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Best Electrolytes for Hydration: Tablets, Powders & Daily Support

Wednesday, 05 August 2026 – 14 min read

We all know we should drink more water, but life gets in the way. This is where electrolytes can be a helpful addition to your daily hydration wellness routine.

FTF Team Content Editor

We all know we should drink more water, but life gets in the way. Oftentimes, water alone just doesn't cut it. If you've sweated your way through an intense workout, travelled to sunny climates, or are simply enjoying the great British summer, it can be a challenge to actually feel hydrated throughout the day.

This is where electrolytes can be a helpful addition to your daily hydration routine.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that can carry an electrical charge when dissolved in fluids like water. They play an important role in keeping the body functioning normally, particularly when it comes to staying hydrated.

Electrolytes generally include:

Sodium: Keeps fluid levels and blood pressure normal.
Potassium: Helps keep your heart beating strongly and supports your muscles.
Magnesium: Supports nerve signals and your nervous system.
Calcium: Builds strong bones and helps to keep your muscles moving freely.
Chloride: Controls fluid balance and helps to maintain normal blood pressure.
Phosphate: Supports your nerve and muscle function, as well as assisting in cell energy storage and repair.
Bicarbonate: Acts as a buffer to keep blood pH in a safe and healthy range.

While certain minerals can be found naturally in your body, and can sometimes be obtained through food and drink, electrolytes can be a helpful addition to your routine when you need a little extra support to replace both water and minerals lost, with powders, tablets, capsules, or ready-to-mix formulas making hydration easy.

Woman in the sun, drinking an electrolyte pouch

What Are the Benefits of Electrolytes?

Improving your performance

Electrolyte drinks can support you at the gym, as well as before and after exercise, helping you to replenish what was lost through sweating. When working out, you can lose around 1-2% of your bodily fluid, leading to decreased strength, speed and focus, affecting your athletic performance, so it's incredibly important to replace the water you lose throughout your workout.

Avoid Dehydration from Illness

Illness happens, often when you least expect it and while short-term illness usually isn't serious, the repercussions of dehydration can continue long after you're feeling better if your fluids and electrolytes are not replaced.

Electrolytes can also come in handy after a heavy night. If you're nursing a hangover, an electrolyte sachet can be a handy on-the-go way to help your body get back on track. Alcohol is a natural diuretic, which means it can remove more liquid from your body, making it super important to replenish. Oftentimes, symptoms that come alongside a hangover are symptoms of dehydration, such as a headache or feeling lightheaded and dizzy.

Keep Your Body Cool in Hot Weather

When your body is hotter than normal, symptoms can range from mild to very serious. In moderate heat, your body will aim to manage the heat by releasing it through your skin via sweating; however, in unusually hot climates, or during a heat wave, it can struggle to regulate.

This is when water, electrolytes and sports drinks make a great option to rehydrate as quickly as possible.

Electrolytes vs Water: Which is Better?

We all know how important hydration is for overall health; around half of the human body is made up of water.

It helps keep your body running as it should, controlling your temperature, helping to flush out any toxins, and helping your blood carry oxygen to your cells, also supporting the movement of your joints.

While you should always try to drink around 1.5 to 2 litres a day, oftentimes electrolytes can give you an extra boost, especially if you're at risk for quick losses. As well as water, beverages such as coffee, tea, fruit juice or matcha do all count towards your intake, though not all liquids hydrate equally.

Electrolytes can perform better than standard water, especially when:

You're exercising for more than one hour, or doing an intense, sweaty exercise.
You're spending longer days in the heat, during the summer or when you're on holiday.
You're unwell and losing liquids more quickly than you may be used to.

woman laughing, surrounded by fresh fruit drinking an electrolyte drink

Signs & Symptoms You're Low on Electrolytes

The signs and symptoms can vary from person to person, but common things to look out for include:

Feeling unusually tired often without explanation or are suffering with fatigue. Feeling tired can make every day feel that bit heavier, if you’re struggling, check out our blog: How to Choose the Right Supplement for Fatigue to help you make an informed decision to support your wellness.
Getting muscle cramps, especially during the night
Headaches or dizziness.

