Electrolytes

In this category, we have gathered electrolytes in sachets and powder, which are preparations for making a drink with mineral salts. Sachets have a factory-measured portion, while the powder in a can is measured with a scoop. They differ in the set of minerals, the amount of glucose, sweetness, and the number of portions per day. Below we explain how to compare them by label.

Electrolytes in sachets and powder: what are the differences

Great Hydrate by Aura Herbals comes in sachets, with 10 pcs. in a package, in pineapple or mango-passion fruit flavor. You pour the contents of one sachet into about 250 ml of water or another drink and mix until dissolved. The manufacturer recommends one portion per day, so the package lasts for 10 days.

Electrolyte Balance by Solve Labs is a powder in a 290 g package, with blackcurrant flavor and hibiscus extract. You measure a portion with a scoop, about 9.7 g, and dissolve it in 200 ml of water. The manufacturer recommends this portion twice a day.

A sachet is more convenient for travel and training because you don’t have to measure anything. The powder in a can works well where a scoop and shaker are at hand.

What minerals are in a portion

Great Hydrate provides the composition of one sachet in a table: 709 mg of chlorides, which is 88.6% NRV, 523 mg of potassium, which is 26% NRV, and 202.8 mg of sodium. The sources of minerals are potassium chloride and sodium chloride, and besides them, the composition includes only glucose and natural flavors.

Electrolyte Balance has a broader set of mineral salts. The list includes calcium lactate, magnesium salts of citric acid, potassium chloride and citrate, as well as sodium chloride and citrate. In addition to potassium and sodium, you also get calcium and magnesium, which are not present in Great Hydrate sachets.

Glucose, sweeteners, and flavor

Both electrolyte preparations contain glucose. In the Great Hydrate sachet, there are 2000 mg, while in Electrolyte Balance, glucose is listed first in the ingredient list. Solve Labs notes on the label that the product contains sugars and sweetening substances.

Electrolyte Balance is sweetened with erythritol and steviol glycosides, while Great Hydrate has no sweeteners other than glucose. Solve Labs also informs that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. The flavor is a choice between pineapple or mango with passion fruit in sachets and blackcurrant with hibiscus in powder.

Osmolarity and amount of water

Osmolarity describes the concentration of dissolved particles in the prepared drink. Aura Herbals states that Great Hydrate has 265 mOsm/l.

This value applies to the drink prepared according to the label. More water dilutes the drink, while less thickens it, so stick to the manufacturer’s proportions: 250 ml for one sachet of Great Hydrate and 200 ml for one scoop of Electrolyte Balance. More about when and how much electrolytes to take is discussed in the post electrolytes: when, how much, and does everyone need them.

Electrolytes: what else to check on the label

Check the number of portions per day: one sachet of Great Hydrate and two scoops of Electrolyte Balance. Do not exceed the portion recommended by the manufacturer.

Also check the intended use and warnings. Electrolyte Balance by Solve Labs is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Aura Herbals includes warnings related to the content of glucose, sodium, and potassium, so read them if you are taking medications regularly. The manufacturer describes Great Hydrate as a vegan product.

How to read the composition table and percentage NRV is described in the post how to read a dietary supplement label. You can find other preparations in the Supplements category.

Frequently asked questions

What are the differences between Great Hydrate sachets and Electrolyte Balance powder?

Sachets have a factory-measured portion and a simple composition: glucose, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and natural flavors. The powder from Solve Labs in a can is measured with a scoop, about 9.7 g, and in addition to potassium and sodium, it contains calcium and magnesium as well as sweetening substances erythritol and steviol glycosides.

How much water is needed for one portion?

For one sachet of Great Hydrate, about 250 ml of water or another drink. For one scoop of Electrolyte Balance, which is about 9.7 g of powder, 200 ml of water. More water dilutes the drink, while less thickens it, so stick to the manufacturer’s proportions. The osmolarity of 265 mOsm/l stated for Great Hydrate applies to the drink prepared according to the label.

Do the electrolytes in this category contain sugar?

Yes, both electrolyte preparations contain glucose. In the Great Hydrate sachet, there are 2000 mg of glucose, and Electrolyte Balance lists it first in the composition and additionally contains sweetening substances, namely erythritol and steviol glycosides. If you are counting sugars in your diet, include the portions of electrolytes.

How many days does a package of Great Hydrate last?

The package contains 10 sachets, and the manufacturer recommends one portion per day, so the package lasts for 10 days. You pour one sachet into about 250 ml of water or another drink and mix until dissolved. You can choose between pineapple and mango-passion fruit flavors, and the composition of both versions is the same.

Is Great Hydrate vegan?

The manufacturer describes Great Hydrate as a vegan product and suitable for vegetarians. The composition includes glucose, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and natural flavors, with no animal-derived ingredients. The package contains 10 sachets in pineapple or mango-passion fruit flavor, and each contains 2000 mg of glucose.