Ingredient sourcing
Electrolytes (Na / K / Mg / Cl) sourcing in 2026.
Electrolyte stick-pack and powder formulas are the fastest-growing sports nutrition category. Sourcing is commodity-grade mineral salts blended to a target Na:K ratio. The real engineering is flavour, hygroscopy (clumping), and stevia/sucralose dosing.
Forms on the market
| Form | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sodium chloride (food grade) | €0.50–€1.50/kg |
| Sodium citrate dihydrate | €2–€4/kg, less harsh than NaCl |
| Potassium chloride / citrate / bicarbonate | €3–€8/kg |
| Magnesium citrate / malate | €8–€18/kg |
| Calcium citrate / lactate | €3–€8/kg |
EU pricing and MOQ
- Finished blend (premium electrolyte mix): €8–€16/kg ex-CMO at 1,000 kg
- Stick-pack fill + foil + box: +€0.04–€0.08 per stick
What to test per batch
- Identity and assay per mineral salt
- Heavy metals (low risk for inorganic salts)
- Microbiology
- Moisture (< 1% to prevent clumping)
Regulatory in the EU
All listed salts are on EU Annex II positive list. EFSA-authorised electrolyte/hydration claims exist for sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, usable on pack if dosing thresholds are met.
Top suppliers
Jungbunzlauer · Dr. Paul Lohmann · Cargill · Penta Manufacturer · Brenntag (distributor)
Need Electrolytes (Na / K / Mg / Cl) quotes?
Tell Jake kg/year, form, and target market. He'll intro 2–3 verified suppliers with CoAs and samples.