Sqwincher is key to a healthy lifestyle—but staying hydrated can be difficult. You might think a sports drink or juice is the answer, but those drinks can be packed with too much sugar and chemicals. Plus, some may even make you more dehydrated!
If you’re a heavy sweater who sweats profusely or works out in hot temperatures, then it might be helpful to add some electrolyte beverages into your diet. These drinks are formulated to help replace lost electrolytes after intense exercise, and typically contain sodium (salt), carbohydrates (like fructose and glucose), and potassium and magnesium, which are all electrolytes that are lost through sweat.
But the best drink for hydration is water, especially when you’re not working out. “Water is the most important beverage for hydrating, and when you’re not exercising or sweating, just water will do,” says nutritionist Autumn Rauchwerk, RD.
Quenching the Thirst: The Science Behind Real Hydration Drinks
For those looking for something a little more interesting than plain H2O, we recommend light-flavored sparkling water. This option from ionized alkaline water brand Essentia contains just four grams of sugar and has a balanced mix of electrolytes and sodium to support proper hydration.
The newest influencer-backed drink to hit the market is Prime Hydration, which was launched in 2022 by rapper and boxer KSI and YouTube content creator Logan Paul. The beverage has a similar profile to Gatorade and Glaceau’s Vitamin Water, with a blend of coconut water and regular water. It’s also flavored with natural fruit flavoring and sweetened with stevia, a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. It’s worth noting that this product does contain a small amount of caffeine, which isn’t necessary for hydration and can lead to energy crashes and insomnia.
