These new Ultra Electrolyte sachets from Puresport are a good pick for providing hydration support during endurance sessions, and for me get the taste balance spot-on.
More and more of us are getting used to chugging a pre-workout powder or supplement in preparation for our fitness sessions these days. We know that carbs for fuel plus stimulants like coffee or guarana equals decent workout prep.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Puresport adds an orange lemonade flavor to its lineup, in handy 6.3g sachets – perfect for a pocket or race belt. For other flavors you might want to dilute the salty taste a fair bit.- More sodium than any other product on test
- Not overly sweetened
- Good balance of essential electrolytes
- Some flavors taste too salty
- Only available online
We also throw back protein shakes like there’s no tomorrow in a bid to recover for the next session. But do we pay as much attention to replacing the salts and other minerals we lose through sweat? I know I don’t, which is why I was keen to try the new orange lemonade flavor of Puresport Ultra Electrolytes sachets.
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We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Our team of fitness kit reviewers includes experienced product testers and fitness writers – as well as the core MF team – who know exactly what sets the best products apart from the rest. Our guide to the best electrolyte drinks was compiled by nutritionist Rob Hobson while the Puresport Ultra Electrolytes were tried and tested by sports and fitness journalist Laurence McJannet. Find out more about how we test.
Puresport Ultra Electrolytes taste
I previously tested the watermelon flavor of these Puresport Ultra Electrolytes, and though the numbers stacked up in terms of nutrition, I found the salty aftertaste quite overwhelming and had to dilute the mixture down to half strength.
Now that Puresport has added new flavors to its lineup, I was keen to revisit the Ultra Electrolytes range, as I know taste experience can vary greatly from flavor to flavor. I was glad I did, too, because the orange lemonade version of its sachets is really quite pleasant.
Puresport recommends you dilute each 6.3g serving with between 450 and 900ml of water. That’s more scope than most manufacturers would suggest. I began with 450ml, thinking from past experience that the aftertaste would just be too salty – and was pleasantly surprised.
Puresport Ultra Electrolytes effectiveness
You get a hit of effervesence from the lemonade flavor that does well to mast the underlying sodium. It comes through, but it’s actually quite palatable. Diluting half as much again then fully to 900ml water makes it even more so.
So I would happily use a whole sachet in a 500ml soft bottle for 10-15km runs, or a 500ml or 750ml bidon for half-day cycle rides. I tend to hydrate fairly well throughout the day, but always found that one sachet was enough to keep thirst at bay for up to three hours of exercise.
That’s because at 1,000mg, it has more sodium per serving than any other electrolyte drink in our buyers guide. It also has 100mg of magnesium, which is 27% of your recommended daily intake, 250mg potassium (13%) and 50mg calcium (6%). There’s a whiff of artificial sweetener and natural coloring but no sugar or calories to be found anywhere.
Puresport Ultra Electrolytes value and verdict
Buying one-off 30-pack boxes costs £33 – so £1.10 per serving, but that reduces to £23 (£0.76 per serving) for your first online order of if you set up a subscription. For 15-pack boxes its £20 (£1.33 per serving), reduced to £14 (£0.93). I reckon that represents pretty good value for an electrolyte drink that’s packed full enough of sodium to be split into two 450ml servings.
Apart from the previous watermelon flavor I tried, there are two others – raspberry salt and citrus salt. Which side of the flavor divide they fall on, I can’t say. But for me the orange lemonade flavor is a winner. I suffer quite often from cramping, especially when swimming. But so far, with these Puresport Ultra Electrolytes, the cramps have been banished – and I’m happy to keep it that way.
Puresport Ultra Electrolytes specs
| Specifications | Puresport Ultra Electrolytes |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 1 sachet in 450-900ml water |
| Sodium per serving | 1,000mg |
| Price per serving | From £0.76 |
| Flavors | Watermelon, citrus salt, raspberry salt, orange lemonade |
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