Last Updated: Monday 17th August 2026

Electrolytes and hydration formulas replace the fluid and minerals you lose through sweat. When you train hard or train in the heat, water alone does not always keep up, and an electrolyte supplement helps you stay on top of both.

Electrolytes are charged minerals involved in fluid balance, nerve signalling and normal muscle function. The main ones lost through sweat are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride.

Hydration supplements, also called electrolyte supplements or hydration formulas, are powders, tablets and ready-to-drink products designed to put those minerals back alongside the fluid you have lost.

Many formulas also include a small amount of carbohydrate, which may support how quickly your body takes up fluid during longer sessions.

Key Electrolytes and What They Do

• Sodium: The electrolyte lost in the largest amount through sweat, and central to fluid balance
• Potassium: Works alongside sodium and contributes to normal muscle function
• Magnesium: Contributes to normal muscle function and energy metabolism
• Calcium: Involved in muscle contraction
• Chloride: Supports fluid balance alongside sodium

Looking for magnesium on its own? Shop our full Magnesium Supplements range.

When to Use an Electrolyte Supplement

Electrolyte supplements are most useful when fluid loss is high. Common situations include:

• Long or high-intensity sessions: Anything over an hour, where sweat loss adds up
• Training in heat or humidity: Australian summers push sweat rates well above normal
• Endurance events: Running, cycling, triathlon and team sports with extended play
• Everyday use: Some people use a lighter formula through the day to help meet their fluid intake

Training for distance? Browse our Running & Endurance range for fuelling and hydration built around longer sessions.

Choosing the Right Hydration Formula

The right formula comes down to how you train and how you prefer to drink it:

• Powders: Mix into a bottle, usually the best value per serve and available in a wide flavour range
• Tablets: Drop into water, easy to carry in a gym bag or race belt
• Ready to drink: No mixing required, useful mid-session or on the go. See our Drinks (RTDs) and Functional Beverages ranges
• Higher sodium formulas: Suited to heavy sweaters, hot conditions and long endurance efforts
• Lighter daily formulas: Lower electrolyte concentration for general use through the day

Flavour matters more than people expect. A formula you enjoy drinking is one you will actually finish, which is the whole point.

What to Stack Electrolytes and Hydration With

• Intra-Workout Supplements: Pair with hydration to cover fluid, electrolytes and fuel across a longer session.
• Amino Acids and BCAAs: Commonly added to a training bottle alongside electrolytes.
• Carbohydrates: For endurance work where fuelling matters as much as fluid.
• Post-Workout: Rehydrating after training sits alongside your recovery routine.
• Pre-Workout: Many people take hydration separately so they can control electrolyte intake independently of stimulants.

After broader daily support? Explore Vitamins & Minerals and General Health.

Why Shop Electrolytes and Hydration at Nutrition Warehouse?

When it comes to hydration, Nutrition Warehouse is more than a supplement retailer, we are Australia's trusted fitness partner.

Here's why customers choose us:

• One of Australia's largest ranges of electrolyte and hydration supplements
• Powders, tablets and ready-to-drink formulas across every major brand
• Find a Store and get expert in-store and online advice to help choose the right product
• Click & Collect across 120+ stores nationwide
• SameDaySupps for fast, same-day delivery
• Exclusive deals and Nutrition Warehouse Active Rewards
• Free delivery on orders over $150 plus our 5 Scoop Guarantee
• Best Price Guarantee: find it cheaper and we'll beat it by $1 plus give you a free shaker