Electrolytes are charged metallic “ions” that help balance fluid pressure inside our cells and control the pH of our blood. Normal nerve, heart and muscle function rely on adequate amounts of these minerals, and deficiencies can hamper performance dramatically.

Water is consumed per kilogram of body weight more than any other item in the diet, making it a major source of minerals. However, plain water does not supply enough of these minerals anymore. This is why we created the best and worst electrolyte drinks.

Why Doesn’t Water Provide Enough Electrolytes?

In the past, our water would come down from the mountains, collect minerals from the rocks, become activated through movement and was free of pollutants.

Today, our water needs to be purified, distilled and treated which can diminish or completely eliminate the mineral content and can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. To top it off, much of the water has become fluoridated, which binds to magnesium and sets you up for fatigue, muscle cramps, and spasms.

In fact, the root cause of muscle cramps is usually from a lack of electrolytes, especially magnesium and potassium. While many types of mineral water are still an excellent source of electrolytes, carbonation may not be your best friend during exercise.

What about Fermented Electrolyte Drinks?

During our early days of agriculture and in cities and villages around the world, fermented drinks fit the bill for hydration and were often safer to drink than water. These included kombucha, kvass, low-alcohol beer and other creative concoctions to maintain energy, nutrition and hydration all day.

Today, research has allowed us to design drinks to address the precise needs of the athlete during physiological, emotional and psychological stress to allow us to push beyond what is considered humanly possible.

DNA-Based Nutrition Testing for Electrolyte Requirements and Performance

If you are really serious about performance, consider nutrigenomic testing through Nutrition Genome to analyze your genes for VO2 max, muscle injury risk, muscle recovery, muscle strength, higher needs for minerals like potassium and magnesium, and a lot more for overall health. I also recommend reading the article Adaptogens: The Secret Weapon for Athletes and if you are male, How to Increase Testosterone Naturally.

Best Liquid Electrolyte Drinks

To get this party started for the best and worst electrolyte drinks, we are starting with the liquid category. I find these to be the most convenient and best tasting for those who just want a little flavor to their water, not a bowl of fruit punch. If you have diabetes, you may also benefit from reading The Best Electrolyte Drinks for Diabetes.

1. DayLyte

DayLyte Price: $14.95 for 39 servings
LyteShow Price: $16.83 for 40 servings

DayLyte was just launched in May 2018 and updated in 2022 with a new lemon flavor option, a glass bottle, and a new measuring dropper. This makes it the best electrolyte drink in its category. It contains an advanced formulation over other sea-mineral-based electrolyte drops. DayLyte uses concentrated ionic sea salt minerals from the Great Salt Lake and does not contain any sugar or carbohydrates.

Liquid mineral drops that you can add to any bottle of water make these an extremely convenient option. In one study, added electrolytes (in the form of sea minerals from a product called Elete have been clinically tested using firefighters, showing enhanced hydration with less water than regular water.

The researchers found that “this can minimize carrying excessive weight, possibly reducing fatigue during extended exercise.”

DayLyte vs. Lyteshow, Hi-Lyte and NUUN

DayLyte is superior to Lyteshow mainly due to the higher magnesium content (65mg), L-lysine, boron, and 1mg of lithium. L-lysine helps lower anxiety and reduces the risk of diarrhea, boron positively influences hormones in men and women, and lithium is a B12 carrier that improves mood, increases focus, and is neuroprotective.

DayLyte has a 3:1 ratio of potassium to sodium (Lyteshow is higher in sodium), which may be more beneficial for those trying to increase their potassium intake and lower their sodium intake.

 

Best Electrolyte Capsules

1. Enhanced Electrolyte Capsules

Price: $29.99 for 50 servings

Enhanced Electrolytes by Total Hydration was launched in March 2018. There are a few reasons that these capsules have taken a top ranking for best electrolyte drinks. First, it has higher magnesium (65mg magnesium malate) and potassium content (100mg) than other similar competitor products, reducing the incidence of muscle cramps while also increasing energy levels.

