#10 Best Sports Drinks for Runners 2023
Hey, runners! Grab these best sports drinks for runners advised by experts, fellow runners, and other athletes.
| 👤 Written by: | L. W. R. Ulla |
| ⏳ Updated on: | |
| 📋 List: | 10 items |
| 👀 Reader: | 44 views |
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Many runners rely on electrolyte replenishment drinks, such as sports drinks, to get through the final stretch of their run. Indeed, sports drinks are the original product from which the entire athletic energization industry grew. Experts say sugary energy drinks aren't the best sports drinks for runners. Instead, they need to focus on replenishing the body's electrolyte supply, which is critical for peak performance.
There are numerous formulae for sports beverages to meet the needs of runners' performance. This post will discuss the top ten best sports drinks for runners, their benefits and considerations, the experts' review, and other details to help you find the best drink to resupply every runner needs. Ready? Let's read!
Table of contents
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1.BODYARMOR Sports Drink Sports Beverage: A drink that lives up to its reputation as a healthy sports drink
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2.NOOMA Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink: A hydrating sports drink with no-jitter adrenaline and increased performance
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3.Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel Lemon: In one serving, you can have all the energy you require
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4.Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder: Tripled potassium for tripled endurance
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5.Vega Sport Hydrator: Strengthen your immune system even in winter
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6.POWERADE ZERO Fruit Punch Sports Drink: Grab the ION4 sophisticated electrolyte system in a bottle
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7.PacificHealth Accelerade All Natural Sport Hydration Drink Mix: 5 grams of protein in each drink
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8.Nuun Prime Pre-Workout Drink Powder: A runner sports drink for pre-workout
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9.POWERADE Power Water: Loads of B vitamins to help you stay focused on your workouts
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10.Huma Hydration Drink Mix for Sports & Exercise: Feel better after the electrolyte loss
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
Why are sports drinks important for runners?
- Hydration
Sports drinks help you stay hydrated, and the sugar in them can make you thirsty, so you drink more. - Replaces Electrolytes
Many sports drinks have electrolytes, usually sodium and potassium, to make up for what you lose when you work out. By getting new electrolytes quickly, our bodies can keep working at their best. - Energy
Carbs are the best to eat before and during exercise to ensure you have enough “fuel.” This is why carbs, usually in the form of sugars like high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, or glucose, are in sports drinks.
What is inside the sports drink?
Sports drinks contain water, and you can pick between caffeinated and non-caffeinated varieties. They include a source of energizing carbohydrates, could consist of BCAAs, and the majority of them have the following electrolytes:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
What should I consider when purchasing the best sports drink for runners?
Numerous brands provide a selection of flavors. Find the brand that works best for you by trying a few different ones. What you would need to think about is what follows:
- Calories: Some drinks have as few as 45 calories, while others have as many as 290. You could fit this in if you’re on a low-calorie diet or keep track of your calories.
- Carbohydrates: The more carbs you eat, the longer and faster you can run. This is especially true for long runs that last more than 90 minutes.
- Sodium and potassium: Potassium and sodium are essential because they help your muscles work right, keep you hydrated, and help your body break down carbs. More sweat means you need more potassium.
Which one is better, sports drinks or water, for runners?
Water is important to your health and a great way to quench your thirst. On the other hand, sports drinks are only helpful in certain situations.
When doing activities that make you sweat a lot, like intense workouts or endurance activities in high heat, you should drink a sports drink. This is because sports drinks replace the electrolytes you lose when you sweat and keep you from getting too thirsty. But even in these situations, you can and should still drink water.
