All posts tagged: powders

The 10 Best Electrolyte Powders (We Tested Nearly 20)

The 10 Best Electrolyte Powders (We Tested Nearly 20)

Published by skeptic

TL;DR Don’t choose something with ultra-high amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, or sugar unless you need to based on your exercise levels or a sweat test. Amy Brownstein, a registered dietitian nutritionist at MyNetDiary, says electrolytes are minerals that exist naturally in your body. These include magnesium, calcium, chloride, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. The role of electrolytes is to help your body rehydrate or stay hydrated by helping your system actually absorb the water you drink. Heather Gosnell, a pediatrician, sodium is the key ingredient for effective rehydration. She also says a little sugar and carbohydrates help your body absorb water but to avoid high-sugar drinks. Electrolyte powders usually contain these, as well as the aforementioned minerals, all of which can help with absorption. But how can you know which powder is best for you? Shelley Balls, RDN, says humans usually lose sodium when working out or spending time in hot temperatures and also that carbohydrates are important to help replenish and preserve muscle glycogen stores to prevent fatigue, especially if active for more than 30 …

Are Mushroom Supplements Worth Taking? (2026)

Are Mushroom Supplements Worth Taking? (2026)

Published by skeptic

From ancient remedies to your Amazon cart, mushroom supplements have traveled a circuitous road. They nourish the body, enhance the mind, and occasionally poison the unlucky. Their biochemical adaptability has intrigued Eastern cultures for centuries. The West, on the other hand, has been slow to embrace mushrooms until the 21st century, propelled in part by endorsements from celebrities like Gisele Bündchen and Gwen Stefani. Today, in a zeitgeist fixated on biohacking and self-optimization, mushrooms are now tools for functional wellness. We’re well past foraging and sautéing. Now we embrace microdosing. We’re sipping on lion’s mane extract in our adaptogenic lattes and mixing non-GMO cordyceps into our post-workout smoothies, hoping it will enhance our cognitive function, boost our gut health, and upgrade our immune systems. Health care researchers are also exploring their potential applications, ranging from cancer therapies to supportive treatments for COVID-19. For more mushroom coverage, check out our guides to the Best Mushroom Gummies, Best Mushroom Coffee, and WIRED’s Mushroom Gifts. Table of Contents AccordionItemContainerButton Updated February 2026: I’ve added Ryze Mushroom Coffee and …

7 Best Clear Protein Powders to Skip the Milky Sludge in 2026

7 Best Clear Protein Powders to Skip the Milky Sludge in 2026

Published by Jenni Sidey

The Easiest to Drink Clear Protein Powder: Animal Clear The branding from Animal Clear definitely leans gym-rat, but don’t let that scare you off. This clear whey protein was one of the easiest to drink, with a flavor profile that was lighter and less aggressively sweet than most of the others I tried. It also left the least amount of aftertaste or chalky mouth feel, which made it way more appealing to sip after a workout. But keep in mind that it does use sucralose, an artificial sweetener, if that type of thing matters to you. Watermelon limeade was by far my favorite—light and refreshing—while blueberry acai was a bit too full-boded and muddled by comparison. One thing I appreciated: unlike most clear proteins that foam up like a bubble bath, this one includes an anti-foaming agent, so it’s ready to drink as soon as you shake it. It also has five grams of BCAAs added, which boosts the recovery effects by aiding with muscle repair. The Best Affordable Clear Protein Powder: Seeq Seeq Clear …

10 Best Greens Powders, Tried and Tested (2026)

10 Best Greens Powders, Tried and Tested (2026)

Published by Jenni Sidey

If it feels like you’ve been seeing the best greens powders pop up all over the internet in the last few years, you’re not alone. Many of these mysterious verdant powders and potions purport to be panaceas that aid in muscle gains, general wellbeing, and the ever-elusive “gut health” with a regiment as easy as a single scoop per day. Now, few things are ever that simple in the poorly regulated supplement market—and the jury is still out as to the exact efficacy of greens powders as a category—but one thing is for sure: They provide a solid nutritional insurance policy, helping to keep your body fueled with all the micronutrients it needs, some of which your current diet might be lacking. But like most supplements, not all greens powders are created equal. I’ve been testing out a grip of the top brands on the market, each with their own special formula, taste, and price point. Anecdotally, I’ve definitely felt a boost in my digestion, energy levels, and overall health—so, if you’re looking for some …

Creatine Supplements Are Everywhere. Do I Need Them? (2026)

Creatine Supplements Are Everywhere. Do I Need Them? (2026)

Published by skeptic

Creatine monohydrate is typically sold as a flavorless, white powder that you can mix into water or a shake. According to Amati, the standard dose is three to five grams per day. Some athletes may “load” with higher doses, but studies show this offers no long-term benefits and can put unnecessary stress on the kidneys. Muscle Growth and Exercise Performance Creatine is most useful for activities that demand short, intense effort: sprinting, weightlifting, and high-intensity interval training, to name a few. It’s far less relevant for endurance sports like marathons. Some evidence suggests creatine also increases muscle glycogen storage, which could help with recovery and energy replenishment between sessions. Creatine doesn’t directly build muscle, but paired with resistance training and adequate nutrition, it can help preserve muscle strength and lean body mass. It’s particularly important if you’re recovering from an injury, or as you age, when sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) becomes a risk, as it activates specialized stem cells known as satellite cells. Zimmerman points out that women, especially in perimenopause and menopause, may see …

