Electrolyte Mixes Market

Market Overview

The global electrolyte mixes market size was valued at USD 562.71 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 709.56 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.61% during the forecast period (2023–2031). People around the world nowadays are more focused on their health and well-being than ever before. This has led to increased physical activities like sports and exercise, driving the demand for electrolyte mixes. In light of this, there is also a rising demand for no- or low-carbohydrate drinks as the number of people with diabetes surges, thereby boosting market expansion.

Electrolytes are charged minerals in blood, tissues, organs, and other physiological fluids. Electrolytes include sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium. Electrolytes are essential for many bodily functions. They help balance the body's water quantity, maintain pH levels, and transport nutrients into and out of cells. Electrolytes also aid in appropriately functioning muscles, nerves, and organs.

Electrolyte drinks contain water, electrolytes (usually sodium and potassium), and sugar. Electrolyte mixes are formulated to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating during physical activity and assist in maintaining a healthy hydration level. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and individuals seeking hydration and electrolyte balance frequently consume these mixes.

Market Dynamics

Global Electrolyte Mixes Market Drivers

Surging Interest among Consumers in Physical Activities 

The global market for electrolyte mixes has been driven by a growing emphasis on maintaining physical fitness and increasing levels of expenditure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 23.4% of the population in the U.S. participated in exercise, sports, and recreational activities every day in 2020, an increase from 20% in the previous year (2019). A soaring number of health-conscious buyers and consumers participating in various athletics and outdoor sports sparked global demand for electrolyte mixes. The global demand for electrolyte mixes is also experiencing a significant increase due to the growing utilization of these products and the strong demand for beverages with energizing properties.

Rising Demand for No/Low Carbohydrate Drinks

The rise in the diabetic populations in the U.S., China, India, Australia, and the U.K., among others, shifted the focus from sports drinks, which have a high carbohydrate rate, to low or no carbohydrate drinks, such as electrolytes, in the recent past. Individuals with diabetes cannot effectively practice endurance activities such as long-distance running or fitness routines because consuming sports drinks filled with sugar or sugar substitutes can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. This resulted in the demand for low or no-carbohydrate drinks, such as electrolytes, that can maintain the hydration level among the diabetic population without a spike in blood sugar.

In addition, global trends in healthy food and beverage consumption have substantially impacted the market, as consumer demand for low-carb beverages and altered diets, such as the keto diet, has increased the demand for electrolyte drinks with no or low-carbohydrate content.

Global Electrolyte Mixes Market Restraint

Higher Market Penetration of Sports, Energy, and Functional Beverages

The increase in demand for fortified beverages, such as energy drinks, sports drinks, functional juices, water, teas, etc., is attributed to including essential ingredients, such as protein, amino acids, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, in various functional beverages. The launch of new and innovative types of functional water by beverage manufacturing companies producing modified protein and mineral blends will fuel the fortified beverages market. However, this restricts the growth of electrolyte beverages as this segment is still in the nascent stage of development as compared to other fortified beverages available in multiple variants in terms of ingredients and flavors.

Global Electrolyte Mixes Market Opportunities

Increasing Product Launches

Several small-scale and well-known brands have entered the global electrolyte mixes industry, fueling market competition. Several brands are working on improving their products' overall quality and effectiveness through research and development. Manufacturers also focus on expanding their product offerings by introducing new flavors with additional health benefits.

For instance, in February 2022, BIOLYTE, the world's first doctor-formulated "IV in a bottle" beverage, launched its electrolyte drink in a new flavor. The drink contains 6.5 times more electrolytes and has one-third of the sugar. The new addition is melon-flavored, adding to its citrus, berry, and tropical flavors range. Therefore, the launch of such products is expected to create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global electrolyte mixes market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global electrolyte mixes market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.11% during the forecast period. North America dominates the market for electrolyte mixes due to the surging number of consumers desiring healthy hydration by adding a liquid enhancer to water. The health benefits of electrolyte mixes have significantly contributed to the market's expansion. In this region, companies are developing consumer-focused advertisements and a vast array of energy drinks. These companies engage in cross-promotional strategies, such as promoting their products through sports-related events or employing popular sports figures to advertise their products, thereby boosting the sales of electrolyte mixes.

Companies are also launching products with added nutrients and claims such as clean-label, gluten-free, sugar-free, and organic, which is increasing demand for electrolyte mixes. For instance, Hidrate, a Canadian electrolyte manufacturing start-up company, introduced its Hydrate product line in February 2022, a balance of electrolytes, trace minerals, and nutrients without artificial ingredients. Hidrate is available in orange-grapefruit, mixed berry, and lemon flavors. Each contains three times more electrolytes than other available sports drinks and can be purchased directly from the company's website across Canada.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 1.68% over the forecast period. Germany is one of Europe's largest markets for electrolyte mixes, characterized by a wide consumer base comprising athletes and sportsmen. Germans lead a very active lifestyle and frequently participate in physical activities such as hiking, kayaking, cycling, skating, and skiing. This, in turn, has been a major driver for sports nutrition products, such as sports beverages and electrolytes. Apart from this, electrolytes are also consumed by common people during times of illness, cramps, or dehydration, as electrolytes are believed to accelerate the recovery process by providing proper hydration. The surging awareness of the importance of proper hydration amongst consumers has positively impacted this market.

