Overview
Are you searching for an electrolyte drink mix?
Sports drinks have long been popularly used to replenish electrolytes, water, and energy. Yet many of these products could contain a lot of sugar which is not good for your health.
Products with no sugar can be a healthier option.
In this article, we’ll review LMNT Recharge, a keto-friendly, gluten-free, and sugar-free electrolyte supplement developed by Elemental Labs.
Who should drink LMNT electrolytes? Will this be useful for hydration? How often should you drink LMNT? You can find the answers to these questions below.
Key Features
Pricing/Packages
You can buy your LMNT Recharge electrolytes as a one-time purchase or opt to get a monthly subscription for discounted prices.
One box of any flavor (30 stick packs)
- One-time purchase: $45
- Monthly subscription: $39
Variety Pack or Fiesta Pack (12 stick packs)
- One-time purchase: $20
- Monthly subscription: $18
LMNT value bundle (120 stick packs)
- One-time purchase: $135
- Monthly subscription: $117
Is LMNT Drink Safe?
These electrolyte products are:
- Sugar-free
- Gluten-free
- Filler-free
- Artificial ingredient-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Keto-friendly
- Paleo-friendly
Ingredients
These are the ingredients used for the LMNT Recharge packs:
- Salt (sodium chloride)
- Magnesium malate
- Potassium chloride
- Citric acid or malic acid
- Stevia leaf extract
- Natural flavors
The Chocolate Salt variant also contains cocoa powder.
Flavors & Variants
You can choose from these flavors:
- Watermelon salt
- Citrus salt
- Orange salt
- Raspberry salt
- Raw unflavored
- Mango chili
- Lemon habanero
- Chocolate salt
You can opt to buy a box (one flavor per box), the Fiesta or Variety Pack (three flavors per pack), or choose the value bundle (four boxes, up to four flavors of your choice).
The Fiesta Pack contains four stick packs of each flavor:
- Lemon habanero
- Mango chili
- Chocolate salt
The Variety Pack contains four stick packs of each flavor:
- Orange salt
- Citrus salt
- Raspberry salt
What Makes It Special?
- The product is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
- You can use this electrolyte drink mix even if you’re on a paleo or keto diet.
LMNT Recharge contains the following electrolytes per 1-stick pack:
- 1,000 mg of sodium
- 200 mg of potassium
- 60 mg of magnesium
Other Key Features
- You can use this electrolyte powder even if you’re on a low-carb diet because each pack only contains 0 to 10 calories.
Variation with 0 calories:
- Raw unflavored
Flavors with 5 calories:
- Watermelon salt
- Mango chili
- Chocolate salt
Flavors with 10 calories:
- Citrus salt
- Orange salt
- Raspberry salt
- Lemon habanero
Package Dimensions & Weight
- 6.61 x 4.53 x 3.19 inches
- 0.63 ounces
Shipping & Returns
- Free shipping on all your orders; each one comes in grab-and-go packaging.
- Elemental Labs acknowledges that salty drinks might not be for everyone. So, the company promises to provide refunds, with no questions asked.
- If you’re not satisfied with the products, you can return them and cancel your subscription anytime.
- To process the refund, just email [email protected].
- For a hassle-free refund process, the company doesn’t require customers to ship their products back. Instead, they suggest simply sharing your unused salt packs with family or friends.
- If you prefer to return the salts, they will provide you with a prepaid return label.
Legal Disclaimer
Elemental Labs has the following disclaimer for their products:
“Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.”
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The powdered mix can be added to a wide range of liquids, including water. Some people have also tried using it with sparkling water or even coffee and making a margarita.
- These products have no artificial ingredients.
- The salts used in all these products are mined without explosives.
- Each electrolyte mix has a shelf life of 18 months.
- These are low-calorie, no-sugar products that can be suitable for many types of diets.
- You can choose the Raw Unflavored variant for a zero-calorie drink.
- LMNT electrolyte powder mixes were developed by Robb Wolf (a biochemist) with Ketogains (his coaches) and Proton Enterprises (his operating partner).
