Viral Trends

Gen Z insists water isn’t ‘enough’ to ‘properly hydrate’ — so they’re drinking this as their ‘new morning coffee’ instead

Gen Z is always thirsty for a new trend.

Electrolytes that has gotten TikTok’s attention, with hundreds of “” popping up on the platform.

Electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and cal⛎cium — are the minerals in your blood that essentially help keep everything balanced 🐻in your body.

You lose electrolytes♌ or are sick, and replenishing them often comes in the form of a packet of powder or sports drinks.

But now, Gen Z feels as though they need electrolytes on a regular basis, claiming that water is not “enough.”

Liquid IV flavor is AMAZI♔NG! Liquid IV electrolytes◡̈ 💙🤍❤️ @Liquid I.V.

“You’re not properly hydrating,” one armchair fitness TikTokker to his viewers.

“You think that by drinking water you’re hydrating, but when you train in the gym and drink normal water … you’re sweating out all of your essential electrolytes,” he explained.

But it’s recommending the products — water with electrolytes “the new morning coffee.”

Morning electrolytes always 💗  @HIGH5🌃SportsNutrition

The video shows the user drinking her water with an electrolyte tablet first thing in the morning, and one commenter agreed, writing: “Changing to electrolytes first thing change my lifeeeee!”

However, another commenter noted that electrolytes aren’t necessary to have every day.

“You don’t need electrolytes unless you lose a lot of water, like you sweat a lot from intense exercise or vomiting or diarrhea or fever,” they wrote — and experts agree.

Hydrated inside & out 💦 homemade electrolyte water recipe + getting hydrated, glowing skin with @Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It provides all day hydration and leaves your skin feeling smooth! HOMEMADE ELECTROLYTE RECIPE * Pink Himalayan salt * Honey * Lemon * Lime * Coconut water (I used coconut water with pressed coconut) * Water

Edward Mather, a nutritionist at Fuel Hub, that though electrolytes have gained popularity due to “an increased focus on hydration,” they aren’t for everyone and aren’t necessary just to keep yourself hydrated.

“The point at which supplementing electrolytes becomes necessary is if the individual partakes in prolonged or intense exercise, they live in a hot climate or they have an illness where fluid is lost from the body,” he explained.

“For most people, drinking water throughout the day is enough to meet their hydration needs. This is based on the assumption they consume a balanced diet containing electrolyte-rich foods and partake in light physical activity.”

Young fitness girl with dental braces drinking water from a bottle in the gym after a hard workout
Electrolytes are the latest craze catching TikTok’s attention, with hundreds of “recipes” popping up on the platform. Halfpoint – stock.adobe.com

He noted that electrolytes play an important role in fluid balance, suppo🐠rting nerve and muscle function and regulating𝄹 physiological processes.

And the search interest in is in line with : The global market for electrolyte mixes went from $36.56 bil🍎lio🍸n in 2023 to $40.32 billion in 2024.

The love for electrolytes on social media likely stemmed from the “sexy water” trend as Zoomers rebrand everyday habits and look for the coolest way to stay hydrated.

Sexy water can include powders, minerals, lemon🐓 and🦋 other practical elements.

It's not just gym buffs recommending the products -- one user declared water with electrolytes "the new morning coffee."
It’s not just gym buffs recommending the products — one user declared water with electrolytes “the new morning coffee.” globalmoments – stock.adobe.com

While electrolytes can be a good addition to your daily routine if needed, be sure not to get caught up in the trendiness — do what’s best for your individual body and wellness, experts say.

“Too many electrolytes can be as h꧋armful as too few, so modeﷺration and balance are key,” nutritionist  .

“Hardcore endurance athletes can be more liberal when it comes to electrolyte drinks that are high in sodium, but the average individual doesn’t need more sodium, especially if their diet is high in ultra-processed foods,”ꦆ added Rhian Stephenson, founder💙 of holistic site , which offers its own electrolyte powder, .

Those with medical conditions that might affect the body’s ability to properly balance minerals should also take caution before drinking electrolytes.

Howeveไr, adding electrolytes isn’t such a bad idea if you’re someone who alr𓂃eady drinks a lot of water.

“If you take too much water in, you dilute those electrolytes, and that can be a real problem,” Dr. Isaac Dapkins, chief medical officer at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone, previously told The Post.

With excessive intake, it can get to a point where your body doesn’t have enough electrolytes to make urine and release that water, which can lead to a decrea꧅se in sodium level and a “really lousy” feeling.