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Sweat-inducing strength training sessions can set the stage for serious #GAINS. However, tearing up muscle fibers, testing your cardiovascular fitness, and pushing yourself to the limit can also open the door to dehydration issues—especially if you prefer outdoor workouts.
For decades, many people have relied on sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade to replace fluids and essential electrolytes lost during exercise. While I’ve certainly enjoyed sipping on an ice-cold Glacier Freeze Gatorade during hot Florida summers, I’m also aware that many readily available rehydration products are loaded with sugar, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. As a certified personal trainer (CPT) and lifelong athlete who pays close attention to everything I put in my body, I prefer an electrolyte solution that’s far lower in calories and sugar.
Could a sports nutrition company based in Canada offer the answer to keep my body (and yours) firing on all cylinders? In this BioSteel Hydration Mix review, I’ll give you my honest feedback on my experience using this zero-sugar sports drink so you can decide if adding a scoop or packet to your water bottle is the right move.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
We’ll Break a Sweat to Put Electrolyte Drinks to the Test
At Garage Gym Reviews, our eclectic squad of certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, professional athletes, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainers is eager to find the best ways to stay fueled. Whether we’re crushing HIIT workouts or taking an active recovery day, we’re committed to sipping on different hydration drinks to determine which are worth buying—and which ones you should leave on the shelf.
We’ve tested more than 20 electrolyte powders using our supplement testing methodology, rating each from 1 to 5 based on key criteria, such as:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Customer reviews
With decades of combined experience testing everything from the best protein powder to the best creatine, we can identify the characteristics that separate great products from less-effective ones. As a longtime rugby player and weightlifter who’s experimented with different rehydration options over the years, I was excited to see if BioSteel Hydration Mix could meet or exceed our high standards in this all-important supplement category.
BioSteel Hydration Mix
BioSteel Hydration Mix
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in convenient to-go packets
- Variety of flavor options
- Sugar-free
- Mixes easily with no clumps or grit
Cons
- No third-party testing
- Only contains 140 mg of sodium per serving
- Price per serving varies widely based on number of servings
Bottom Line
BioSteel Hydration Mix is a sugar-free sports drink that’s sold in packets or containers of various serving sizes. While it receives high marks for taste and solubility, it falls short from a formulation standpoint due to low doses of sodium, magnesium, and other electrolytes.
A Quick Look at BioSteel
Founded in 2009 by John Celenza and former National Hockey League (NHL) player Michael Cammalleri, BioSteel Sports Nutrition Inc. is a Toronto-based company that produces a variety of supplements for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Here’s an overview of their product lines:
- Hydration Mix
- Whey Protein
- Whey Protein Isolate
- Plant-Based Protein
- Recovery Protein
- Creatine
- Sports Collagen Blend
- Sport Greens
- Sport Beets Pre-Workout
- Plant Amino Power BCAA+
- RTD (ready to drink) Sports Drink
In addition to sports performance supplements, BioSteel also sells everything from water bottles to shaker cups to apparel. However, for the purpose of this review, I’ll focus solely on their zero-sugar Hydration Mix, which is available in convenient to-go packets or containers of various serving sizes.
Before You Buy
- Flavor options: BioSteel offers eight “Core Flavours” as well as “New & Flash Flavours” and limited edition options.
- Cost: The price per serving varies depending on how many servings you purchase. For example, a 12-packet box of Blue Raspberry Hydration Mix costs $19.99, or about $1.67 per serving. Upgrading to a 45-serving container lowers the price per serving to $1.33, and the company is running a sale that cuts that number in half as of the time of this publication!
- Formulation: BioSteel formulated this product with zero sugar or caffeine and no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Is BioSteel Hydration Mix Worth It?
While I loved the taste of Blue Raspberry and didn’t experience any negative side effects, I can’t give this product my full stamp of approval. First, the price can fluctuate greatly depending on the number of servings. Second, the formulation leaves a lot to be desired, as the amount of sodium per scoop (or packet) simply isn’t anything close to the amount we like to see in the best electrolyte powders. Lastly, the absence of third-party testing forces me to knock this product down a peg.
