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Dehydration is no joke. It can reduce blood flow to your muscles (hello, muscle cramps) and decrease blood pressure, plasma volume, and cardiac output—not ideal for your exercise performance. Plus, there’s research showing1 that hydration status is a significant factor in body temperature regulation. While adequate water intake is the primary recommendation, you sometimes need a little help from the best electrolyte powder supplements, especially when losing a lot of sweat through your workouts. Enter Nuun Sport.
Nuun Sport electrolyte hydration tablets aim to optimize your workout or workday by keeping you hydrated. They mimic the effects of your favorite sports drinks but in the form of convenient electrolyte-rich tablets that you drop into your water bottle as needed. In this Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets review, we’ll walk you through our experience from start to finish, providing you with all the info you need to decide if this is the hydration solution for you.
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’ve Tested Over 20 Hydration Products
Nuun Sport Tablets
Nuun Sport
Product Highlights
- Some flavors offer caffeine for energy
- Tablet form makes this perfectly portable
- Certified vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO
- Third-party tested for banned substances
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low in sugar
- Travel-friendly
- Low per serving cost
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Non-GMO and kosher
- Lots of flavor options
Cons
- Tablets can be hard to fit in the mouth of some bottles
- Tablets are hard to dissolve
- Stevia can cause GI ditress in some people
Bottom Line
If you need something easily portable that you can toss in your bag and go, Nuun Sport is a great choice in electrolyte supplements.
GGR’s expert testing team consists of certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, endurance athletes, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, and various elite-level coaches. From professional and personal experience, we know that electrolytes are essential to quality training and overall health. That’s why we’ve tested over 20 electrolyte supplements, rating each from 1 to 5 using our GGR supplement testing methodology.
We considered several factors, including:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Customer service
- Customer reviews
We’re big on transparency here at GGR because we want you to have all the info you need to make an informed decision when choosing the best electrolyte supplement for your needs. Could Nuun Sport be what you need?
A Quick Look at Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
Nuun was founded to provide customers with “clean” products that support health and hydration. While “clean” can mean any number of things in the unregulated supplement world, to Nuun, it means prioritizing transparency and plant-first ingredients. Their products are certified gluten-free, kosher, and vegan, and they’re all third-party tested.
Staying hydrated is crucial for physical performance and normal day-to-day survival. While water is the real MVP of hydration, electrolyte supplements can certainly support the cause. Nuun Sport electrolyte drink tablets are a convenient way to maximize hydration with optimized electrolytes on the go.
Before You Buy
- Each Nuun Sport hydration tablet contains just 1 g of sugar.
- Nuun electrolyte tablets are available with or without caffeine.
- Nuun Sport’s claims are backed by evidence-based research.
Are Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets Worth It?
Everyone needs electrolytes, but not everyone needs an electrolyte supplement. Exercise demands and medical history are major factors in determining who needs electrolyte support. With that in mind, we think Nuun Sport could be a worthwhile investment for some.
Great for:
- Athletes who need a low-carb hydration solution on the go
- Endurance athletes, such as cyclists and runners, who lose a lot of fluid during their training
- Most diets, including keto, paleo, vegan, and low-carb
RELATED: Hydration for Runners
Not recommended for:
- Those limiting their sodium intake due to health concerns like heart failure or hypertension
- Those with a history of kidney disease
- Individuals who don’t enjoy a strong salty taste
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablet Specs
| Price per serving | $0.56-$0.75 |
| Serving size | 1 tablet |
| Flavors | Strawberry Lemonade, Citrus Fruit, Fruit Punch, Grape, Lemon Lime, Orange, Tri-Berry, Tropical, Watermelon, Cherry Limeade + Caffeine, Fresh Lime + Caffeine, Mango Orange + Caffeine, Wild Berry + Caffeine, Kona Cola + Caffeine |
| Sodium dosage | 300 mg |
| Potassium dosage | 150 mg |
| Magnesium dosage | 25 mg |
| Chloride dosage | 40 mg |
| Other notable ingredients | Stevia leaf extract, avocado oil, citric acid, dextrose, calcium carbonate |
| Third-party tested? | Yes, Informed Choice certified |
Experience Using Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and certified nutrition coach, put Nuun Sport tablets to the test. He’s no stranger to endurance training and a good sweat, so an electrolyte supplement was right up his alley.