The B6 addition as P-5-P (like magnesium, many people are low in B6) provides excellent synergy with magnesium and balances sodium and potassium ratios. Second, the bicarbonate forms of sodium and potassium along with Himalayan salt for trace mineral balance is a huge advantage for exercise performance. Research has shown that sodium bicarbonate is the most effective sodium form in improving high-intensity exercise and increasing endurance.

Zinc bisglycinate is included that helps offset the higher zinc loss found in athletes (especially important for vegan, vegetarian and female athletes who may have higher copper levels) and helps support testosterone levels, immunity, and thyroid health that can be affected by exhaustive exercise.

What Activities Should I use Enhanced Electrolytes For?

Enhanced Electrolytes was formulated by a Ph.D. and former triathlete for all types of physical activity, the ketogenic diet, long flights and during illness. I see this product being an ideal fit for high-intensity exercise in the 2-hour or less range that requires both sprints and endurance performance with moderate to heavy sweat loss. Since these are capsules, you want to make sure you drink them with sufficient water.

2. Saltstick

Price: $29.95 for 100 capsules (serving size can range based on activity)

Saltstick was created by a triathlete and organic chemist, for triathletes and people competing in the Ironman. It has held a top spot in the best electrolye drinks article for numerous years.

The bioavailable forms of the minerals with a focus on a higher sodium content and lower magnesium content makes it an ideal electrolyte replacement for long, endurance events. Heavy sweat loss equals a higher need for sodium and other minerals.

If you are a triathlete or Ironman competitor and have experienced more than normal sweat loss, you may require a higher sodium intake from Saltstick. Your diet, requirements, susceptibility to muscle cramps and sweat loss will determine your sodium and magnesium needs.

Research using Electrolyte Capsules like Saltstick

A 2015 double-blind placebo study from Spain found that triathletes who used 12 salt capsules divided into three doses during a Half Ironman on top of their sports drinks completed the race 26 minutes faster than the placebo group who also used sports drinks, but placebo capsules. 

The researchers later explain that more salt is needed than supplied in sports drinks, however, the taste would ruin the drink. This gives evidence that adding these capsules in addition to your sports drink would be the ideal combination for heavy sweat loss and competitions over 2 hours.

 

Best Electrolyte Powder Drinks

1. Primitive Scientific Whole Food Electrolyte Powder or Capsules

Price: $29.99 for 39 servings

Primitive Scientific is a new company that has produced one of the most unique whole food electrolyte powders on the market. It is a newcomer to the best electrolyte drink article this year. The attention to detail for athletic performance in this formulation is beyond anything currently available.

The base level of electrolytes is formulated with a higher level of magnesium in the correct form (malate), sodium and potassium bicarbonate, and the most researched foods for athletic performance and muscle recovery including montromency cherry, beets, celery, pomegranates, ginger, and schisandra berry. See more below. You are getting way more for your money than just an electrolyte powder.

Due to this being a whole food powder, keep in mind that it is going to dissolve and taste differently. It’s more of a faint berry flavor, so if you prefer your electrolyte drink to not be very sweet, this will be a good fit. Only use filtered water (no chlorine due to the fulvic acid in this product).

2. PaleoValley Essential Electrolytes (15% off with this link)

Price: $59.99 for 30-60 servings

This product recently launched in summer 2023, and I just finished testing it in different environments, temperature, cardio exercise, and strength training. I was happy with the results of this product, especially in higher heat with more sweat loss. PaleoValley is known for using very clean, whole-food ingredients and not compromising on anything, which is why I like their Greens powder. This is one of the few electrolyte products that does not use citric acid, and uses salt from an underground ancient sea bed, safe from modern pollutants like microplastics with third party testing to guarantee it is safe and free of harmful ingredients.

This formulation uses a higher dose of sea salt for sodium (400mg) to target heavier sweat loss, 280mg of potassium from coconut water, 80mg of calcium from seawater, 160mg of magnesium for seawater, 0.8mg of iron from seaweed. The flavoring comes from monk fruit, organic turmeric root, organic flavors from real fruit, and organic coconut water powder. Unlike using coconut water while exercising, I didn’t notice any GI issues. This is on the sweeter side with all three flavors (lemon lime, orange and watermelon) and I found myself cutting the scoop in half to make it less sweet, or using a lot more water.