| Name | Rank | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|
BODYARMOR
Sports Drink Sports Beverage | #1 | Amazon Walmart.com eBay |
NOOMA
Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink | #2 | Amazon Drinknooma.com eBay |
Tailwind Nutrition
Endurance Fuel Lemon | #3 | Amazon Tailwindnutrition.com eBay |
Gatorade
Endurance Formula Powder | #4 | Amazon Gatorade.com eBay |
Vega
Sport Hydrator | #5 | Amazon Walmart.com eBay |
POWERADE
ZERO Fruit Punch Sports Drink | #6 | Amazon Walmart.com eBay |
PacificHealth
Accelerade All Natural Sport Hydration Drink Mix | #7 | Amazon Sears.com eBay |
Nuun
Prime Pre-Workout Drink Powder | #8 | Amazon Nuunlife.com eBay |
POWERADE
Power Water | #9 | Amazon Walmart.com eBay |
Huma
Hydration Drink Mix for Sports & Exercise | #10 | Amazon Tworiverstreads.com eBay |
10 List of Best Sports Drinks for Runners
Have a problem
with this product?#1BODYARMOR Sports Drink Sports Beverage
A drink that lives up to its reputation as a healthy sports drink
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:BodyArmor is a high-end sports beverage emphasizing hydration using natural flavors and ingredients. It is one of the best sports drinks for runners. Mostly, sports drinks blend potassium and sodium, and two key electrolytes are lost through sweat. However, the potassium in this runner sports drink is prioritized since it aids in hydration and prevents cramps.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Natural flavors & sweeteners
No colors from artificial sources
Potassium-packed electrolytesCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
It is free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It is suitable for drinking after a strenuous workout because it is high in electrolytes.What other experts didn't like
I bought this 2 weeks ago for $11, and now it's $20. I don't understand why the price jumped so rapidly.
Have a problem
with this product?#2NOOMA Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink
A hydrating sports drink with no-jitter adrenaline and increased performance
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:NOOMA is the best choice among the best sports drinks for runners. This plant-based sports drink has obtained organic, non-GMO, and vegan certifications. Many sports drinks have a complicated ingredient list that is difficult to decipher, but not with this runner sports drink. Even better, the natural sea salt and potassium-rich coconut water can help you replenish fluids lost during exercise.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Coconut and sea salt are real-food ingredients
USDA-organic, non-GMO, vegan
FlavorfulCons (reasons to avoid)
It needs to add more taste
Unattractive packageWhat other experts liked
I need a low-sugar electrolyte replacement that is effective. Nooma does this exceptionally well in my opinion.What other experts didn't like
We don't think this product will sell well enough if the taste and packaging aren't improved.
Have a problem
with this product?#3Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel Lemon
In one serving, you can have all the energy you require
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Mixing this natural powder into your water may obtain all the energy you need in one serving. You do not need to bring any gels, bars, chews, or water. You won’t have to worry about any stomach issues while exercising because the fuel in Tailwind Nutrition is designed to be quickly absorbed. Even better, among the best sports drinks for runners, it only contains natural flavors and is gluten-free and vegan.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It tastes mild and isn't too sweet
Calories that are easy to digest
Vegan and gluten-freeCons (reasons to avoid)
The caffeine flavor is strongWhat other experts liked
You can ride for hours on a few scoops. The taste and flavors of regular endurance fuel are varied.What other experts didn't like
In my opinion, it left a very sweet and cloying aftertaste in my mouth.
Have a problem
with this product?#4Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder
Tripled potassium for tripled endurance
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Next to the best sports drinks for runners, you can trust Gatorade. Particularly, the sodium content of this new formula is higher than in traditional formulas, allowing you to stay fit for a longer period. The optimum balance of salt and electrolytes (300 mg) for runners is perfect in this runner sports drink. Even better, the taste is delightful even though it contains less sugar.
Pros (reasons to buy)
No artificial sweeteners or flavors
Doubled sodium and tripled potassium
Easy to mix and dissolves with waterCons (reasons to avoid)
Need warm water for smoothly dissolvingWhat other experts liked
With Gatorade, you may make it whenever you want and customize the water content to your preferences.What other experts didn't like
In the beginning, it can be a little bit difficult to dissolve.
Have a problem
with this product?#5Vega Sport Hydrator
Strengthen your immune system even in winter
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Free of dairy, gluten, and artificial sweeteners, even the non-GMO Project has accredited this product. The Vega Sport Hydrator is more of an electrolyte drink than an energy drink. Each scoop contains a combination of calcium, magnesium, salt, and potassium for just 5 calories. Even better, vitamin C has been added, which will help to strengthen your immune system, particularly throughout the winter.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Coconut water powder
Helps to restore electrolyte balance
Certified by the NSF for SportCons (reasons to avoid)
No trace minerals added
The new formula may have different tasteWhat other experts liked
By the time I get to the gym after drinking a cup of this hydrator, I'm more hydrated and have better runs and lifts.What other experts didn't like
But we were disappointed that this powder was missing so many ingredients. None of the trace minerals are added.
