How to Formulate an Electrolyte Sports Drink

What Are Electrolytes in a Sports Drink Formula?

Electrolytes are the mineral salts declared on a sports drink label. This guide covers which salt forms to specify, how they behave on solubility and taste, and the inclusion levels conventionally used per 500 ml.

This guide shows you how to formulate a professional-grade electrolyte sports drink with the right minerals, forms, and dosages.

Which 4 Electrolytes Does a Sports Drink Need?

1. Sodium — Sodium Citrate

Sodium is the electrolyte carried at the highest level in sports drink formulations and the first mineral to specify. Sodium citrate offers neutral taste, excellent solubility and buffering function.

• Recommended source: Sodium Citrate — neutral taste, good solubility, buffering effect
• Dosage per 500 ml: 200-400 mg sodium

2. Potassium — Potassium Citrate

• Sources: Potassium Citrate (excellent taste) or Potassium Bicarbonate (alkalizing)
• Dosage per 500 ml: 50-100 mg potassium

3. Magnesium — Citrate, Bisglycinate or Malate

• Sources: Magnesium Citrate (highly soluble, ~16% elemental magnesium, slightly tart), Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate (neutral taste, ~14% elemental magnesium, lower solubility), Magnesium Malate (tart profile, blends with malic acid systems)
• Dosage per 500 ml: 30-60 mg elemental magnesium

4. Calcium — Calcium Citrate

• Source: Calcium Citrate
• Dosage per 500 ml: 20-50 mg calcium

How Much of Each Electrolyte per 500 ml?

Citrates vs Carbonates vs Bicarbonates: Which to Choose?

Base Recipe: Sports Drink (per liter)

Where to Buy Electrolytes in Bulk in Canada?

LiquidShop offers all food-grade minerals and electrolytes in bulk by the kilogram at B2B pricing. Shipped across Canada.

• Sodium Citrate
• Potassium Citrate
• Magnesium Citrate
• Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate
• Magnesium Malate
• Calcium Citrate
• Zinc Citrate

Browse all minerals and electrolytes

Need bulk volumes or formulation advice? Contact our team or use LiquidAI to order instantly from our homepage.