Buying Guide: Top Electrolyte Powders & Beverages in 2024
Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health. That’s especially true during the summer when hot temperatures cause us to sweat more, increasing overall water loss. Unfortunately, many older adults ––those aged 65 and older––struggle to stay hydrated. Considering that well-hydrated adults are more likely to live longer and develop fewer health problems, encouraging your loved one to drink water throughout the day is crucial. But that’s often easier said than done.
Thankfully, electrolyte powders and beverages can help. These drinks promote hydration and provide a water alternative that’s less boring and more flavorful. They also contain electrolytes which speed up hydration and support well-being.
How We Chose the Products On This List
This shoppable list features our favorite electrolyte drinks to make your job as a family caregiver easier. Each beverage featured is one of our top-rated and best-selling beverages. We’ve included real user feedback under the heading “Hear It From a User/Caregiver” whenever possible.
Carewell’s Best Electrolyte Powders & Beverages
1. Sqwincher Zero Quik Stik Electrolyte Replenishment Drink Mix, Fruit Punch
Sqwincher electrolyte replenishment drink mix is part of our 5% off Autoship and Save program. After signing up for Autoship, you receive an additional 5% off all future orders.
Sqwincher drink mix comes in several flavors, including fruit punch, lemonade, grape, mixed berry, orange, and lemon-lime. Each box contains 50 single-serving packets. A serving of Sqwincher has five calories and zero sugar, making it a healthier alternative to other high-calorie sports drinks.
Key Benefits & Features
The single-serve packets allow for easy hydration on the go. Simply mix with 16-20 ounces of water and drink.
Sqwincher drink mix doesn’t contain sugar, so it’s safe for those with diabetes and other special dietary needs.
A great source of vitamin C and electrolytes. Sqwincher speeds up hydration and is low sodium and gluten-free.
Hear It From a User: “With the high heat here in Texas I drink a lot more water to stay hydrated. The different flavors are great [and they help] replace electrolytes lost due to sweating.” - J.J.
Price: $16.85 - $220.83
2. Pedialyte Electrolyte Drink
Pedialyte is the #1 doctor-recommended brand for hydration in the U.S. and has been used in hospitals and other medical settings for more than 50 years. Each serving contains two times the electrolytes and half the sugar of the leading sports drink, so you can feel good serving it to your loved ones.
Key Benefits & Features
Formulated to replenish fluids and electrolytes quicker than water, sports drinks, and juice.
Provides an optimal balance of electrolytes and sugar to speed up rehydration in kids and adults.
Comes in several flavors, including grape and fruit punch, to entice those who don’t like the taste of water.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “Getting electrolytes into my wife has been critical for her recovery. Thanks to Carewell for providing Pedialyte promptly at home.” - Bob W.
Price: $5.44 - $43.52
3. Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution, Cherry Punch Flavor
Pedialyte AdvancedCare replenishes electrolytes quickly, like traditional Pedialyte. However, it’s unique in that it also contains prebiotics and zinc. Prebiotics support healthy digestion, while zinc bolsters the immune system and boosts metabolism.
Key Benefits & Features
The cherry punch flavor tastes delicious and is approved by kids and picky eaters.
Contains PreActive Prebiotics to support digestive health.
Quickly replenishes fluids, zinc, and electrolytes lost to dehydration or illness.
Hear It From a User: “I felt better after I drank it, and my skin looked better!” - Fern J.
Price: $5.76 - $58.04
4. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier, Electrolyte Drink Mix
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is part of our AutoShip and Save 5% program. It’s formulated with Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which enhances the absorption of water and other key nutrients in the bloodstream. A single serving contains three times the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks and five essential vitamins, including B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C.
Key Benefits & Features
The single-serving packets allow for easy hydration on the go. Pour one packet into 16 ounces of water, mix, and drink.
The Cellular Transport Technology speeds up hydration quicker than water alone, making it easier to prevent dehydration.
Each box contains 10 single-serving packets. You can store them in your purse, backpack, or travel bag and stay hydrated, no matter what you do or where you go.
Caregiver Tip: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier comes in several delicious flavors, including lemon lime, passionfruit, strawberry, watermelon, grape, acai, and tropical punch. This variety makes it a great option for those who are bored with (or simply disinterested) in regular tap water.
Price: $14.15 - $161.22
5. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support Drink Mix
Liquid I.V. Immune Support is part of our AutoShip and Save 5% program.
This mix is unique in that it contains Vitamin C, Zinc, and Wellmune to strengthen the immune system and prevent illness. Wellmune is a proprietary beta glucan formula. It’s extracted from baker’s yeast and designed to support a strong and healthy immune system.
Key Benefits & Features
Liquid I.V. Immune Support uses Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to speed up hydration and deliver key nutrients into the bloodstream.
This formula contains Wellmune to strengthen the immune system and support immune health.
Each box contains 10 single-serving packets, making it easy to stay hydrated wherever you go.
Caregiver Tip: Liquid I.V. Immune Support contains three times the electrolytes in leading sports drinks, making it an excellent alternative to sugary beverages like Gatorade and Powerade.
6. FitAid Zero Sugar Sports Recovery Drink
FitAid zero sugar sports recovery drink is highly recommended for active folks who regularly exercise. It’s formulated to support joint health and may even reduce post-workout soreness and inflammation. Like the other drinks on this list, FitAid contains plenty of electrolytes to boost hydration. However, it also contains vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals for maximum effect.
Key Benefits & Features
Each serving contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium to regulate muscle and nerve function, promote hydration, and help rebuild damaged tissue.
Contains green tea extract, providing the natural energy your body needs to workout and stay active.
Zero sugar
Price: $40.20
Get Fast, Free Shipping & 30% Off with Autoship
Hydration is a top concern for many family caregivers. The electrolyte powders and beverages we carry can reduce your loved one’s risk of dehydration and help you worry less. We offer free shipping on all orders $49+ to support your budget. And, you can take those savings even further by signing up for Autoship. All new Autoship enrollees get 30% off the first order and an additional 5% off on qualifying products. (Each qualifying electrolyte beverage is noted above).
Contact Us If You Have Questions About Electrolyte Beverages and Powders
If you’ve never bought electrolyte drinks before, you might have questions which is exactly why we’re here to help! Our friendly Care Team is available 24/7. And, all team members speak English and Spanish. Call (800) 696-CARE or email support@carewell.com.
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Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.