The Ultimate Showdown: Bottled Hydration Drinks vs. Electrolyte Supplements

We all know that exercise is important for our health, but what about the aftermath of a vigorous workout? When we sweat, we lose electrolytes, the minerals that turn up on every hydration label. To put those minerals back, many people turn to bottled hydration drinks like Gatorade and Powerade, or electrolyte supplements like LMNT and Re-Lyte. However, which one is actually the better fit for you? In this blog post, we'll compare and contrast the different options available to consumers and help you make the right decision for your post-workout routine.

Sugar

First, let's talk about sugar. Bottled hydration drinks tend to have a lot of added sugar, which is worth knowing if you're keeping an eye on your intake. Electrolyte supplements, on the other hand, typically have a lot less sugar or none at all. For example LMNT contains no sugar, while Gatorade and Powerade have about 21 and 34 grams of sugar per serving, respectively. This makes electrolyte supplements a better choice for those who are looking to avoid added sugars in their diet.

Whilst there are now sugar-free versions like Gatorade No Sugar and Powerade Zero, they often contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose and Acesulfame K. On the other hand, electrolyte supplements like Re-Lyte Hydration tend to use natural sweeteners such as stevia. So if you'd rather steer clear of artificial sweeteners, electrolyte supplements may be the way to go.

Next, let's look at how each one reaches your bottle. Electrolyte supplements come as a powder in a sachet, stick or tub, so you decide how much water goes with a serve and you can split a serve across the day if you prefer. Bottled drinks arrive pre-mixed at a fixed volume, with nothing to adjust. Whichever option you pick, the panel on the back is the part worth reading, since serve sizes and formats differ from product to product and the front of the pack rarely tells you the whole story.

Taste

When it comes to putting minerals back after exercise, there are many options out there. While bottled hydration drinks can be a convenient choice, they often contain a lot of added sugar. On the other hand, electrolyte supplements like LMNT and Re-Lyte and others come without it.