Viridian names electrolytes as 2026’s star ingredient

Experts at ethical vitamin brand Viridian Nutrition have named electrolytes as Ingredient of the Year 2026. They cite electrolytes’ powerful influence on nutrition and health as key reasons the nutrients will be sought after by health store shoppers over the next 12 months.

Viridian Nutrition predicts that demand will be driven by the rising popularity of active lifestyles plus a significant rise in global temperatures resulting in prolonged summer heatwaves. Both these wider trends put hydration firmly in the spotlight.

“Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, but with temperatures hitting record highs year after year and heatwaves becoming more frequent, we’re expecting to see a huge spike in electrolytes as a way to replenish fluids, and not just for those with active lifestyles,” says Viridian Nutrition nutrition director Aimee Benbow.

Electrolytes play a key role in replacing fluids lost through sweating or illness – and maintaining healthy levels is critical. Imbalances or deficiencies can disrupt physiological processes, including nerve signalling, muscle function, physical performance and recovery.

Viridian warns consumers to be aware of sugar and artificial additives in some hydration and electrolyte drinks.

“To ensure people get the full health benefits from electrolytes, it’s important to choose mineral salts which are extracted from a clean and natural source, bottled without the need for preservatives or anything artificial,” says Benbow. “Viridian sources its electrolytes from The Great Salt Lake in Utah, which offers a pristine environment for the water, rich in natural mineral salts, to be harvested.”

The brand will be rolling out an awareness campaign over the next 12 months to spread nutritional education through specialist health stores and on social media.

By Jane Wolfe, contributor