The market for energy and sports drinks is booming. Back in 2022, it was valued at £3 billion and was predicted to increase by an additional 0.33 billion by 2027, according to data from Statista.
And this is no doubt in line with the increased popularity of high-intensity exercise. We are in a new age of amateur athletes who are more committed than ever to advanced endurance training and stamina-testing competitions like marathons, ultras, Ironman triathlons, cross-training, and HYROX - all between balancing full-time jobs.
These limit-testing training regimes make fuelling and rehydration as crucial as ever as a drop in performance is inextricably linked to dehydration. Sports drinks take a functional approach by packing essential minerals and electrolytes into their formulations to replenish those lost as you push yourself further and sweat it out. They fall into three categories; hypotonic (during sport for low carb, low salt and sugar), hypertonic (drank post-exercise for high carb for maximum energy) and isotonic, the focus of this article.
What does isotonic mean? What is an isotonic drink?
Simon Edwards, Raise and Replenish's in-house Registered Associate Sports Nutritionist explains, “An isotonic drink is trying to replicate the tonicity and osmolarity of our blood, meaning an isotonic drink would have a similar concentration of water, carbohydrates, sugar and salt or electrolytes to help replenish those lost during exercise or high temperatures”.
When should you drink an isotonic drink?
These drinks are generally best enjoyed before exercising. Edwards agrees: “Pre-exercise is when I’d recommend an isotonic drink mixed with a shot of Raise and Replenish's Plug Me In for an extra energy boost”.
He adds “An electrolyte drink for during intense exercise, and a recovery drink for afterwards, much like the isotonic drink above but this time including a shot of Raise and Replenish's Thirst Aid Kit instead”.
It is also worth mentioning that these drinks are designed to be consumed in tandem with vigorous exercise. Their sugar content makes them not suitable for every day. In this case, you may be better served with an electrolyte supplement.
The isotonic drinks market is dominated by familiar brands, namely Lucozade and Powerade – but other brands are entering the space in innovative ways. We’ve put them through their paces to find the best below.
Bulk Hydration Drink
Bulk has packed its trademarked Hydration Drink with a precise blend of ingredients. The components have each been carefully selected based on their quality and nutritional benefits. They include a tri-carbohydrate blend, BCAAs, vitamin B6 and four electrolytes for fast-release energy.
It is designed for consumption before and during exercise and is made to be mixed with water. There are two flavours; mixed berry or orange - both of which are tasty so you relish the hydration process.
Buy now £14.49, Bulk
Science In Sport GO Isotonic Energy Gels
If you have participated in endurance activity in the past, Science In Sport is likely a brand that you are very familiar with. The energy specialist is often namechecked by athletes as it is home to some of the highest-rated and most ubiquitous refuelling gels on the market. In this variety pack, you are treated to seven different flavours to keep you going.
It is often hard to swallow some of the more saccharine gels on the market but keeping the taste different is a great way to ensure that you won’t get sick of them throughout your training and on race day. The serving is pre-determined so you know exactly how much to eat and each sachet contains liquid carbs for a mid-workout power-up.
Buy now £5.40, Amazon
HIGH5 Hydration Energy Drink Powder
There are two flavours of HIGH5’s Hydration Energy Drink Powder to make it easier to slip into your pre-workout ritual. You can choose between blackcurrant or tropical and add it to water, a smoothie or a shake to benefit from its blend of a fast-release multi-carbohydrate and five replenishing electrolytes - all without artificial sweeteners, colouring or caffeine.
Postbiotics are included in the mix too and coupled with calcium aid digestion to speed up the energising properties of the exercise essential.
Buy now £7.19, Amazon
PowerBar Isomax Blood Orange 1200g - Isotonic Sports Drink
Increased performance is the aim and the game with PowerBar, a brand devoted to all things sports nutrition with its collection of gels, powders, supplements and bars. The formulation of its Isotonic Sports Drink has been meticulously created to include the five main electrolytes - sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium but PowerBar has also thrown in some additional elements like caffeine and a dual source carb mix to smash your fitness goals.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
Lucozade Sport Isotonic Performance Fuel Orange
On hand at major races like the London Marathon to fuel runners through the gruelling 26.2 miles, Lucozade is one of the biggest names in the sports drink arena. The brand packs its isotonic concoction with carbohydrates and electrolytes to increase the rate of rehydration and keep you going through your workout.
Price for 12.
Buy now £16.23, Amazon
Powerade Berry & Tropical Flavour
When you are engaging in prolonged exercise, you need to supercharge your hydration levels and Powerade’s range is on hand to do exactly that. The electrolyte-rich beverage contains vitamin B and has a tasty (but fairly sugary) flavouring that serves to rehydrate and replenish your energy sources.
Price for 12.
Buy now £17.95, Amazon
