Sports drinks are great for replenishing water and energy levels before, during, and after training or workout sessions. For individuals who are physically active, maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes proper diet, exercise, sufficient sleep, and of course, hydration. One of the effective ways to achieve this is by stocking up on sports drinks at home.
Sports drinks come in different types, packaging, and flavors. So whether you're choosing for the first time or looking into trying another brand, we're here to help with a buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, and a list of recommended sports drinks that you can purchase online.
Quick List - Top Sports Drinks
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
Sports drinks can be classified into hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic. Tonicity has something to do with the proportion of nutrients and electrolytes to the human blood concentration. Let’s walk through the characteristics of each type for a better understanding.
Hypertonic sports drinks, such as NutraBio SuperCarb, have more concentrated nutrients and electrolytes. They contain higher amounts of carbohydrates, salts, and minerals to replenish glycogen levels - beneficial for faster recovery after long, intense training and workouts.
They are effective when you need refueling after a physically challenging competition where you sweat a lot and lose these nutrients and electrolytes. However, they are not recommended when you are trying to shed some pounds due to their high-calorie content.
Consequently, they have less water content, so they are the least thirst-quenching among the types of sports drinks. If you're looking for one, check the nutritional facts on the label if it contains more than 8% carbohydrates.
“Iso” means equal, thus isotonic sports drinks have similar, if not identical, concentration of nutrients and electrolytes present in the blood. They are great for maintaining the ideal glycogen level while relieving yourself from thirst. Common brands under this category include Gatorade and Pocari Sweat.
They work effectively for short but intensive workouts, such as aerobics and athletic sports like sprinting and hammer throw. The contents of these sports drinks are quickly absorbed by the body to restore strength. Take note that the label must indicate that the carbohydrate content is about 6% to 8%.
If you are after fast rehydration and thirst-quenching beverages, go for hypotonic sports drinks. According to research, they may include the least amount of nutrients, especially carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium - still, they are an excellent choice for those trying to get in shape or lose weight because it is low in calories.
These drinks offer the fastest rehydration due to the low electrolyte concentration that needs to be absorbed in the bloodstream. They are appealing among athletes who are in-between game breaks or in the middle of the competition, such as cycling.
The usual indicator for hypotonic sports drinks is the calorie count. Check if the label indicates that it's low-calorie, low-carb, or has no-carbs like Nuun Hydration Tablets. You may also inspect the nutritional value table where it must have less than 6% carbohydrates.
The famous brands of sports drinks in the Philippines are in ready-to-drink liquid form. But they also come in concentrated liquid, powder, and tablets. Unlike the ready-to-drink variants, these three forms require potable water.
The concentrated liquid variant is the easiest to mix with water but you will need a bigger container for storage. Meanwhile, the powdered sports drinks are bought in bulk, easy to store, and quickly dissolve in water. On the other hand, tablets come in tubes, which are handy and the most effortless to keep, however, they take time to dissolve.
Energy-boosting ingredients push our best performance beyond the limits. Dietary protein from cow’s milk, pea, and soy as well as amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, valine, and L-glutamine in sports drinks promote the building of muscles and maintaining muscle mass.
Vitamins and minerals are also formulated into sports drinks because they support body functions. Vitamin B is great for metabolism, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system, reducing exhaustion and fatigue. Vitamin D and calcium keep the bones and muscles healthy.
In a research finding, several sports drinks incorporate natural performance enhancers. Caffeine optimizes energy levels, maintains hydration, and can help improve mental alertness. Green tea is rich in antioxidants for metabolism and strength recovery. L-carnitine brings fatty acids to your cells to increase energy.
Sports drinks come in various flavors, and you have the liberty to select your favorites. Consuming them with your desired flavors can tickle happy hormones. Regardless of your choice, most sports drinks do not have artificial sweeteners.
Reviews from actual buyers from some e-shopping sites, such as Lazada and Shopee, play a big part in assessing the product before buying. The brand's official website or social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram may contain useful feedback as well.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gatorade Fierce Tropical Fruit | ![]() | Best for Athletes in Replenishing Electrolytes | |
2 | Pocari Sweat Ion Supply Drink | ![]() | Ionized Sports Drink to Refill Body Fluids and Electrolytes | |
3 | Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Drink Mix | ![]() | Diet-Friendly Sports Drink for the Health Conscious | |
4 | Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier | ![]() | Quick and Intense Hydration for Intense Activities | |
5 | GU Energy Gels 24 Pack | ![]() | Portable, Easy-to-Digest Gels for Boosting Energy | |
6 | RULE 1 R1 Train BCAAs | ![]() | Build Muscle Strength While Keeping Yourself Hydrated | |
7 | Suncoast Lightwater Electrolyte Enhanced Water|Pack of 6 | ![]() | Zero-Calorie Sports Drink With Electrolytes | |
8 | SCIVATION XTEND® BCAA Dietary Supplement|Blood Orange | ![]() | Multifunctional Hydration Powder for Muscle Recovery |
For over 50 years, Gatorade has made a name for itself as the best sports drink brand in the world trusted by professional athletes around the world. Scientifically formulated to replace lost fluids and electrolytes when sweating, it helps you to perform at maximum capacity during practice and games.
