Latest news with #electrolytes
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
REVEALED: TikTok has crowned Vita Coco as the internet's favorite natural electrolyte drink - no chemicals, just coconut
Life might drive you (coco) nuts — but these viral coconut water ' Nature's Sports Drinks' won't! TikTok is at it again with yet another wellness trend, and this time is involves one of our favorite beverage brands — Vita Coco. Vita Coco Coconut Water The Original (12pk) The Vita Coco philosophy is life is better with a little coconut — and we couldn't agree more. The brand's original coconut water continues to be a bestseller and now it is TikTok viral again. The natural, healthy source of electrolytes and vitamins is the water alternative millions love. If you haven't tried Vita Coco yet, believe us, you are seriously on coconut shy of crazy. $27.49 Shop Vita Coco is known for its hydrating, refreshing, and undeniably delicious coconut water drinks. From the brand's classic The Original flavor to its inclusive Original Barista coconut milk, they have users hooked with their straightforward formulas and mouth-watering results. TikTokers have created a whole new way to indulge with something they have coined 'Nature's Sports Drinks.' The term refers to homemade electrolyte drinks that swap artificial additives for simple, natural ingredients (such as Vita Coco!). Vita Coco's Original water has been a key ingredient across the app in creators recipes for its delicious flavor and jam-packed benefits including vitamins, electrolytes, and nearly NO sugar. Sippers keep turning to the thirst quenching beverages as a healthy alternative to typical sports drinks, such as Gatorade. One shoppers said: 'Great alternative to chemically processed Gatorades or sports drinks for my construction workers. In 90 degree Florida heat, water just doesn't cut it but coconut water gives just the right boost!' Vita Coco remains the central base ingredient in the latest TikTok trend due to its proven hydration power. TikTok user @superfoodsguy shared his version of the citrusy, salty drink delights, with Vita Coco Original flavor front and center! By combining Vita Coco, fresh citrus, salt, honey, and Blue spirulina (a naturally sourced blue-green algae powder) — he was able to concoct the perfect refreshing midday drink without added sugars, GMOs, or other harmful ingredients. If you have been looking for a water alternative or simply a beverage for the summer that will do more for you — Vita Coco is it! The brand has a ton of unique flavors that speak to every taste from mouth watering pineapple to a rich Strawberries & Creme. The best part is if you subscribe for monthly deliveries, you can easily stock up on all your favorite coconut waters for less! By subscribing you save 10 percent and ensure you are never without your hydration station ever again. Vita Coco sippers can never get enough, with one saying: 'I needed something more refreshing and enjoyable. I just started my coconut journey and it's the best thing done possible. Give it a try!' Shop all of Vita Coco's must-have drinks and hop on the ' Nature's Sports Drinks ' trend ASAP to share your own unique recipes. Happy sipping!
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
The best electrolytes for avoiding thirst and fatigue this summer
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Anyone who has finished a long training run or cycle in the summer will know how it feels to crave electrolytes. In hot weather, you lose more sodium the harder you work, leaving you feeling fatigued, thirsty and craving something salty. Some electrolytes are chewable sweet tablets which can be eaten on their own, while others are tipped into water bottles and shaken. Electrolytes should be used in combination with energy gels and post-workout recovery drinks. They replenish lost minerals quickly, which is especially important to speed up recovery and avoid cramps. The good news is the best electrolytes don't tend to be expensive. Every electrolyte I tested below costs around £1.50 per serving, whether that was for an individual sachet or as part of a bulk order, from somewhere like MyProtein, Humantra or Kendal Mint. We regularly check and update this guide in line with latest medical advice and guidance and to keep abreast of new products and releases. Below, you can find my full reviews, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. The best electrolytes: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best electrolytes Choosing the best electrolytes for you should be a personalised decision, based on your activity level and health needs. If you're going to be doing intense exercise lasting over an hour, choose electrolytes with a higher sodium content like Precision Hydration, as this will replace losses from sweat. Endurance athletes might