Ultima Electrolytes Review (2025): Does It Live Up to the Buzz?

With so many hydration aids on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one might be most effective for your body. After all, the best product is the one that supports your individual hydration needs and aligns with your health goals. Aside from these two important factors, there are other elements of electrolyte powders to pay attention to—which I'm uncovering in this Ultima electrolytes review. 

Ultima Replenisher is a popular electrolyte drink mix, but how do its ingredients, taste, safety measures, and health claims stack up against competitors, like Live it Up Vital Minerals? Keep reading to find out. 

In this review, I’ll cover:

• Are Ultima Electrolytes Worth a Try?
• What Is Ultima Replenisher?
• Purported Health Benefits
• Ingredient Breakdown
• Quality and Safety
• Cost Analysis
• Taste Review
• Why I Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals

Ultima Electrolytes Quick Facts

• Key ingredients:
  • 6 primary electrolytes: sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and chloride
  • Vitamin C and zinc
  • Organic stevia leaf extract (Reb A)
• Flavors: 17 flavors, including Lemonade, Peach Bellini Mocktini, Mango Dragon Fruit Green Tea, and more
• Manufacturer health claims: Hydration support, immune support, and energy and muscle function support
• Possible side effects: Digestive issues, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating. 
• Nutrition Facts: 
  • Calories: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams
  • Total sugars: 0 grams
• Serving size: Only the stick packs show the serving size (3.6 grams); the canister does not show the serving size of a scoop
• Container size: Three options:
  • 20 stick packs
  • 30-serving canister (scoop)
  • 90-serving canister (scoop)
• Price: 
  • Stick packs: $20.99 for 20 sticks (or $18.89 with a subscription, $0.94 per serving)
  • 30-serving canister: $20.89 (or $18.89 with a subscription, $0.62 per serving)
  • 90-serving canister: $44.99 (or $40.49 with a subscription, $0.44 per serving)
• Shipping: Free for subscriptions and one-time orders $30+

Formula Snapshot: How Well Does Ultima Hydrate?

Why ratios matter: The secret to proper hydration isn’t just fluids with essential minerals—it’s about the balance of electrolytes and how they interact with each other. Every brand’s electrolyte powder is a little different, so it’s important to know what to look for.

Ultima Replensisher has six electrolytes plus some zinc and vitamin C:

• Sodium: 55 mg
• Potassium: 250 mg
• Calcium: 47 mg
• Chloride: 78 mg
• Phosphorus: 70mg
• Magnesium: 100 mg

Not only is Ultima’s amount of sodium far too low, the ratio to potassium is extremely off. I typically look for a 2:1 ratio of sodium to potassium, but Ultima has a ratio of nearly 1:5. I just don’t see how there’s enough sodium balance to have much of an impact on your hydration.

Bottom Line: Are Ultima Electrolytes Worth a Try?

Ultima Replenisher provides a good mix of different electrolytes and immune-supporting vitamins and minerals at an affordable price, but hydration ratio is very imbalanced and too low in sodium. Additionally, the powder is overwhelmingly sweet, and may even cause digestive upset due to organic stevia leaf extract and higher amounts of magnesium. That’s why I recommend Live it Up Vital Minerals instead.

What Is Ultima Replenisher?

Ultima has been on the electrolyte block for awhile, with its founding in 1996. Before the Olympic Games headed to Atlanta, Georgia, an Olympic track coach, long-distance runner, and nutritionist created the Ultima Replenisher electrolyte powder to help the U.S. Olympic track and field athletes prepare and recover for their events with something more effective than plain water. Since then, the company has created additional products for enhanced hydration that target other areas of health: Hydration + Crave Killer, Hydration + Gut Health, and Hydration + Collagen Defense.

Ultimata Replenisher electrolyte drink mix is widely available on their website, through online sellers like Amazon, and at stores such as Costco, Sprouts, CVS, and Whole Foods. It comes in 17 flavors, with the same nutritional profile across all flavors (there are slight variations in the ingredients list).

Ultima Replenisher Pros 

• Contains vitamin C and zinc to support the body's functions
• Lots of different flavors to suit different taste buds
• Sugar-free (making it keto-friendly)
• Single-serving stick packs are convenient on the go
• Affordable price

Ultima Replenisher Cons 

• Sodium is too low to have much impact
• Imbalanced ratio of sodium to potassium
• Can take a longer amount of time to dissolve than other electrolyte powders
• Canisters do not specify how many grams are in a scoop/serving size
• Stevia may have digestive side effects for some
• Some flavors may stain silicone or plastic straws, cups, or bottles

Ultima Electrolytes Purported Benefits

It seems that Ultima's purported benefits are supported by its Nutrition Facts. Here's a closer look at each health claim.

#1: Enhanced Hydration Support

It's clear that Ultima supports daily hydration, as its formula contains the key hydrating electrolytes that plain water may only have in trace amounts: sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride.

