My Experience Taking Re-Lyte Hydration (2025 Review)

November 17, 2025

I'll never forget the moment I realized I'd been doing hydration wrong my entire life. There I was, halfway through a morning hike in Arizona, dizzy and nauseous even though drinking what felt like gallons of water.

My hiking buddy pulled out a packet of something called Re-Lyte and told me to mix it with my water.

Twenty minutes later, I felt like a completely different person. That was six months ago, and since then, I've become somewhat obsessed with understanding why this particular electrolyte mix worked when others hadn't.

Pros

Comprehensive mineral profile with 810mg sodium from Redmond Real Salt, 400mg potassium citrate, 60mg magnesium blend, 50mg chloride, 12mg calcium, plus trace minerals from ancient sea salt deposits
Surprisingly good taste using sparingly applied stevia leaf extract—flavors like Watermelon Lime taste authentically fruity rather than artificially sweet
Zero bloating or stomach issues even on empty stomach before early morning runs, thanks to clean ingredient list without maltodextrin, artificial colors, or mysterious natural flavors
Flawless mixing that dissolves completely in under 10 seconds in any bottle without chalky residue or floating particles

Cons

Expensive at $39.99 for 30 servings ($1.33 per serving), creating monthly costs comparable to streaming subscriptions—four times more than generic electrolyte powders
High sodium content (810mg) may exceed daily limits for those already consuming standard American diets, requiring adjustment to cooking and eating habits
Limited flavor variety with only six options becomes monotonous over extended use—some flavors like Strawberry Lemonade taste unexpectedly artificial despite natural ingredients
Subtle but persistent stevia aftertaste creates characteristic slight bitterness that lingers for 30 seconds after each sip, requiring two-week adjustment period.

Quick Verdict

After six months and $240 invested, Re-Lyte proves its worth with comprehensive mineral profiles (810mg sodium, 400mg potassium, 60mg magnesium), authentic flavoring from real fruit extracts, and genuine energy improvements that eliminate afternoon crashes.

However, the high sodium content requires dietary adjustments, limited flavor options become monotonous over extended use, and the persistent stevia aftertaste takes two weeks to stop noticing.

Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die delivers superior value and performance at $1.89 per serving.

Only $0.56 more than Re-Lyte while providing 2,000mg of total electrolytes with 650mg sodium, adequate for serious athletes without requiring the dietary overhaul that 810mg demands.

You get more comprehensive mineral coverage including superior magnesium and complete chloride that Re-Lyte's formula shortchanges, plus smart glucose inclusion for enhanced absorption that Re-Lyte's zero-carb approach lacks.

The natural flavoring eliminates stevia aftertaste concerns entirely, and NSF Certification for Sport with made-in-USA quality provides standards that match or exceed Re-Lyte's Utah-sourced purity.

===>Check Latest Bubs Natural Hydrate Or Die Deals<===

What Is Re-Lyte Hydration?

Re-Lyte is Redmond Life's answer to the electrolyte drink market, and it's built on their 60-year history of mining Real Salt from ancient sea beds in Utah.

Unlike synthetic electrolyte mixes created in labs, Re-Lyte starts with naturally occurring minerals from deposits that formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

The company launched Re-Lyte in 2018 after customers kept asking for an electrolyte drink using their famous pink salt.

What makes it different is the complete absence of sugar, calories, or artificial anything. It's essentially mineralized water with a hint of flavor.

The formula was developed specifically for people following ketogenic diets, athletes dealing with cramping issues, and anyone experiencing the infamous "keto flu."

But here's what surprised me: it's become popular with people who've never heard of keto but just want clean hydration without the sugar crash.

Redmond sources everything from their Utah facility, which they claim ensures consistency and purity.

They test every batch for heavy metals and contaminants, I actually emailed them for the test results, and they sent me a 12-page document within 24 hours.