benefit from hypotonic formulas like Styrkr, which absorb faster. Meanwhile everyday users should choose balanced, low-sugar options that combine electrolytes with vitamins. Users have a few options to choose from including: powders, which allow custom dosing and often include recovery additives, tablets, which provide portable, pre-measured doses and ready-made drinks, which suit those wanting convenience. It's always worth checking the label for key minerals, like sodium (non-negotiable), potassium and magnesium (preferred) and calcium (a nice-to-have). Ideally, there'll also be three to six per cent carbohydrates to help with ingestion and minimal sugars. As with all sports nutrition, those with medical conditions or taking medication should consult their GP, and those looking for a quick vitamin hit should turn to food first. Over-supplementation can cause heart issues and nausea. Head to our FAQ section for more advice from a sports performance nutritionist if you're concerned. How we test electrolytes I tested these electrolytes during the Scottish Forth Bridge 20 mile race, a 34km long run in hot weather, the London Marathon, Geneva Half Marathon, a five hour mountain trail run in the Alps, and shorter runs with a distance of around 10km in 18C plus weather conditions. Each electrolyte was tested both before and after each race, ensuring the same one was used throughout for consistency and accurate results. No sample was tested just once. I used each electrolyte for a minimum of three times during testing, with workouts and events of varying degrees of toughness. Spare samples were distributed to members of my running club to get additional feedback. First, I evaluated the ingredients list, checking which form of electrolyte was included (sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium) and in what quantity, and noted any additives or natural flavours. I also considered ease of ingestion, especially during a race, and whether I felt a difference. I tested more products than those are featured on this list, narrowing it down to my absolute favourites. Those that I disregarded had off-putting flavours, too many additives or a lack of discernable impact on performance. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best electrolytes of 2025 1. Best Buy Electrolyte: SiS Hydro+ Drink Mix Score: 9/10 We like: Dissolves quickly in water bottle for speedy hydration Sachets are small and open easily so you can carry during events Recovery was fast after using (liked addition of vitamins for extra oomph) Not too much sodium so easy on stomach We don't like: Some flavours contain green tea extract so check if you're sensitive to caffeine Having individual sachets rather than tablets creates litter This is as close to the perfect electrolyte as I found, owing to the pleasant taste and how quickly the powder dissolves. I felt confident taking a sachet with me during the London Marathon and dissolving it in a bottle handed out on the course mid-race. Instantly dissolving powder will be music to the ears of ultra-runners, endurance cyclists and anyone else doing long distance events where carrying tablets or gummies can result in a sticky pocket mess. The flavours are refreshing and not salty – the mango and orange tasted like a glass of fruit squash from childhood. I felt refreshed and suffered no cramps or other adverse stomach issues during use. The added vitamins (B12, C) were a nice touch and aided electrolyte delivery around the body. As a long distance runner I'm usually nervous to put things in my mouth that aren't just 'salts', 'sugars' or 'carbs,' but I experienced no gastrointestinal issues while taking these electrolytes. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 350mg Potassium: 300mg Magnesium: 56mg 2. Best Value Electrolyte: HIGH5 ZERO Tablets These are a great starter electrolyte and due to their low sodium content (250mg), they are also easy on the stomach. This is especially good after a tough workout session, where eating or drinking supplements with strong flavours doesn't always appeal. There's a good range of flavours – I tested berry and found that although it didn't taste anything like berries, it wasn't an aggressive taste and was easy to drink. The biggest downside for me was how long it took the tablets to dissolve in a bottle. They're not something you'd be able to pop into a race bottle on-the-go, but they worked absolutely fine for a pre-workout hydration mix or for recovery hydration. At the equivalent of less than 40p per tablet, HIGH5 (so called because of the five electrolytes) are a great budget option and tend to work for everyone. I enjoyed knowing there's a range of interesting sounding flavours, from turmeric and ginger to 'tropical'. Key specifications 3. Best Natural Electrolytes: Huma Hydration Drink Mix Score: 9/10 We like: