The Thirst Class Generation
People go bonkers over electrolyte enhanced thirst quenchers for ‘holy hydration’ after gym workouts, party hangovers or simply while strolling and scrolling
“No plain H2O, only healthy hydration for me,” has become the new thirst quencher mantra among youngsters. Many swear by the ‘insta’ benefits of electrolyte-enhanced beverages. ‘Elec-trolyte’ sachets and drinks, once associated with severe dehydration and upset tummies or marathon runners' drink, have suddenly become the elixir of an entire generation. A sachet or colourful bottle of electrolyte drink has become a ‘Must-Have’ or ‘Essential Stuff’ at music festivals, night crawls, daily joggings and college campus kattas. “It keeps me energetic, balanced and well-hydrated throughout the day,” says Sindura Singh (19), a digital artist student from Mumbai. Salman Shaik (33), a gym instructor, airs a similar view, “I down at least one tumbler of electrolyte daily. It helps balance body fluids and salts,” he explains. In the online world, influencers are singing praises about healthy electrolyte drinks – the new holy grail!
Health Drink Fad
Small wonders why India's beverage market is rapidly shifting from fizzy drinks to electrolyte-enhanced beverages. These are now common everywhere, from college canteens to gyms, driven by major brands like Cipla, Coca-Cola, and Hamdard. This boom raises a crucial question: is this a beneficial health trend or a fleeting fad?
Understanding what’s in these drinks is key. They aim to replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, like sodium and potassium, which are vital for nerve, muscle, and fluid balance.
Unlike traditional ORS (Oral Rehydration Solutions) used for illness-induced dehydration, modern electrolyte drinks are marketed for general wellness and performance. Their formulations vary, often containing salts, sugars, and sometimes vitamins and artificial flavourings.
“Electrolyte beverages have really transformed from their origins as clinical rehydration tools into popular lifestyle products for a wide range of consumers, from athletes to office-goers,” explains Balasubrah-manyam Bandaru, a food scientist.
Electrolyte Types
To understand their effectiveness, it's crucial to differentiate between three main types: traditional Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are clinically formulated with specific sodium and glucose levels to effectively treat acute dehydration. Then there's coconut water, a naturally isotonic option, rich in potassium (around 250–300 mg/100ml) and some sodium (around 100 mg/100ml), plus natural sugars. It's been a traditional coolant and mild rehydrant in India, known for being gentle and accessible, though its lower sodium content makes it less suitable for severe fluid loss.
Bandaru adds, “Finally, modern electrolyte beverages are designed for general fitness and lifestyle hydration, often containing various electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride, alongside carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes even adaptogens or caffeine, with diverse sweeteners.”
Beyond electrolytes, many drinks include carbohydrates, usually sugar, for quick energy. While beneficial for athletes, this can be a concern for the average consumer due to added calories.
Benefits & Downsides
Electrolyte drink marketing often highlights improved hydration, athletic performance, and faster recovery. Khushi Mehta, founder of LUCOFAST, states, “When we looked at the market, we saw that while there were energy and hydration drinks available, most of them either had too much sugar, didn’t taste great, or just didn’t feel right for today’s fast-moving generation. That’s when we realised there was a real need for something that was quick, refreshing, and actually enjoyable to drink—especially for young people, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone constantly on the go.”
Shivam Puri, managing director and CEO of Cipla Health, shares, “We observed a growing consumer preference for healthier beverage choices — options that not only support hydration but also delight the taste buds. Identifying this market gap, we launched Prolyte Electroshot, which has the right amount of electrolytes, making it perfect for consumption.”
Some of the popular flavours are apple, orange, and mango. However, for casual consumers or those with sedentary lifestyles, external electrolyte supplements are often unnecessary. Regular diets usually provide enough electrolytes, and plain water suffices for hydration for most.
Sweet Bitter Truth
A major concern with widespread daily consumption is sugar content. Many brands add significant amounts of sugar, contributing to weight gain, type 2 diabetes risk, and dental issues. Aditi Prabhu, a nutritionist, warns, “Electrolyte drinks, whether homemade or store-bought, have two key components: sugar and salt. Both of which, when consumed in excess, are a cause of concern, especially in a country like India, where diabetes, hypertension, and diabesity are commonly prevalent. These electrolyte drinks, which are easily available and often advertised as safe for everyone, can lead to elevated blood sugars when consumed without caution.”
Prabhu adds, “Similarly, in the case of children, the sugar content of these drinks, along with the overall processed food consumption, can lead to an increased risk of childhood obesity. The sugar and artificial additives can be particularly detrimental to children who are neurodivergent.”
Some drinks also contain artificial sweeteners, colours, and preservatives, whose long-term effects, especially for vulnerable populations, need more research. Individuals with hypertension or kidney issues should also be cautious due to added sodium and potassium.
To that, Puri says, “At Cipla Health, our focus has been on bringing a convenient and balanced hydration option that fits into the daily routines of consumers. Keeping this in mind, ElectroShot is a mix of electrolytes, fruit juice concentrate, and sugar, without the use of any artificial sweeteners or additives. The formulation has been designed keeping in mind the daily consumable RDA. The sugar content per serve is well within the suggested limit of 50 grams per day.”
Mehta adds, “While we do include a small amount of natural sugar, it serves a clear purpose, providing quick energy after physical activity. The body needs fast-absorbing carbohydrates like sugar to replenish glycogen levels and aid recovery, especially during or after intense workouts. We’ve also made a conscious decision to avoid artificial sweeteners. Many of them are not well tolerated by everyone and may impact gut health. Instead, we focus on keeping the formulation clean, effective, and easy to consume. LUCOFAST adheres to all FSSAI safety regulations. While it contains a trace amount of approved food-grade colouring, this is used solely for consistency and visual appeal.”
The Balancing Act
Choosing electrolyte drinks should be an informed decision based on individual needs and activity levels. For most healthy people doing light to moderate activity, plain water is sufficient. If considering regular consumption, always check the nutrition label, prioritising options with lower sugar, natural flavourings, and fewer artificial additives.
The electrolyte trend in India is strong, driven by marketing and growing health awareness. However, it's vital to distinguish between genuine physiological need and lifestyle choice. Understanding the science, weighing pros and cons, and consulting health professionals can help consumers make truly informed hydration choices.