Sodium and potassium have a strong relationship, with sodium responsible for extracellular fluid volume and potassium responsible for intracellular fluid volume. All three work in concert to help the body maintain proper fluid balance and avoid dehydration—but the key word here is "balance." Too much sodium without enough potassium can cause fluid retention and may lead to health issues.

That said, at only 55mg of sodium, this electrolyte drink mix does not have enough salt for most consumers needing to replenish after certain activities. More importantly, Ultima severely lacks a balanced ratio of sodium to potassium (roughly 2:1), instead offering five times more potassium than sodium at 250mg.

#2: Energy and Muscle Function

Ultima Replenisher also includes key electrolytes for energy, including magnesium and phosphorus. Magnesium supports exercise performance through its involvement in protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and cardiovascular respiration. Phosphorus is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's main energy source. 

Ultima also claims that its electrolyte powder can "help prevent muscle cramps." Based on its inclusion of magnesium and calcium, both of which help regulate muscle and nerve function, this purported benefit is potentially true. The vitamin C in the blend may also support exercise by helping with heat tolerance.

#3: Immune Support

Taking Ultima daily may also help support your immune system, as the product includes the electrolyte manganese, vitamin C, and zinc—all of which play a role in the body's immune response. While zinc and manganese are included in low quantities, vitamin C equals 110% DV, something to be aware of if you're taking a multivitamin or other supplement that includes this vitamin.

Ultima Electrolytes Ingredients

Let's walk through Ultima's ingredients list to understand how they may or may not support the product's target functions.

• Sodium: Sodium is a key player in hydration, so it's no wonder that people pay most attention to the amount in electrolyte powders. While Ultima does include sodium, it's a tiny amount (55mg) compared to some other hydration aids. Yes, it's true that many Americans get enough (or too much) sodium in their diets, but at only 2% DV, it's unlikely that the sodium in Ultima Replenisher's formula will have the hydrating effects that consumers are looking for. After all, it is an electrolyte powder, so the right amount of sodium is necessary. 
• Other electrolytes: The fact that Ultima includes six other electrolytes, in the form of macronutrients and trace minerals, is a win in my book. These help support different functions in the body, from potassium and chloride for enhanced hydration to magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium for energy and muscle function. However, I was disappointed to see the amount of sodium to potassium was way off from a balanced ratio.
• Vitamin C and zinc: Ultima adds vitamin C and zinc to its formula, which are widely known as two of the best vitamins and minerals for supporting your immune system.
• Sweetener: Ultima is sugar-free, instead opting for organic stevia leaf extract (Reb A). Stevia leaf can be a preferred alternative to cane sugar, as it doesn't cause a sugar rush, but it can also cause digestive issues in some people and disrupt the gut's microbiome. Other downsides include intense sweetness and an unpleasant aftertaste.
• Other ingredients: The formula also includes citric acid, tartaric acid, potassium phosphate, natural colors, and natural flavors. It's unclear what the proportions of these ingredients are in the serving size, as canisters of Ultima Replenisher don't specify the number of grams in each scoop.

Ultima Electrolytes Quality and Safety

Ultima products are manufactured in a facility that follows the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices, but their website doesn't state whether they conduct additional third-party testing for potency, purity, contaminants, or other components. (In contrast, all batches of Live it Up Vital Minerals are third-party tested.) That said, the company does at least test for gluten.

While people with nut sensitivities may want to avoid Ultimata Replenisher (its manufacturing facility also processes products that contain peanuts), the powder is gluten-free, soy-free, and caffeine-free. Plus, it's Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, and keto-friendly.

Ultima Electrolytes Cost Analysis

Here's a breakdown of how much Ultima Replenisher costs, according to their website: 

• Stick packs: A one-time purchase is $20.99 ($1.05/serving). A subscription saves 10%, bringing the price down to $18.89 ($0.94/serving). 
• 30-serving canister: A one-time purchase is $20.99 ($0.70/serving). A subscription brings the price down to $18.89 ($0.62/serving). 
• 90-serving canister: A one-time purchase is $44.99 ($0.50/serving). A subscription brings the price down to $40.49 ($0.44/serving). 
• Shipping costs: Subscribers get free shipping on all orders, no matter the total amount. One-time orders only get free shipping for $30+.

These prices set Ultima firmly in the "affordable" category of electrolyte powders, just like Live it Up Vital Minerals, which also costs less than $1 per serving. (For context, Liquid I.V. costs $1.09 per stick with a subscription and doesn't offer a less expensive scoop option.) Considering that Ultima’s formula lacks hydration potency, its cheaper cost comes as no surprise.

The company's return policy isn't super clear on whether customers can receive a refund if they don't like the product; it just mentions that they may request a refund for non-expired powders purchased from their website and authorized sellers (which it doesn't identify). 

