Learn how easy it is to make homemade electrolyte mix and save so much money doing it! Most people are dehydrated, which can cause many health issues and it's simply because they aren't replenishing electrolytes.
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I tried LMNT because I heard it was the best electrolyte drink mix. I liked that there weren't any artificial ingredients, but didn't like how sweet it was. I considered buying the raw unflavored version, then realized it's 3 ingredients that I can easily buy and put together myself! You can find their recipe on LMNT's website: https://drinklmnt.com/pages/faq/.
So many traditional electrolyte drinks have unhealthy ingredients or if they don't, they cost an arm and a leg.
I did the math last year and it worked out to be $1.30 per serving of LMNT and $0.17 per serving when I made my own. That's 80% less!!
Since drinking this daily to meet my electrolyte needs, my energy levels have increased and stayed consistent and I just FEEL more hydrated. Before it seemed that no matter the quantity of water I consumed, I just didn't feel like my body was absorbing it.
I like to preportion little "packets" using small 3 gram containers I found on Amazon. This makes it quick and easy to add to my day, whether at home or on the go!
Why you'll love this recipe
Healthy - It's made with simple wholesome ingredients you can feel good about and the only sugar is what's naturally present in the pineapple juice.
Easy - You can either pre-portion the three ingredients into reusable containers (minimum 3 gram container) or just measure them into your glass when you want to make it. So simple!
Delicious - I love the mix of sweet pineapple flavor with subtle saltiness from the electrolytes, it's really refreshing. You can also mix it up different juices or in smoothies if you wish!
Ingredients
Sea salt - If you don't do anything else, just add a pinch of good sea salt to water, because sodium chloride supports so many systems in the body. You want to use pure, unrefined sea salt and we use Redmond real salt for that.
Potassium - You need the right sodium to potassium ratio because they work together to support many functions in the body. I use potassium chloride because that's what they use in LMNT.
Magnesium - Essential to hundreds of bodily functions and is quickly depleted after any type of stress. I use magnesium malate because it is supposed to help with migraines, which I've struggled with my whole life. There are many types of magnesium, so research which one would make sense for you.
Pineapple juice - I use 100% pure pineapple juice, not from concentrate, because it adds some wholefood vitamin C (not ascorbic acid) which is essential for magnesium absorption. It also makes the drink taste great!
Water - Always use filtered water, you want it to be as clean and high quality as possible. We use the Berkey filter.
Tips for making homemade electrolyte drink
- Since I portion out 100 servings at a time, I start with magnesium, then the salt, then potassium. I do this because the salt is a darker color than the other two, which are white. This way I don't get confused about what I've already done, it's clear because of the color difference.
- You can measure out the ingredients and make a bulk mix. I chose not to do this because I wanted to have the correct ratio in each scoop and you can't guarantee that with a bulk mix. If you choose to do this, mix together 1 cup salt, ½ cup magnesium and ¼ cup potassium. Then use a scant teaspoon with ½ cup pineapple juice and 3 cups water.
- You can use different juice if you wish. I would recommend a juice that naturally is high in Vitamin C and ensure it's pure juice, with no added sugar and not from concentrate.
- Since pineapple juice is quite acidic, I use glass straws to drink this to get it past my teeth, then when I'm done the drink, I wish my mouth with plain water. Just what I choose to do to prevent enamel erosion!
Tools you may need
How to make homemade electrolyte drink
Ingredients:
- 2500mg (½ tsp) pure sea salt
- 385mg (⅛ tsp) potassium chloride
- 375mg (¼ tsp) magnesium malate
- ½ cup 100% pure pineapple juice (or more to taste)
- 3 cups filtered water (We use a Berkey)
Instructions:
For making "packets", add salt, potassium and magnesium to each container and close tightly.
Add salt, potassium and magnesium to a large glass or jar, then mix in juice and water.
I recommend having a small high protein snack, such as a hard boiled egg or a few slices of cheese, before drinking. This will help prevent a blood sugar spike from drinking the juice and aid with the electrolytes in giving you consistent energy!
How to store homemade electrolyte drink
Refrigerate the drink if you aren't going to drink it immediately. If making the single serve "packets", keep the containers in a dry area.
Did you try this recipe? If so, I would really appreciate a 5-star rating and your comments below! Thanks!
📖 Recipe
Electrolyte Drink Mix (LMNT Copycat)
It is SO easy to make homemade electrolyte drink mix and save so much money doing it! Most people are dehydrated, which can cause many health issues and it's simply because they aren't replenishing electrolytes.