If your electrolyte levels are unbalanced or drop too low, particularly after sweating, becoming dehydrated or not eating and drinking enough, or after an illness, it's important to improve your intake to help you feel your best.

What We Say...

“Hydration is one of the foundations of feeling well, but there are times when water alone may not feel like enough. Electrolytes can be a simple way to support your routine through exercise, hot weather, travel or busy days, helping you feel more balanced from the inside out.”

Kimberley, Clinic & Customer Experience Manager

Kimberley Quote

When Should You Drink Electrolytes

In some situations, you can lose liquid rapidly, making electrolytes a great option to reach for. For instance, opt for electrolytes when:

You've worked out or taken part in endurance sports.
After you've enjoyed a long hike in warmer weather.
If you're travelling or spending time in hot climates.
After episodes of illness where you may have lost electrolytes in a short period of time.

Drinking for Optimal Hydration

While water is the best place to start for everyday hydration, different drinks can support hydration in different ways.

Drink	How Hydrating Is It?	When Will It Work Best?	Things To Consider
Water	Very hydrating for everyday use	Daily hydration, general wellbeing, taking supplements	Water is the foundation of hydration, but it does not replace minerals lost through sweat, heat or illness.
Electrolyte drinks	Excellent when fluids and minerals need replacing	Workouts, hot weather, travel, sweating, feeling depleted, daily hydration support	Electrolytes help replace key minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, making them especially useful when water alone does not feel like enough.
Electrolyte tablets	Highly effective and convenient	Gym bags, holidays, walking, hiking, occasional hydration support	Easy to carry and mix with water, making them a practical choice for on-the-go hydration.
Electrolyte powders	Highly effective and often more complete	Daily hydration routines, sports, busy days, warmer weather	Powders may offer a broader blend of electrolytes and are often a good option if you want something more consistent and routine led.
Coconut water	Naturally hydrating	Light hydration, post-walks, warmer days	Naturally contains potassium but may not provide as much sodium as dedicated electrolyte supplements.
Tea	Hydrating for most people	Everyday fluid intake, warm drinks, gentle hydration	Caffeinated tea still contributes to fluid intake, but very high caffeine intake may not suit everyone.
Coffee	Can contribute to hydration	Daily fluid intake for regular coffee drinkers	Coffee is still fluid, but excess caffeine may leave some people feeling jittery or affect sleep.
Fruit juice	Hydrating, but sugar-containing	Occasional hydration, quick energy	Can contribute to fluid intake but is usually higher in sugar, so it may be better enjoyed in moderation.

Oftentimes, water can feel enough for everyday hydration, but our needs fluctuate all the time. When our needs are a little higher, electrolyte tablets and powders can offer a more supportive option, helping to replace valuable minerals in your body.

Bottle of Sixways Hydration Capsules plunged into water

How to Choose the Best Electrolytes

Searches for clean electrolytes UK are growing, and it makes sense. More people are looking for formulas that support hydration without unnecessary sugar, artificial colours or overly complicated blends.
When comparing electrolyte supplements, check the label for:

The types of electrolytes included:

Sodium content, especially for sweat-heavy exercise
Potassium, magnesium and calcium
Sugar content
Artificial colours or sweeteners, if you prefer to avoid them
Added vitamins or minerals
Vegan or vegetarian suitability
Serving instructions
How much water to mix them with
Whether the formula overlaps with other supplements you already take

There is no single best electrolyte for everyone. Some people prefer a zero-sugar daily hydration powder, while others want a stronger sports formula for training or travel.
The best choice is the one that supports your lifestyle and feels easy to use consistently.

Electrolyte Tablets vs Powders: Which Formula is Best for You?

When searching for the best electrolytes for hydration, one of the biggest questions is whether to choose electrolyte tablets or electrolyte powders. The right option usually depends on your lifestyle, taste preferences and how you plan to use them.