3. Optimal Electrolyte by Seeking Health

Price: $27.95 for 30 servings

Optimal Electrolyte holds a unique spot in the best electrolyte drink ranking. It is an excellent formulation with 580mg of potassium bicarbonate to 140mg of sodium bicarbonate, 150mg of magnesium malate/creatine chelate, 75mg of niacin for increasing blood flow, and D-ribose for energy production.

This would be a good electrolyte formula for sports that require repeated boosts of sprints like soccer and hockey. If you prefer a sweeter flavor for your electrolyte drink, this would be a good choice.

4. Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydrator

Price: $23.51 for 50 servings

The Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydrator is an electrolyte powder that contains just electrolytes with stevia as a sweetener.  Athletes sometimes get cramps from sugary drinks when you are not sweating profusely, making this an ideal solution for those wanting something sweeter without the sugar.

While it has remained on the best electrolyte list due to its profile, the taste of stevia may be too strong for some people. It may also fall short for those requiring a steady supply of glucose, like for runners and cyclists.

Best Bottled Electrolyte Drinks

1. Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water

I did some traveling and tested out numerous mineral waters, taking pictures of each of the labels. While some mineral waters were very low in minerals, there were a few that were impressively high in all the electrolytes, including bicarbonate which is often missing and important for pH balancing.

What stood out to me about Gerolsteiner from Germany is that it collects minerals from the Dolomites, making it very high in calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. And it tastes amazing, especially if you crave carbonated drinks. Even after 6 years of testing, Gerolsteiner is still, in my opinion, the best electrolyte drink in the mineral water category.

That combination is perfect for those with headaches, nausea, fatigue, and digestive issues. So if your doctor has recommended that you drink an electrolyte drink that isn’t necessarily to be used for exercise and sweating and needs to be low in sodium, this is the best choice straight from nature. However, check with your doctor if bicarbonate is contraindicated with any of your medications.

If you are an athlete, keep it in the fridge and enjoy it later in the evening to supply more calcium and magnesium to speed recovery and alleviate sore muscles. If you want more energy and hydration while sitting at your desk, this is the best option.

In the US, you can find it in liter bottles in stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods for $2.00-$3.00, but if you can’t then online is the way to go. I make a homemade electrolyte drink with this one by adding lemon juice and stevia, which makes a sparkling lemonade.

What about Coconut Water for an Electrolyte Drink?

A study from 2012 and a study from 2015 found that coconut water has anti-glycation properties, kidney protection, prevented hyperglycemia and oxidative stress.

Another study from 2012 took 12 young guys and had them run on a treadmill for 60 minutes. They were either given bottled water, VitaCoco coconut water, coconut water from concentrate, or a carbohydrate/electrolyte sports drink that they didn’t name.

They tested on four different occasions spaced by five days and measured hydration status, performance and subjective measures like thirst, fatigue and stomach discomfort. No differences were reported for fluid retention or performance. However, the coconut water and concentrated coconut water group had more bloating and stomach upset.

The best way to enjoy coconut water is to buy a young coconut, take a hammer to the top, and enjoy it fresh and raw.

If you want to buy coconut water in the store, you need to be more selective since many companies are going out of their way to deliver cheap coconut water. These are processed to last for two years on a shelf, often from concentrate and with added sugar and flavors. That should make you suspicious and I would like to see raw coconut water tested in additional studies.

There are a few things you want to look for with coconut water. First, it should be in the refrigerated section, use young coconuts, and not pasteurized. Second, it should not contain any added ingredients like natural flavors, fruit juice, or sugar.

The companies I have found that follow these guidelines include Harmless Harvest, Unoco, Liquitera, Vital Juice and Juice Press. Many of these use a process called HPP, which sterilizes the juice with pressure instead of heat. This keeps the vitamins and enzymes intact.

Best Water Bottles?

I have been getting questions about what water bottles I recommend. I use a 40 oz. stainless steel water bottle that doesn’t have an aluminum lining like most stainless bottles do. It’s called a Hydroflask and will keep drinks cold or hot. Very satisfying to have a cold drink after a few hours on a trail.

