Electrolytes are minerals – sodium, potassium, magnesium – lost through sweat. The reason to replace them rather than just drinking water is that heavy sweating loses both, and water alone does not put the minerals back.
That makes them relevant around hard exercise, hot weather or long days on your feet. For ordinary daily hydration, water is genuinely fine and an electrolyte sachet is unnecessary.
Most sports drinks are largely sugar, which is a deliberate choice for endurance athletes who want the carbohydrate. If that is not you, you are drinking sugar you did not need.
Hunter & Gather leave it out, which makes theirs suitable if you are managing your intake or following a low carbohydrate approach. Read the label of whatever you compare it with.
The unflavoured version goes into anything without changing it, which suits people who add it to squash or a sports drink they already use. The berries version is the straightforward one.
The variety packs are the sensible first purchase, since taste in this category is personal and a box of thirty of the wrong one is a waste. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet or take medication affecting your kidneys or blood pressure, ask your GP first.
FAQ
Do I need electrolytes every day?
For most people, no. They are for heavy sweating, hot weather or hard exercise; water is fine otherwise.
Do these contain sugar?
No added sugar, which distinguishes them from most sports drinks. Those contain sugar deliberately, for endurance athletes who want the carbohydrate.
Which should I buy first?
A variety pack. Taste is personal and thirty sachets of the wrong flavour is a waste.
Can I take these if I am on blood pressure medication?
Ask your GP first. These contain sodium and potassium, which is worth checking against any medication affecting your kidneys or blood pressure.
