Hi, I’m Amber!
I'm a Doctor with a passion for nutrition and healthy lifestyles. After years of schooling, I'm committed to cut through fancy marketing and find a Calming Magnesium Glycinate powder that actually works!
I went on a journey to find the best electrolytes powder in the market for my family. I applied a methodological approach and found the product that wins on the most important factors: taste, health benefits, ingredients and price.
Sometimes supplement brands are not very transparent and the most important information is hard to find. Read on to see how I scored the products I tried, discover the details behind each score and learn from how I found these hidden nuances — so you don't have to!
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In a perfect world, we'd all be getting the deep, restorative sleep and natural calm our bodies need to function at their best. However, for some - like me! - stress and racing thoughts make winding down feel impossible; for others - like my partner! - let's just say achieving that peaceful evening routine has been an ongoing struggle (often leading to late-night scrolling and poor sleep quality).
Studies show that magnesium deficiency affects up to 80% of the population. Magnesium glycinate supplements were specifically developed to help restore this crucial mineral in its most absorbable form, supporting natural relaxation and helping our minds transition from the chaos of daily life to peaceful rest.
Contrary to popular belief, magnesium supplements aren't just for people with diagnosed deficiencies. Instead, they're something most stress-prone, sleep-struggling adults should consider taking daily to feel their calmest, most centered selves.
Firstly, I wanted to make sure I tested all of the leading magnesium glycinate calming powders out there, but I also wanted to be fair in my process, so I used the criteria below:
I purchased and carefully tested 11 products (in the picture above) that passed this test and would then go through the process below:
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Firstly, I wanted to make sure I tested all of the leading electrolytes powders out there, but I also wanted to be fair in my process, so I used the criteria below:
I purchased and carefully tested 11 products (in the picture above) that passed this test and would then go through the process below:
Ingredient Quality
Health Benefits (Effectiveness)
Taste & Mixability
Price Per Serving
Texture
Additional Benefits
I wanted my magnesium glycinate supplement to have the right ingredients from the best sources. My goal was to start thinking about sleep and stress management in a more preventive (vs reactive way). I didn't want to take something because of fancy marketing, but make sure I was getting what my body needs for natural calm and restorative sleep.
However, the best magnesium powder is the one you'll actually take every evening, and if it doesn't taste good, the likelihood of that happening decreases. At least I knew I wouldn't stand a chance with my partner. Taste is a crucial factor!
I also wanted to make sure the powder was easy to make and I was comparing prices in the most effective way possible (per serving).
So, here are the nitty gritty conclusions I made during my experiment and I'll give more information on the magnesium glycinate powder I ended up choosing. Dive in and feel free to leave any comments of your own if you've tried any of these brands!
There's a lot of BS surrounding magnesium supplements & calming aids so it's hard to cut through the noise. I spent hours researching and speaking with sleep and stress specialists & doctors to determine what actually matters. I'll share what I learned below and hopefully this helps you too!
Let's start with what magnesium glycinate is and why your body needs it.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that's involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is vital to many key functions. Some of these functions include muscle relaxation (reducing tension), nervous system regulation (calming the mind), neurotransmitter production (supporting mood) and sleep cycle regulation (promoting deep rest). Your body loses valuable magnesium through a variety of daily activities including chronic stress, poor sleep, caffeinated beverages and processed foods.
What about magnesium glycinate specifically? Well, magnesium glycinate -- where magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine -- is described by health experts as the most bioavailable and gentle form of magnesium. The glycine component itself has calming properties, making this combination particularly effective for stress relief and sleep support.
According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 80% of Americans are magnesium deficient. To combat this widespread issue, magnesium glycinate supplements started being endorsed by multiple sleep doctors and wellness practitioners as essential complements to a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, has high regard for magnesium glycinate stating, "Magnesium glycinate is an immediate support system for vital relaxation functions that are put under constant demand in our high-stress lives—and under extra pressure when we can't unwind naturally."
★ Overall Rating
My ABSOLUTE favorite! Nectar Essential Daily Calm checked all of my boxes: ️
(1) Ingredients and Health Benefits: Nectar's research backed formula, organic ingredients and calming profile are what make this product really special. Nectar is the only magnesium powder we tested that is made with organic fruit and has no artificial ingredients. The product is sugar free, zero calorie and actually good for you. Finally, Nectar's formula includes a number of calming compounds not found in many of the other products we tested.
