Like many of the best electrolyte supplements, Transparent Labs Hydrate contains familiar electrolytes — sodium, calcium, potassium, calcium — that can support hydration. But what do these micronutrients even do? “Electrolytes are a group of essential minerals that help maintain fluid balance and contribute to optimal muscular function,” says certified nutrition coach and personal trainer Jesse Zucker. (1)
What separates Hydrate from the growing market of electrolyte drinks is simple — clear, no-nonsense labeling and an affordable price tag. Depending on whether you go with the tub or individual sticks, you’ll pay either $0.75 or $1 per serving, which is anywhere from 25% to 50% less than options we typically see. For budget-conscious athletes losing a lot of these key micronutrients in their sweat, Hydrate may have hit the stevia leaf-powered sweet spot. Take a look at our full Transparent Labs Hydrate review to see if this BarBend team favorite can meet your hydration needs and fit your budget. Plus, for more information about how we test all our products, check out the BarBend supplement testing methodology.
Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate contains 500 mg of a coconut water powder complex that can potentially help promote satiation — thanks to the fiber content. Plus, it’s combined with a dose of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and taurine for a complete electrolyte supplement.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- This transparent formulation avoids artificial sweeteners and includes key electrolytes to support hydration.
- Transparent Labs uses proprietary blends that obscure the exact amounts of some ingredients.
- Per our expert reviewer, the third-party testing undergone by Hydrate provides peace of mind regarding its efficacy and safety.
Transparent Labs Hydrate Specs
| Price per Serving | $0.75 to $1 |
| Electrolytes per Serving | 500mg sodium (22% dv), 84mg calcium (6% dv), 250mg potassium (5% dv), 50mg magnesium (12% dv) |
| Calories per Serving | 5 |
| Available Flavors | Raspberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Arctic Freeze, Lemon Lime, Strawberry, Orange Cranberry |
In a crowded and ever-expanding market, identifying an effective and clean electrolyte powder formula can be a bit tricky. After scrutinizing Transparent Labs Hydrate (and over 30 of the brand’s other supplements), BarBend expert reviewer and registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois emphasizes how its formulation helps it stand out.
“Transparent Labs produces and offers clinically-dosed, science-backed formulas and their Hydrate rapid electrolyte replenisher is no different,” she explains. “Hydrate sources electrolytes from bioavailable minerals, giving you an affordable and effective boost of hydration.”
But what’s the point of a clean formula if you don’t notice the effects? “I’ve tried a ton of these electrolyte powders before and after workouts,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, says, rating its effects 5 out of 5. Whether you have resistance training or a HIIT cardio workout on tap, replenishing electrolytes is a must. “I certainly feel more hydrated and as a pre-workout it’s a great way to increase muscle endurance,” they add.
But as another BarBend expert reviewer, Jesse Zucker, explains, it’s important to consider whether supplements like Hydrate are a worthy addition to your routine. “As a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, I mainly recommend electrolytes to my endurance clients or those who sweat heavily since not everyone needs them,” they say.
The Tropical Punch flavor packs a bit too much punch for our tester, but with eight available options, you should have a good shot at finding your go-to. In addition to picky flavor snobs, Bourgeois identifies another population that should tread lightly. “Unfortunately, this formula contains tree nuts, so it’s not an option for our friends with a tree nut allergy,” she says.
She also adds that while Transparent Labs often lives up to its name, they still sometimes have to protect their formulas by withholding exact dosages of ingredients in their proprietary blends. “[These] aren’t inherently bad,” she says. “They just give a bit of mystery to a product. I like to know exactly what and how much of it I’m consuming.”
Whether you mix up a scoop or individual drink mix packet, it’s one of the most affordable electrolyte powders we’ve personally tested. All in all, our well-rounded team of experts thinks that anyone noticing potential signs of not getting enough electrolytes — like dehydration, cramping, or muscle twitching — could benefit from the boost on offer from Transparent Labs Hydrate. (1)
Pros
Sugar-free formulation includes key hydration-supporting electrolytes
Very affordable price per serving
Cons
Stevia leaf extract may not be palatable for some
Less sodium per serving than others we have tested
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate scores highly among our team for its formulation and solubility, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Take a look at who we think could be a good match for this electrolyte powder.
Recommended for:
- Athletes who lose a lot of sweat and need to replenish their electrolytes
- Anyone avoiding sugar and artificial sweeteners
- People on a tight budget
Not Recommended for:
- Users with a tree nut allergy
- Someone who doesn’t enjoy the taste of stevia leaf extract
- Those who already feel adequately hydrated and don’t need an electrolyte supplement
Our Experience Using Transparent Labs Hydrate
After personally testing and scrutinizing over 40 electrolyte drinks and powders, the BarBend team of registered dietitian nutritionists, certified nutrition coaches, and fitness experts have a clear sense of what goes into a quality option. For any supplement we test — including Transparent Labs Hydrate — we assign ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across categories like formulation, taste, solubility, and more. Scroll on to discover how Hydrate holds up in these areas and whether we think it should earn a spot in your pantry.
