Electrolyte powder should mix into water easily, but clumps, gritty bits and powder stuck to the bottle are common. Most problems come down to the order you mix in, the water temperature, how you measure and how you store the pack.
Common problems
- Clumping: powder lands in a small amount of water and forms lumps, or the pack has absorbed moisture from the air.
- Wrong amount: too much powder tastes strong and salty; too little tastes weak. Guessing with a kitchen spoon is the usual cause.
- Not dissolving: very cold water, too little shaking or a bottle with no room to move can leave sediment.
How to fix them
- Water first, then powder. This lets the powder spread through the water instead of sticking to the bottom.
- Use a bottle with room to shake, or a shaker with a ball or mesh insert.
- Measure with the supplied scoop or a whole stick. If you have lost the scoop, weigh the serve on kitchen scales using the serving size on the label.
- Avoid icy water when mixing. Cool or room-temperature water dissolves powder more easily. Add ice afterwards if you like it cold.
- Shake for 20–30 seconds, let it sit for a minute, then shake again.
Some powders, such as Re-Lyte, contain no anti-caking agent, and a little sediment from natural salt is normal.
Storage
- Keep tubs and pouches sealed, in a cool, dry cupboard away from steam and heat.
- Use a dry scoop.
- Mix drinks fresh. If you make one ahead, keep it in the fridge and shake before drinking. Don't leave it in a hot car.
- Rinse your bottle soon after use.
Find stick packs, sachets and tubs in our electrolyte powders range, and check each label for the amount of water to use.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, check with a health professional before changing your fluid or sodium intake. Always read the label and use only as directed.