Gatorade also contains just the right amount of carbohydrates to fuel active muscles, keeping your energy levels up. Even better, it quenches your thirst during high-energy activities, ensuring you stay hydrated. Plus, it’s low in sodium, caffeine-free, and non-carbonated—making it a healthy choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Ready-to-drink liquids are the most popular variant of sports drinks in the country, and Pocari Sweat is no stranger among Filipino consumers. This healthy drink is a standout versus its competitors for its signature colorless liquid and various health-boosting properties.
It's a non-carbonated isotonic drink, which means that it resembles natural body fluid and helps balance ions in the body. This helps make up for lost sweat, thus replenishing water and electrolytes that your body sorely needs! Drink this after any physical activity or as a helpful remedy for colds, fever, and diarrhea to help hasten body recovery.
If you have any dietary restrictions, then this powdered sports drink is perfect for you! Ultima Replenisher's Electrolyte Drink Mix is non-GMO with zero calories and zero carbs. It's compatible with diet plans such as keto, paleo, and vegan, making it the number one guilt-free sports drink on the market!
Moreover, it's gluten, soy, dairy, and caffeine-free. It even uses all-natural plant-based products and organic stevia sweetener. Nevertheless, it's jam-packed with electrolytes and trace minerals to support hydration and nourishment. Simply put, it's a healthy alternative to most sports drink brands available today.
One of the fiercest competitors on the market, Liquid I.V.'s Hydration Multiplier delivers hydration like no other. A single stick contains thrice the electrolytes of normal sports drinks. It even has vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and C to ensure that your body stays in supreme condition to win games or overcome tough workouts.
The key to its advanced hydration lies in its patented Cellular Transport Technology formula. This formula enhances the absorption of water and other nutrients into the bloodstream. It's a quick pick-me-up for those draining workouts and grueling games, and it comes in travel-friendly packaging for your convenience.
GU Energy Gels are great for keeping your body hydrated, energized, and ready for activity. They contain electrolytes, amino acids, and simple carbohydrates that all work together to fuel you up for extended periods of time without distressing your stomach.
The amino acids reduce mental and muscle fatigue while the carbohydrates deliver ready-to-use energy. Some flavors even have caffeine and can help you focus and concentrate on the activity at hand. In other words, it's the complete package: multi-functional, highly effective, and easy to digest.
The gels also come in small, lightweight packets. This means that you can save yourself from lugging an extra bottle or two to the gym. On top of it all, they come in more than 15 different flavors. Stick to a favorite or switch it up between sessions; the choice is all yours!
Hit an entire flock of birds with one stone by buying yourself R1's Train BCAAs. It contains electrolytes, taurine, coconut water, and citrulline malate to keep you both hydrated and your muscles primed and ready for an intense workout.
Furthermore, the formulation's multiple branch chain amino acids or BCAAs also aid faster muscle growth and recovery. It'll even bolster your body's immunity and resistance against common infections, making sure that you're always ready for action!
If you're looking for a sports drink to help you reach optimal performance, keep you nourished, and guarantee a speedy recovery, then this is the product for you! It comes in a variety of flavors, including a refreshing Orange Burst and a delectable Candy Apple.
Suncoast's Lightwater Electrolyte Enhanced Water works effectively for both adults and kids. It's an amazing companion for those tiring school intramurals, fun runs, tailgates, or walks under the heat of the sun.
Lightwater is chock-full of electrolytes and contains no calories—perfect for replenishing expended fluids and energy. Each box contains 6 single-serving bottles and will come in handy whether you're traveling or camping. Keep them in an ice-filled cooler, and you'll have yourself a refreshing treat perfect for hot summer days!
Another multi-functional hydration powder is Scivation Xtend's BCAA sports drink powder. It can replenish electrolytes while preventing muscle breakdown, promoting muscle growth, and improving recovery time. It's a versatile drink that's also delicious in every way.
This formulation is packed with branch chain amino acids and citrulline malate for speeding up muscle strengthening and recovery. It'll reduce body fatigue and get you back on your feet quicker and more effectively. You can even enjoy it guilt-free as it doesn't contain any calories and carbohydrates!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
If you aren't working out intensely for at least an hour daily, then it's best to avoid drinking sports drinks everyday. The sugar content in most sports drinks might contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, or even diabetes in the long run. The extra calories might also set you back if weight loss is your goal.
Sports drinks are a quick and easy way to absorb nutrients without feeling full or bloated as we usually do with food. They are also a great way to replenish electrolytes lost in the intensity of a workout. Additionally, most sports drinks on the market contain glycogen, thereby boosting overall energy and endurance.
Sports drinks are great for managing diarrhea because they can help rehydrate you. Excess bowel movements and vomiting can dehydrate the body, causing you to lose the electrolytes that the body needs to function normally. Sports drinks can simultaneously help you quench your thirst and fill your body back up with electrolytes and nutrients.
Complete your energy kits with these items to achieve your #fitnessgoals. Click the links below and take the time to read these articles for more buying guides and product recommendations. Our reviews include whey protein powders and bars to boost your endurance and performance while competing or exercising.
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Gatorade|Fierce Tropical Fruit
No. 2: Pocari Sweat|Ion Supply Drink
No. 3: Ultima Replenisher|Electrolyte Drink Mix
No. 4: Liquid I.V.|Hydration Multiplier
No. 5: GU|Energy Gels 24 Pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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