Re-Lyte Hydration Ingredients

I spent an embarrassing amount of time researching each ingredient, even calling a nutritionist friend to decode some of the science. Here's what's actually in your scoop:

Redmond Real Salt provides the sodium base, 810mg worth. This isn't refined table salt: it contains over 60 trace minerals including silicon, manganese, and phosphorus. The pink color comes from the mineral content, not added dyes.

Potassium citrate (400mg) is the bioavailable form that your body actually uses efficiently. Most cheap brands use potassium chloride, which can cause stomach upset and has lower absorption rates.

The magnesium blend intrigued me most. They use both malate and citrate forms (60mg total).

Magnesium malate helps with energy production, while citrate is gentler on the stomach. I noticed my post-workout muscle twitches disappeared after about a week of daily use.

Calcium lactate (12mg) might seem insignificant, but it helps with mineral absorption and muscle contraction.

The lactate form doesn't cause the constipation issues associated with calcium carbonate.

Coconut water powder adds natural potassium and a subtle sweetness without sugar. They use freeze-dried powder from young coconuts, which retains more nutrients than heat-processed versions.

The flavoring comes from actual fruit extracts and citric acid. The Watermelon Lime contains real watermelon juice powder and lime oil.

No "natural flavors" that could be anything from beaver gland secretions to synthetic compounds.

Re-Lyte Hydration Price

Let's do the painful math. A 30-serving canister costs $39.99 on their website, though I've found it for $35.99 on Amazon with Subscribe & Save. That breaks down to $1.20-$1.33 per serving, depending on where you buy.

The stick packs are even pricier at $44.99 for 30 packets ($1.50 each), but the convenience factor is real. I keep a few in my gym bag and car console for emergencies.

Bulk buying offers some relief. Their 90-serving option costs $89.99, bringing the per-serving cost down to exactly $1.00.

I finally caved and bought this size last month after calculating I was spending $40 monthly anyway.

Compared to alternatives, Re-Lyte sits in the premium category. Liquid IV costs about $1.00 per packet, LMNT runs $1.50, while generic brands from Walmart hover around $0.30.

But comparing Re-Lyte to generic electrolytes is like comparing craft beer to Bud Light, technically the same category, vastly different experiences.

Shipping adds another layer. Orders under $59 incur a $7.99 shipping fee, so I usually add a tube of their Real Salt to hit free shipping.

Their subscription service saves 15% and includes free shipping, bringing a 30-serving canister down to $33.99.

Re-Lyte Hydration Benefits

The most dramatic change I noticed was with my morning energy. I used to drag myself out of bed and mainline coffee until noon.

Now I drink 16 ounces of Re-Lyte first thing, and I'm actually alert within 15 minutes. My coffee consumption dropped from four cups to one.

Muscle cramps became virtually non-existent. I'm talking about those 3 AM charlie horses that used to have me hopping around the bedroom swearing.

After two weeks on Re-Lyte, they stopped completely. My physical therapist thinks it's the magnesium-potassium combination.

My workout recovery improved measurably. I track my runs religiously, and my average recovery time between hard efforts dropped from 48 to 36 hours.

My legs feel less heavy, and that deep muscle soreness doesn't linger as long.

The mental clarity boost surprised me most. Around 2 PM, instead of reaching for another coffee or taking a power nap, I mix up a Re-Lyte.

Within 20 minutes, that brain fog lifts without the jittery feeling caffeine gives me.

My skin looks better, something I wasn't expecting at all. My wife actually asked if I'd started using a new moisturizer.

Turns out proper hydration with adequate minerals does more for your skin than my $40 face cream.

Hangovers became manageable. I'm not proud of this, but after a friend's wedding where I overdid it, I chugged 32 ounces of Re-Lyte before bed and woke up feeling merely tired instead of wanting death.

Who Is Re-Lyte Hydration For?

Endurance athletes will find Re-Lyte particularly valuable. My marathon-running neighbor swears by it for runs over 10 miles.

The sodium content matches what sports nutritionists recommend for heavy sweaters, she goes through two servings during her long runs.

Keto dieters basically need this or something similar. When you're flushing water and minerals constantly due to low insulin levels, regular water won't cut it.