“I love these for long bike rides, hikes, and walks,” he says.
Anthony loved the energy Nuun Sport gave him, but let’s break down his overall experience with the product. We’ve got the scoop on its price point, formulation, taste, and more.
Price Per Serving
A 10-tablet tube of Nuun Sport costs $7.49, and an 8-tube box costs $59.92 as a one-time purchase. At $0.75 per serving max, these electrolyte tablets scored a perfect 5 out of 5 on our scale. You definitely can’t find a sports drink for that price, so this is an affordable hydration solution for those who need it.
RELATED: Pedialyte Sport Drink Review
Formulation
Nuun Sport’s formulation contains all the essential electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. The ingredients are non-GMO, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free, and unlike other products on the market, Nuun tablets contain minimal carbohydrates, with just 1 gram of sugar per tablet.
Still, we gave it a 3 out of 5 for its formulation. When it comes to rehydration supplements, we look for at least 500 milligrams of sodium per serving, as research shows2 that athletes need 300 to 600 milligrams of sodium per hour during prolonged exercise. Nuun Sport only contains 300 milligrams, which is on the low end of the recommendation.
RELATED: Best Elecrolyte Drink
The Nuun Sport + caffeine formula also contains green tea extract, providing 40 milligrams of caffeine per serving. The effervescent tablets may not have the same effects as your favorite pre-workout, but the synergistic ingredients can work together to support your training efforts and put a little pep in your step.
Taste and Solubility
Of the 14 flavors available, Anthony went with Wild Berry + Caffeine and wasn’t disappointed. He scores it a perfect 5 out of 5 for taste and says, “It actually tastes like wild berry, and it’s not too sweet!”
Solubility, however, left Anthony a little disappointed, earning the tablets a score of 3 out of 5 in this category. The effervescent tablets are designed to dissolve on their own in 16 ounces of water over the span of a few minutes. Anthony didn’t really have that experience.
“I found myself having to do a little mixing to dissolve the bits at the bottom of the glass,” says Anthony. To dissolve the tablet entirely and get its maximum effects, you might need to shake the tablet with a closed water bottle.
Side Effects
Anthony didn’t experience any unwanted side effects, so the Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets earned a 5 out of 5 in this category. However, it’s important to remember that no two bodies are the same, and the risk of side effects is never zero.
Those with a history of heart or kidney disease should consult their doctor before starting an electrolyte supplement. Excessive electrolyte intake can cause an imbalance and affect your fluid status, and too much fluid in your system can have some gnarly effects on your overall health.
RELATED: How to Make a Homemade Electolyte Drink
Third-Party Testing
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate sports supplements, we love seeing companies go the extra mile and have their products tested for safety and quality. Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for third-party testing. Not only are they tested by an unbiased lab, but they’re Informed Choice certified. All of Nuun’s products are sent to LGC Sciences for testing.
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets 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.
Transparent Labs Hydrate is another popular electrolyte supplement on the market. It stands out in several ways, including its higher sodium content and lack of chloride. However, it’s much like other electrolyte drink mixes in that it’s a powder that must be scooped and mixed with water rather than a dissolvable tablet like Nuun Sport. The price between the two is similar and they both have several flavor options, although Transparent Labs Hydrate doesn’t have caffeinated flavors like Nuun.
Check out our full Transparent Labs Hydrate review to learn more.
| Nuun Sport | Transparent Labs Hydrate | |
| Price per serving | $0.56-$0.75 | $0.67-$0.75 |
| Serving size | 1 tablet | 1 scoop or 8.3 g |
| Flavors | Strawberry Lemonade, Citrus Fruit, Fruit Punch, Grape, Lemon Lime, Orange, Tri-Berry, Tropical, Watermelon, Cherry Limeade + Caffeine, Fresh Lime + Caffeine, Mango Orange + Caffeine, Wild Berry + Caffeine, Kona Cola + Caffeine | Raspberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Arctic Freeze, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Lemon Lime |
| Sodium dosage | 300 mg | 500 mg |
| Potassium dosage | 150 mg | 250 mg |
| Magnesium dosage | 25 mg | 50mg |
| Chloride dosage | 40 mg | 0 mg |
| Other notable ingredients | Stevia leaf extract, avocado oil, citric acid, dextrose, calcium carbonate | Tree nuts, citric acid, malic acid, stevia extract, coconut water powder, Senactiv |
| Third-party tested? | Yes, Informed Choice certified | Yes, Informed Sport certified |
Customer Experience
Nuun offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all of its products, but you have to do some digging to find it on the website. If you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, you have 60 days to make a claim for a refund or replacement. Still, the return policy isn’t easy to find, so we scored the overall customer experience a 4 out of 5.
