WIRED has updated its electrolyte supplement guide for July 2026 after testing more than 20 products, naming Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier as the best option for most people. The guide is useful if you are trying to buy hydration powder without pretending every packet of salty sugar dust is a sports science breakthrough.
WIRED says the right electrolyte product depends on the person and the situation. A runner working through heat and humidity may want more sodium, while someone dealing with dehydration after drinking may not need the same sodium load. The publication also warns that these mixes are not a substitute for drinking water, which is annoyingly basic and still true.
WIRED discloses that its editors independently select featured products, though the publisher may earn compensation from retailers or purchases made through its links.
Liquid I.V. leads the general-use picks
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier topped WIRED’s list for most people. The regular version was listed at $23 for 16 servings on Amazon, while the sugar-free version was listed at $21 for 14 servings and the Immune Support version at $23 for 14 servings.
WIRED’s nutrition listing for the regular product shows 50 calories, 500 milligrams of sodium, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of total sugar, 11 grams of added sugar and 370 milligrams of potassium per serving. It also includes vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid. WIRED says it comes in more than 20 flavors and is free from artificial colors, artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners.
The tradeoff is obvious from the label: this is not a low-sugar product in its regular form. WIRED liked the broad flavor range and ingredient balance, but noted that some buyers may prefer fewer carbs or less sugar.
Athletes get a higher-carb option
WIRED named Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix as its athlete-focused pick. The guide listed it at $24 for 20 servings from Amazon and Skratch Labs.
Per WIRED’s nutrition table, each serving has 80 calories, 400 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 19 grams of total sugar and 19 grams of added sugar, plus calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C and magnesium. WIRED described it as easy to drink during exercise and said the higher carbohydrate content produced a noticeable energy lift during a workout. That calorie and sugar profile also makes it more than some casual users will need.
Chews and drops cover different annoyances
For people who do not want to mix a drink, WIRED selected SaltStick Electrolyte FastChews as its chewable pick. The guide listed a 30-serving bottle at $20 on Amazon. A serving contains 10 calories, 100 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of sugar, 30 milligrams of potassium, 10 milligrams of calcium and 6 milligrams of magnesium. SaltStick recommends letting the chews dissolve in the mouth, according to WIRED.
WIRED’s drops pick was Buoy Electrolyte Drops, listed at $40 for 120 servings of Hydration Drops and $60 for a 160-serving variety pack on Amazon. Buoy’s options include hydration, rescue, energy, immunity, digestion and brain health drops, according to WIRED. The drops have no sugar, sweeteners or calories, and the company recommends one squeeze per 12-ounce glass of fluid. WIRED said the drops are third-party tested for microplastics, molds and pathogens, heavy metals and GMO ingredients, but also found that adding too much can make a drink taste unpleasantly salty and earthy.
This story draws on original reporting from WIRED.