I take out the bladder of a 50 oz. Camelbak because I don’t want to worry about using an electrolyte drink in it and cleaning afterward, and the Hydroflask fits there perfectly. This size isn’t too cumbersome on your body and is great for hikes or trail runs.

Worst Electrolyte Drinks

The following is based on my opinion and research on the worst electrolyte replacement drinks. When looking at a label for bottled drinks, look for reverse osmosis or filtered water.

If a drink doesn’t have magnesium, to begin with, and uses fluoridated water, I see an increased risk of muscle cramps. Magnesium deficiency may cause sudden cardiac death in athletes, especially those in heat or doing long endurance events.

1. Gatorade

Gatorade is owned by PepsiCo, the makers of Pepsi and who dominate the sports drink market at 75 percent. Many of the colors and flavors seem a little extreme with their bright blues and reds.

How are these made? The artificial colors and flavors are derived from aromatic hydrocarbons from petrochemicals. In other words, oil. Manufacturers are not required to divulge this information because artificial colors and flavors are considered intellectual property.

How about the numbered dyes? For starters, these food dyes have been found to inhibit mitochondrial respiration; the ability of the powerhouse of your cells to convert nutrients to energy. Red 3 causes cancer in animals, with evidence that other dyes also are carcinogenic.

Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. At least four dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) cause hypersensitivity reactions, and numerous studies found Yellow 5 positive for genotoxicity. Depending on the flavor, Gatorade uses Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40 and Blue 1.

For years, Gatorade used high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils, hydrogenated coconut oil (fruit punch flavor), and brominated vegetable oil (orange, strawberry), a flame retardant that is banned in Japan and the European Union. Bromine is a toxin and a goitrogen (harmful to the thyroid).

Hydrogenated oils are now banned in many restaurants across the US due to their negative health impacts. They are strongly linked to heart disease and are known to destroy the porosity and flexibility of healthy cell membranes. Gatorade has now removed brominated vegetable oil and replaced it with sucrose acetate isobutyrate.

Gatorade went from GMO high-fructose corn syrup to GMO glucose-fructose corn syrup (changed the ratios to avoid the dreaded HFCS title) to the most recent combination of 34 grams of sugar and dextrose per 20 oz serving.

Along with the depleting of minerals caused by sugar, it has also been found to increase the strains of bad bacteria like c difficile (C-Diff) and chlostridium perfringens (one of the main strains of bacteria responsible for food poisoning).

Gatorade also only contains sodium and potassium, neglecting calcium, magnesium and chloride which seems like a major oversight for electrolyte loss.

2. Powerade 

Powerade is owned by Coca-Cola and commands 19.8 percent of the market as of 2014. The online ingredients of the Powerade Berry & Tropical are water, glucose, fructose, citric acid, mineral salts (sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium phosphate), flavourings, acidity regulator (potassium citrate), stabilisers (acacia gum, glycerol esters of wood rosins), sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame K), colour (brilliant blue). (You have to go to 3rd party websites to find the US ingredients).

You have to break down the label a little more to see what exactly is water, glucose, fructose, “flavorings,” sucralose, acesulfame K and “color,” which I can promise you is not brilliant.

The other interesting part in my search is that Powerade is fairly clever in deceiving the customer by getting around the high fructose corn syrup label online. It is also interesting that the European spelling of flavour and colour is used.

Why would they do this? Because in certain countries, they label high fructose corn syrup as water, glucose, and fructose! It is the SAME THING. High fructose corn syrup is water, glucose, and fructose. The U.S. label has to tell the ugly truth. Nice try Powerade.

Spiking your blood sugar affects hormones and nitric oxide levels, both important for performance. On top of that, if you consume food color dyes, you are blocking your body’s ability to generate energy (study cited under Gatorade).

Here is the U.S. label. Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Less than 0.5% of: Citric Acid, Salt and Potassium Citrate and Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride and Potassium Phosphate (electrolyte sources), Natural Flavors, Modified Food Starch, Calcium Disodium EDTA(to protect color), Medium Chain Triglycerides (contains coconut oil), Brominated Vegetable Oil,Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride),Vitamin B12, Red #40

Despite pressure on Gatorade to remove Brominated Vegetable Oil, Powerade has at this time chosen to keep the flame retardant in their drink, not to mention a red dye.