Ordering Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
Ordering Nuun Sport is pretty straightforward. You can buy it directly from the Nuun website or from third-party sellers like Amazon. You can also purchase it at full price as a one-time order or set up a delivery subscription to save 15% and receive free shipping.
RELATED: LMNT Electrolyte Review
Customer Reviews
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 starts on Amazon and a slightly higher rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the brand’s website. The reviews are mostly positive with the majority of customers saying they are happy with both the effects and the taste of Nuun.
“Super convenient and tastes great.” -Peter S., customer review on the Nuun website
“Much needed additive in my water bottle to make my hydration sink in and have an impact. Improves work out, skin & lips, and reduces all risks of dehydration!” -Susan R., customer review on the Nuun website.
“I like this product because it is not electrolyte overkill and does not add a bunch of sugar or artificial sweetener to your diet. It provides some electrolytes but more importantly to me, it flavor the water making it more palatable—easier to get you to drink if you are in the habit of going dry. Also, this will help alleviate my unquenchable thirst of I do go dry.” -Tim, Amazon customer review.
“I’ve been a huge advocate for NUUN for a number of years and love all the flavors…except Lime. Maybe it’s user error since I don’t use the whole tablet, but the lime tastes like soap or something similar that you don’t want in your mouth. It was part of a pack with multiple flavors, but I’ll never make this mistake again.” -Ashley, Amazon customer review.
Final Verdict of Our Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets Review
Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets are a low-carb hydration solution that’s easy to take on the go. If you’re considering Nuun Sport for your hydration needs, keep these few thoughts in mind:
- Ideal for: Endurance training or prolonged exposure to hot environments when fluid is lost.
- Diet compatibility: Nuun Sport is appropriate for most diets, including vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, paleo, and keto.
- Risk factors: Those with a medical history that includes hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, and other conditions influenced by sodium intake should talk with their doctor before starting an electrolyte supplement.
- Flavor: Nuun Sport will still have a salty flavor despite being lower in sodium than other electrolyte supplements. Try various flavor options to find one that fits your taste preferences.
- Customer service: Nuun offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Third-party testing: Nuun Sport is third-party tested and Informed Choice certified.
Full Rating
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
If you need something easily portable that you can toss in your bag and go, Nuun Sport is a great choice in electrolyte supplements.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 21.17
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.35
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets: FAQs
Are Nuun tablets actually good for you?
Nuun Sport tablets can benefit those who lose a lot of sweat during endurance training or illness. However, it’s best to discuss new supplements with your doctor to avoid potential adverse side effects.
Is Nuun healthier than Gatorade?
Nuun is lower in sugar than most traditional Gatorade products. Low-carb hydration may be a better fit for some people.
Does Nuun have side effects?
Like any supplement, Nuun Sport doesn’t come without risks of potential side effects. While our tester didn’t experience any adverse effects, excessive intake of electrolytes can cause a shift in fluid status.
Does Nuun spike blood sugar?
Nuun Sport contains 1 gram of sugar per tablet, which is not likely to cause a spike in your blood sugar.
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
- Choi D-H, Cho J-Y, Koo J-H, Kim T-K. Effects of Electrolyte Supplements on Body Water Homeostasis and Exercise Performance during Exhaustive Exercise. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11(19):9093. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11199093
- Veniamakis E, Kaplanis G, Voulgaris P, Nikolaidis PT. Effects of Sodium Intake on Health and Performance in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Sports. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(6):3651. Published 2022 Mar 19. doi:10.3390/ijerph19063651
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