No muscle fatigue A significant sodium hit without being able to taste the sodium All natural ingredients - non synthetic flavour We don't like: Took a bit longer than the others to dissolve A little sweeter than others (so may be quicker to get flavour fatigue) Huma is cornering the market when it comes to naturally-flavoured, non-GMO (genetically modified organisms, which have health and environmental risks), no-baddies supplements. This comes in a handy ready-to-use sachet, with powder that dissolved easily when I popped it into a glass. It fizzed up more than the others I tested, and for a second I wondered if I was going to have to contend with a fizzy sherbet fountain. However, the drink soon settled and I was surprised at how sweet it tasted. Checking the ingredients, there's definitely no added sugar – that said, the sweetness was pleasant and masked any salty flavour. Huma has 380mg of sodium which according to their blurb 'matches the sweat profile of an average person'. This is a pleasant taste and it saw off cramps and muscle fatigue during an endurance cycling Zwift session. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 380mg Potassium: 100mg Magnesium: 40mg 4. Best for In-race Fuelling: SaltStick FastChews Lemon Lime Electrolytes As a disclaimer, I've been using these electrolyte chews for years as my own in-race fuel. For balance, I asked two running friends to co-test these. I'm not good at drinking during fast races because most of it goes over me, so the thought of drinking an electrolyte mixture mid-run doesn't fill me with confidence. SaltStick electrolyte chews aren't the best option for rehydrating, but they're a great choice for a mid-race sodium top up. They can be carried in a pocket during a race and crunched down when needed. My rule of thumb is when they start to taste too salty, you've had enough. My only criticism is their serving suggestion can be tricky to figure out. The packet suggests you take one tablet every 15 minutes. They deliver 100mg of sodium per tablet, so I can understand their reasoning on a hot day, but this feels like it could be overkill – if only because of how dry it would make your mouth. Your preferred serving size might take a bit of trial and error. My two running friends concurred that they taste like sweets, although one said with a dry mouth already, it sucked the moisture out mid-run. That said, they both agreed it was easier than drinking, so these are a great faff-free option, Key specifications 5. Best Electrolytes for Range of Flavours: Humantra Electrolytes Styled as the lifestyle electrolyte, these are advertised as being for people 'who run, think or breathe'. In short, if it's warm, Humantra recommends these electrolytes. I decided to test these after cycling. I did a sustained 50 minute threshold session on an indoor bike at a gym with no air conditioning and sweated a lot. When I came home, I knew I needed to replenish my salt levels quickly as I felt sluggish and had cramps in my toes. I loved that these electrolytes were in sachets, so they were easy to tip into a flask and shake. The marketing for these suggest that they're good for non-sports people too, to simply remain hydrated day to day. Online, I even saw someone say that they added them to a glass of ice and a sprig of mint for a refreshing drink. From a sports perspective, there are certainly stronger options out there. This product also has added vitamins and minerals like B12 which are handy from a lifestyle perspective, but don't contribute much to recovery. That said, on one hot day, inspired and tired from a day's humid cycling commute to the office, I do find myself mixing up an icy drink with elderberry, ice and a slice of lemon. It was delightful. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 200mg Potassium: 200mg Magnesium: 25mg 6. Best Electrolytes for Carbohydrates and Hydration: Kendal Mint Raspberry and Mint Isotonic Hydration This is a curveball option – it's the only one on the list that offers 34g of carbohydrate per serving, while also delivering a serious hit of sodium (146mg). Endurance athletes should look to Kendal Mint if they want to hydrate, take on electrolytes and refuel all at the same time. The taste is hit and miss. I love mint and find it one of the only palatable flavours when I'm doing tough endurance exercise. Others may not, and if that's the case then the Kendal Mint Range is probably not for you. Because this does come in a larger pouch, you will have to decant your own serving into a bottle or flask if you want to take it with you on the go, so it's less straightforward than other sachets to simply slip in your pocket. In addition to this, the serving suggestion is specific, so if you don't have a container to hand, you might struggle. Key specifications 7. Best Electrolytes for a Neutral Flavour: Elete