So, you’re looking for the best hydration tablets on the market? You’ve come to the right place, as we have the top products that are essential for rehydration and maintaining optimum fluid balance.
We will cover how hydration tablets work if you’re new to them and why they could be a good addition into your lifestyle. Feel free to skip to our list here right away if you know all about hydration tablets already.
Before we get straight to it, don’t forget that if you’re a lover of all things nutrition you can become a nutritionist by taking our Level 4 Advanced Sports Nutrition Course. Alternatively, find all of our health and fitness courses that we offer here in our downloadable course prospectus.
How Hydration Tablets Work & Why You Should Consider Them
It goes without saying that if you are dehydrated, you can combat this by drinking lots of water.
While this should always be your first action when you’re thirsty, the truth is that without replenishing what you have lost in electrolytes, your body will struggle to absorb as much of the water that you drink.
Taking sports hydration tablets is one of the most effective ways to maintain hydration. This is because they become responsible for replacing the missing electrolytes lost through exercise (as well as replenishing your fluids).
Normally hydration tablets contain a combination of salts, minerals, and glucose which will aid in the absorption of sodium, (an essential element for rehydrating efficiently) through the wall of the intestine. When you correct the electrolyte balance in the blood, it will then allow the body to rehydrate by transporting water to where it’s needed most.
You must be wondering; are hydration tablets good for you and why you should even consider taking them – so allow us to explain.
Electrolyte or hydration tablets offer a method of replenishing fluids, and are convenient for individuals or athletes who place themselves under a lot of physical stress.
When you take sports hydration tablets you are automatically avoiding sports drinks, which often contain high levels of sugar.
If the drink contains more sugar than sodium, these ingredients will not be absorbed correctly; In fact, they will actually cause a build-up in the intestines rather than replenishing hydration levels, which does more harm than good.
Many athletes who use hydration tablets often consume them during physical activity, as this prevents them from sustaining an electrolyte imbalance and therefore underperforming or becoming unwell.
Now that we’ve discussed how hydration tablets work and the benefits that they bring, it’s time to take a look at the products that made it onto our shortlist.
13 Best Hydration Tablets
#1 Wiggle Nutrition Hydration Tablets (UK)
Price: £3.99
Whether you’re a moderately active person or an elite athlete, hydration tablets can help you get the most out of the water that you drink, which is essential for keeping optimum hydration.
If you’re wondering how to use hydration tablets, all you need to do is mix 500ml of water with one hydration tablet for a low-calorie drink that will help to maintain your hydration levels either before or during your workout.
The Wiggle Hydration tablets contain several important electrolytes that you will lose through sweat. Each hydration tablet contains less than 7 calories per serving, which is a great alternative to the calories that sports drinks contain.
By using Wiggle’s sports hydration tablets you’re sustaining a more cost-efficient way to replenish your lost electrolytes in your workouts when compared to sports drinks – which are significantly more expensive than tablets even when sold in bulk.
You need not worry about taste either, as they’re available in a variety of light and refreshing fruit flavours. These flavours work well alongside other products that you may already be using, such as running gels or performance-boosting energy bars.
The action of balancing electrolytes that the Wiggle tablets provide will help to provide better carbohydrate absorption to help you avoid low blood sugar levels. These are hydration tablets that are excellent value for money and could be your next buy.
#2 OTE Sports | Hydration Tablets
Price: £7.50
OTE sports offer what they describe as one of the best ways to help your body rehydrate.
Each tablet is naturally flavoured including:
- Blackcurrant
- Strawberry
- Orange
- Lemon
One single packet includes 20 tablets so it is great value for money and if you want to buy in bulk, you can opt for a box of 6 for £40.50.
These tablets of course support electrolyte hydration and it is as simple as dissolving one tablet in 500ml of water.
These are perfect for the athlete who needs to stay hydrated or just about anybody who may find themselves needing some assisted hydration on a hot, humid day.
With just 8kcals per tablet, you need not worry about adding these tablets into your diet if you’re calorie counting; they will simply keep you hydrated without you having to worry about it disturbing your meal plan.
#3 O.R.S | Hydration Tablets
Price: £5.40
Next up is O.R.S. which offers a budget-friendly method of hydration. You can get 24 tablets in one tube which is great value for your money.
O.R.S boast great taste and hydration while also being great for travelling, especially in hot climates.
There is no need to worry if you have any specific dietary requirements either, as these hydration tablets are not only gluten-free but also vegan-friendly.
To use these tablets all you will need to do is pop 2 tablets in 200ml of water and drink up when it is dissolved.
O.R.S hydration tablets obtain a scientifically balanced formula of electrolytes and glucose profile and are perfect for anybody who needs a quick fix or boost in hydration.
So if you’re somebody on the go and need to rehydrate, pop some O.R.S. in your bag before heading out!
#4 High5 Zero Hydration Tablets
Price: £4.19
If you’re looking for one of the best hydration tablets on the market then this could be your pick. With added vitamins and nutrients that include sodium, magnesium and potassium, the ZERO hydration tablets help to support a healthy immune system.