Great for:
- Individuals looking for a sugar-free sports hydration drink
- Fitness enthusiasts who want a variety of flavor options
- Athletes who want added support from minerals, B vitamins, and amino acids
Not recommended for:
- Individuals who need a high dose of sodium per serving
- Those looking for the most budget-friendly electrolyte powder
- Users who only consume supplements that have undergone third-party testing
BioSteel Hydration Mix Specs
| Price per serving | $1.33 (45-serving container); $1.67 (12-packet box) |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (7 g) or 1 packet (7 g) |
| Core Flavors | Mixed Berry, Rainbow Twist, Blue Raspberry, White Freeze, Peach Mango, Lemon Lime, Grape, Watermelon |
| Sodium dosage | 140 mg |
| Potassium dosage | 30 mg |
| Magnesium dosage | 2% DV |
| Chloride dosage | N/A |
| Other notable ingredients | Amino Acid Blend (L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine, Glycine, L-Glutamine, Taurine); Vitamin B Blend (Biotin, Choline, Vitamin B12, Folate, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6) |
| Third-party tested? | No |
Experience Using BioSteel Hydration Mix
I took advantage of a limited-time sale, scoring a seven-packet box of Blue Raspberry Hydration Mix for only $3! Considering the absurdly low price, I was excited to see if this electrolyte powder lived up to the hype. As someone who trains at least five days a week, I put those packets to use quickly—utilizing them before, during, and after workouts to evaluate their effectiveness.
Price Per Serving
As I mentioned earlier, the price per serving varies depending on the number of servings you purchase. The smallest amount—a 12-packet box—costs $20, or about $1.67 per serving. A 20-serving container usually costs $30, which comes out to $1.50 per serving. At the time of publication, however, BioSteel is running a sale that lowers the total cost to just $21 ($1.05 per serving).
Meanwhile, a 45-serving tub costs $60, or about $1.33 per serving. If you’re an active person, you’ll likely use this daily, making the 45-serving option the most useful. You can save even more money (20%) by signing up for a subscription. Certainly not the cheapest electrolyte powder, BioSteel Hydration Mix earns a score of 3 out of 5 for price per serving.
Formulation
Let’s start with the positives: BioSteel’s Hydration Mix contains zero sugar, no artificial colors or flavors, and no preservatives. It’s also caffeine- and gluten-free.
To make things sweet without adding sugar, the company uses purified stevia leaf extract. This plant-based natural sweetener has been shown to taste 150-450 times sweeter1 than sucrose (table sugar). The list of non-medicinal ingredients also includes citric acid, sodium chloride, lecithin, and beet root powder, which can help eliminate oxidative and nitrative stress2.
I also like that BioSteel included a vitamin B blend that includes the following compounds:
- Biotin (0.3 mcg)
- Choline (300 mcg)
- Vitamin B12 (0.3 mcg)
- Folate (7 mcg)
- Inositol (300 mcg)
- Niacin (300 mcg)
- Pantothenic acid (270 mcg)
- Vitamin B6 (300 mcg)
- Riboflavin (300 mcg)
- Thiamine (300 mcg)
In addition, BioSteel Hydration Mix contains an amino acid blend and a mineral blend for added support. Here’s what’s inside each:
Amino Acid Blend
- L-Leucine (1202 mg)
- L-Valine (544 mg)
- L-Isoleucine (544 mg)
- Glycine (460 mg)
- L-Glutamine (973 mg)
- Taurine (135 mg)
Mineral Blend
- Calcium (Calcium Carbonate from Lithothamnion) (Aquamin™) (11.8 mg)
- Magnesium (Magnesium Citrate) (2 mg)
- Potassium (Potassium Citrate Monohydrate) (32.5 mg)
- Zinc (Zinc Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Chelate) (160 mcg)
Unfortunately, the formulation doesn’t meet our dosage standards for the four essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride). We like to see at least 500 milligrams of sodium per serving, as sodium losses are the greatest with exercise. BioSteel Hydration Mix only provides 140 milligrams of sodium per serving—less than a third of the optimal amount. It also contains just 30 milligrams of potassium and 2 milligrams of magnesium citrate as part of the mineral blend.
On the other hand, GGR’s top-rated electrolyte powder, Transparent Labs Hydrate V3, provides 500 milligrams of sodium, 250 milligrams of potassium, and 50 milligrams of magnesium. So, even though BioSteel deserves credit for creating a sugar-free hydration drink with all the essential electrolytes, I can only give the Hydration Mix a rating of 3 out of 5 due to the lackluster dosages.