Cons
- With these products containing 1,000 mg of sodium, some customers complained that the electrolyte mix is too salty.
- Because these products can be salty, they might not be suitable for people on a low-sodium diet.
- The chocolate salt variant doesn’t dissolve as easily as the others because of its cocoa content. Elemental Labs suggests shaking it really well or dissolving it in hot water.
- While the minerals in these salt products don’t expire, the taste could start fading if unused for a long time or after the “best before date” (18 months after production).
What Customers Say
Positive Customer Reviews
“Been working my way through every flavor. So far I’m very happy with this product. Taste is great, energy is raised, the pumps are sick. Definitely recommend this. Watermelon salt is my favorite flavor so far.” – Reviewer on the LMNT website.
“Love LMNT! The orange is my favorite, followed by raspberry. I drink the plain when I’m fasting (anything sweet tasting seems to stall my weight loss). These are expensive but I’ve tried cheaper supplements and they just aren’t as good.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
“I am a profuse sweater when I run, so I was plagued with headaches and having charley horses after my long runs. No matter how I hydrated, I would suffer through. Well, I was introduced to LMNT by my dad, and I no longer have either after long runs. I drink them before and after my long runs, and now everyday after my workouts! Amazing stuff!!! I have now have several people in my running group converted to it as well.” – Reviewer on the LMNT website.
Negative Customer Reviews
“I tried the watermelon salt, it was too sweet and artificial tasting (tasted like fake watermelon candy). After about a week of daily use I began to feel constantly dizzy and lightheaded. I did some research and found out too much sodium can cause dizziness, so I stopped using these right away, and it took about a week for me to feel normal again.” – Reviewer on the LMNT website.
“I wish I had noticed that this product is loaded with artificial sweetener. I took one sip. Gross. Absolutely artificial and way too sweet. Now I have a box of expensive individually packaged nasty flavor powders sitting here. Definitely do not recommend.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
“This product actually hurt my throat, it tastes so strong of salt. I got the lemon/habenaro. It suggests mixing with 16 oz of water. I would suggest about 32 oz! I will finish these since they were so expensive, but not again.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
LMNT Margarita Recipe
Here’s a fun recipe created by Robb Wolf and Nicki Violetti so you can enjoy a margarita while also replenishing your electrolytes: (1)
Ingredients:
- 1.5-3 oz of tequila
- 1 packet of LMNT Citrus Salt
- Water (or soda water)
- Ice
Directions:
- Put the desired amount of ice and tequila in your glass.
- Top with water.
- Dump in a packet of LMNT Citrus Salt.
- Stir.
- Enjoy!
Summary & Recommendation
There are many different ways to replace your electrolytes. One of these is by drinking an electrolyte replacement mix like LMNT Recharge. But is this product the right one for you?
Choose LMNT Recharge if:
- You prefer a gluten-free, keto-friendly electrolyte mix.
- You want a product that’s packed with a lot of electrolytes, but with no sugar or artificial ingredients.
- You want an electrolyte mix that you can use to create fun drinks with sparkling water or even make a margarita.
- You prefer an electrolyte drink with a stable shelf life.
- You’re on a vegan, keto, or paleo diet but need a quick way to replenish your electrolytes.
Don’t choose LMNT Recharge if:
- You don’t like a salty drink.
- You prefer sugary or sweet sports drinks like Gatorade.
- You’re on a low-sodium diet.
- You’re allergic to stevia or any ingredient used in LMNT products.
FAQs
Where Is LMNT Made?
The brand is based in New York City, USA, but they ship around the world.
What Are Electrolytes & Why Are They Important?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that have vital functions in our bodies:
- They regulate the balance of fluids in your body.
- They’re essential for muscle contraction.
- They can help regulate blood pressure and your heartbeat.
- They can help you stay hydrated.
- They are essential in nerve function and transmitting nerve impulses to the brain.
These essential minerals include:
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Chloride
- Phosphate
The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) per day for these electrolytes (for adults, 18+ years old) are as follows: (2-7)
- Sodium: less than 2,300 mg
- Calcium: 1,000 to 1,300 mg
- Potassium: 2,600 mg (women), 3,400 mg (men)
- Magnesium: 310 to 320 mg (women), 400 to 420 mg (men)
- Chloride: 2,300 mg
- Phosphate: 700 mg
Can You Drink LMNT Daily?