The magnesium in the ZERO tablets contributes to electrolyte balance and reduces fatigue, which in turn helps with protein synthesis.
They can be used for a range of sporting activities such as running, cycling, swimming, rugby, and countless more! They can also be used for individuals who work in hot environments as well, even if they’re not particularly active.
What’s great about this product is that you don’t have to stick to one flavour. You will be able to try up to 10 different flavours, one of which is neutral. The neutral flavour is essentially flavourless, which would be ideal for anyone who just wants to add the product to their cordial or diluted juice to create a zero-calorie sports drink.
If you head over to Wiggle.co.uk directly there are exclusive flavours such as apple, cinnamon and mango, making it one of the most exciting products out there in terms of flavour!
Like the previous products, it comes with 20 dissolvable tablets which is a very cost-efficient method of getting needed electrolytes which are lost during sweat.
#5 SiS Hydro Tablets
Price: £7.00
SIS are a well-known brand in the sporting community, so if they’re selling sports hydration tablets, you know you can put your trust in them.
These tablets are designed to ensure nothing but peak performance, they will quickly dissolve in water and ensure that you’re topped up with electrolytes without having to consume extra calories. They will also meet your sodium requirements, which are proven to help with much better hydration compared to drinking water alone.
When you do moderate to intense exercise, you could potentially lose up to a litre of sweat depending on environmental conditions. It’s important to note sodium is probably the most important electrolyte which helps to stimulate thirst, improve taste and promote absorption and retention of water.
Dehydration regularly occurs when fluids and electrolytes are not replaced, and can often lead to fatigue, which is not only dangerous but can lead to a loss of overall motivation. SIS GO Hydro contains a specific mixture 300mg of electrolytes, and can be used either before exercise or during your sessions.
Another way to gain extra energy from the SiS Hydro Tablets is by selecting the additional caffeine option, which will improve alertness and overall concentration.
The product is great as it comes in a choice of 6 flavours and costs only £7.00 per pack considering it’s vegan-friendly, perfect for just about anybody.
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#6 Nutrition X | Hydra 10
Price: £24.99
This product provides optimal electrolyte hydration, it contains additional magnesium and B vitamins which are both beneficial for the body. You’ll be glad to know that the taste of the powder is not gritty, which certainly helps you to drink more of the solution, which in turn promotes a good level of hydration.
Any athlete needs to drink additional fluids containing electrolytes either before, during, or post-workout. It’s important to refuel as fluid loss impacts exercise and performance. The Hydra 10 has a unique formulation of glucose polymer to help ensure optimised hydration.
As mentioned earlier, there are 2 added components to this mixture which are magnesium and B vitamins. Magnesium is one of the key electrolytes which is lost during sweat and if not replaced, can often lead to cramping of the muscles during exercise.
B vitamins are a bonus as they help boost your energy levels and your immune system, which is vital in helping you to recover as quickly as possible whether it be from a run, weight training, or any other form of intense physical activity.
So if you’re looking to buy in bulk for something that will keep you hydrated over a longer time period, why not invest in Nutrtion X?
#7 Phizz | Hydration Tablets
Price: £7.99
If you’re looking for one of the best hydration tablets on the market, this brand has taken the market by storm! Phizz has been formulated to the World Health Organisation’s oral rehydration standards, which ensures that it is a quality product.
Phizz acts as a water multiplier, with an amazing 13 vitamins and minerals for wellness and recovery.
The electrolytes help to hydrate the body, regulate nerve and muscle function, and rebuild damaged tissue. Phizz contains 5 electrolytes which include chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. Phizz also contains 8 B vitamins which include Niacin (B3) and Riboflavin (B2) which can also help reduce tiredness and fatigue while promoting brain function.
What’s added to an already amazing list of vitamins and minerals is Vitamin C and Zinc which have powerful antioxidant properties that boost the immune system. Vitamin C is vital to help the body release energy and recover from tiredness and fatigue post-workout.
You don’t even need to use the tablets for workouts, as you could still use them safely when you are dehydrated after a flight, or had a restless night prior.
In terms of price, the product costs £7.99 and comes with a choice of 2 flavours (apple and blackcurrant or orange). So why not fill your water bottle with a pick me up over your regular water today?
#8 Skratch Labs | Sports Hydration Drink Mix
Price: £28.73 per 20 Pack
Skratch Labs hydration mix is full of natural ingredients that can replenish the all-important electrolytes that are lost during physical activity.
What makes Skratch unique is the formulation of its hydration product. The development of this product came off the back of the failure of products with a similar goal.
Many hydration products are made with artificial ingredients which don’t do much good at all they can intensify stomach issues.
Thus, Skratch Labs brought a solution without overcomplicating it. Instead, they formulated the perfect solution that has natural ingredients, is flavoured with real fruit and is easy on the stomach.
Of course, it boasts great taste and the USP is simplicity, you can avoid lists of chemicals but instead count on a formula that contains 10% more electrolytes to replace what is lost in sweat.