CitriLyte Score: 7/10 We like: Dissolves easily No cramps No lurid colour We don't like: Bottles come with added challenges (like losing lids mid workout) The taste is odd Difficult to transport (if you buy a big bottle) A faff to measure £27.99 Buy Now Price at Amazon Elete markets its product as having no flavour or smell. Don't be fooled – this definitely has a flavour, and it's a little strange. Midway through rehydrating after a run, I was left wondering if I should throw in some orange squash to try to mask the saline tang. That said, it certainly works – I used Elete during a hard interval session on track that could easily have led to cramping, had I not taken on electrolytes. The main challenge is that it's easy to get carried away with dropping the liquid into a glass. I prefer to have a sachet or tablet that is already pre-measured out, but ultimately any imbalance here is down to user-error. Also, I found it a bit of a faff having to count the number of drops going into a glass (16 is recommended,) and I certainly wouldn't be wanting to do this mid-workout. Key specifications Serve: 16 drops to 250ml water Sodium per serving: 125mg Potassium: 130mg Magnesium: 45mg 8. Best Electrolytes for Sensitive Insides: Active Root Electrolite Active Root is well-known in the endurance community for their drink mixes. You'll often see a 20l barrel of Active Root at aid stations on trail runs, because ginger acts as an anti-nausea agent. I took this Active Root electrolyte in a flask with me during a 32km training run in the Jura Mountains in Switzerland. I knew that I'd be running most of the day in direct sunlight, with a steep ascent ahead of me. It was pleasant to sip on and made a change from water. I didn't get any cramps and the headache that had been threatening actually alleviated. It was tricky to open however, especially with tired and sweaty hands. Active Root would do well to amend its packaging for better portability. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 322mg of sodium Potassium: 0mg Magnesium: 0mg 9. Best Electrolytes for Endurance Athletes: Styrkr Hypotonic Drink The Styrkr drink gives users 1000mg of salt per serving, which is three times the normal sweat rate of a human. They describe it as the 'highest single and adjustable serving hydration tablet on the market.' I can think of few instances where this amount of salt would be necessary, but if you are a pro-cyclist training for a humid jungle endurance race, then this product is for you. I would, on reflection, recommend halving the soluble tablets to take on 500mg of salt. This is still a good whack of sodium, but it will ease you into the product, rather than taking on the full load all at once. This is a product for sportspeople, not lifestyle, and I can imagine there are a number of situations where this level of electrolyte replenishment comes into its own. However, balancing this level of electrolytes with a workout or race would be best done with a nutritionist. Key specifications Serving: 1 tablet per 500ml water Sodium per serving: 1000mg Potassium: 100mg Magnesium: 25mg 10. Best Electrolytes for Salty Sweaters: Precision Hydration Electrolyte Tablets Precision's hydration describes itself as for 'salty sweaters', and like the Styrkr electrolytes above, that's certainly the case when you look at the volume of sodium in the mix (1000mg). Despite this, the salt flavour is mild. It has a delicate orange taste and smells like a weak fruit squash. It's actually refreshing, which is nice when trying to rehydrate on a hot day. One thing that did throw me was that unlike most of the other electrolytes I tested, Precision Hydration was colour-free, so it looked just like I was drinking a glass of water. Unlike the Styrkr hydration solution, I didn't get nausea or stomach upset after sampling this. I've started to get cramp in my calves at around 80 per cent through long trail runs – even more so now the hot weather is here. A few hours in I popped a tablet in my flask when I ran past a water fountain. It dissolved quickly and put an end to the cramps that usually haunt me when the sun ramps up. Key specifications Serving: 1 tablet in 500ml water Sodium per serving: 1000mg Potassium: 250mg Magnesium: 24mg 11. Best Electrolytes for Weightlifting: MyProtein Impact Hydrate Although I sampled the cherry and strawberry, I have been told the lemon and lime flavour is more palatable. The cherry is strong and the flavour made it difficult to get down, even after more dilution. That said I liked how the drink came with extras (Vitamin C, B12). As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for extra boosts of B12 in the food or supplements I take on, so this was a nice addition (if a little irrelevant to the product as an electrolyte). I tried this after a strength workout in the gym, which has no air