Ingredients and Formulation
In each 8.3-gram scoop of Hydrate, you’ll be replenishing important electrolytes that can be lost during bouts of intense exercise. As one study lays out, anyone worried about how to stay hydrated while working out should keep an eye on these key micronutrient levels. “Electrolytes are essential for basic life functioning, such as maintaining electrical neutrality in cells and generating and conducting action potentials in the nerves and muscles,” the authors explain.
Hydrate’s label includes the heavy hitters — sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — along with another unique inclusion that catches Bourgeois’ eye. “I like that Transparent Labs has harnessed the power of coconut water. As more research emerges, we’re finding coconut water offers comparable benefits to your typical sports drinks, just from a more natural source,” she says.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends that most adults limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, but another of our expert reviewers, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, reminds us that a healthy amount for you is not only about how much you sweat. (2) “Sodium is an electrolyte that works to regulate water balance in the body and increase water absorption,” he says. “That said, the majority of people get enough salt in their daily diet that they don’t need to add sodium to water for hydration. Too much sodium, after all, can increase the risk of kidney stones and raise one’s blood pressure.”
Bourgeois knocks the formulation a tad in her overall rating — 4.25 out of 5 — due to the presence of tree nuts and its use of proprietary blends. However, she also highlights a particular amino acid. “In addition to its hydration-promoting electrolytes, Hydrate also provides 1000mg of taurine per serving,” she notes. “While the primary purpose behind Hydrate is improved hydration, you also get the benefits of taurine — less fatigue and muscle damage.” (3)
[Related: Taurine Workout Supplement]
Overall, our team is impressed with this coconut water powder’s absence of artificial sweeteners and artificial coloring, along with its Gluten-Free and Non-GMO certifications. In lieu of common artificial sweeteners like sucralose, Hydrate uses stevia leaf extract in its eight available flavors.
Taste
When it comes to finding a flavor to suit your palate, Transparent Labs provides plenty of options. Of the eight available flavors, our tester, a certified personal trainer, mixed up the Tropical Punch in their blender cup according to the label’s instructions — 8 to 12 ounces of water.
“I followed their recommendation, but still thought the Tropical Punch flavor was too strong,” they say, scoring its taste 3.5 out of 5. “It’s good, but too aggressive. All I have to do is add more water to dilute it, but I might try another one next time.”
Solubility
While the taste may have been strong, our tester says it mixes right up with no issue. “I never have any clumps or grit when I shake it up,” they report. “I even combine it with cluster dextrin and everything dissolves evenly.” Hydrate’s solubility earns a glowing rating of 5 out of 5 from our tester.
Price Per Serving
You’ll have two options at checkout and the price for each varies a bit. Both containers cost $29.99, but the difference is the number of servings in each one. If you opt for the 40-serving tub, you’ll need to scoop a 8.3-gram serving into a blender cup or shaker bottle. That route is the least expensive and will wind up costing you $0.75 per serving.
Going with a pack of 30 individual stick packs comes out to $1 per serving. The best electrolyte drinks we’ve tested average around $1.33 to $1.50 per serving, so Hydrate is actually one of the more affordable pre-workout supplements out there. Also, if you subscribe for recurring deliveries, you’ll save $3 off that $29.99 price, plus get free shipping.
Third Party Testing
Since supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, some companies — but not all — help ensure the efficacy and safety of their products by enlisting independent labs to verify their formulations. One reason Transparent Labs Hydrate stands out for Bourgeois for that reason. “If you have any concerns about safety and efficacy, you can find peace of mind in the product’s third-party testing,” she says. It’s also Informed Choice and Non-GMO certified, and the formula is free of gluten.
Transparent Labs also reinforces how important this verification is on their website. “As part of our commitment to industry-leading transparency and quality, every batch of this product is tested by a third-party lab for purity and potency,” the Hydrate product page reads. “You can find all of our test results in the footer of our website. This product is also certified by Informed Choice to meet the highest standards for athletes and consumers.”
What to Consider Before Buying Transparent Labs Hydrate
Before dumping a serving of Transparent Labs Hydrate in your shaker bottle, keep in mind just how much of each key electrolyte you need. In addition to making sure you can find a flavor you’ll enjoy, here are a few factors to consider as you decide whether to go with Hydrate.
- Electrolyte Dosages: Check the dosages per serving in Hydrate — particularly the sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium — to ensure those levels match your current activity level and body composition.