The brand recommends that you first try to get your electrolyte needs from food, but claims that their product may be safe for daily use.
Can High Sodium Intake Affect Blood Pressure & Cause Cardiovascular Disease?
Plenty of studies have shown that excessive sodium intake can produce a significant increase in blood pressure. Sodium reduction has the opposite effect because it can lower blood pressure levels and also reduce cardiovascular complications. [8][9]
Surprisingly, a 2021 study published in the Nutrients journal showed that a higher intake of magnesium (over 320 mg per day) and potassium (over 3,000 mg per day), but not lower sodium intake, might not lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. (10)
For your safety, it would be best to consult your doctor before starting on a new diet or rehydration plan, especially if it involves changes in the intake of these important electrolytes and nutrients.
What Happens If You Lose Electrolytes?
Our bodies regularly lose electrolytes through sweat and urine. But a lot of these minerals are rapidly lost during exercise or other intense physical activities.
The following conditions can also cause an electrolyte imbalance:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders
- Severe burns
- Heart failure
- Alcoholism and cirrhosis
- Some forms of cancer
- The use of certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and diuretics
Electrolyte imbalance can lead to:
- Muscle cramps
- Impairment of certain body functions
- Irregular heartbeat
- Problems with muscle contractions and functions
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Convulsions or seizures
That’s why it’s important to replenish these important minerals.
What’s Keto Flu?
It’s a condition experienced by some people within the first two to seven days of starting a ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that limits the intake of glucose (sugar). (11)
The severity could vary, but the most common symptoms of keto flu include headache, brain fog, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
How To Prevent Electrolyte Imbalance?
While staying hydrated is important, drinking a lot of water isn’t the best solution to preventing electrolyte imbalance.
Drinking too much can actually contribute to this imbalance. It may be better if you can replace the electrolytes with food, rehydration salts, or hydration powder.
Who Should Drink LMNT?
Each person’s needs and dietary requirements can be different, but LMNT may be an option for anyone looking to rehydrate.
It can be used if you’re training in a low-carb state or on a low-carb diet. It’s also keto-friendly and paleo-friendly.
How Often Should I Drink LMNT?
Depending on your activity level, you can drink one or two stick packs of LMNT per day.
Do You Need Electrolytes While Fasting?
Your body’s electrolyte stores can be easily depleted during fasting, especially during prolonged fasts or if you’re also doing exercise and other strenuous activities while fasting.
Will LMNT break a fast?Can I Drink LMNT While Fasting?
Your Because your electrolytes drop during fasting, you can replenish with low-calorie LMNT products. The Raw Unflavored variety even has zero calories. If you pick this option, you won’t be breaking fast.
You can still pick other electrolyte-rich food or drinks, but these could be high in calories or sugar.
Can I Drink LMNT At Night?
Yes, LMNT can also be taken before bedtime.
What Sweetener Is In LMNT?
LMNT Recharge uses stevia as a sweetener, instead of sugar.
While some people might think stevia is a chemical, it’s actually a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana (stevia plant), native to Brazil and Paraguay.
Stevia contains active compounds called steviol glycosides that may be up to 400 times sweeter than sugar. But steviol glycosides are not metabolized by the human body, so stevia contains zero calories.
It’s considered a sugar substitute.
The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) has not questioned the GRA (generally recognized as safe) applications for high-purity stevia extracts (95% minimum purity). (12)
But the FDA prohibits the use of stevia leaves or crude extracts in food products. (13)
REFERENCES
(1) https://robbwolf.com/2019/10/02/norcal-margarita-recipe/
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/
(3) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
(4) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
(5) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7009052/
(7) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/735.html
(8) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24345983/
(9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770596/
(10) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7832857/
(11) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32232045/
(12) https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/additional-information-about-high-intensity-sweeteners-permitted-use-food-united-states#steviol-glycosides
(13) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_119.html
