For athletes and active individuals who lose electrolytes regularly, water with electrolytes can be another way to boost your electrolyte intake throughout the day and ensure you are getting enough electrolytes.
Unlike sports drinks, electrolyte powder, and electrolyte tablets, these waters don’t contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, or colors. They’re simply water with bonus electrolytes. But, how do you know which to choose? Lucky for you, we did the work for you and rated the top electrolyte drinks so you can quickly and easily pick your favorite.
Table of Contents
Short Summary
- Electrolyte water helps boost your electrolyte intake to continually rehydrate and replenish your electrolyte stores.
- When choosing an electrolyte water, look at its electrolyte composition and taste, as well as the brand’s reputation, to help you choose a high quality product.
- Knowing when to choose electrolyte water over plain water can help you optimize your hydration and health.
Our Top Picks for the Best Water with Electrolytes
Note: Highlighted boxes in the table signify the scores below 5 or 4.
Best Overall: Essentia Alkaline Water
* Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 36,791 users on Amazon
Overview
Essentia Water is a high-purity, ionized alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 made through a three-step process that removes impurities and adds electrolytes.
Highlights
- pH level: 9.5
- Available in a variety of sizes, including 1 liter bottles sold in multipacks
- Nutrition Facts
- Total Fat – 0 grams
- Sodium – 0 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates – 0 grams
- Protein – 0 grams
- Ingredients:
- Purified water (by reverse osmosis)
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Dipotassium phosphate
- Magnesium sulfate
- Calcium chloride
- Electrolytes (for taste)
- Still electrolyte water, not carbonated
- Essentia’s ionization process eliminates bitter-tasting acidic ions.
- They offer an exclusive tutorial series called “LEVELED UP” and resources like playlists and downloadable worksheets to help you achieve your goals, all while emphasizing sustainability with their 80% less plastic packaging.
Price
$21.99 for 12 1-liter bottles.
Customer Reviews
Check out Water Experts’ review of Essentia on YouTube.
Bottom Line
Essentia’s proprietary blend of essential electrolytes ensures you’re not just quenching your thirst but also replenishing your body’s electrolyte balance. It’s a lifestyle upgrade that’s both convenient and sustainable, making it a top-notch choice if you prioritize purity and taste.
Best Tasting: LIFEWTR Premium Bottled Water
* Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 45,517 users on Amazon
Overview
LIFEWTR Premium Purified Water is a pH-balanced bottled water with electrolytes treated with reverse osmosis for purity and enhanced with electrolytes like magnesium sulfate and potassium bicarbonate. It is packaged in 100% recycled plastic bottles and offers a clean and crisp taste with a neutral pH range of 6.4 to 7.4.
Highlights
- pH level: 6.4 to 7.4
- Available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 0.5 liter to 1.5 liter bottles sold in multipacks.
- Nutrition Facts
- Total Fat – 0 grams
- Sodium – 0 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates – 0 grams
- Protein – 0 grams
- Ingredients
- Purified water (purified by reverse osmosis)
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Potassium bicarbonate
- Still electrolyte water, not carbonated
- It comes in slim and tall bottles, making it convenient for on-the-go consumption.
- The water is pH balanced, packaged in 100% recycled plastic bottles, and has no distinctive aftertaste.
Price
$17.99 for 12 700-milliliter bottles.
Bottom Line
LIFEWTR Premium Purified Water is a top-notch choice for hydration, offering a refreshing and clean taste. And don’t just take our word for it—many users have praised its quality and convenience. So, if you’re looking for a great-tasting water that keeps you feeling hydrated and is easy to carry, LIFEWTR Premium Purified Water is a smart choice.
*For more information about their product, you can also access their water quality report.
Best Naturally-Sourced: Waiākea Volcanic Water
* Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 74 users on their official website
* Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,269 users on Amazon
Overview
Waiākea Naturally Alkaline Hawaiian Volcanic Water is a premium bottled water sourced from the purest springs in Hawaii, enriched with natural electrolytes and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Highlights
- pH level: ranges between 7.6 to 8.2
- Available in 1-liter bottles sold in packs of 6 or 12
- Nutrition Facts
- Total Fat – 0 grams
- Sodium – 0 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates – 0 grams
- Protein – 0 grams
- Ingredients:
- Purified water
- This electrolyte water is filtered through thousands of feet of organic rock, which removes harmful contaminants and adds traces of minerals and electrolytes.
- Still electrolyte water, not carbonated
- Waiakea electrolyte water is sold in BPA-free recycled plastic bottles and is certified CarbonNeutral® from source to sip.
- Each case purchased contributes to providing one month of clean, safe water through Pump Aid.
Price
$38 for 12 1-liter bottles.