- Sweeteners Used: While Transparent Labs Hydrate avoids the risks of artificial sweeteners, its use of stevia leaf extract carries its own concerns for some people Consider how sensitive you are to this natural sweetener and whether it might cause GI distress or leave an unpleasant aftertaste. (4)
- Available Flavors: Think about how the eight flavors options will affect how you plan to consume it. If you plan to simply mix it with water, check for an appealing option, but if you opt to stack it with another supplement or in a smoothie, consider how Hydrate’s flavor may affect your combination.
- Third-Party Testing: Transparent Labs utilizes independent labs to verify their formulations, but remember that supplements are not subject to FDA oversight. Make sure you’re satisfied with Hydrate’s level of third-party testing before committing to consume it regularly.
- Price Per Serving: Be sure to consider how this daily expense impacts your overall budget. Hydrate is among the most affordable options we’ve tested, but consistent supplementation is a long-term investment you’ll need to plan for.
Transparent Labs Hydrate Vs. Competitors
When shopping for any product — especially one you’ll consume — it can be helpful to lay out the details against similar options. In this case, take a look at the electrolyte dosages, flavors, and price points of Transparent Labs Hydrate side-by-side with three others we rate highly. You’ll likely notice that Hydrate is the most affordable of the bunch, but depending on the amount of each electrolyte and available flavors, you may want to consider Liquid I.V., LMNT, or BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die.
| Transparent Labs Hydrate | Liquid I.V. | LMNT | BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die | |
| Price per Serving | $0.75 to $1 | $1.56 | $1.67 to $2 | $1.89 |
| Electrolytes per Serving | 500mg sodium (22% dv), 84mg calcium (6% dv), 250mg potassium (5% dv), 50mg magnesium (12% dv) | 370mg potassium (8% dv), 500mg sodium (22% dv) | 1000mg sodium (43% dv), 0mg calcium (0% dv), 200mg potassium (4% dv), 60mg magnesium (15% dv) | 670mg sodium (29% dv), 5mg calcium (0% dv), 243mg potassium (6% dv), 62mg magnesium (15% dv), 1030mg chloride (45% dv) |
| Calories per Serving | 5 | 45 | 10 | 40 |
| Available Flavors | Raspberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Arctic Freeze, Lemon Lime, Strawberry, Orange Cranberry | Lemon Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Seaberry, Tropical Punch, Pina Colada, Concord Grape, Golden Cherry, Acai Berry, Guava, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Watermelon | Citrus Salt, Grapefruit Salt, Watermelon Salt, Orange Salt, Raspberry Salt, Raw Unflavored, Mango Chili, Chocolate Salt, Chocolate Caramel | Lemon, Orange, Organic Coconut |
Places to Buy Transparent Labs Hydrate
You can get Transparent Labs Hydrate on their website or major retailers like Vitamin Shoppe or Amazon.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Transparent Labs uses — you guessed it — transparent ingredients labels to instill confidence in their best protein powders, pre-workouts, and electrolyte powders. Our team has tested over 30 of their products and a common theme emerges — what you see is what you get. They also offer discounts for subscriptions and free shipping on orders over $99.
Our Final Verdict on Transparent Labs Hydrate
Far from just a tasty boost for your water, Transparent Labs Hydrate packs in the electrolytes you lose as you drench your shirt in sweat during intense exercise. The hefty dosages of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and more, should be reassuring for budget-restricted athletes concerned with hydration. While we’d prefer to not see proprietary blends in its formulation, being Informed Choice-certified and independently tested provides more than enough confidence for our team of experts.
Whether you go with the classic tub of powder or on-the-go individual sticks, our tester says Transparent Labs Hydrate still mixes smoothly. It also lands well below the average cost we see on similar products in this space. For a quick hydration-supporting boost from a trusted brand, Hydrate earns the trust of our team of registered dietitian nutritionists, certified nutrition coaches, and personal trainers.
Transparent Labs Hydrate FAQs
How much does Transparent Labs Hydrate cost?
Both containers of Hydrate cost $29.99, but offer a different number of servings, which of course affects their price per serving. The 40-serving scoop-and-mix tub comes out to $0.75 per serving, while the individual stick packs cost $1 each.
Are Transparent Labs products legit?
The BarBend team has tested over 30 Transparent Labs, including Bulk Black, Creatine HMB, Mass Gainer, Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, Protein+ Bar, and their best BCAA supplements. The high-quality products in their repertoire offer potential benefits ranging from muscle recovery and bodybuilding to weight loss and athletic performance.
How much sugar is in Transparent Labs Hydrate?
While its formula is free of sugar, each serving of Hydrate contains 300 milligrams of stevia leaf extract to sweeten its eight available flavors.
References
- Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.
- Program, H. F. (n.d.). Sodium in your diet. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- Santulli G, Kansakar U, Varzideh F, Mone P, Jankauskas SS, Lombardi A. Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 30;15(19):4236.
- Ghusn, W., Naik, R., & Yibirin, M. (2023). The Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Human Health and Cancer Association: A Comprehensive Clinical Review. Cureus, 15(12), e51299.