Ingredients
- 2500mg (½ tsp) pure sea salt
- 385mg (⅛ tsp) potassium chloride
- 375mg (¼ tsp) magnesium malate
- ½ cup 100% pure pineapple juice (or more to taste)
- 3 cups filtered water (We use a Berkey)
Instructions
- For making "packets", add salt, potassium and magnesium to each container and close tightly.
- Add salt, potassium and magnesium to a large glass or jar, then mix in juice and water.
Notes
- I recommend having a small high protein snack, such as a hard boiled egg or a few slices of cheese, before drinking. This will help prevent a blood sugar spike from drinking the juice and aid with the electrolytes in giving you consistent energy!
- Since I portion out 100 servings at a time, I start with magnesium, then the salt, then potassium. I do this because the salt is a darker color than the other two, which are white. This way I don't get confused about what I've already done, it's clear because of the color difference.
- You can measure out the ingredients and make a bulk mix. I chose not to do this because I wanted to have the correct ratio in each scoop and you can't guarantee that with a bulk mix. If you choose to do this, mix together 1 cup salt, ½ cup magnesium and ¼ cup potassium. Then use a scant teaspoon with ½ cup pineapple juice and 3 cups water.
- You can use different juice if you wish. I would recommend a juice that naturally is high in Vitamin C and ensure it's pure juice, with no added sugar and not from concentrate.
- Since pineapple juice is quite acidic, I use glass straws to drink this to get it past my teeth, then when I'm done the drink, I wish my mouth with plain water. Just what I choose to do to prevent enamel erosion!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 66Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 612mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g
This nutrient calculation is done by an automated calculator and may not be accurate.
Joe says
Thanks for sharing this recipe and your thoughts Have you ever made this mix this with a flavor powder instead of fresh juice? If yes what kind/brand of powdered flavoring did you use? I’m looking for something to take on the trail that has some flavor. Best, Joe
!
Errika says
Hi Joe! Unfortunately I've never tried it with any flavor powder, I've only ever used juice. I'd definitely be interested to know if you found anything suitable! Good luck!
Nicole says
There is a crystal brand called Real Lemon that is just lemon. Actually they make lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit. The other suggestion is to buy dehydrated fruit powder or make it yourself. I’d rather use this than drink Gatorade.
Laura Cross says
I am fortunate enough to have access to a freeze dryer so I wonder if freeze dried juice or fruit would do the trick.
Ruth says
I am also wondering about the magnesium. How? or why? did you decide on magnesium Malate? Other studies seem to say that other forms of magnesium are better absorbed. I’d like to hear from you in this.
Errika says
I chose it because I've always struggled with migraines and read that it was a good choice for migraine prevention!
Jan B says
Hi Errika, just found you on YouTube with high protein snacks. Definitely subscribing, love your content and relaxed, healthy outlook! Question - do you drink the whole 3-1/2 cups at one time? I usually have a drink first thing in the morning before working out.
Errika says
Hi and thanks so much! I drink it throughout the day, and usually try to do it after a meal or a high fibre/protein snack to reduce blood sugar spikes.
deb says
Thanks so much for sharing this! I knew there had to be a way to make this myself - those packets are ridiculously expensive...and too sweet for me. Just made my first homemade batch!
Roger aka:rb67mustang says
I watched your LMNT Video on Youtube, and I'm here to checkout your webpage. I reviewed the ingredients from the Amazon links. The Magnesium Malate source is Magnesium Oxide. I've seen information that Magnesium Oxide is the type that's least absorbed by our body. Maybe a better type of Magnesium should be used to make this LMNT?
Theresa says
I would like to print out this recipe. but, you do not offer the option to print without the image of your hand holding the drink etc. this uses a lot of ink I'd rather not use. Please offer the option to print without the image like so many other blogs do Thank-you for sharing you're knowledge and recipes. I greatly appreciate it.
Ruth says
How do package or store each individual serving? I’d love to make this and have usable for my 6 sons who work in the beta every day and want healthy and economical electrolytes.
Errika says
If you check out the "Tools You Need" section, I have linked the little containers I use. They are 3 gram containers, quite small.
Rama says
Thank you for this recipe and for including the milligrams for each ingredient. I just use magnesium and potassium chloride tablets that I already have and put them in my spice grinder to make a powder and add them with the salt to my 500 ml water. No need for sweetener as there is really no taste. Maybe just a little saltiness can be tasted in the water, but if I didn't know the minerals were in there, I wouldn't be able to tell. It just tastes like nice refreshing water. No sugar required. Thanks again for sharing this!