(2) Taste: Nectar actually tastes really good. It's fresh, refreshing and it dissolves really well in water. We tried all six flavors and it was the only Magnesium powder that wasn’t overpowering and that we could stand drinking throughout the entire day.
(3) Price: Shockingly - even with the highest quality ingredient profile - Nectar was the best value of all hydration powders we tested. At under $1.00 per serving, it was significantly cheaper than other major brands including Nello, Nature Vitality Calm, and Pure Encapsulations.
★ What I love ️
OK, did I say already how good this actually tastes? It was by far the best tasting product I tried. I would even categorize five of the six flavors as delicious (I'm not a fan of orange generally). The freshness of the organic fruit comes across in its taste and smell. Taste wasn't as much of a priority for me (as ingredients and calming benefits were) but if you're seriously considering making a habit out of it, this has to be a pleasant drink. So, for those who want to think of their stress management in a more preventive (vs reactive) way and have optimal calm levels, Nectar is what I recommend after my research and tasting journey. I felt really great after taking it daily for 30 days: more relaxed, centered, and peaceful in my evenings!
★ What could be better
We didn’t have any major items Nectar could improve on. Ideally, we’d like to see a couple more flavors introduced over the next year (since we’re drinking it daily). Also, this product only sells online and it can run out quickly. As of now, the product is currently available on Amazon and the Nectar website!
★ Description
Our lives are more stressful than ever. That's why we created Nectar - a clean calming magnesium mix designed to be taken daily. Made with no sugar, fillers, or artificial ingredients, Nectar provides the perfect balance of magnesium glycinate and calming compounds to support your body's natural relaxation response. With stress management checked off your to-do list, you'll have more peace to focus on the important things in life.
★ Ingredients
Nectar is made with only 7 ingredients and is Sugar Free & Zero calorie. It is the only electrolyte powder we tested that does not contain “Natural” flavors (where brands hide ingredients that are unhealthy under a blanket term). Additionally, it is the only electrolyte powder that is designed for daily use. This was very important for us as dehydration is a constant battle and an effective hydration powder should be used daily in order to maintain optimal hydration levels.
One aspect of Nectar that stood out is that the product has a healthy 100mg of Sodium as opposed to competitors who pack their products with 500mg+ of salt. Unless you are an endurance athlete or severely (in the hospital) dehydrated, adding 500mg of salt to your daily routine is incredibly unhealthy and dangerous for your heart.
Nectar is also one of the only electrolyte powders that contains calcium - an electrolyte that his involved in skeletal mineralization, contraction of muscles, the transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and secretion of hormones. In order for an hydration powder to be most effective, it must contain as many of the electrolytes as possible (Nectar contains 6 of the 7).
Finally, Nectar contains significantly more potassium - an essential electrolyte that helps the body maintain normal levels of fluid inside our cells - than other competitors we tried. Potassium also helps muscles to contract and supports normal blood pressure.
★ What I love ️
The Absorption Company focuses on unique ingredients a couple different ingredients not found in some of the other Calm Powders I tested. The watermelon lemonade flavor is refreshing and not too sweet, which makes it pleasant to drink in the evening. The product does work - many users report feeling calm within 30 minutes, which is impressive for a natural supplement.
★ What could be better
For the price point ($24 for just 7 servings - over $3 per serving), this is significantly more expensive than Nectar Calm's under $1 per serving. While they tout superior absorption, they include 3 grams of sugar in each serving, which isn't ideal for those avoiding sugar entirely. The ingredient list includes some unique compounds like Sabroxy and Zembrin that sound impressive but lack the extensive research backing of more established ingredients. Customer reviews are mixed on taste, with some finding it too strong or artificially flavored. The serving size is also quite large at 16oz of water, making it less convenient than smaller servings.
★ Description
Experience enhanced relaxation with The Absorption Company Calm Drink Mix featuring Watermelon Lemonade flavor. This premium formula combines magnesium, Sensoril Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and Vitamin D with cutting-edge absorption technology for up to 5x better bioavailability. Each serving supports cortisol regulation and mood balance for both men and women. Simply mix one stick with 16oz of cold water for a delicious way to destress and unwind!
★ What I love ️
Nello has decent brand recognition from TikTok and the raspberry lemonade flavor is pleasant enough. The product does include KSM-66 Ashwagandha (a quality form) and is third-party tested. The 8oz serving size is convenient if you don't want to drink a lot of liquid before bed.