Bottom Line
The Waiākea Volcanic Water is packed with natural electrolytes and minerals, making it an excellent choice to keep you energized and balanced throughout the day. So, whether you’re reminiscing about the Hawaiian islands or simply seeking a high-quality electrolyte-infused water, Waiakea is a fantastic option to quench your thirst.
Best pH-Neutral Water and Best Flavored: CORE Hydration Nutrient Enhanced Water
* Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 31,157 users on Amazon
Overview
CORE Hydration is a premium electrolyte water designed to replenish electrolytes lost during physical activity, offering seven refreshing flavors without artificial additives. With a balanced pH of 7.4, it’s a sustainable choice that supports your body’s natural hydration and wellness.
Highlights
- pH level: approximately 7.4, designed to work with your body’s natural pH
- Available in various sizes, including 12 and 30 ounce bottles.
- Nutrition Facts
- Total Fat – 0 grams
- Sodium – 0 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates – 0 grams
- Protein – 0 grams
- Ingredients
- Purified water (purified by reverse osmosis)
- Potassium bicarbonate
- Magnesium chloride
- Calcium chloride (electrolyte and mineral sources)
- Still electrolyte water, not carbonated
- CORE Hydration is praised for its innovative flip cap design, making it a convenient choice.
- This environmentally friendly electrolyte water also comes in 100% recyclable bottles, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
- Customers appreciate its refreshing taste and its ability to maintain electrolyte balance, even in challenging conditions
- They have a store locator on their website that you can use to help you know where to purchase it.
Price
$18.56 for 12 30-ounce bottles.
Bottom Line
CORE Hydration is a preferred choice for athletes and those with specific health requirements for being nutrient-enhanced, all while promoting environmental sustainability with 100% recyclable bottles and a convenient flip-cap design.
Best Ionized Alkaline: Talking Rain AQA Alkaline Ionized Bottled Water
* Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 941 users on Amazon
Overview
Talking Rain AQA is a premium bottled alkaline water that delivers essential hydration and supports clean drinking water access through the mission of creating a ripple of good, one bottle at a time. With a smooth and refreshing taste, this electrolyte water is balanced for optimal hydration and comes in a pack of 12 bottles, each containing 20 ounces.
Highlights
- pH level: 9.5+
- Available in 20-ounce bottles, sold in packs of 12.
- Nutrition Facts
- Total Fat – 0 grams
- Sodium – 0 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates – 0 grams
- Protein – 0 grams
- Ingredients:
- Purified Water
- Less than 1% of Calcium Chloride
- Magnesium Chloride
- Potassium Bicarbonate
- Still electrolyte water, not carbonated
- Some users report relief from acid-related issues after drinking this product.
Price
$14.99 for 12 20-ounce bottles.
Bottom Line
Talking Rain AQA is a fantastic electrolyte-rich water that not only offers a refreshing and crisp taste but also boasts a pH of 9.5+ for balanced hydration. While some customers have varying preferences and experiences, many find it to be a great alternative to more expensive brands, appreciating both its taste and affordability.
Best for Everyday Hydration : Perfect Hydration 9.5+ pH Alkaline Drinking Water
* Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 323 users on Amazon
Overview
The Perfect Hydration electrolyte-enhanced drinking water offers a healthy and convenient way to stay hydrated, with natural electrolytes with health benefits including muscle, heart, and nerve function, minus the added sugar and artificial ingredients found in other electrolyte drinks.
Highlights
- pH level: 9.5+
- Available in 16-ounce cans, sold in 12 or 24 packs.
- Nutrition Facts
- Total Fat – 0 grams
- Sodium – 0 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates – 0 grams
- Protein – 0 grams
- Ingredients:
- Purified water
- Electrolytes (Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Sulfate)
- Still electrolyte water, not carbonated
- The water’s alkalinity and electrolyte content make it appealing for health-conscious consumers seeking a hydration boost.
Price
$13.99 for 12 16.9-ounce cans.
Customer Reviews
Check out LaPrentiss Demond’s review of Perfect Hydration on YouTube
Bottom Line
Some appreciate the eco-friendly aspect and its suitability for various activities, and others really like this for everyday hydration. It’s a hydration option worth considering, but if you’re not a fan of that slight taste or iron, this may not be for you.
What are Electrolytes and Why Do They Matter?
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that play various important functions in our bodies. These minerals help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, aid in maintaining hydration levels, and play various other roles within our bodies.
Essential Electrolytes Include:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
What Do Electrolytes Do?
Electrolytes play an integral role in maintaining our hydration status by balancing the fluid levels both inside our cells, as well as between them, to maintain fluid balance throughout our bodies. They also influence our internal pH, muscle function, and other body processes.
Although our bodies are good at maintaining balance, at times we may have an oversupply of some electrolytes and/or not enough of others, leading to an electrolyte imbalance. This often happens when we lose a large amount of electrolytes and/or fluids from intense exercise or illness.
