to try. Dehydration is no joke, especially as we get older – sad but true. I find the ability to just tear open a packet, add it to water and get that relief so satisfying – this is now a must-have product for me and many of my friends.” — Kim
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This high-potassium, low-sodium Keppi powder
Formulated to be friendly to vegan, keto, paleo and other “ingredient-conscious” lifestyles, this Keppi powder is zero-sugar, zero-calorie and has 1000 mg of potassium per serving, in addition to other helpful electrolytes like calcium, magnesium and sodium. It comes in four natural flavors that reviewers say taste great and not overly salty, likely thanks to the relatively lower sodium content compared to other electrolyte powders.
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The multivitamin Key Nutrients hydration drink mix
Packed with 10 vitamins and minerals and six electrolytes, this Key Nutrients powder contains… well, key nutrients. You can choose between all kinds of fruity flavors, as well as between a tub like the one shown here or the single-serving packets you can take on the go. This one is also zero-calorie and zero-sugar.
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An Ultima Replenisher option if you want something sugar-free
Another zero-sugar favorite is this Ultima Replenisher powder, which comes in a tub instead of individual sticks for less waste. This powder delivers six electrolytes, vitamin C and zinc, while remaining zero-sugar, zero-calorie and zero-carb. It comes in a bunch of fruit flavors including some more unique ones, like cherry pomegranate, if you’re looking to mix it up from the usual watermelon, orange and raspberry offerings.
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DripDrop’s fast hydration packets, developed by a doctor
Another option for powder sticks, DripDrop’s packets are sold in variety packs with themes like “tropical” and “juicy,” so you don’t have to be married to one flavor. DripDrop boasts three times the electrolytes than the leading sports drink, and multiple reviews mention the great taste.
Promising Amazon review: “I loved these so much! All of the flavors tasted super good, were very effective at keeping me hydrated in the heat, and were good quality in dissolving into the water well.” — Kitsune
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Nuun’s sport hydration electrolyte drink tablets
In a previous HuffPost story, two experts named Nuun tablets as a good source of electrolytes. They “provide sodium and potassium to help retain fluids in the heat,” said Cheryl Nelson, a meteorologist, FEMA-certified natural disaster and travel preparedness expert, and the CEO of Prepare with Cher, LLC.
Like the Liquid I.V. powder, the tablets dissolve in water, and the tube packaging makes it easy to have more than one on you if you need it. These contain five electrolytes and just 1 gram of sugar, with a ton of refreshing flavors available.
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An unflavored Moon Juice powder, if you don’t want something fruity
Bon Appetit named the unflavored or “naked” version of this Moon Juice powder the best unflavored option — because hey, sometimes you just want water that doesn’t taste like a fruity flavor all the time. The Mini Dew contains both electrolytes and trace minerals for hydration as well as the of support brain function. The powder tastes like salt and minerals, and comes in a tub rather than the sticks form. (If you are married to the flavors, this one also comes in a pomelo or watermelon version.)
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The saltier, zero-sugar LMNT electrolyte drink mix
On the other hand, if you want something packed with flavor, LMNT’s mix might do the trick for you: Containing 1000 milligrams of sodium per serving, this electrolyte powder has a saltier take on classic fruit favors, from raspberry salt to watermelon salt (it’s the same idea as a salted rim on a flavored margarita). These als offer 200 milligrams of potassium and 60 milligrams of magnesium per serving, all while remaining zero-sugar.
Promising Amazon review: “I’ve tried so many hydration drinks — from sugary sports drinks to those fancy wellness powders — but LMNT is the only one that actually made a noticeable difference in how I feel. As someone who works long CNA shifts, juggles side hustles, and helps care for my husband who follows a keto, heart-healthy diet, I needed something that could keep me truly hydrated without the sugar crash or fake ingredients. LMNT keeps me clear-headed, energized, and alert — even on my busiest days. It’s not just a drink, it’s literally part of my survival kit now. Once you feel the difference, you won’t want to go without it.” — Oldsoulsassy