Electrolyte Powder vs Coconut Water: UK Study Puts True Hydration to the Test
3 Min read
Coconut water has long been celebrated as nature’s electrolyte drink - and for good reason. It is also the inspiration behind True Hydration, our daily electrolyte blend enriched with electrolytes and key minerals to support energy, recovery, and everyday resilience.
But inspiration is one thing - proof is another. So we partnered with researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales to put True Hydration and coconut water head-to-head, exploring how each supported hydration, recovery, and resilience.
Because at Ancient + Brave, we don’t just create rituals that feel good - we make sure they’re grounded in science too.
Cardiff University's True Hydration Study
Led by nutritional physiologist Dr Liam Corr, this gold-standard trial (randomised, controlled, triple-blind) aimed to understand how True Hydration and coconut water performed in real-life conditions.
Participants drank one of the test solutions before cycling for an hour in a hot environment (~33C). Researchers then measured hydration, heart rate, body temperature, fatigue, grip strength, and markers of inflammation to see how each drink supported recovery.
What we learned: Electrolyte powder vs coconut water
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Hydration matters, no matter the drink. Staying on top of fluids helped all participants cope with heat stress. Thermal strain - faster heart rate, rising core temperature, and immune response - was observed across the board.
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Electrolyte balance makes a difference. Drinks containing both sodium and potassium, like True Hydration, showed measurable improvements in grip strength and body mass returning to baseline compared with water alone.
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Small differences, meaningful insights. While both drinks supported hydration, the trial highlighted how the right combination of electrolytes can help the body recover more efficiently after exercise or heat exposure.
In short: coconut water is a natural, effective option - but True Hydration builds on that wisdom with a carefully balanced blend to support everyday resilience.
“As a nutritional physiologist, I highly value my collaboration with Ancient + Brave. It connects products with research, building on findings to give people confidence. The open-minded approach to research and innovation is a great example of a company that wants to provide high-quality products”, Dr Liam Corr, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
A word from our Director of Science and Innovation
Dr Jenna Macchiochi, Director of Science and Innovation at Ancient+Brave, says:
“While the difference between electrolyte powder and coconut water may be slight, it is encouraging to see evidence that whether you’re training, travelling, or simply facing a warmer climate, fluids plus key electrolytes play an important role in supporting everyday wellbeing.
True Hydration was developed with this principle in mind: inspired by the natural electrolytes in coconut water, it's enriched with a blend of electrolytes and fits easily into your daily ritual.”
Stay in the loop
This trial is now under peer review for publication, and we’ll be sharing updates through our Science Hub. Want to be the first to know when the full paper is released?
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