The Asia-Pacific region is growing at a healthy rate in the global market. The presence of countries with tropical climates, like India and China, is expected to expedite market growth. The growth of electrolyte drinks is attributed to growing awareness among consumers regarding health and diet supplements, changing lifestyles, and rising living standards of the generation. Moreover, it is worth noting that India experiences an annual mortality rate of over one lakh among children under the age of five due to diarrhea. As per UNICEF reports, India tops the charts of the countries recording deaths of under-5 children caused by different forms of diarrheal disease, including cholera. Ready to drink ORS is emerging as an effective tool in this battle against Dehydration and Diarrhea, gaining fast popularity in the country. These factors are expected to boost the global electrolyte mixes market in the region.

In South America, increasing focus on improving health and increasing the number of gyms and fitness institutes promotes the global market. The presence of many fitness enthusiasts actively undertaking intensive workouts is a prime factor boosting the demand for electrolyte mixes in the region. Younger and millennial populations increasingly adopt fit and active lifestyles, significantly driven by the many fitness influencers active on social media. As per IHRSA, in 2019, Brazil had over 34,509 fitness centers and a fitness penetration of 4.62%, expected to increase, benefitting the market. In light of the growing obesity issue, government programs promoting physical activity and healthy eating practices contributed to the expansion of the market.

Segmental Analysis

The global electrolyte mixes market is segmented by product type, flavor, and distribution channel.

Based on product type, the global market is divided into RTD beverages, electrolyte powders, tablets, and other product types. 

The electrolyte powders segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 1.76% throughout the forecast period. Electrolyte powder is one of the most common electrolyte supplements and often comes in single-use packets or "sticks." Generally, one packet is considered one serving of the powder consumed by dissolving in clean water. The growth of the electrolyte powders market is primarily attributable to their ease of consumption. Powders are also extremely lightweight, which makes them popular with athletes. It is simple to carry single-use packets while running, walking, hiking, or traveling. In addition to sports nutrition, electrolyte powders are frequently recommended to recover dehydration-causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Electrolyte tablets are packaged in a plastic tube that prevents them from shattering or cracking. These tablets, also known as hydration tablets, are dissolved in clean water and consumed. A key market driver is athletes' and athletes' widespread preference for electrolyte tablets. Similarly, the key participants' heavy marketing strategies and promotional events boost market demand. For instance, in July 2020, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced Phizz as the Official Hydration Tablet Partner to CWI and the West Indies teams.

Based on flavor, the global electrolyte mixes market is bifurcated into flavored and unflavored electrolyte mixes. 

The flavored electrolyte mix segment dominates the global market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 2.72% over the forecast period. Currently, the market has an extensive range of products featuring a variety of flavors, including orange, mint, lemon chamomile, blackberry vanilla, kiwi, strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, and iced tea, among others. Due to their taste appeal, widespread adoption of flavored electrolyte mixes is identified as a key market driver. Likewise, key brands specialize in various flavors to target different consumer groups. The "mindful consumption" trend drives demand for electrolytes with natural flavors. According to the American Beverage Association's 2021 consumer analysis study, millennials are increasingly drawn to recovery and hydration drinks with natural ingredients, like coconut water, apple, hibiscus, natural herbs, and fruit punch.

Unflavored electrolyte solution has no added sugar, artificial flavorings, or colorants. As a result, its special formulation supports healthy kidney function and enhances detoxification, making it a suitable drink for children and adults and helping to prevent dehydration. The pure form and clear oddity of unflavored mixes are gaining popularity and creating new market space across prominent regions. Increased modernization means more hectic lifestyles for consumers and a greater reliance on workout routines and accompanying products, like electrolyte mixes, to maintain a fit and active lifestyle. Moreover, the market for unflavored electrolytes has been growing due to increased consumer demand for least processed, free-from artificial additives products.

Based on distribution channels, the global market is divided into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies/drug stores, online retail stores, and other distribution channels. 

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment is the largest revenue contributor and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 2.16% throughout the forecast period. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are among the most dominant channels for selling electrolyte mixes because of their enormous shop space and ability to serve diverse items and brands. Hypermarkets and supermarkets offer consumers the ease of shopping for an extensive range of things under one roof. Hypermarkets and supermarkets offer a wide choice of products, discounts, salesman assistance, and speedy checkouts for their customers. Advantages are projected to propel hypermarket and supermarket growth during the forecast period.

Convenience store chains are likely to outperform all other retailers in growth. This is because convenience stores are closer to consumers' homes and have lower crowds than supermarkets or hypermarkets. In 2021, there were 150,275 convenience stores across the United States. Therefore, the growing convenience stores are expected to boost the sale of electrolyte drinks. In addition, convenience stores generally stay open for longer hours than traditional retail stores. This implies the availability of more time during the day for a company's products to be sold. Due to this, the store will be able to provide products on time, which will drive growth during the forecast period.

Recent Developments

• April 2023- NION Health, a division of Galahad Life Sciences, announced the launch of its electrolyte supplement, NIONTM Electrolyte Drink Mix, which delivers meaningful doses of negative ions to improve hydration, replenish lost minerals, boost stamina, remove toxins, and amplify the regenerative effects of intermittent fasting.
• May 2023- BUBS Naturals expanded its product line to provide an all-encompassing approach to daily nutrition. The sugar-free BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die electrolyte drink mix is now available to help rehydrate and recover quickly.