Ultima Replenisher costs, as well as shipping and return policies, may vary among sellers.

Ultima Electrolytes Taste Review

I tried some of Ultima's most popular flavors, including Lemonade, Strawberry Marg Mocktini, and Pink Lemonade, and found them to be pleasant overall, if not slightly under-flavored. While subtlety suits some people's taste buds, others prefer more punchy flavors: 

Where I give the product low marks is the overly sweet formula. Although many Ultima electrolytes reviews mention a good level of sweetness, I found it to be overwhelming, likely due to the inclusion of organic stevia leaf extract, which is much sweeter than sugar. Other Ultima Replenisher reviews agree: 

Regarding texture, Ultima powders didn't have the gritty texture that many electrolyte powders have, but I found that they took awhile to fully mix and dissolve—something to consider for people on the go or who need an immediate hydration solution. 

For people who don't like drinks to taste too salty or overly flavorful, Ultima is a good option. In fact, this TikTok reviewer likes that it's "not as salty [as Liquid I.V.]." Just keep in mind that less-salty taste is due to potentially less-than-optimal amounts of sodium. Live it Up Vital Minerals, on the other hand, tastes delicious and has more appropriate sodium for daily hydration.

Why I Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals

Although Ultima Replenisher is affordable and offers a good mix of primary electrolytes, as well as immune-supporting additions, I still recommend Live it Up Vital Minerals instead. Why? 

Vital Minerals:

• Provides a better ratio of electrolytes for balanced hydration (compared to Ultima's 55mg sodium)
• Is naturally sweetened (not overwhelmingly so, like Ultima)
• Tells you exactly how much is in each serving size (Ultima's canisters don't provide this information).

Our electrolytes support hydration, performance, and overall health. Vital Minerals is vegan and has no GMOs, no soy, no gluten, and no nuts. Plus, Vital Minerals is less than $1 per serving, dissolves easily, and tastes delicious! Try the Lemon-Lime or Mango Pomegranate flavor and start supporting your daily hydration needs with Live it Up Vital Minerals. 

Ultima Electrolytes Frequently Asked Questions

Get more of your questions answered about Ultima Replenisher.

Are there any Ultima Replenisher side effects?

As with any product, Ultima Replenisher may have side effects for some people, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating. This may be caused by magnesium citrate, which is included in Ultima's formula in a higher quantity (100mg) than other electrolyte powders. For context, Live it Up Vital Minerals, which includes 50mg, half the amount in Ultima's powder. In higher doses, magnesium citrate is known to cause digestive issues.

Is Ultima Replenisher good for you?

Ultima Replenisher may be good for people looking to meet their daily hydration goal and who aren't losing a lot of electrolytes throughout the day. If you participate in endurance sports, are dehydrated due to sickness, or working out in the sun for significant amounts of time, I’d suggest finding an electrolyte powder with higher amounts of sodium.

Is it okay to drink Ultima every day?

Yes, it's okay to drink Ultima every day. The company's website says to "[s]imply add the powder (1 stick pack or one scoop) to 16 ounces of water and shake or stir well." It's unclear whether Ultima can be taken more than once per day, especially due to the lack of clarity around how many grams are in a scoop’s serving size. 

Is Ultima the best electrolyte powder?

Everyone's health situation and hydration needs are unique, so finding the best electrolyte powder is a personal choice (paired with a healthcare professional's consult, of course). While Ultima's drink mix may be beneficial for some people and contains low sodium—which can't be said of all hydration aids—Live it Up Vital Minerals still stands out as one of the best electrolyte powders due to its optimal amount of sodium to potassium and balanced, naturally sweetened formula.

Is there aspartame in Ultima?

No, there is no aspartame in Ultima. Some customers may confuse the ingredient "potassium aspartate" with "aspartame," but they aren't the same things. Potassium aspartate is essentially a synthetic potassium salt that includes the amino acid aspartate. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener.

References

• https://www.pehub.com/vm-partners-buys-ultima-health-products/
• https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B01IIGNPK4/
• https://www.ultimareplenisher.com/
• https://www.bevnet.com/news/2018/ultima-replenisher-announces-approval-nsf-non-gmo-project-verification/ 
• https://www.tiktok.com/discover/ultima-reviews 
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-magnesium-cause-diarrhea-8699461
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-types#Should-you-take-a-magnesium-supplement
• https://www.newnaturebio.com/is-aspartate-the-same-as-aspartame.html 
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/aspartate-potassium 
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes 
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-potassium-do
• https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5622706/ 
• https://www.healthline.com/health/phosphorus-in-diet 
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ 
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Phosphorus-HealthProfessional/ 
• https://store.mayoclinic.com/education/what-are-trace-minerals-and-why-are-they-important 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/ 
• https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/stevia-side-effects 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6627124/ 
• https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/stevia-side-effects