RELATED: Best Electrolyte Drinks for Hydration
Taste and Solubility
Although BioSteel Hydration Mix falls short in the formulation category, it passes with flying colors for taste and solubility. As an admitted blue raspberry lover (it’s my go-to option for RedCon1 Canteen, a similar hydration and electrolyte product), I had to go with that flavor. Luckily, it didn’t have that artificial taste that you’ll often find with “sugar-free” sports drinks and powdered supplements. I found it to be slightly sweet, but certainly not anything close to Gatorade, which can be too sweet and sugary for my liking.
As for clumps or grit? You won’t have to worry about either. I used a standard shaker cup to whip up my first serving and enjoyed a smooth sipping experience. Even when I just poured a packet into my water bottle and shook it up, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it mixed in. With no complaints in either category, I give BioSteel Hydration Mix a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for both taste and solubility.
Side Effects
It can be difficult to gauge the impact of electrolytes, but I was happy to report no negative side effects. Will BioSteel Hydration Mix necessarily keep cramps at bay? That’s up for debate, especially since the formulation doesn’t contain nearly as much sodium as we like to see. At the very least, though, you shouldn’t have to worry about any adverse reactions.
With nothing negative to note, I gave a 5 out of 5 rating in this category.
Third-Party Testing
Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the supplement industry, we value products that have third-party testing certifications. While Transparent Labs Hydrate and some of our other favorite electrolyte powder manufacturers meet that threshold, BioSteel does not.
Although the company claims its products are “batch tested for quality and safety,” that isn’t the same as receiving a COA (certificate of analysis) or third-party testing certification. That said, BioSteel is transparent with its ingredient list, providing exact names and dosage amounts rather than listing a proprietary blend with no specifics. It also provides an allergen warning that says its products are “made in a facility that also processes milk, soy, sesame, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish/crustaceans/shellfish oils, and wheat products.”
So, while BioSteel falls short by not putting its products through third-party testing, it does an admirable job from a transparency perspective. I’ll give a rating of 2.5 out of 5 for this category.
BioSteel Hydration Mix vs Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate V3
Product Highlights
- Includes taurine to help performance
- Naturally sweetened
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Contains SenactivTM for recovery
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low cost per serving
- Easily absorbed electrolytes
- Aides in muscle recovery
- Subscribe & Save available
Cons
- Contains the allergen tree nuts
Bottom Line
At an extremely low per serving cost, Transparent Labs Hydrate V3 is a great option for anyone looking to try out electrolytes or anyone looking for clean ingredients without the hefty price tag.
While BioSteel made a great-tasting product with its Blue Raspberry Hydration Mix, how does it compare to the best of the best? To give you a better idea of how the price, formulation, and other factors stack up against our top-rated electrolyte powder, I pitted this product against Transparent Labs Hydrate.
From a cost perspective, it’s no contest. Transparent Labs is significantly cheaper than BioSteel, checking in at about $0.75 per serving. Most importantly, Transparent Labs delivers better dosages of essential electrolytes, including 500 milligrams of sodium per serving.
You also get the benefit and peace of mind knowing that Hydrate has passed third-party testing. The same cannot be said for Hydration Mix. If you’re considering both options, you can learn more in our full Transparent Labs Hydrate review.
| BioSteel Hydration Mix | Transparent Labs Hydrate | |
| Price per serving | $1.33 (45-serving container) | $0.75 (40-serving container) |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (7 g) | 1 scoop (8.3 g) |
| Flavors | Mixed Berry, Rainbow Twist, Blue Raspberry, White Freeze, Peach Mango, Lemon Lime, Grape, Watermelon | Raspberry Lemon, Peach Mango, Blue Raspberry, Arctic Freeze, Tropical Punch, Lemon Lime |
| Sodium dosage | 140 mg | 500 mg |
| Potassium dosage | 30 mg | 250 mg |
| Magnesium dosage | 2% DV | 50 mg |
| Chloride dosage | N/A | N/A |
| Other notable ingredients | Amino Acid Blend (L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine, Glycine, L-Glutamine, Taurine); Vitamin B Blend (Biotin, Choline, Vitamin B12, Folate, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6) | Taurine, SenActiv, Coconut Water Powder, Stevia |
| Third-party tested? | No | Yes |
Customer Service
BioSteel falls right in the middle for customer service. On one hand, the company offers free shipping on orders over $99—a nice bonus if you’re trying to load up on multiple products. It also provides discounts for military members, first responders, government employees, and teachers.
