Best Electrolyte Tablets for Triathlon (2026)
Reviewed April 2026·by MyTriathlonCalculator Editorial Team
Nuun Sport tablets are the standard training-hydration choice — easy to mix, moderate sodium (300mg/serving), and a 4-pack covers months of use. For racing, SaltStick capsules are more practical at aid stations. Heavy sweaters in hot-weather events may need LMNT's 1000mg sodium dose.
- •Best for training: Nuun Sport 4-pack ($26)
- •Best for racing: SaltStick Capsules 100-count ($20)
- •Best for heavy sweaters: LMNT 30-count ($45)
Nuun Sport is the most widely used training electrolyte in triathlon. The effervescent tablet mixes instantly, delivers 300mg sodium per serving, and the 4-pack value is unmatched for daily training volume.
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All Picks
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets (4-pack)
Nuun
Best for: Training hydration; athletes avoiding sugar in drink
- +38mg sodium per tablet — solid base electrolyte dose
- +Non-sugary option (vs sports drink)
- +Convenient tablet format
- −Low carbohydrate — needs to be paired with gels for racing
- −Stevia aftertaste in some flavours
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SaltStick Electrolyte Capsules (100-count)
SaltStick
Best for: Racing; salty sweaters; multi-hour events
- +215mg sodium per capsule — highest per-capsule dose
- +Easy to take at aid stations (no mixing)
- +NSF Certified for Sport
- −Capsule format harder to open with sweaty hands
- −No carbohydrates
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LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix (30-count)
LMNT
Best for: High-sodium sweaters; keto/low-sugar athletes
- +1000mg sodium per packet — highest dose available
- +Zero sugar
- +Strong citrus flavours mask sweat taste
- −High sodium unsuitable for normal sweaters (>800mg/hr total may cause issues)
- −Expensive per serving (~$2)
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Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Brand | Best For | Key Spec | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets (4-pack) | Nuun | Training hydration; athletes avoiding sugar in drink | Sodium per tab: 300mg | $26 | Amazon |
| SaltStick Electrolyte Capsules (100-count) | SaltStick | Racing; salty sweaters; multi-hour events | Sodium per cap: 215mg | $20 | Amazon |
| LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix (30-count) | LMNT | High-sodium sweaters; keto/low-sugar athletes | Sodium per packet: 1000mg | $45 | Amazon |
How much sodium do you need per hour?
The general guideline for triathlon racing is 500–1000mg sodium per hour, with the higher end appropriate for hot/humid conditions, salty sweaters, and events longer than 4 hours. Most triathletes underestimate their sodium needs and over-hydrate with plain water, which dilutes blood sodium and causes hyponatraemia — a more common race-day problem than dehydration.
Use our Electrolyte Calculator to get your personalised sodium target based on sweat rate, race duration, and conditions.