★ What could be better
At $39.95 for 20 servings ($2.00 per serving), Nello costs double what Nectar charges. While the L-theanine dosage is impressively high, some users might find 400mg too stimulating. The brand heavily markets on social media, which adds to costs, and the smaller 8oz serving size means you get less hydration benefits compared to larger-volume competitors.
★ Description
Replenish your electrolytes with Dr. Berg Electrolyte Powder Raspberry & Lemon Flavor. This high-quality electrolyte powder is easy to dissolve and perfect for workouts. Each serving is loaded with 1000 mg of potassium. Electrolyte Powder Raspberry & Lemon is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee!
★ What I love ️
LMNT has exploded fueled by a seemingly endless marketing budget. The product has zero sugar and contains high quality forms of sodium, magnesium and potassium. If you're an endurance athlete (meaning you're participating in incredibly strenuous activity daily), LMNT is an amazing product for you.
★ What could be better
LMNT was originally developed for endurance athletes. They've since tried to expand their market by targeting health conscious consumers. But, there is no way around it, 1,000mg of extra salt a day is simply dangerous for your health. There are endless studies showing that too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Americans eat on average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day and the FDA recommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300mg per day. Adding 1,000mg of salt per day on top of normal intake is dangerous - regardless of how much fancy marketing you see.
★ Description
LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't. LMNT is perfect for anyone interested in a keto, low-carb or intermittent fasting lifestyle, and a gluten-free diet. Our electrolyte supplement fights against the low-carb fatigue and keto fog to keep energy levels high
★ What I love ️
Nuun is everywhere in the running community. The product comes in small, dissolvable tablets that are easy to toss into a water bottle on the go. If you're running a marathon (where Nuun mostly advertises) the product isa great choice! It's also a good choice if you want slight carbonation.
★ What could be better
Nuun was originally developed for endurance athletes. They've since tried to expand their market by targeting health conscious consumers. This means that the nutrition profile is not designed for daily use. The product contains no calcium and also has very low potassium content. If you're looking for a daily hydration supplement (and are not a marathon runner), there are much better options out there for you.
★ Description
Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets and powders are proactive hydration solutions with clean ingredients† that hydrate better than water alone to keep you muuving!
★ What I love ️
Ultima is one of the original electrolyte powders. I like that the product has so many flavor options (11 total) and is fairly priced. Ultima has a decent nutrition profile that contains 5 of 7 electrolytes. Additionally, the product only contains 55mg of salt (which is low - but healthier than 500mg+ competitors).
★ What could be better
As one of the more affordable electrolyte power options, it's no surprise Ultima uses very low quality ingredients (both the flavorants and molecule forms of the electrolytes). Potassium Phosphate & Aspartate as well as Calcium Ascorbate have a much lower absorption rate than the Citrate form of the molecules. Taste-wise, it's very clear Ultima is using cheap ingredients. The product has a strong artificial taste (we assume this is because the "other natural flavors" on the ingredient list).
★ Description
Your daily hydrating drink mix and water enhancer without the sugar, carbs, and calories. Naturally sweetened electrolyte drink powder with organic stevia leaf and infused with real fruit flavor extracts that will truly quench your thirst.
★ What I love ️
Redmond is a major salt company that came out with an electrolyte powder a couple of years ago. We like that product uses the highest quality form of salt that contains trace minerals (similar to Himalayan pink salt). We also liked that the product has 6 different flavors and sells bulk tubs (though they are higher-priced).
★ What could be better
Redmond Re-Lyte was developed for athletes. The product has very high levels of sodium (810mg) and potassium (400mg) which is only healthy if you're involved in daily strenuous activity. Additionally, we just couldn't get past the taste of the product. Between the "natural flavors" and coconut water powder - Re-Lyte was one of the harder products to drink. Finally, we had a very difficult time fully dissolving the product (even using a milk frother).
★ Description
We developed Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration with a team of fitness experts determined to create an effective, refreshing hydration mix you can feel good about drinking daily. Designed to support any and every lifestyle, this sugar-free blend of Redmond Real Salt and essential electrolytes contains everything you need to hydrate better, so you feel better.
★ What I love ️
Liquid IV sugar free was released after Liquid IV got tons of bad press about the level of sugar in its products. We liked that the product is lower calorie and has a lighter taste than the original version of Liquid IV. We also like that there is a 30 day money-back guarantee for the product on Liquid IV's website.