Have a problem
with this product?#6POWERADE ZERO Fruit Punch Sports Drink
Grab the ION4 sophisticated electrolyte system in a bottle
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:A zero-calorie sports drink called POWERADE Zero is the next drink we recommend among the best sports drinks for runners. This is a perfect runner sports drink because it offers superior hydration. Along with vitamins B3, B6, and B12, a 6% carbohydrate solution gives energy to exercising muscles. Also, it’s the only sports beverage on the market featuring the ION4 sophisticated electrolyte system.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Include ion4 advanced electrolyte system
Replenish four key electrolytes lost in sweat
Formulated with B-vitaminsCons (reasons to avoid)
Has less flavor optionsWhat other experts liked
It is low in sugar and high in potassium. This has actually saved my life.What other experts didn't like
Came as anticipated despite being sugar-free, they taste awful as expected.
Have a problem
with this product?#7PacificHealth Accelerade All Natural Sport Hydration Drink Mix
5 grams of protein in each drink
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:If you’re trying to gain muscle, you can choose this PacificHealth Accelerade All Natural Sports Hydration Drink Mix. Among the best sports drinks for runners, it has 5 grams of protein which is a sufficient aid for recovery and muscle fiber repair. Even better, this runner sports drink’s 21 grams of carbohydrates will boost your energy when you do more running.
Pros (reasons to buy)
4:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio
Reduces muscular damage, accelerates healing
Suitable drink for any workout sessionsCons (reasons to avoid)
Possible leaving a metallic aftertasteWhat other experts liked
This beverage is effective for 1 1/2 hour or longer endurance competitions.What other experts didn't like
After mile 11, I drank this, and by mile 15, I started to feel the dreaded diarrhea gas shooting up to my stomach.
Have a problem
with this product?#8Nuun Prime Pre-Workout Drink Powder
A runner sports drink for pre-workout
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:We’d recommend Nuun Hydration Prime if you’re looking for a runner sports drink for pre-workout. It only has 35 calories per serving, and you can get it with or without caffeine, so you don’t have to worry about feeling jittery. This pre-workout drink is made from plants and can be used by anyone, even vegans. Their list of all-natural ingredients includes BCAAs, which help muscles recover faster.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Well-sourced ingredients and easy to drink
Vegan BCAAs ingredients
Well pricedCons (reasons to avoid)
Contain low caloriesWhat other experts liked
Prime gives me a huge boost of energy and only a few calories, so it doesn't hurt my digestive system.What other experts didn't like
Because all three items have low calorie counts, you should be aware of what they do and don't do in case you need to supplement with other foods or products.
Have a problem
with this product?#9POWERADE Power Water
Loads of B vitamins to help you stay focused on your workouts
1 experts agreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Powerade Power Water is the runner sports drink that gives you energy and keeps you hydrated with a unique mix of ingredients that don’t have any sugar. Power Water is more than just a sports drink that keeps you hydrated. It helps athletes who need an extra boost while they work out. Instead of sugar, Power Water has B vitamins, which give you energy and help you stay focused.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Unique ion4 advanced electrolyte system
Power vitamin B contained
Zero calories and zero sugarCons (reasons to avoid)
Priced rather highly
Very few reviews can be foundWhat other experts liked
I love that it's clear water, so the dyes don't get on your teeth or anywhere else in your body.
Have a problem
with this product?#10Huma Hydration Drink Mix for Sports & Exercise
Feel better after the electrolyte loss
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Huma Hydration Drink Mix only has ten calories per serving, is all-natural, and contains no artificial sweeteners. As a runner sports drink, it includes a decent combination of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to make up for what you lose when you sweat. It won’t offer you an energy boost, but it will make you feel better when you feel dizzy from dehydration and electrolyte loss.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Gluten-free and vegan
Naturally sweetened with Stevia leaves
It contains electrolytes, minerals, and vitaminsCons (reasons to avoid)
Sweet taste can be a hit or a miss
No wide range of flavor optionsWhat other experts liked
They got the flavor right; it was savory and moderately sweet.What other experts didn't like
I was somewhat let down by the use of stevia. It leaves a sour aftertaste.
Conclusion: Best Sports Drinks for Runners
However, selecting the correct sports drink is critical even when athletes lose large amounts of electrolytes. Carbohydrates, potassium, and sodium are all essential for a well-balanced sports drink formula that is adjusted to your activity level.
Hence, ensure you always read the nutrition information facts and the experts’ reviews regarding the brand. You have read all the information you need in the best sports drinks for runners product list. Best wishes for a better run, runners!
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