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We’re editors (and moms!) who have given clean vitamins to our own kids for years. These are our picks for safe, natural hydration powders that are free of unnecessary sugar or dyes.
When kids are growing, they are more susceptible to dehydration. Because of their small size and fast metabolism, they replace water and electrolytes quicker, so it’s a good idea to supplement with clean, natural vitamins that are free of sugars and artificial dyes. It’s especially important to hydrate when kids are expelling more fluids than normal – for example when they’re sweating from playing outside or sports, or when they’re sick. It’s also important to give them extra hydration support when they’re not drinking enough water, like when they’re at school and don’t have you there to remind them to hydrate! Picky preferences can make it hard to keep them hydrated with all of the essentials they need, so we curated a list of brands that are making hydration powders that taste good, keep kids hydrated, and avoid dyes, sugars, and artificial fillers in their diets.
What are electrolytes, exactly?
Electrolytes — per the Cleveland Clinic — are “substances that have a natural electrical charge when dissolved in water,” and help our bodies function at optimal levels. Electrolytes help your body stay hydrated by balancing fluid levels inside and outside your cells. They support everything from muscle contractions and nerve signaling to maintaining your body’s pH balance. When kids are sweating, playing sports, or even just sleeping or growing, they lose electrolytes that need to be replenished to avoid dehydration. Water is important to hydration, of course, but electrolytes help our bodies actually retain and use the water efficiently.
Why do kids need electrolytes?
Kids are growing and active, plus they are small with fast metabolisms, so their bodies go through water and electrolytes quickly. They’re also more likely to forget to hydrate without reminders, so it’s important to maximize hydration when they are hydrating. Plus, kids are more susceptible to illnesses like the flu or the common cold, both of which can increase dehydration and make electrolytes even more important during those times. Electrolytes are also essential for kids with POTS – increased hydration and sodium are two of the most common dietary guidelines for helping those with the condition.
Should you give your kids electrolytes when they are sick?
Yes! When your kids are sick, they expel more fluids and are more likely to be dehydrated. Giving them electrolytes when they are sick helps their bodies retain and use the water they are drinking efficiently and helps replenish the fluids in their bodies.
Why should you consider natural electrolytes?
Unfortunately, many formulas made for electrolytes are also filled with additives, dyes, preservatives, or too much sugar. So while you may feel more hydrated, your kids might have a sugar high or experience some adverse effects later on. Thankfully, the electrolytes in these supplements come from natural foods and formulas, like Himalayan pink salt (potassium), coconut water (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus), natural electrolyte powders, and more. Natural electrolytes can be more beneficial as you’ll receive a balanced variety of essential minerals at higher absorption rates, and without the chemical additives.
Our criteria:
Our editors have tested, researched, and corresponded with leading supplement brands to select our favorite natural electrolytes formulated for your little ones. We regularly update this guide with new favorites that meet the following criteria:
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS | We’ve combed through each ingredient in these electrolyte powders to ensure only natural and beneficial ingredients are listed — and they’re dosed for kids, so you can be sure they’re safe.
- LOW OR NO SUGAR | Each electrolyte powder contains low or no sugar, and is either unsweetened or uses natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for flavor.
- TASTE | We’ve researched these electrolyte powder mixes and can confirm they taste great and are enjoyable to drink!
If you’re looking for more support this season for your kids, check out our guides to kids’ multivitamins and kids’ immune vitamins. We’ve also reviewed the best natural electrolyte powders, if you want to refresh yourself.
1. Hiya
Best For | Refillable packaging
Sodium | 85mg
Sugar | 2g (0g added sugar)
Dye-free | Yes
Prices starting at | $29 (with subscription)
Dads Darren Litt and Adam Gillman founded Hiya to create better vitamins for their kids. They worked with pediatricians, nutritionists, scientists, and parents to create vitamins made with real ingredients and no sugar. Their newest product, the Kids Daily Hydration, is no different. This daily hydration powder is made from real fruit – including strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and lemon – essential electrolytes, daily vitamins like Vitamin C and Iron, and prebiotic fiber. It tastes like berries, and it’s free from artificial dyes and added sugar! The Kids Daily Hydration is available as a refillable glass canister or as drop-in sticks, if you’re looking for an on-the-go option. Hiya’s products are third-party tested for heavy metals, microbes, and other contaminants, so this hydration drink is just the good stuff for you kid, all around.