conditioning, and the headache I sometimes get after a tough workout due to dehydration didn't materialise. The amount of sodium is quite low, so this might be a better choice for a lifestyle drink, or to take on after a light workout rather than a heavy hitting cardio session. Key specifications Electrolytes FAQs What role do electrolytes play? Without adequate hydration and electrolytes, your heart rate and blood pressure can increase, resulting in fatigue and cramps, potentially causing serious damage. Cramps are often caused by electrolyte imbalances, like low sodium. This happens during hot days where sodium and potassium are sweated out without adequate electrolyte replacement. To avoid this, drinking electrolytes while on the go or loading up before a workout could help. When should you take electrolytes? Sports performance nutritionist Kate Shilland says: 'Electrolytes are most beneficial during longer or more intense sessions. I generally recommend them for any session over an hour or if you're exercising in hot, sweaty conditions. 'For a slow 5k, a regular yoga class or for short workouts, water is enough as you're not typically going to be sweating too much. But, if you're already dehydrated, know you're a heavy sweater or you're prone to cramping, then electrolytes in your water can be a good idea for shorter sessions.' Should you take electrolytes before, during or after a session? 'For most people, taking electrolytes after a session helps best with recovery, but it's also important to start a workout well hydrated.' says Katie. 'I recommend an electrolyte tab in water the night before a big event to ensure you wake up hydrated.' She adds that if you're training in hot weather or for sessions over an hour, electrolytes before and during can help maintain performance. 'Electrolytes with an added carb source are great for performance as they help with fuelling as well as hydration.' Can you overdose on electrolytes? It's unlikely that you'll overdose on electrolytes using high street and over-the-counter brands. That said, there are some products (such as Precision Hydration's 1500 sports drink, which has three times as much sodium than an average drink) where it's easier to accidentally take on more sodium than expected. If this happens it's best to drink as much water as possible to help 'dilute' the salt in the body. Hypernatremia is when your bloodstream experiences a sharp influx of sodium. It can cause gastrointestinal distress, muscle spasms, puffiness in hands and fingers and feeling incredibly thirsty. What else should be in an electrolyte? 'Sodium is the main component as it's the primary mineral lost in sweat. We also need magnesium, potassium, chloride and calcium as these support muscle and nerve function and heart beat regulation. If you're a competitive athlete, it's essential that you look for 'informed Sport' certification for quality and safety assurance,' says Katie. What's the price range of an electrolyte? The price ranges of electrolyte range from £1.40 from a single serving sachet up to £45 for a tub of electrolyte powder. Tubes of tablets can be cheaper still.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
I tested the hydration drink users call their 'go-to' for a daily boost - it gave me more energy, better focus and ZERO crash (plus get 15% off)
Shoppers looking to start their day with something hydrating, energy-boosting and focus-enhancing are swapping out their morning coffee for this electrolyte drink from Spacegoods, calling it their new everyday 'go-to'. The Spacegoods Hydro Dust is a hydration supplement designed to help you feel more energised, focused, and resilient every single day. The best bit? MailOnline readers can score an additional 15 per cent off with our code. Spacegoods Hydro Dust - Starter Kit Packed with electrolytes, B vitamin complex, minerals, and Reishi mushrooms, Hydro Dust is crafted to complement your active lifestyle - helping you feel refreshed, replenished, and ready to take on the day. The best bit? MailOnline readers can score an additional 15 per cent off with code MAILONLINE15. £33.15 (save £5.85) Shop Whether you're upgrading your morning brew or after a tasty and effective post-workout drink, Spacegoods Hydro Dust is the good-for-you, super ingredient-packed solution you need to try That's right, for 15 per cent off your first Spacegoods order, simply use the code MAILONLINE15 at checkout, making your next hydration boost even more affordable. Whether you're upgrading your morning brew or after a tasty and effective post-workout drink, Spacegoods Hydro Dust is the good-for-you, super ingredient-packed solution you need to try. Packed with electrolytes, B vitamin complex, minerals, and Reishi mushrooms, Hydro Dust is crafted to complement your active lifestyle - helping you feel refreshed, replenished, and ready