With a non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free recipe, this is a great pick.
#9 Nuun Sport | Hydration Tablets
Price: £5.51
Nuun Sport has created a tasty and hydrating blend of electrolytes for a budget-friendly price. With this range, you can choose from 8 different flavours and choose if you want the extra boost of caffeine or not.
Whether you want a one-time purchase of 10 servings or 8-pack boxes in bulk – they have you covered. This is perfect for those who want to keep stocked up on extra hydration tablets and save money all the while.
They are confident in their serious hydration promise when you’re breaking a sweat! Not only that but you can be sure that incorporating these handy tablets into your life can help aid of normal muscle function, as you know by now, loss of electrolytes can cause unwanted cramping after a workout so Nuun will help you to avoid this at all costs.
Nuun’s hydration tablets can be used for cycling, running or just on those hot days when the sheer importance of staying hydrated escapes us.
With over 1300 reviews, this is a product you can trust. Their best seller is citrus fruit, so why not make this your first try from Nuun!
#10 Bulk Powders | Complete Hydration Drink
Price: £10.99 (500G)
This is another product from Bulk Powders which is a high-performance drink that can be mixed to make an isotonic solution and is a great alternative to hydration tablets!
This hydration tablet alternative contains an advanced blend of 3 carbohydrates which consists of dextrose, maltodextrin and fructose to take advantage of different carbohydrate absorptions.
There’s also added BCAA into the formula alongside 4 electrolytes which are sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Along with these is Vitamin B6 which helps contribute to normal energy metabolism.
If you usually use market-leading brands during your workouts but you are looking for something that will save you money in the long run as well as provide excellent value for money, then this product is for you.
There have been studies that have shown that adding dextrose and fructose results in better and higher carbohydrate oxidation than just glucose alone. Also, vitamin B6 is known to help reduce tiredness and fatigue, which is exactly what we are trying to combat!
This product would be suitable for endurance athletes, whether they’re runners or cyclists. From just a 500g bag you would get up to 12 servings, the perfect investment for any athlete.
#11 Electrolytes Plus Tablets
Price: £10.99
This product from MyProtein is fantastic if you want to replenish the loss of electrolytes. If you are wondering when to use hydration tablets, this product is ideal for properly rehydrating post-workout, especially with these electrolyte-plus tablets.
If you’re looking for a way to simply top up your essential minerals to stay functioning as you should be during exercise, these electrolyte-plus tablets are especially useful after intense training sessions and when you have been sweating a lot.
This product would help to maintain salt balance and contains all the essential electrolytes! All you need to do is to take one tablet twice per day, especially if you’re working out.
This is a little different compared to the hydration soluble tablets because you will just need to take them with water and food, but some people do prefer this method, especially if they’re struggling to find soluble tablets with a neutral taste.
This will make it easier to not bring these tablets with you on your runs or cycles and instead just take them at home after your workout. If you want to go for a run but are struggling to find your groove, this article on the top running apps for beginners will help you!
#12 Bulk Powders Electrolyte Powder
Price: £19.99
If you’re looking for alternative hydration tablets in the UK, many electrolyte products only contain two electrolytes, whereas this product from Bulk Powders contains several electrolytes such as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium.
When you add carbohydrates to electrolyte powder it will help maintain endurance performance for longer periods. The electrolyte powder will also allow you to control the amount of electrolytes which would be relative to your carbohydrate drink. You could potentially use this powder to increase levels of electrolytes if they are low!
Consuming electrolyte powder has several benefits. It will help to contribute to your electrolyte balance and ensure that you will have vital electrolytes when you lose them through sweat. The powder will help endurance athletes as it will help contribute to normal muscle function after intense sessions.
In terms of price, you can pick up a 100g powder for £4.99 but you will save £5.04 overall if you buy the 500g powder!
#13 Trace Minerals | Electrolyte Stamina Tablets
Price: From £14.69
Last but not least is Trace Minerals who offer an electrolyte replacement for those who are especially active.
The electrolyte stamina is ideal for sports performance, people working in high temperatures or just about anybody who expects to lose fluid.
With the help of these hydration tablets, you can avoid nagging muscle cramps, maintain your overall muscle stamina and support ATP production.
One thing that shows just how confident Trace Minerals is in its product is the money-back guarantee. They promise that if you don’t feel the difference, you can get your money back, so there is nothing to lose.
This product comes from America’s #1 Trace Mineral brand, is 3rd party-tested and uses only the best manufacturing practices to keep you safe.
With 90 tablets under £20 and a gluten-free and vegan recipe – nothing is stopping you from giving this a go!
Before You Go…
After following our list, you should have found one or more choices for your hydration needs.
We know how difficult it can be to choose something like this when there are masses to choose from, but with our help we are sure you’ll find your right pick.
Don’t forget, if you want a career in fitness and nutrition, find out more about how you can turn your passion into a career by studying our Level 4 nutrition course onlineOr simply download our latest prospectus here for more info on our range of fitness courses.