2. Cure
Best For | Flavor options
Sodium | 240mg
Sugar | 4g (0g added sugar)
Dye-free | Yes
Prices starting at | $21 (with subscription)
Cure’s mission is to “empower everyone to live better, healthier lives.” The B Corporation does this through its science-backed hydration supplements and initiatives to give back to the planet and the community by using less plastic, offsetting their carbon emissions, and making health and wellness more accessible for all. The Kids Electrolyte Mix from Cure is based on the World Health Organization’s oral rehydration solution formula, formulated with pediatricians, and made with electrolytes and glucose to promote hydration. It’s also made with real ingredients, like coconut water, pink himalayan salt, lemon juice powder, and beet root powder, for example. It’s all GMO-free, dye-free, artificial sugar-free, and it’s free of major allergens, including milk, egg, soy, peanut, sesame, gluten, fish, and shellfish. It’s also third-party tested to ensure the highest quality. Cure accepts HSA/FSA, and it also offers subscriptions!
Customer Review | “The kids love it, great for those hot days when they need extra hydration.” – Anonymous (Read more reviews.)
3. Goodonya
Best For | Safe for the whole family
Sodium | 25mg
Sugar | 1g sugar (0g added sugar)
Dye-free | Yes
Prices starting at | $33 (with subscription)
Former Olympic field hockey athlete Kris Buchanan founded Goodonya because she experienced firsthand the side effects of drinking artificial sports drinks that were filled with sugar and dyes. She became a Certified Nutritionist and developed the Organic Hydration drink, made from high-quality ingredients and free of dyes, added sugars, and artificial flavors. It’s made with real lemon juice, refined magnesium from sea water, Vitamin C, and organic coconut water powder. The product has been recommended by several physicians (you can read their reviews on the site here!), and it’s third-party tested. What’s also nice about Goodonya is that it’s great for kids (ages 2 and up) but it’s also great for adults! This hydration drink is one you and the whole family can incorporate into your daily routine.
Customer Review | “The only electrolyte that I can stomach while in first trimester of pregnancy. I love it, so refreshing and could honestly drink it all day.” – Sarah K. (Read more reviews.)
4. Kinnie
Best For | Supporting immunity
Sodium | 125mg
Sugar | 0g
Dye-free | Yes
Prices starting at | $29 (with subscription)
Kinnie is a parents-founded brand focused on clean and effective supplements that are free of sugars and artificial fillers. The Kids Immune & Hydration Drink Mix is rich in antioxidants, with super mushrooms, B Glucan for immunity, and pink himalayan salt potassium for hydration. The Mixed Berry-flavored drink is made without sugar, instead using Monk Fruit and Xylitol, which are both natural and zero-calorie sweeteners that don’t spike blood sugar levels. Kinnie’s products are third-part tested for quality, and they’re made in the U.S. If you want to try it out before buying a whole pack, Kinnie offers a sample pack with all of their supplements so you can try before you buy or subscribe.
5. Organika
Best For | Added prebiotics
Sodium | 30mg
Sugar | 0g
Dye-free | Yes
Prices starting at | $15
The Kids Electrolyte from Organika has magnesium, vitamin C, and more essential minerals and vitamins that support electrolyte balance for kids. It also has prebiotic fiber for gut health. The sugar-free, dye-free powder goes in water to encourage kids to drink water and get that extra boost of hydration throughout the day. It comes in two flavors – Raspberry Rush and Strawberry Kiwi – both flavored with natural flavors. Organika is a brand dedicated to high-quality, third-party tested products and supplements made in Good Manufacturing Practice licensed facilities with ingredients sourced from their global suppliers.They’re also Carbon Neutral and are committed to ethical practices, creating their products with integrity.
Customer Review | “No extra fillers / chemicals / etc. I am confident only what is truly beneficial for health is in the product. Taste is pretty good (if you like stevia).” – Raylene K. (Read more reviews.)
Featured image is from Hiya
Brianna Schubert is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade and the Digital Editor at Milwaukee Magazine. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or finding hidden gems at vintage and thrift stores. Say hi on Instagram!