to take on the day. Flavoured with real watermelon dust, the tasty drink features Himalayan Pink Salt, Potassium, Chloride and Magnesium to help contribute to electrolyte balance while supporting hydration and preventing muscle cramps – making it an ideal choice for pre and post-workout sipping. Hydro Dust also features Vitamin C and Zinc, nutrients known for their role in supporting a healthy immune system, plus B1, B3, and B6, which are involved in energy metabolism and mental focus. Also in the mix is Reishi, a functional mushroom traditionally used to promote endurance. The result is a delicious drink that keeps you hydrated, switched on, energised and less stressed - and I can attest to this as I put Hydro Dust to the test myself. Keen to reduce my caffeine intake, I've been on the hunt for things that'll give me that same needed boost in the mornings and before my workouts without the stomach sensitivity and brain fog that often comes alongside my long black. After trying Spacegood's Rainbow Dust drinks and loving it, I decided to give the Hydro Dust a go. Safe to say I wasn't disappointed. As simple as stirring a teaspoon of powder into a glass of water, Hydro Dust has helped me kick the caffeine without sacrificing on energy levels, and I've found myself feeling more focused and switched on after my daily watermelon drink, too. While I love it for helping me stay focused at work (especially after a poor night of sleep), I appreciate it most as a pre-workout drink, giving me a dose of salt and hydration before a big sweat while giving me a helpful boost to tackle my workout. Thanks to the inclusion of Reishi Mushroom, a highly hyped adaptogen, Hydro Dust helps to support resilience, known to help the body adapt to stress and support a calm, focused state. Even on my busiest days this has been a huge help, keeping me far more level headed. In fact, I couldn't put the benefits better than this five-star reviewer, who wrote: 'It does seem to give a bit of a lift. Nothing jittery or intense, just a subtle feeling of being more switched on and energised.' And for that boosted feeling alone, I have to rate Hydro Dust a five out of five.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How America's obsession with staying hydrated became a $1.5 billion business
Mike Keech, the CEO of Liquid I.V., thinks you have a problem that you might not even be aware of. 'A majority of consumers, Americans and people around the world are chronically dehydrated,' he told CNN. 'They just don't know it.' Even if consumers don't know if they're actually suffering from a lack of fluids, they're still buying electrolyte-filled products like they are. Liquid I.V. has become one of the biggest brands to capitalize on hydration, part of the overall 'better for you' wellness trend that's been percolating within the food and beverage industry over the past several years. Hydration, in particular, has been at the center of social media trends — like #WaterTok on TikTok — and buzzy viral products with analysts projecting it growing into a multibillion-dollar market in the next few years. 'The category has benefited from changing consumption patterns. It's no longer just about sports recovery, but about maintaining daily wellness, and managing hangovers,' Nate Rosen, a consumer packaged goods expert, told CNN. 'A lot of people simply don't like plain water and really treat these hydration drinks as a way to flavor their water.' Liquid I.V. launched in 2012, initially targeted toward hardcore athletes recovering from a tough workout. The flavored powder mix is marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar-filled sports drinks, with the potion containing salt, vitamins and electrolytes that support rapid hydration. 'The category has been really tired and dusty,' Keech said. 'Before, it was a sports person who was sponsored and the idea was, 'If it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for me.'' That was initially a successful proposition and sales soared, prompting Unilever to buy Liquid I.V. for an undisclosed price in 2020. Under Keech, who became CEO of Liquid I.V. following the acquisition, the brand and his team broadened its 'positioning it to a much wider audience,' shifting from just sports stars to 'the business person, the mom and the gym bunny.' From there, the brand's distribution doubled and the product has expanded the number of flavors, including a viral firecracker blend, as well as a new sugar-free selection. Liquid I.V. is on track to becoming a $1 billion unit with Unilever labeling it a 'power brand' in its most recent earnings report, which has helped its wellbeing category achieve double-digit sales growth. 'We recognized that hydration is just not for athletes,' Keech said. 