Powerade has 20 packed grams of high fructose corn syrup leading the way to type 2 diabetes.

3. Powerade Zero

Also made by Coca-Cola, you see the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame K and artificial colors. Sucralose – also known as Splenda – is an organochlorine. Sucralose has been found to wreak havoc on intestinal bacteria (up to 50% destruction).

Your beneficial bacteria is responsible for up to 80 percent of your immune system, manufacturing b-vitamins and vitamin K, your ability to lose weight, and emerging research is connecting anxiety and depression to low beneficial bacteria populations. Sucralose is also used in a lot of whey protein powders.

Ingredients: Water, citric acid, mineral salts (sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium phosphate), colour (anthocyanins), natural raspberry flavouring with other natural flavourings, acidity regulator (E332), sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame K), color (E133).

4. PediaLyte

Drip Drop contains sugar, fructose, natural flavor (can sometimes be MSG unless the company discloses otherwise), sucralose and a form of zinc called “asparate” that I can more in-depth on with Ultima Replenisher.

Ingredients: Sugar, fructose, sodium citrate, citric acid, natural flavor, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, dextrose, salt, vitamin C, sucralose, turmeric for color, zinc asparate.

Liquid IV contains pure cane sugar, dextrose, and stevia leaf extract, which together really seem like overkill for sweetness. Natural flavors are also used (companies don’t have to disclose this, but those who have nothing to hide will). A very high level of sodium is used for very heavy sweating.

The formula also contains cheap forms of B-vitamins, with one form of B12 called cyanocobalamin that research has found to be potentially problematic.

Ingredients: Pure cane sugar, dextrose, citric acid, salt, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, dipotassium phosphate, silicon dioxide, stevia leaf extract, natural flavors, vitamin C, B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (D-calcium pantothenate), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).

How innocuous can a bottle of water be right? Well, the makers of Gatorade managed to take water and make it worse with the bold ingredients below. Originally it had sucrose and 20mg of sodium, but someone had the idea to add more salt, just take out the sugar and keep the artificial sweeteners as the key to success.

But it’s calorie-free now! This is just water (no information about reverse osmosis filtering), salt, artificial sweeteners, natural flavor (from where?), water-soluble vitamins that are most likely diminished and barely relevant, and aggressive marketing.

Ingredients for 12 oz. bottle: Water, citric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, natural flavor, salt, potassium sorbate, sorbate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sucralose, acesulfame potassium, calcium disodium EDTA, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin E acetate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6).

Ingredients of packet: Citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, maltodextrin, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sucralose, sugar, natural flavors, silicon dioxide, niacinamide (vitamin B3) acesulfame potassium, calcium disodium EDTA, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), vitamin E acetate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).

9. Vitaminwater

Vitaminwater is also owned by Coca-Cola. You may have noticed that the bottle contains “2.5 servings” which means you need to multiply everything by 2.5, a deceiving way to lower the amounts on the label from first glance.

There are 32 grams of sugar in most of the products, crystalline fructose, and sugar. Crystalline fructose is even higher in fructose than high fructose corn syrup and often tainted with heavy metals.

Compare 32 grams of sugar in a bottle of Vitaminwater to 35 grams of sugar in one can of Coke. You may have even read the about the lawsuit against Vitaminwater for calling itself a healthy beverage, and Coca-Cola has since acknowledged that it is indeed not.

Too much refined sugar will make you cramp while you’re competing, upset your stomach, lower your immunity, deplete minerals and actually dehydrate you. As for the vitamins, they are cheap forms of questionable origin, stability and worthless to the body.

10. ZipFizz Healthy Energy Drink Mix

ZipFizz has been marketed as an electrolyte energy drink. What do you get when you mix sucralose, synthetic folic acid, synthetic vitamin E, a huge dose of B12 and caffeine? Apparently a “healthy” energy drink mix for athletes and anyone active.

This one caught my attention when an electrolyte article explained the reasons to avoid sucralose, then listed ZipFizz as their top choice for their readers. ZipFizz discusses what a great sweetener Xylitol is in their FAQ while neglecting to say anything further about their choice to include sucralose. Natural flavors are always anyone’s guess due to being kept secret, and can potentially be MSG.

