When your miles stack up, the temperature rises, or you’re sweating more than usual, staying on top of your fluids can make or break your run or race!

Electrolyte drinks help replace what you lose along the way, keeping you hydrated and helping to fend off cramps, fatigue, and dehydration. Unlike carb-heavy fuel drinks, these are all about hydration first. Here are some of our top picks!

Sodium content:
Sodium is the main electrolyte lost in sweat (by far), and the key driver of hydration –so it has the biggest impact on performance and preventing issues like cramping. While other electrolytes like potassium and magnesium are also important, they’re lost in smaller amounts – so sodium should be your main focus when choosing a hydration product.

Carbohydrate content:
Some hydration mixes include small amounts of carbs for energy, but these are usually much lower than dedicated fuel drinks.

Concentration (osmolality):
This refers to how “strong” the drink is. More diluted drinks are usually absorbed faster and feel lighter on your stomach, which can help reduce bloating or discomfort running.

When you use an electrolyte mix, you control how strong it is by how much water you add. Electrolyte products are designed to work best when mixed as directed. Some drinks are labelled isotonic, which means they’re designed to be mixed at a specific strength so your body can absorb them efficiently.

Taste & drinkability:
This matters more than you think – if you enjoy the taste, you’re more likely to drink enough.

Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix is designed to closely match the natural electrolyte profile of your sweat, helping replace what you actually lose during exercise – primarily sodium, along with smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Each serving provides ~400mg of sodium, making it a balanced option for supporting hydration during training.

It also includes a small amount of carbohydrates, giving you light energy while prioritising hydration. It is made with real fruit and minimal sugar to avoid the overly sweet taste of traditional sports drinks.

Best for: A balanced electrolyte drink for all runners

Precision Hydration PH 1000 is a strong electrolyte drink designed for runners who lose a lot of salt in their sweat. Each serving contains 1000mg of sodium when mixed as directed, which makes it a particularly strong option for longer runs, hot conditions, or if you often notice salt marks on your clothes.

It’s a hypotonic drink, meaning it’s quickly absorbed and focused on hydration rather than energy. The light citrus flavour also makes it easy to drink consistently over time.

Best for: Heavy sweaters, runs in hot climates, long runs

LMNT Electrolytes are high-sodium hydration drink mixes with zero sugar, designed to effectively replace electrolytes lost through sweat. Each serving provides around 1000mg of sodium, along with potassium and magnesium, making it a strong option for supporting fluid balance and muscle function during training.

They also come in a wide range of unique flavors, such as chilli mango and watermelon salt. If you find it harder to stay hydrated in colder months, LMNT offers flavours that can be enjoyed hot too, including options like chocolate caramel.

Best for: Heavy sweaters, runs in hot climates, long runs

Veloforte Attivo is a natural electrolyte drink mix that combines hydration, light energy, and caffeine in one. Each serving provides around 22g of carbohydrates and ~275mg of sodium, along with potassium, helping to support both hydration and energy during training.

It's made with real fruit and coconut water and offers a lighter, more natural-tasting alternative to traditional sports drinks. It’s also a hypotonic mix, meaning it’s designed to be absorbed quickly and feel gentle on the stomach. With added natural caffeine (around 75mg per serving), it can also provide a helpful boost for longer runs or when you need extra focus.

Best for: Those looking for a more natural alternative with an added caffeine boost

The SiS Hydro tablets are a convenient and affordable way to stay hydrated, especially for shorter runs or everyday training. They dissolve easily in water and provide a low-calorie electrolyte boost without added carbs.

Because they’re very low in concentration, they’re absorbed quickly and are gentle on the stomach, making them a good option if you struggle with heavier drinks.

Best for: Everyday training and runners who want simple hydration without carbs

SaltStick FastChews are a convenient, chewable electrolyte option designed to help you replace what you lose through sweat without needing to mix a drink. Each serving (2 tablets) provides around ~100mg of sodium, along with potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

While the sodium per serving is relatively low compared to drinks, they’re designed to be taken regularly during exercise (e.g. every 15–30 minutes). This allows you to build your intake gradually and adjust based on your needs, making them a flexible and easy-to-tolerate option.Because they’re low in calories and carbs, they’re best used alongside your fueling strategy, particularly during longer runs, races, or in hot conditions.

Best for: Runners who want on-the-go electrolyte top-ups without needing to carry or mix drinks

Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier is an electrolyte drink mix with each serving providing ~500mg of sodium and ~11g of carbohydrates, helping support both hydration and energy during training.I t uses a glucose-based transport system, meaning the small amount of sugar helps your body absorb water and electrolytes more efficiently.

There are huge range of flavous available with over 15 options including fruit flavours and dessert-inspired options.

Best for: Hot conditions, those looking for a combo of electrolytes and light carbs in one drink

Each GU Hydration Drink Tab provides ~320mg of sodium and a small amount of potassium. They dissolve easily in water and have a light taste, making them easy to drink consistently during exercise.

They’re low in calories and carbohydrates, so best used alongside your fueling strategy rather than as a source of energy.

Best for: Everyday training, shorter runs

Nuun Hydration tablets are designed for simple, everyday hydration and contain 300mg of sodium per tablet.

They come in a large range of refreshing flavors, making them easy to drink consistently throughout the day. They also have a zero-sugar, low-calorie concentration formula.

Best for: Everyday hydration

We recommend testing different drinks to find one that fits your needs and that you enjoy! Visit our complete guide on electrolytes for more on the science behind hydration. We also have guides on training and racing in the heat and humidity so you can stay energised in all conditions!

Keep an eye on the offers section of your Runna app for discounts on hydration products!