'That's where lift-off happened.' Hydration has largely been dominated for years by liquids, notably Pedialyte, which is commonly used to prevent or treat dehydration in children. But the drink grew in popularity through the mid-2010s as young people used it as a hangover cure and athletes drank it for recovery. Then there's PepsiCo's Gatorade, which holds a commanding lead in the sports drink category, plus Mexico-based Electrolit, which is investing $400 million in a new US plant to meet growing demand. However, powders have recently become a 'success story,' according to Howard Telford, head of soft drinks for analytics company Euromonitor. 'The big thing is convenience: It's something that you can have on the kitchen counter, desk drawer at work or in the gym bag. There's no bulky purchase where you have to allocate space to it in your fridge,' he told CNN. 'The flavor profiles are also pretty good for Liquid I.V. as well, which is not nothing.' Keech also credits the convenience factor for Liquid I.V.'s growth, pointing toward festival-goers at Coachella, which it sponsors, as an example. 'You can't just rock out with all sorts of water bottles,' he said. 'That's helps us hydrate people in ways others can't.' Sales of powdered mixes has achieved double-digit sales growth for the past four consecutive years, most recently growing 20% in 2024, ballooning into a $1.5 billion category, according to Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm. The growth has sparked new entrants for portable mixes ranging from Gatorade, who's sales of enhancers has grown 200% over the last four years, and Coca-Cola's BodyArmor to smaller startups like diet-friendly LMNT and the Novak Djokovic-backed Waterdrop — all in hopes of emulating market leader Liquid I.V.'s popularity. 'When one brand achieves significant traction in a space, numerous fast followers emerge, especially when the original doesn't own anything truly proprietary beyond a great name,' said Rosen, who writes the Express Checkout newsletter. 'After all, anyone can produce an electrolyte powder.' BodyArmor, which recently relaunched its entire line, has seen a bright spot in growth with its Flash I.V. hydration drinks and powders. Both products generated $120 million in sales in its first year. The space 'saw a big jump in consumption during Covid because people started to realize how important hydration was. There's also a very heightened sense for longevity as a well, immunity and also overall addition of vitamins into your body,' BodyArmor CEO Federico Muyshondt told CNN. Liquid I.V. is 'obsessed with science,' Keech said, adding that it spends a 'very significant amount of money on clinical studies to make sure that we can stand by the claims we make.' A page on Liquid I.V.'s website claims its product has 'superior hydration' compared to simply drinking water, proclaiming that if you're thirsty 'then you already may be dehydrated.' However, Heidi Skolnik, a senior sports nutritionist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, is skeptical that dehydration is a common problem for people with unrestricted water access and that people being 'chronically dehydrated is probably an overstatement.' 'Athletes and active people can benefit from using electrolyte powder and drinks,' she told CNN, but 'less active people probably do not need them.' Although water itself is sufficient for hydrating the average person, she said flavoring it 'helps people drink more, so that is a positive and it elevates their awareness of what and how much they are drinking.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNN
24-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
How America's obsession with staying hydrated became a $1.5 billion business
Mike Keech, the CEO of Liquid I.V., thinks you have a problem that you might not even be aware of. 'A majority of consumers, Americans and people around the world are chronically dehydrated,' he told CNN. 'They just don't know it.' Even if consumers don't know if they're actually suffering from a lack of fluids, they're still buying electrolyte-filled products like they are. Liquid I.V. has become one of the biggest brands to capitalize on hydration, part of the overall 'better for you' wellness trend that's been percolating within the food and beverage industry over the past several years. Hydration, in particular, has been at the center of social media trends — like #WaterTok on TikTok — and buzzy viral products with analysts projecting it growing into a multibillion-dollar market in the next few years. 'The category has benefited from changing consumption patterns. It's no longer just about sports recovery, but about maintaining daily wellness, and managing hangovers,' Nate Rosen, a consumer packaged goods expert, told CNN. 