Salt tablets are sold at most drugstores, sporting goods stores, and online retailers

You can find salt tablets at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and similar chain pharmacies and general retailers. Sporting goods stores like Dick's Sporting Goods and REI carry them in the sports nutrition section. Online, Amazon, Vitacost, and iHerb stock multiple brands. Local health food stores often have them too, though selection varies by location.

The most common brands are Nuun, SaltStick, GU Energy, and Liquid IV, though store brands exist as well. Prices typically range from $8 to $20 per container depending on the brand and quantity. Most retailers keep them year-round, but availability increases in summer months when demand rises.

Key Takeaways

  • Chain drugstores and big-box retailers stock salt tablets in their sports nutrition or pharmacy sections, usually near electrolyte drinks and energy gels.
  • Sporting goods stores like REI and Dick's Sporting Goods carry multiple brands and often have staff who understand when athletes use them.
  • Online retailers offer the widest selection and allow you to compare brands and prices without visiting multiple stores.
  • Local health food stores may carry salt tablets but often at higher prices than chain retailers.
  • Availability peaks in late spring and summer when outdoor athletes and people working in heat buy them most.

Drugstores and chain retailers

CVS and Walgreens stock salt tablets in their sports nutrition aisles, usually near sports drinks and energy bars. Both chains carry at least two brands, most often Nuun or SaltStick. You can also check their websites to see which locations have them in stock before you visit.

Walmart and Target carry salt tablets in their sports and fitness sections. Walmart tends to have lower prices than specialty retailers. Target's selection is smaller but still includes the major brands. Both stores allow you to order online and pick up in-store if your local location is out of stock.

Sporting goods and outdoor retailers

REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports all stock salt tablets year-round. REI's staff are often familiar with salt tablet use for hiking and endurance sports and can answer questions about which type suits your activity. Dick's carries multiple brands in the running and cycling sections.

These stores tend to have higher prices than drugstores but offer better selection and knowledgeable staff. Many also have return policies that let you try a product and return it if it doesn't work for you, which is useful since salt tablet tolerance varies by person.

Online retailers

Amazon stocks the widest selection of brands and flavors. You can read customer reviews from other athletes and see price comparisons across brands in one place. Shipping is usually fast if you have Prime membership, though standard shipping takes five to seven business days.

Vitacost and iHerb specialize in health and sports nutrition products and often have lower prices than Amazon. Both offer bulk discounts if you buy multiple containers. Shipping costs vary, so compare the final price including delivery before ordering.

Health food stores and specialty shops

Local health food stores and nutrition shops often carry salt tablets, particularly in areas with active running or cycling communities. Staff can discuss which formulas work best for different activities and body types. However, prices are usually 20 to 30 percent higher than chain retailers.

Call ahead before visiting, since smaller stores may not stock them regularly or may have limited brands in stock. Some will order items for you if they don't have them on hand.

What to look for when buying

Salt tablets come in different formats: capsules you swallow with water, chewables, and dissolvable tablets you mix into drinks. Capsules are easiest to carry during exercise. Chewables work faster because they dissolve in your mouth. Dissolvable tablets let you control the concentration in your drink.

Check the sodium content per serving—most tablets contain 200 to 500 milligrams. Some include potassium or other electrolytes, which some athletes prefer. Read the label to see if the product contains sugar or artificial sweeteners, since this affects how your stomach handles them during activity.

Timing your purchase

Buy salt tablets before you need them, not during a heat wave or the week before a race. Stores often run low in July and August. If you know you'll use them regularly, buying online in bulk during off-season months (September through April) usually saves money.

If you're trying salt tablets for the first time, buy a small container first rather than a bulk supply. Not everyone tolerates them the same way, and you may prefer one brand or format over another after testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my own salt tablets at home?

You can mix salt with water or sports drinks, but manufactured tablets are more convenient and have measured doses. Homemade versions are harder to carry during exercise and don't dissolve as consistently. Most people find buying them is worth the cost for the convenience.

Do I need a prescription to buy salt tablets?

No. Salt tablets are over-the-counter products sold as dietary supplements or sports nutrition items. You can buy them without a prescription at any retailer that stocks them.

Are store brands as good as name brands?

Store brands like Walmart's or Target's salt tablets contain similar sodium amounts and work the same way. The main differences are flavor variety and whether they include additional electrolytes. Try a store brand first if cost matters to you.

What's the difference between salt tablets and electrolyte drinks?

Salt tablets are concentrated sodium in solid form, while electrolyte drinks mix sodium with water, sugar, and other minerals. Tablets are lighter to carry and don't add liquid weight. Drinks hydrate you at the same time. Many athletes use both depending on the activity.

Can I buy salt tablets in bulk online?

Yes. Amazon, Vitacost, and iHerb all sell multi-packs that cost less per serving than single containers. Bulk purchases make sense if you use them regularly for training or work in heat. Check the expiration date on bulk orders, since salt tablets stored in cool, dry places stay good for several years.