Best electrolytes in Australia: how to choose.
Electrolyte tablets, powders and sports drinks all promise the same thing. What separates them is how much sodium you actually get, how much sugar comes with it and whether you will carry it. Here is how to pick one for Australian heat, long runs and everyday training.
Short version: for most short sessions, water is enough. On long, hot or very sweaty days, look for meaningful sodium per serve, decide whether you want sugar or not and choose a format that fits in your bag. More on when it matters in Electrolytes vs water.
Do you actually need electrolytes?
Sweat is mostly water, but it also carries sodium, with smaller amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Plain water replaces the fluid and nothing else. That is fine for a 30 minute session. It matters more on long runs and rides, on hot and humid days, for heavy or salty sweaters and after a long day outdoors.
What to look for
- Sodium per serve. Sodium is the electrolyte you lose most of in sweat, so it is the number to check first on the panel.
- Sugar. Sugar is useful if you want fuel during a long session. For everyday hydration, a zero sugar option avoids the 30 to 35g of sugar found in a typical 500ml sports drink.
- Format. Tablets and sachets are light to carry. Ready to drink bottles are convenient but heavy and usually want a fridge.
- Sweeteners. Zero sugar products use sweeteners. If you avoid a particular one, or have phenylketonuria (PKU) and need to avoid aspartame, read the ingredients.
- Taste. You will only drink it if you like it. Buy singles or a mixed pack before you commit.
- Cost per drink. Work it out per serve, not per pack.
Tablets, powders or sports drinks?
| Format | Good at | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Effervescent tablets | Light, fit any bottle neck, tube reseals | Take a couple of minutes to dissolve |
| Powder sachets | Compact, often higher in sodium or carbs | Can spill, need a wide bottle |
| Ready to drink | Nothing to mix | Heavy to carry, often high in sugar |
yohemite Water electrolyte tablets
yohemite Water is an effervescent tablet from Korea. Drop one into 400 to 600ml of water, wait two to three minutes and drink. Here is what is in one tablet, from the tube:
| Per tablet | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Other electrolytes | Potassium, calcium and magnesium |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Energy | 46kJ (about 11 Cal) |
| Tube | 10 tablets, 36g, two year shelf life |
| Diet | V-Label vegan |
Flavours: Original (calamansi citrus, with about 400mg of taurine), Lemon, Peach and Green Grape (about 100mg of taurine each).
Good to know: it is sweetened with sweeteners including aspartame, so it contains phenylalanine. If you are on a sodium restricted diet, check with your doctor first, as each tablet carries 220mg of sodium.
Cost: $12 a tube, which is $1.20 a drink, or $44.99 for all four flavours ($1.12 a drink).
Not sure which flavour? The Ultimate Hydration Pack has all four. Or browse every option in Electrolyte tablets.
How to use electrolytes on hot days and long sessions
- Before a long or hot session: one drink in the hour before you start.
- During: sip regularly rather than drinking a lot at once. On very long efforts, combine fluids with your carbohydrate plan. See our running gel guide.
- After: one drink to help replace what you lost, alongside a normal meal.
- Do not overdo it: drinking far more than you sweat is not better. Drink to thirst and follow the directions on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Are electrolyte tablets better than sports drinks? Neither is better for everyone. Tablets are lighter and usually sugar free. Sports drinks add carbohydrate, which helps during long efforts but is unnecessary for everyday hydration.
How many electrolyte drinks can I have a day? One or two is common for everyday use, more on a hot day or a long session. Follow the label and keep an eye on total sodium if you are watching your intake.
Do electrolyte tablets have sugar? Some do and some do not. yohemite Water has 0g of sugars per tablet.
When is plain water enough? For most sessions under an hour in mild weather. Our electrolytes vs water guide goes through the details.
Electrolyte tablets, shipped from Sydney.
yohemite Water in four flavours, singles or the four tube pack. Free shipping over $100 to most metro areas, same-day dispatch on most weekday orders before 11am.
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