Best electrolyte drinks for cycling | Replace fluids and salts with these hydration drinks
Electrolyte drinks help you stay hydrated by replacing sweat loss. Here are our favourite electrolyte tablets and powders for cycling.
Introduction
Electrolyte drinks help you stay hydrated by replacing sweat loss. Whether you're riding in the blazing heat or in the depths of winter, it's generally recommended to mix up some cycling electrolyte powder in your water bottles. Our team independently selects products featured in our editorial content—this guide highlights eight excellent electrolyte tablets and powders for cycling.
Our top picks
Torq Hydration Drink Red Berries
Pros: Excellent taste; good ratio of electrolytes; all‑natural ingredients. Cons: None. Price: £0.83 per serving (275 mg sodium). A medium‑strength powder with 16 g carbs per 500 ml, mixes well, naturally flavoured, and Informed‑Sport tested.
Kinetica Electro‑C
Pros: Good electrolyte composition; great taste; reasonably priced. Cons: Only available in single tub or 12‑pack. Price: £0.34 per serving (250 mg sodium + vitamin C). Tablet dissolves well, lemon fizz flavour, Informed‑Sport certified.
Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 500
Pros: Balanced electrolytes; very palatable; Informed‑Sport certified. Cons: Higher price (£0.59 for 250 mg sodium). Replicates typical sweat composition, effective citrus taste, dissolves in soft water.
Styrkr SLT07 500 mg Hydration Tablets
Pros: High sodium; easy to half‑dose; refreshing. Cons: Pricier (£0.84 per serving). 500 mg sodium plus potassium, magnesium and calcium, effervescent and batch‑tested.
Named Sport HydraFit Zero
Pros: Generous sodium; added vitamins; pleasant flavour. Cons: Higher potassium & magnesium.
OTE Orange Hydro Tabs
Pros: Medium strength; tasty; decent value. Cons: Lower sodium (260 mg). Includes vitamin B, naturally flavoured, stevia‑sweetened.
High5 Zero
Pros: Strong flavour; good value; average sodium (250 mg). Cons: Not as salty as some rivals. Includes vitamin C, citrus taste, Informed‑Sport tested.
Also consider…
SiS Go Hydro
Pros: Cheap. Cons: Sweet taste; no sodium labelling. 850 mg salt mixture unspecified electrolyte amounts, sweet lemon flavour, Informed‑Sport approved.
How we tested electrolyte drinks
Our fitness‑nutrition writer Jack Evans tested each product across various rides and conditions. We looked for ~250 mg sodium per 500 ml, drinkability, price‑per‑serving, and banned‑substance certification.
Buyer’s guide to cycling electrolytes
What are electrolytes & why sodium matters
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium control fluid balance and nerve function. Sodium is key—it helps maintain hydration, absorption, and prevents hyponatremia :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Do you need electrolytes?
Electrolyte replacement is beneficial during long or hot rides. For rides under 4 h in cool conditions, plain water may suffice :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
How much sodium?
Standard mixes (~250 mg per 500 ml) work for most. Heavy sweaters in the heat may need 500 mg or more. PH 1500 contains 1500 mg/L :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
When to drink electrolytes
Use electrolytes on long, hot, or high‑sweat rides. In cooler conditions, low‑strength mixes are enough; they also help retain fluids in winter :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
What to look for
- Clearly labelled sodium content (aim for ~250 mg/500 ml).
- Informed‑Sport certification for testing.
- Drinkability: not too sweet, mixes cleanly.
- Good value ($/serving).
Conclusion
The best electrolyte drinks provide ~250 mg sodium per 500 ml, taste good, and are cleanly formulated. Try tablets like PH 500 or SLT07 for convenience, or mixes like Torq for natural flavour. Choose products that fit your sweat rate, taste preference, and budget.