★ What could be better
Liquid IV sugar free replaced sugar with allulose which is not allowed to be sold in Europe because of the lack of research around the ingredient. I personally believe normal Liquid IV is incredibly unhealthy due to the high amount of sugar in the product. But, if you are forced to stick with Liquid IV, I would recommend the normal version of the product (even with its unhealthy amount of sugar) over the new sugar free version packed with an unstudied, potentially dangerous ingredient. Aside from the use of Allulose, we did not like that the product contains 500mg of salt (much too much for the average adult) and low quality ingredients. The product is also one of the most expensive we tasted.
★ Description
Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free is a great-tasting, Non-GMO electrolyte drink mix powered by a proprietary Amino Acid Allulose Blend to hydrate better than water alone with 0 sugar and 0 artificial sweeteners. 1 stick contains 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink with 8 vitamins and nutrients for faster hydration and everyday wellness. It’s the smart 0 sugar hydration solution
★ What I love ️
Instant Hydration is new to the market and backed by multiple large influencers. The product has no clear medical backing (like most of these influencer based products), but contains 5 of 7 electrolytes. Additionally, Instant Hydration places an emphasis on it's "Sel Gris" salt - but this form is no better than other forms (such as Pink Himalayan Salt)
★ What could be better
It feels like Instant Hydration saw that electrolytes were becoming popular and decided to round up some influencers and release a product. The price is extremely high for what you get. There is nothing unique about the product and we believe there are much better options out there. We also wish the product had higher quality ingredients and dissolved better.
★ Description
Instant Hydration is a brand focused on it's charity work helping clean the ocean. This is a great cause. The brand claims it has a "unique formulation", featuring Sel Gris (Celtic salt), no added sugar, and all-natural flavors. As one of the most expensive electrolyte powders available in the market, there are much better options available.
★ What I love ️
Waterboy is all over the market due to its celebrity founders. The product is designed for hangovers (it works if you're very, very hung over) and is described as a "weekend recovery" formula. We like that it is vegan and gluten free and has no added sugar.
★ What could be better
To start, Waterboy is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. They market the product as having 3x the electrolytes as competitors - but this is just packing the product with an insane amount of sodium. There is no way around it, 1,130mg of extra salt a day is simply dangerous for your health. There are endless studies showing that too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Americans eat on average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day and the FDA recommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300mg per day. Adding 1,130mg of salt per day on top of normal intake is dangerous - regardless of how much fancy marketing you see.
★ Description
Most electrolyte mixes and electrolyte drinks on the market are made for kids, general hydration or sports or and are LOADED with sugar. Waterboy weekend recovery is made specifically to help adults. Waterboy includes L-theanine, ginger and vitamins to help you bounce back faster
★ What I love ️
Following Liquid IV's lead, Drip Drop released a sugar free version of their product after backlash from consumers. The new sugar free version of Drip Drop is a step up from the original product due to the lower calories. We also liked the levels of sodium and magnesium found in the product.
★ What could be better
Drip Drop replaced sugar with Maltodextrin and Sucralose - two ingredients arguably much worse than sugar (even if they are lower calorie). Drip Drop sugar free is a decent product, but the extremely high price (almost 2x the price per serving than my first choice, Nectar) makes it hard to justify buying. If the product included higher quality ingredients (organic & the most absorbable forms of the electrolytes), this would be ranked higher. Important Note: We did not include normal Drip Drop in our rankings due to the unhealthy level of sugar found in the product.
★ Description
DripDrop’s formula uses ORS science to activate a hydration shortcut known as the sodium-glucose cotransport system. Accelerating fluid absorption into the bloodstream 2-3x so you can feel better faster. And, unlike most electrolyte drink mixes, it tastes amazing
So to recap, I was looking for a magnesium powder because life gets stressful sometimes and I wanted to make sure I did my best to stay optimally calm and centered. To be honest, I didn't go into this thinking I'd fall in love with any of them, let alone start a subscription and create a new evening ritual.
Nectar Essential Daily Hydration checked all of my boxes. It has a wide range of high quality nutritious ingredients with multiple health benefits, from energy to focus to recovery, it actually tastes delicious (light and refreshing) and has the best price.
Their ingredient list is as transparent as it can be, front and centered on their site and packaging. The product contains 4 key calming compounds that our body needs to manage stress in the best way possible and is flavored with organic ingredients. Nectar also checks the box for all the main allergies with a nut, gluten, dairy, caffeine and sugar-free product.
Overall I'm thrilled that I found a magnesium powder that is effective and tastes good. I hope you found this review helpful and that you also find your daily magnesium supplement that can help make sure you're getting the calm you need every day!
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