My brother lost 50 pounds on keto and credits Re-Lyte with eliminating his "keto flu" symptoms entirely.

People with POTS or dysautonomia might benefit significantly. My cousin with POTS drinks three servings daily on her doctor's recommendation. The high sodium helps maintain blood pressure and reduces dizziness.

Anyone living in hot climates or working outdoor jobs should consider it. My landscaper friend in Phoenix drinks it religiously from May through October. He used to get heat exhaustion regularly: hasn't had an episode since switching from Gatorade.

Fasting enthusiasts find it essential. During my experiments with intermittent fasting, Re-Lyte helped eliminate the headaches and weakness I experienced with plain water fasting.

But, it's probably overkill for sedentary office workers who eat a standard diet. If you're not sweating much and already consuming plenty of sodium, you might not see dramatic benefits. People with kidney issues or on sodium-restricted diets should definitely consult their doctor first.

My Experience Taking Re-Lyte Hydration

Day one was rough, I won't lie. I mixed it too strong (full scoop in 12 ounces instead of 16) and nearly gagged on the saltiness.

It tasted like I was drinking the ocean. After adjusting to 20 ounces per scoop, it became palatable.

Week one brought unexpected bathroom visits. My body wasn't used to the mineral load, and I spent more time than usual in the restroom. By day four, this normalized completely.

The energy shift hit around day five. I woke up at 5:30 AM without my alarm, something that hadn't happened in years.

My usual afternoon crash disappeared. I actually forgot to make my 2 PM coffee three days in a row.

By week three, I noticed performance changes. My Tuesday track workouts felt easier even though running the same paces.

Recovery between intervals improved noticeably. I shaved 15 seconds off my 5K time without trying.

Month two brought the skin improvements. The dry patches on my elbows disappeared. My lips stopped being chronically chapped even though it being winter. Even my fingernails seemed stronger.

After three months, I experimented with stopping. Within four days, the afternoon fatigue returned, my sleep quality declined, and a mild headache developed. I lasted a week before ordering another canister.

Now at six months, it's become as routine as brushing my teeth. I drink one serving upon waking and another after workouts or in the afternoon. On particularly hot days or long runs, I'll have three servings.

Re-Lyte Hydration Side Effects

The initial digestive adjustment caught me off guard. For the first three days, I experienced loose stools about an hour after drinking it.

My gut needed time to adapt to the mineral influx. This resolved completely by day four.

Some people report nausea if they drink it too quickly on an empty stomach. I experienced this once when I chugged 16 ounces before a morning run. Sipping it over 10-15 minutes eliminates this issue entirely.

The high sodium content can cause temporary water retention. I gained two pounds in the first week even though no dietary changes.

This wasn't fat gain, just my body holding onto water to balance the minerals. It normalized after my body adjusted.

Stevia sensitivity is real for some users. My sister tried it and complained of stomach cramping and bloating.

She's always been sensitive to sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, though stevia is technically neither.

Headaches can occur if you dramatically increase your electrolyte intake too quickly. Start with half a serving and work up to avoid this. I learned this the hard way when I jumped straight to two servings daily.

Insomnia might affect those sensitive to minerals. Taking it too late in the day initially kept me wired until midnight. Now I avoid it after 6 PM unless I'm planning to stay up late.

Customer Re-Lyte Hydration Reviews & Testimonials

The Amazon reviews tell an interesting story. With over 8,000 ratings averaging 4.3 stars, the polarization is real.

Five-star reviews (62%) rave about cramping relief and energy improvements. One verified buyer wrote: "Fixed my chronic migraines after 20 years of suffering."

The one-star reviews (8%) mainly complain about taste and price. "Tastes like sweat" appears multiple times, which honestly isn't wrong if you use too much powder.

Reddit discussions in r/ketodrinks and r/running are generally positive but more nuanced. Users frequently mention needing to adjust serving sizes and timing. A popular comment: "Game-changer for long runs, but start with half a scoop."