If we are diligent about consuming electrolytes regularly and replenishing electrolytes lost in sweat, we can continually maintain optimal electrolyte and hydration status.
Where Do We Get Electrolytes?
Many common foods contain electrolytes. Some of the most notable include:
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Leafy greens
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Beans
- Soy
- Meat
- Fish
- Dairy
Regularly consuming a well-balanced diet can help ensure adequate electrolyte intake, even without supplementing with electrolyte water, sports drinks, or electrolyte powder.
Electrolyte waters, and even more so electrolyte supplements, provide our bodies with a dose of these essential minerals. Water with electrolytes, electrolyte powder and tablets, and other electrolyte drinks can be used to replace electrolytes.
What is Bottled Electrolyte Water?
Electrolyte water is simply bottled water with electrolytes. Unlike sports drinks or electrolyte supplements, it is not flavored, colored, and/or sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Electrolyte water is often also referred to as mineral water; remember electrolytes are simply minerals. More recently, it is also often called alkaline water, depending on its pH level.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electrolyte Water
We outlined six of the top electrolyte water options for you above. However, there are plenty of other electrolyte beverage options on the market. If you are curious about other electrolyte water options, you can use the following criteria to do some evaluating on your own.
Electrolyte Composition
The specific electrolytes in various electrolyte drinks, as well as the amount of each electrolyte, can vary greatly. Reading the ingredients and nutrition facts labels can give you a clue to how they compare.
Taste
Everyone has different preferences, so you’ll want to find a refreshing electrolyte water you enjoy. The varying mineral content in different options can alter the taste. Yes, most water with electrolytes simply tastes like water, but some have a smooth taste, while others have an aftertaste.
Brand Reputation
As with anything you put into your body, finding a reliable brand is important. You want a brand you trust in how they source their ingredients, how pure their product is, and more.
How to Use Electrolyte Water
Electrolyte water is a great option to maintain optimal hydration. While many of these products don’t specify the exact amounts of electrolytes in their waters, in general, they are less concentrated than sports drinks and electrolyte supplements.
Pros and Cons of Electrolyte Water
There are both pros and cons to electrolyte water, as with most things in life. Knowing both can help you make the most informed choice about electrolyte water for you and your body.
Pros
Electrolyte water is a great option for hydration. The fluid will rehydrate your body and the extra dose of electrolytes can boost your intake of these minerals regularly.
Water with electrolytes does not contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, and colors like traditional sports drinks and electrolyte supplements.
Cons
The biggest con associated with electrolyte water is that while many don’t specify their exact quantities of electrolytes, they are often not that high in electrolytes. If you are looking to efficiently and effectively rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes from an intense workout, a sports drink or an electrolyte supplement is likely a better choice for you.
Summary
Electrolyte water can be a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Finding the best electrolyte water for you can ensure you get the most health benefits from the product and the most bang for your buck. You may want to try one of the six products we discussed, or use our criteria to evaluate other options. Either way, we hope you find the best option for you.
One final note, as with any supplement, it is best to discuss how it will fit into your daily routine with your doctor, dietitian, or other health professional.
FAQ
What is the best electrolyte drink to replenish electrolytes?
A sports drink or other electrolyte drink is the fastest way to replenish your electrolyte stores. Regularly consuming foods and beverages that contain electrolytes, including electrolyte waters, will help to maintain optimal stores but will not help replete them quickly when they are diminished.
Is it OK to drink water with electrolytes everyday?
For the most part, yes. However, this depends greatly on your personal electrolyte needs, which is largely tied to your activity level. For individuals who live an active lifestyle and are losing electrolytes regularly, it is safe to drink water with added electrolytes daily.
While electrolyte water isn’t likely to push your electrolyte intake too high, it is important to be mindful of your total electrolyte consumption if you need to limit your electrolyte consumption for any reason. For example, you may need to lower your sodium intake because you have high blood pressure.
How do I know if I need electrolytes? What are symptoms of low electrolytes?
Electrolyte imbalance occurs when the electrolytes in your body are too diluted. This can result from large losses of electrolytes without replacing these minerals.
Signs of electrolyte imbalance include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
An electrolyte beverage can help replenish electrolytes and restore electrolyte balance quickly.
Which drink is full of electrolytes?
The most concentrated sources of electrolytes are sports drinks, electrolyte powder, and electrolyte tablets. Electrolyte water also contains added electrolytes.
Some natural sources of electrolytes include coconut water, fruit juice, and milk.
What is the easiest way to add electrolytes to water?
The easiest way will depend on your preferences, but some easy ways include:
- Add a pinch of salt to your plain water
- Add an electrolyte powder or tablet to plain water
- Drink electrolyte water that already contains electrolytes