'A lot of people simply don't like plain water and really treat these hydration drinks as a way to flavor their water.' Liquid I.V. launched in 2012, initially targeted toward hardcore athletes recovering from a tough workout. The flavored powder mix is marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar-filled sports drinks, with the potion containing salt, vitamins and electrolytes that support rapid hydration. 'The category has been really tired and dusty,' Keech said. 'Before, it was a sports person who was sponsored and the idea was, 'If it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for me.'' That was initially a successful proposition and sales soared, prompting Unilever to buy Liquid I.V. for an undisclosed price in 2020. Under Keech, who became CEO of Liquid I.V. following the acquisition, the brand and his team broadened its 'positioning it to a much wider audience,' shifting from just sports stars to 'the business person, the mom and the gym bunny.' From there, the brand's distribution doubled and the product has expanded the number of flavors, including a viral firecracker blend, as well as a new sugar-free selection. Liquid I.V. is on track to becoming a $1 billion unit with Unilever labeling it a 'power brand' in its most recent earnings report, which has helped its wellbeing category achieve double-digit sales growth. 'We recognized that hydration is just not for athletes,' Keech said. 'That's where lift-off happened.' Hydration has largely been dominated for years by liquids, notably Pedialyte, which is commonly used to prevent or treat dehydration in children. But the drink grew in popularity through the mid-2010s as young people used it as a hangover cure and athletes drank it for recovery. Then there's PepsiCo's Gatorade, which holds a commanding lead in the sports drink category, plus Mexico-based Electrolit, which is investing $400 million in a new US plant to meet growing demand. However, powders have recently become a 'success story,' according to Howard Telford, head of soft drinks for analytics company Euromonitor. 'The big thing is convenience: It's something that you can have on the kitchen counter, desk drawer at work or in the gym bag. There's no bulky purchase where you have to allocate space to it in your fridge,' he told CNN. 'The flavor profiles are also pretty good for Liquid I.V. as well, which is not nothing.' Keech also credits the convenience factor for Liquid I.V.'s growth, pointing toward festival-goers at Coachella, which it sponsors, as an example. 'You can't just rock out with all sorts of water bottles,' he said. 'That's helps us hydrate people in ways others can't.' Sales of powdered mixes has achieved double-digit sales growth for the past four consecutive years, most recently growing 20% in 2024, ballooning into a $1.5 billion category, according to Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm. The growth has sparked new entrants for portable mixes ranging from Gatorade, who's sales of enhancers has grown 200% over the last four years, and Coca-Cola's BodyArmor to smaller startups like diet-friendly LMNT and the Novak Djokovic-backed Waterdrop — all in hopes of emulating market leader Liquid I.V.'s popularity. 'When one brand achieves significant traction in a space, numerous fast followers emerge, especially when the original doesn't own anything truly proprietary beyond a great name,' said Rosen, who writes the Express Checkout newsletter. 'After all, anyone can produce an electrolyte powder.' BodyArmor, which recently relaunched its entire line, has seen a bright spot in growth with its Flash I.V. hydration drinks and powders. Both products generated $120 million in sales in its first year. The space 'saw a big jump in consumption during Covid because people started to realize how important hydration was. There's also a very heightened sense for longevity as a well, immunity and also overall addition of vitamins into your body,' BodyArmor CEO Federico Muyshondt told CNN. Liquid I.V. is 'obsessed with science,' Keech said, adding that it spends a 'very significant amount of money on clinical studies to make sure that we can stand by the claims we make.' A page on Liquid I.V.'s website claims its product has 'superior hydration' compared to simply drinking water, proclaiming that if you're thirsty 'then you already may be dehydrated.' However, Heidi Skolnik, a senior sports nutritionist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, is skeptical that dehydration is a common problem for people with unrestricted water access and that people being 'chronically dehydrated is probably an overstatement.' 'Athletes and active people can benefit from using electrolyte powder and drinks,' she told CNN, but 'less active people probably do not need them.' Although water itself is sufficient for hydrating the average person, she said flavoring it 'helps people drink more, so that is a positive and it elevates their awareness of what and how much they are drinking.'