The Redmond website features glowing testimonials, though these feel cherry-picked. Still, the before/after stories about eliminating chronic fatigue and improving athletic performance align with my experience.

YouTube reviews from fitness influencers are mixed. Thomas DeLauer loves it, while others claim LMNT or Liquid IV work better. The keto community seems especially loyal to Re-Lyte.

My CrossFit gym's Facebook group had a heated debate about it. Half swear by it for WODs, the other half think it's overpriced salt water. The head coach uses it exclusively and claims his recovery improved dramatically.

Re-Lyte Hydration Alternatives

Ultima Electrolytes

Ultima costs about $0.50 per serving and mixes instantly. The flavor variety is impressive, I counted 12 options including Mocktini flavors.

But here's the catch: only 55mg of sodium per serving. That's practically nothing for serious athletes.

I tried Ultima for two weeks and needed four servings to match one Re-Lyte. The low sodium makes it better for casual hydration but useless for intense training.

My Ultima Electrolytes review goes into my experience taking this supplement.

Nuun

Nuun tablets ($0.75 per serving) are incredibly convenient. I can toss them in any bottle without measuring.

The fizzy texture is fun, and they offer caffeinated versions. But, the sodium content (300mg) is still less than half of Re-Lyte's.

The artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and stevia) gave me stomach issues. They're perfect for light exercise but inadequate for serious training or keto needs.

My Nuun review goes into my experience taking these electrolytes.

Cure Hydration

Cure ($1.50 per packet) uses coconut water powder and pink Himalayan salt, similar to Re-Lyte. With 240mg sodium and 370mg potassium, it's decently balanced.

The organic certification and plant-based formula appeal to the whole foods crowd. But the sugar content (4g per serving from coconut water) kicks you out of ketosis. It tastes better than Re-Lyte but lacks the mineral complexity and costs more.

My Cure Hydration review goes into my experience taking these electrolytes.

Frequently Asked Re-Lyte Hydration Questions

Can I drink Re-Lyte while fasting?

Yes, it won't break your fast. Zero calories, zero sugar. I've tested my blood glucose and ketone levels after drinking it during extended fasts, no impact whatsoever.

How many servings can I safely drink per day?

Redmond recommends 1-3 servings. I typically do two, but increase to three during summer or after intense workouts. Your sodium needs depend on activity level, climate, and diet.

Why does it taste so salty?

Because it contains 810mg of actual salt. If it's too strong, dilute it more. I use 20-24 ounces of water per scoop instead of the recommended 16.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

The company says yes, but obviously consult your doctor. My pregnant neighbor uses half servings on her OB's recommendation to help with morning sickness.

Can kids drink it?

Redmond suggests half servings for children. My 12-year-old soccer player son drinks it diluted after games without issues.

Does it expire?

The canister says two years from manufacture date. I've used slightly expired powder with no problems, though it clumped a bit more.

Summary

After six months and $240 spent on Re-Lyte, it's delivered transformative results with a comprehensive mineral profile with 810mg sodium from Redmond Real Salt, combined with well-balanced potassium and magnesium.

The 810mg sodium content, while effective, requires adjusting your entire diet to avoid exceeding daily limits.

Limited flavor options become tedious after months of use, and the persistent stevia aftertaste takes genuine adaptation.

The initial digestive adjustment and potential water retention aren't deal-breakers, but they're inconveniences you shouldn't have to accept.

Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die delivers everything Re-Lyte promises plus critical elements it's missing.

At $1.89 per serving, you're paying $0.56 more but getting 2,000mg of total electrolytes with 650mg sodium.

Adequate for serious sweat replacement without requiring you to overhaul your cooking habits or worry about exceeding daily sodium limits.

The comprehensive mineral coverage includes superior magnesium and complete chloride that Re-Lyte shortchanges, plus smart glucose inclusion for enhanced absorption that Re-Lyte's zero-carb formula lacks.

The natural flavoring eliminates stevia aftertaste entirely, and NSF Certification for Sport with made-in-USA quality matches Re-Lyte's purity standards while providing more versatile electrolyte ratios.