Electrolyte Tablets

Electrolyte tablets are often compact, convenient and easy to carry with you. They usually dissolve in water, making them useful for gym bags, travel, walks, hikes or keeping in your desk drawer.

They may be a good choice if you want:

A simple, portable hydration option
Something easy to take on holiday or to the gym
A measured serving without scooping powder
A lighter flavour
A quick option for occasional use

Electrolyte tablets can be especially helpful if you want a fuss-free way to support hydration on the go.

Electrolyte Powders

Electrolyte powders are often more flexible, particularly if they come in sachets or tubs. They can be mixed into water and may include a broader blend of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals or additional wellness ingredients depending on the formula.

They may be a good choice if you want:

A more complete daily hydration drink
A powder you can adjust with more or less water
A flavour you genuinely enjoy drinking
A formula for workouts, travel or everyday hydration
A low-sugar or zero-sugar option

At Face the Future, brands such as Humantra Electrolytes, Puresport Electrolytes and Sixways Daily Hydration Electrolytes offer convenient electrolyte options designed to support hydration in a way that fits into your real life.

Can You Drink Electrolytes Every day?

Yes, it is safe to drink electrolytes every day, though it's not always necessary. Healthy kidneys will filter out any extra minerals, so having too many isn't a worry if your kidneys are working as they should. However, we'd recommend keeping an electrolyte sachet in your bag, ready to reach for when you actually need it.

For those with high blood pressure pre-existing kidney issues drinking electrolytes every day may not be the best option. If you're ever unsure always speak to a medical professional.

two woman sat with two electrolyte hydration drinks between them on a silver tray

Can I Get Electrolytes Through Diet Alone?

Electrolytes are minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium, which help support fluid balance, muscle function and the normal functioning of the nervous system. A varied, balanced diet can help keep these minerals topped up naturally.

For potassium, look to foods such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon and oranges. These can be easy additions to breakfasts, snacks or post-workout meals.
For magnesium, dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are great options, alongside pumpkin seeds, almonds, black beans and lentils. These foods also offer fibre, plant-based protein and other supportive nutrients.
Calcium can be found in foods such as milk and yoghurt, while sodium and chloride are naturally present in salt-containing foods such as olives and pickles.

Coconut water can also offer a refreshing source of potassium and magnesium, making it a popular choice for light hydration support. While whole foods are a great foundation, electrolyte tablets and powders can be helpful when your hydration needs are higher than usual, such as after sweating, exercising, travelling or spending time in hot weather.

Final Thoughts

Electrolytes aren’t just for athletes; they can support a wide range of lifestyles, no matter how busy your routine is, how hot the weather gets or how chaotic life feels.

Explore Electrolyte Supplements at Face the Future

At the time of writing, Face the Future's expertly curated electrolyte supplement collection includes:

Humantra Sachets: in flavours such as elderberry, lychee and black cherry, among others.
Dr VEGAN Hydrate+ Sachets: in tasty flavours like lemon.
KIKI Health Ionic Electrolytes Liquid: this can be added to water, juice or smoothies, giving you a versatile way to add electrolytes on the go.
Sixways Daily Hydration Electrolyte tablets: either unflavoured or in passionfruit flavour.

For more products, check out our full range of hydration support. Remember, wellness products can make a great addition to your daily routine; however, they are not a substitute for medical support. If you're suffering from the symptoms of low electrolytes frequently with no clear reason as to why, it may be worth investigating.

If you're ever unsure what products you need or the best format for your lifestyle, get in touch with our team of experts. We're always happy to discuss all things wellness.

Alternatively, you could opt for a NOA blood test. A NOA blood test looks at a wide range of markers, including vitamin D, a full iron panel, B12, thyroid function, your hormones and blood sugar, to give you a more well-rounded picture of what's going on in your body, rather than leaving you to piece it together by yourself. A nutritionist will help you go through your results in plain English, supporting you to build a plan that helps you feel your best, no guesswork, just clarity.

Shop Our Electrolyte Supplements