Sweaty long runs, early mornings and double-digit mileages call for smarter hydration. While training for her first marathon, Evelyn Richards put the most talked-about electrolytes through their paces.
Training for a marathon teaches you many things, including just how quickly your body can run out of steam without proper hydration.
Electrolytes have become my non-negotiable. Not just for long runs but for recovery, focus and even avoiding that dreaded mid-afternoon slump. But with so many options on the market and flooding TikTok FYPs right now, finding the right one can be overwhelming.
So, I did what any mildly obsessive first-time marathon runner would do: I tested them. Dozens of them. Across long runs, strength sessions and those “I really don’t want to run” days.
These are the electrolytes that I think combine great taste, quality ingredients and genuinely made a difference to how energised I felt afterwards.
Read more: ‘I tested 6 different running gels — this is the one I’m going to use on my half marathon’
Which electrolytes are best for women?
Punchy Daily Hydration Reset
Best for: Morning hydration and making water feel exciting
If you’re someone who struggles to remember to hydrate, this one feels like a treat rather than a task. The Tropical flavour is bright and juicy without tipping into artificial sweetness. It also doesn’t have the tell-tale saltiness of most electrolyte drinks.
Ingredients-wise, there’s a solid mix of sodium, potassium and magnesium, plus added vitamins. What stood out most during training was how quickly it seemed to wake me up on sluggish mornings. It’s less of a jittery energy and more of a gentle, hydrated clarity, which is ideal pre-run.
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Good Salt
Best for: Functional hydration that adapts to your energy, mood and routine
Good Salt isn’t just one formula, it comes in three distinct blends designed around how you want to feel: Move (for energy), Focus (for mental clarity) and Chill (for winding down).
Flavour-wise, they pack a proper punch, closer to a functional soft drink than a typical hydration mix, which makes them dangerously easy to keep sipping. My personal favourite is the Chill blend in Peach flavour, as it tastes like a Lipton Iced Tea mixed with Lucozade.
Ingredients go beyond the basics. Alongside key electrolytes like sodium and potassium, certain blends include functional additions like amino acids (for example, taurine and citrulline in Move) designed to support energy and performance without the sugar crash.
In training, I found myself reaching for different versions depending on the day. Move genuinely helped me get out of the door on low-energy mornings, Focus was ideal for post-run workdays when my brain felt foggy and Chill became my favourite for evening recovery.
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Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier
Best for: Fast recovery and noticeable hydration impact
This is arguably the most famous electrolyte on the list — and yes, it lives up to the hype. The flavour is bold and sweet, with options that lean towards fruity and slightly tangy. I personally love the Raspberry Lemonade, Passion Fruit and Tropical options.
The ingredients list includes glucose for enhanced absorption, alongside key electrolytes. And you can feel it. This was the fastest-acting hydration boost I tested — ideal for after tough sessions where I felt completely depleted. Energy levels bounced back quickly, making it a post-run staple.
FreeSoul Hydrate
Best for: All-day hydration and balanced energy
Sleek, balanced and multi-functional, FreeSoul’s Hydrate feels like the aesthetic wellness girl version of electrolytes. The flavour is soft and refreshing, with a slightly floral, clean finish that’s easy to sip throughout the day.
It includes electrolytes alongside added nutrients aimed at overall wellbeing, which makes it feel more like a daily supplement than just a workout drink.
After drinking, I noticed more consistent energy across the day rather than dramatic peaks.
Ancient and Brave True Hydration
Best for: Gentle hydration and gut-friendly support
Providing a balanced mix of electrolytes, this offering from Ancient and Brave contains coconut water powder with inulin, perfect for rehydrating first thing in the morning.
Inulin supports gut health, so this is a great electrolyte to use during your period or luteal phase.
The flavour is more subtle than the other picks on this list, with a salty (but not unpleasant) undertone.
SiS Hydro Tablets with Added B Vitamins
Best for: Affordable hydration with a light energy boost
Convenient and inexpensive, these tablets create a hydrating and energising electrolyte drink. The product is designed to provide sodium at a specific concentration for improved hydration, and I enjoyed its gentle fizz and flavour.
The light effervescence makes it feel more like a sports drink, and the added B vitamins give a noticeable lift.
While not the most premium option, it’s one of the most practical, especially if you’re training on a budget.
Should I take electrolytes?
If you’re still wondering whether electrolytes are necessary (or just another wellness trend), you’re not alone. It’s something I kept coming back to during training — especially on days when I wasn’t doing a long run but still felt inexplicably drained.
The question also came up at Living360’s Made To Move live panel event, where hydration was firmly on the agenda alongside performance and recovery. According to the experts on our panel, electrolytes aren’t just for elite athletes or marathon runners.
“I’m very active, so for me it’s important to ensure that I’m hydrated constantly. I notice that when I add electrolytes to my water, I always feel more hydrated,” said fitness coach Kirby Anne.
That tracks with what I noticed during training, too — it’s less about dramatic boosts and more about feeling consistently better. Fewer energy dips, a reduction in post-run fatigue and fewer headaches.
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Women’s health dietitian Dr Linia Patel emphasised that context matters, from your activity levels to your overall diet.
“Within the right context, electrolytes can definitely be helpful for optimising hydration,” she commented.
She also highlighted their usefulness for those experimenting with intermittent fasting, where maintaining hydration without food becomes even more important.
You probably don’t need them all the time, but if you’re training hard, sweating a lot or simply not feeling your best, they can be a genuinely helpful addition rather than just another powder in your cupboard.
When should you take electrolytes?
Electrolytes can be taken before, during or after exercise, as well as daily to support hydration — particularly during intense training or hot weather.
Do electrolytes give you energy?
While they don’t contain caffeine (usually), electrolytes support cellular function and hydration, which can significantly improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Electrolytes vs sports drinks: what’s the difference?
Electrolyte drinks focus on hydration and mineral balance, while sports drinks often include added sugars and carbohydrates for fuel.
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