How much sodium is in maurten drink mix 320? An athlete's guide

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Maurten Drink Mix 320 delivers a massive 80 grams of carbohydrates per serving, a feature designed for high-endurance performance. However, its electrolyte profile, and specifically how much sodium is in Maurten Drink Mix 320, is often a point of curiosity for athletes concerned about hydration balance during long-distance efforts.

Quick Summary

A single serving of Maurten Drink Mix 320 contains 500mg of sodium, which is encapsulated within its hydrogel to facilitate digestion alongside high carbohydrate intake during endurance training and racing.

Key Points

Sodium Content: A standard Maurten Drink Mix 320 sachet contains 500mg of sodium per serving.
Hydrogel Technology: The sodium is included to assist the hydrogel formation and absorption of high carbohydrates, not as a primary electrolyte replacement.
Caffeinated Version Difference: The caffeinated Maurten 320 Caf 100 has a lower sodium content, around 245-250mg per serving.
Source of Sodium: The sodium in the mix comes from sodium chloride and sodium alginate.
Supplementation Needed: For many athletes, especially 'salty sweaters' in hot conditions, additional electrolyte supplementation beyond the Maurten mix is often necessary.
Mixing Considerations: Adding extra salt directly to the Maurten drink is not recommended as it may disrupt the hydrogel technology.

Demystifying the Maurten 320's Sodium Content

For many athletes, understanding the precise nutritional breakdown of their fuel is critical for performance. Maurten's success is built on its innovative hydrogel technology, which allows for an unprecedented carbohydrate load without typical gastrointestinal distress. When it comes to electrolytes, the standard Drink Mix 320 contains 500mg of sodium per 80g sachet, designed to be mixed with 500ml of water. This sodium comes primarily from sodium chloride (common salt) and sodium alginate, a key component of the hydrogel structure itself. While this amount is sufficient for some, high-sweat-rate athletes might need to supplement their electrolyte intake, as 500mg may not match the losses experienced during intense, prolonged exercise in hot conditions.

The Science Behind Maurten's Hydrogel and Sodium

Maurten's hydrogel technology is the secret behind its high-carb-low-sodium profile. The drink mix, when consumed, is converted into a hydrogel in the stomach's acidic environment. This gel-like structure then transports the carbohydrates, water, and sodium smoothly to the intestine for absorption. Because the carbohydrates are encapsulated, they can be delivered quickly and efficiently without causing stomach upset. The inclusion of sodium is not for robust electrolyte replacement but rather to support the absorption process of the hydrogel itself, along with the other key ingredients like carbohydrates.

The Role of Sodium in Endurance Fueling

Sodium is a crucial electrolyte for athletes. It plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. During prolonged exercise, especially in warm weather, athletes lose sodium through sweat. If these losses are not replenished, it can lead to hyponatremia, a potentially dangerous condition of low blood sodium. The question for many Maurten users is whether the 500mg supplied is enough. This depends heavily on an individual's sweat rate and sweat sodium concentration. Many endurance athletes, particularly 'salty sweaters,' find the need to consume additional electrolytes from other sources to prevent cramping and maintain performance.

Comparing Maurten 320 to Other Sports Drinks

To understand the context of Maurten's sodium, it's helpful to compare it to other popular sports drinks. The following table provides a clear comparison of nutritional profiles.


Feature	Maurten Drink Mix 320	Traditional Sports Drink (e.g., Gatorade)	High-Electrolyte Drink (e.g., Skratch Labs)
Carbohydrates	80g per 500ml	~36g per 500ml	~40g per 500ml
Sodium	500mg per 500ml	~220mg per 500ml	~800mg per 500ml
Technology	Hydrogel	Simple Solution	Simple Solution
Flavors/Additives	Neutral taste, no added flavor	Various flavors, added coloring	Subtle flavors, minimal additives
Focus	High carbohydrate delivery, gut comfort	Basic hydration, quick energy	Balanced hydration, electrolyte replacement

Different Maurten Formulations: Not All Are Equal

It is crucial to note that the standard Maurten Drink Mix 320 has a different sodium profile than its caffeinated counterpart. The Drink Mix 320 Caf 100, which includes 100mg of caffeine, contains a lower amount of sodium. While labeling can vary by region, US packaging for the caffeinated version shows around 245-250mg of sodium per serving. Some older European labels showed a higher 'salt' content, but the actual sodium was lower. Newer formulations of the caffeinated version may also contain sodium bicarbonate to maintain a pH that protects tooth enamel, an improvement Maurten has noted. Always check the specific packaging for the product you are using.

Practical Implications for Athletes

Given the relatively moderate sodium level in the standard Maurten 320, athletes should plan their hydration strategy accordingly. For shorter or lower-intensity efforts, the provided 500mg may be sufficient. However, during longer training sessions or races, especially in high-heat conditions, it is often necessary to supplement with extra sodium. This can be achieved through additional electrolyte tablets, salty snacks, or other nutrition products. Maurten itself has previously warned against altering the product by adding too much extra salt, as it could disrupt the hydrogel formation. Therefore, it's best to take additional sodium separately, not mixed into the Maurten drink itself.

Ingredient list for Maurten Drink Mix 320:

Maltodextrin
Fructose
Pectin (Gelling Agent)
Sodium Alginate (Gelling Agent)
Sodium Chloride (Salt)

Conclusion: Fueling Smart with Maurten

Understanding how much sodium is in Maurten Drink Mix 320 is just one part of a comprehensive hydration plan. With 500mg per sachet in the standard version, it is positioned as a high-carb energy delivery system first and foremost, with a moderate level of electrolytes to assist absorption. Athletes should not view it as a primary electrolyte replacement drink. By being aware of your individual needs and potentially supplementing with additional sodium, you can maximize Maurten's benefits for energy without compromising your hydration status.

For more information on product details and technology, consult Maurten's official resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

For many marathon runners, particularly those who sweat heavily or run in hot conditions, the 500mg of sodium in one Maurten 320 may not be enough to cover their total electrolyte losses. It is often necessary to supplement with additional sodium from gels, tablets, or other sources.

The regular Maurten Drink Mix 320 contains 500mg of sodium per serving, while the caffeinated Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 contains a lower amount, typically around 245-250mg of sodium per serving.

Maurten's focus is on maximizing carbohydrate delivery and minimizing gastric distress through its hydrogel technology. The sodium included primarily supports the absorption process, not robust electrolyte replacement, which is why it's lower than some dedicated hydration mixes.

Adding extra salt directly to the Maurten mix is not advised by the manufacturer, as it can potentially interfere with the specific chemical balance required for the hydrogel to form correctly. It is better to consume additional electrolytes separately.

If you are sweating heavily and not replenishing lost sodium, you risk developing electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to cramping, fatigue, and in severe cases, hyponatremia. Monitoring your needs and supplementing is important.

The hydrogel encapsulates the carbohydrates and the sodium, allowing for a more controlled and smoother transit through the stomach to the intestine. This helps to absorb the nutrients and water efficiently, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues.

Maurten is an excellent choice for high-carb energy, but its primary function is not hydration. While it does contain some electrolytes, athletes should assess their individual needs and may need a separate hydration strategy to meet their full electrolyte demands during long or intense efforts.