14 Best Pre-Workout Powders of 2026, According to Gym Rats

14 Best Pre-Workout Powders of 2026, According to Gym Rats

Published by Jenni Sidey

Much like protein powder, the best pre-workout powders on the market today are a far cry from what they were in the early aughts. The first time I was introduced to pre-workout was during my freshman year of college, when a fellow member of the wrestling team peer-pressured kindly encouraged me to suck down a shaker tin full of ambiguous, neon-blue liquid before a group lift. Did I feel like my face was peeling off? Yes. Did I get an Arnold-esque, skin-splitting pump that would set me on a path of meatheaddery for the rest of my life? Also yes. Pre-workouts, for any non-gym rats out there, are supplements folks take before—you guessed it—working out. Typically, pre-workout has two main purposes: increasing energy and helping achieve bigger “pumps,” or the (temporary) swollen feeling and appearance of your muscles during or after working out, caused by blood rushing into the muscles you’re exercising. The Best Pre-Workouts, According to GQ Best Overall Transparent Labs BULK Black Read More Best High-Stim Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Read More Best …

Magnesium Supplements Crash Course (2026): Benefits and Side Effects

Magnesium Supplements Crash Course (2026): Benefits and Side Effects

Published by skeptic

“It’s really overlooked that magnesium can help with menstrual cycle irregularity in terms of making sure that you’re not having severe cramping,” says Anderson-Haynes, who adds it may also benefit women in perimenopause and menopause. Clinically, it may be part of the treatment for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. Can You Take Too Much? The recommended dietary allowance is 320 milligrams per day for women and 420 milligrams per day for men. These are amounts most people can reach with a balanced diet; healthy kidneys regulate magnesium levels, excreting excess when magnesium intake is high and conserving it when it’s low. Daily supplements under 350 milligrams are generally considered safe for healthy adults. “If you take too much magnesium, you’ll probably get diarrhea, because it loosens the bowels,” Anderson-Haynes says. Other side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and, at very high levels of magnesium (usually from overusing laxatives or antacids), low blood pressure, muscle cramps, breathing problems, and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest. People with kidney disease are at the highest risk of toxicity. …

15 Best Electrolyte Powders (2026): Tasty and Effective

15 Best Electrolyte Powders (2026): Tasty and Effective

Published by skeptic

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Tons of flavors, most with high carbohydrate and sugar content. Sugar and carbs might be too much for some people. A few flavors are intense. Calories: 50. Sodium: 500 mg. Total carbohydrates: 13 g. Total sugars: 11 g. Added sugars: 11 g. Potassium: 370 mg. Vitamin C: 62 mg. Niacin: 19.3 mg. Vitamin B6: 1.93 mg. Vitamin B12: 5.79 mcg. Pantothenic acid: 9.6 mg. Medium to high 20+ Artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners. Yes Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix Sweet, salty, and drinkable. Fantastic nutrition. Might be overkill for non-athletes. Calories: 80. Sodium: 400 mg. Total carbohydrates: 20 g. Total sugars: 19 g. Added sugars: 19 g. Calcium: 50 mg. Iron: 0.2 mg. Potassium: 50 mg. Vitamin c: 18 mg. Magnesium: 50 mg. High 6 Artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, artificial flavors. Yes SaltStick Electrolyte FastChews Tasty. Convenient format. Small ingredient concentrations means you may have to re-up frequently. Calories: 10. Sodium: 100 mg. Total carbohydrates: 2 g. Total sugars: 2 g. Added sugars: 2g. Potassium: 30 mg. Calcium: 10 …

Protein Bars: Gluten-Free, Whole Foods, Fiber (2026)

Protein Bars: Gluten-Free, Whole Foods, Fiber (2026)

Published by skeptic

Think of protein bars as grab-and-go snacks, not meal replacements. They’re most helpful when whole foods aren’t available or when your schedule won’t allow for a proper meal. The most beneficial sources of protein come with fiber, healthy fats, and other nutrients. (That’s why registered dietitians recommend whole foods over ultra-processed alternatives.) So, while high-protein snacks may boast impressive counts on the label, they’re not always the healthiest option. After consulting the nutrition experts about key ingredients to look for (and what to avoid), we’ve rounded up the best protein bars that meet those standards. For more tips on protein, check out our guide to the Best Protein Powders and How Much Protein Do I Need? More Sections AccordionItemContainerButton What Should I Look For in a Protein Bar? Start with the Nutrition Facts label. The first thing to check is serving size, since every number on the label applies to that portion. For most protein bars, one bar equals one serving, but it’s still worth confirming. Scan the Calories What’s “right” depends on your caloric …

The best protein powders, tried and tested

The best protein powders, tried and tested

Published by Sam Flores

Protein: 75 per cent (30g of whey concentrate and whey isolate) Carbohydrates: 5 per cent (1.25g per 25g serving, of which 0.8g sugars) Calories per 25g serving: 92 kcal What else is in it? Nothing of note Reviewed by Leon Poultney Although made famous for its fat-torching, ‘metabolism-boosting’ Thermo Detonator pills, Grenade is a brand now more synonymous with very tasty, surprisingly low in sugar and staggeringly expensive protein bars. If you’ve been to a petrol station recently, it’s highly likely a Grenade White Chocolate Salted Peanut bar is sitting invitingly in front of the tills. It comes as no surprise that the brand is now pedalling protein powders (alongside ready-made drinks) that come in the same, saccharine-packeted flavours as its popular bar-based treats. Birthday Cake, Fudged Up and Strawberries & Cream are just a few examples and predictably, they’re all about as sickly as the retina-searing packaging would suggest. The 20g serving spoon is a bit measly and even the nutritional information housed on the rear of the pack is based on doubling-up. Two …