However, as of October 1, 2023, BioSteel does not accept returns or exchanges of any product. Orders with a subtotal under $100 have a flat-rate shipping cost of $9.97. That’s not exactly helpful if you’re only ordering a 12-packet box, as you’ll pay half the amount of the actual product in shipping alone. Overall, I can only give BioSteel a 3-out-of-5 rating because of those policies.
Ordering BioSteel Hydration Mix
You can order BioSteel Hydration Mix directly on the company’s website as either a one-time purchase or as a subscription that you can modify or cancel at any time. You can also sign up for the company’s #TeamBioSteel rewards program, which allows you to earn points based on your orders.
Overall, I found the purchasing process straightforward and was happy to receive my order within a few days.
Customer Reviews
For the purpose of this section, I’ll cover the customer feedback for the Blue Raspberry flavor. With an average rating of 4.6 stars based on more than 2,600 reviews, it’s clear users enjoy sipping on this tasty sports hydration drink.
“Both kids have their preferences, not gonna lie, I think dad likes this one too! Great flavor and during the vegas summer soccer training sessions, neither kid suffers! When taken daily, they are hydrated and fueled for practice when I see other kids struggling. Always going to be a go-to in our home,” wrote a verified buyer named Jennifer S.
Another purchaser specifically mentioned how this supplement doesn’t have that salty taste that’s typically associated with electrolyte powders.
“Outstanding electrolyte beverage! So much better than the alternatives out there and hardly a sodium taste. Highly recommend,” wrote a verified buyer named Don L.
Of course, not every customer enjoyed BioSteel’s most popular product. A verified buyer named Katie M. found a major difference between the RTD option and the powdered version.
“I like the blue raspberry flavor drinks you buy in a bottle, but I purchased the powder to try and eliminate waste and the bulk of storing the bottles. The mix does not dissolve well, is blue unlike the pre-made drink, and tastes like fake orange.”
Final Verdict of Our BioSteel Hydration Mix Review
The truth is that as much as I loved the taste of BioSteel Hydration Mix, it’s tough to put it near the top of my favorite electrolyte powders. Does it mix in easily and go down smoothly? Yes. Does it contain the typical ingredients we look for? Yes.
However, the dosages fall short of our standards, which means you may not get the same energy production and performance benefits of other products with far more sodium per serving. And when you factor in the cost, you can find a better-priced option with a better formulation.
- BioSteel Hydration Mix is available in eight core flavors, along with several limited edition options.
- Although this electrolyte powder contains all four essential electrolytes, it only contains 140 mg of sodium per serving, which is less than a third of what we like to see.
- You can save 20% by signing up for a subscription, which gives you more value.
Full Rating
BioSteel Hydration Mix
BioSteel Hydration Mix is a sugar-free sports drink that’s sold in packets or containers of various serving sizes. While it receives high marks for taste and solubility, it falls short from a formulation standpoint due to low doses of sodium, magnesium, and other electrolytes.
Product Brand: BioSteel
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 20
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.89
BioSeel Hydration Mix: FAQs
How often should you drink BioSteel Hydration Mix?
BioSteel recommends adults mix one scoop of Hydration Mix in 1 to 2 cups of water for once daily usage. The company also recommends taking it with food a few hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products.
What is BioSteel Hydration Mix sweetened with?
BioSteel Hydration Mix is a sugar-free electrolyte powder sweetened with purified stevia leaf extract.
What flavors does BioSteel Hydration Mix come in?
BioSteel offers its Hydration Mix line in eight core flavors: Mixed Berry, Rainbow Twist, Blue Raspberry, White Freeze, Peach Mango, Lemon Lime, Grape, and Watermelon. The company also has limited edition and new flavors available, including Tart Cherry, Pineapple Passion, Blood Orange, Green Apple, Cherry Lime, Pink Lemonade, Ice Pop, and Pineapple Yuzu.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Peteliuk, V., Rybchuk, L., Bayliak, M., Storey, K. B., & Lushchak, O. (2021). Natural sweetener. PubMed, 20, 1412–1430. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2021-4211
- Chen, L., Zhu, Y., Hu, Z., Wu, S., & Jin, C. (2021). Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity. Food Science & Nutrition, 9(11), 6406–6420. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2577
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