I’ve talked about the issues with folic acid, huge doses of cyanocobalamin and synthetic vitamin E in my Best and Worst Multivitamin article if you are interested in learning more. Zipfizz also claims 4-6 hours of enhanced energy without the crash from 100mg of caffeine. The caffeine comes from guarana and green tea. If guarana sounds familiar, it’s because you probably have heard of it from the ingredient list in energy drinks like Rockstar.

Closer inspection finds that ZipFizz is similar to common energy drinks. The most common ingredients in energy drinks include caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, guarana, and B vitamins. Research has found that “when higher doses of caffeine are combined with these other substances currently blended in energy drinks, the subsequent effect cannot always be predicted; adverse effects have been reported, including cardiac arrest.”

Caffeine is also a diuretic, causing you to lose more fluid and disrupt electrolyte balance. Therefore, it is wise if you are a coffee drinker that you factor in multiple sources of caffeine.

Ingredients: Citric acid, glucose polymers, potassium carbonate, malic acid, calcium ascorbate, natural flavors, magnesium glycinate, beet color, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, grape skin extract (color), silica, potassium citrate, taurine, sucralose, zinc amino acid chelate, dl-alpha-tocopheral acetate, niacin, grape seed extract, manganese gluconate, selenium-l-methionine complex, d-calcium pantothenate, cyanocobalamin, green tea leaf extract, chromium dinicotinate glycinate, folic acid, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, riboflavin-5-phosphate, xylitol, thiamin mononitrate, copper citrate and methylcobalamin. Contains 100mg of caffeine from guarana and green tea extract.

11. Lucozade Sport

This one was brought to my attention by a reader from England where this drink is popular. There may be a bigger backlash to aspartame in the US than England, where even Pepsi is removing it from their diet drinks. They are just replacing it with another artificial sweetener – sucralose – but one small victory at a time.

Where to start with aspartame. I’ll keep it simple and straight to the point. It has been found to contribute to the formation of tumors in the CNS such as gliomas, medulloblastomas, and meningiomas, increased lymphoma and leukemia and is an excitotoxin to brain neurons.

Artificial sweeteners in general increased waist circumference 500 percent while aspartame in particular increased blood sugar in diabetes-prone mice. The safety profile of aspartame has most likely been suppressed for many years and is finally seeing its day in court.

12. Accelerade

This has a poor combination of sucrose, fructose and soy protein. For many sports and activities, drinking protein while exercising at maximum effort can cause gastric distress. For triathletes and the Ironman, the requirements and replenishing schedules are different. Look for non-GMO protein sources like Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem.

It bears repeating that refined sugar has been found to increase the strains of bad bacteria like c difficile (C-Diff) and chlostridium perfringens (one of the main strains of bacteria responsible for food poisoning). Altering bad gut flora isn’t the best strategy in a long race.

Ingredients: Sucrose, whey protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, citric acid, fructose, natural flavors, soy lecithin, magnesium carbonate, salt, red beet, xanthan gum, maltodextrin, potassium phosphate, vitamin E acetate, ascorbic acid.

13. Cytomax

From the makers of Muscle Milk – one of the most contaminated protein drinks – comes Cytomax. Its advanced carbohydrate system uses crystalline fructose, which has a higher fructose content than high fructose corn syrup and seems to be pushing the limits with heavy metals.

Due to their Muscle Milk reputation with heavy metals, I’m not convinced of the purity of this product until further testing is done.

14. Electrolyte Drinks Containing Sodium Benzoate 

I originally had NUUN Active Hydration listed here due to the ingredients sodium benzoate and acesulfame potassium. It was brought to my attention that NUUN has now removed these two ingredients from their formula. If you didn’t see your drink listed here, check for sodium benzoate.

When you combine sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid you create benzene, especially in the presence of heat and light (common with storing citrus-flavored soda in a warm garage). Citric acid may act as a catalyst for this process in the presence of ascorbic acid. If the formula contains vitamin C in the active ingredients, it is a prime candidate for this reaction.