What's better for a hangover, Berocca or Hydralyte?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 75% of people experience a hangover after heavy drinking, with dehydration being a major factor. Determining whether Berocca or Hydralyte is better for a hangover requires understanding their compositions and what the body needs after alcohol consumption.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes Berocca and Hydralyte to determine which eases hangover symptoms more effectively. It details how each product addresses dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and vitamin depletion after alcohol consumption.

Key Points

Hydralyte for Dehydration: Hydralyte is specifically formulated for rapid rehydration, addressing the primary cause of many hangover symptoms like headache and fatigue.
Berocca for Vitamins: Berocca's main advantage for hangovers is its high concentration of B and C vitamins, which can help replenish depleted nutrients and support energy levels.
Rapid Absorption: Hydralyte's balanced glucose-to-electrolyte ratio enables faster fluid absorption in the intestines compared to plain water or a less-optimized drink.
Low Sugar Content: Hydralyte has a lower sugar content than many other sports or effervescent drinks, which is gentler on a sensitive stomach and helps avoid further dehydration.
Best Approach: For most hangovers, the most effective strategy is to use Hydralyte for rapid rehydration and consider Berocca as a supportive supplement for a vitamin boost.
No Instant Cure: Neither product is a magical cure for a hangover; they address symptoms, but time and rest are the only surefire remedies.
Alternative Remedies: Other strategies like eating carbs, resting, and drinking plain water are also essential for recovery.

Understanding the Hangover: Dehydration and Nutrient Loss

A hangover is a physiological response to excessive alcohol intake, not just dehydration. Alcohol's diuretic effect causes fluid and electrolyte loss, including sodium and potassium. Alcohol metabolism depletes B vitamins, and blood sugar fluctuations can cause fatigue and headaches. Addressing these issues is crucial for effective relief.

Berocca: More than Just a Pick-Me-Up

Berocca is an effervescent tablet, containing B and C vitamins, and minerals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium. While its brand reputation is tied to energy, its vitamin and mineral content is relevant for hangover recovery.

Replenishes B Vitamins: Alcohol can deplete B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production. Berocca's B vitamin concentration helps restore these levels.
Provides Antioxidant Support: The vitamin C in Berocca counteracts the oxidative stress caused by alcohol.
Contains Electrolytes: Berocca Hydrate, has electrolytes like sodium and potassium to aid rehydration, though the concentration is not as optimized for rapid rehydration as a medical-grade oral rehydration solution.
High Sugar and Sweeteners: Some Berocca formulations contain high sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can aggravate an upset stomach.

Hydralyte: The Rapid Rehydration Specialist

Hydralyte is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to treat and prevent dehydration by replacing lost fluid and electrolytes. Its formula follows World Health Organization guidelines, with a balance of sodium, glucose, and other electrolytes to maximize absorption.

Rapid Rehydration: Hydralyte's glucose and electrolyte ratio activates the body's natural rehydration mechanisms, allowing quicker fluid absorption.
Replenishes Electrolytes: It replaces electrolytes like sodium and potassium, lost through alcohol's diuretic effects.
Supports Nausea: Hydralyte is gentle on the stomach, making it easier to keep down when feeling unwell.
Low Sugar: Hydralyte contains low sugar, avoiding further dehydration or stomach upset.

Which is Better for Your Hangover?

The choice between Berocca and Hydralyte depends on primary hangover symptoms. If rapid and effective rehydration is needed, Hydralyte is superior. If experiencing fatigue and wanting a vitamin boost, Berocca offers some benefits, but its rehydration capabilities are less targeted.

Comparison Table: Berocca vs. Hydralyte for Hangovers


Feature	Berocca	Hydralyte
Primary Goal	Provides energy and vitamin support	Rapidly rehydrates and replenishes electrolytes
Focus for Hangovers	Addresses B vitamin depletion and fatigue	Reverses dehydration, a primary cause of hangover symptoms
Key Active Ingredients	High-dose B vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc	Precise balance of electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium) and Glucose
Effectiveness for Dehydration	Aids in rehydration but less optimized for rapid absorption	Scientifically formulated for optimal and rapid fluid absorption
Effectiveness for Fatigue	High B vitamin content may offer an energy boost	Indirectly improves fatigue by correcting dehydration
Sugar Content	Varies by formula; some contain high sugars and sweeteners	Low sugar formulation designed for maximum rehydration
Best For	General fatigue, boosting vitamin levels	Moderate to severe dehydration, headache, and thirst

Making the Right Choice for Your Recovery

For a holistic recovery, both hydration and nutritional support are important. While Hydralyte excels at rehydrating by restoring electrolytes and fluids, Berocca provides a vitamin boost for fatigue. The best approach is to focus on rapid rehydration first with Hydralyte, and use Berocca as a supportive vitamin supplement. Drinking plenty of plain water is always the most important first step, and a solution like Hydralyte can make that water more effective.

Other Hangover Relief Strategies

Strategies beyond specialized drinks can help manage hangover symptoms. Eating a nutritious breakfast with carbohydrates and proteins can stabilize blood sugar. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, like eggs, can support liver function. Getting ample rest is crucial, as alcohol disrupts sleep. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with headaches, but avoid acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage when combined with alcohol.

There is no magic cure for a hangover—only time and proper care can completely resolve it. Taking proactive steps, including staying hydrated during and after drinking, remains the most effective prevention strategy. Understanding which product addresses which aspect of your discomfort can make a significant difference in your recovery time.

For additional scientific insight into the mechanisms and treatment of alcohol-induced hangovers, you can refer to authoritative sources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Conclusion: Prioritize Rapid Rehydration

Hydralyte's oral rehydration formula is the more effective and scientifically-backed solution for dehydration. Its precise electrolyte-to-glucose ratio is designed for quick and efficient fluid absorption, combating hangover symptoms. Berocca, with its vitamin-rich formula, is better suited as a supplement to address fatigue and nutrient depletion, but should not be considered a primary rehydration tool. For quickest hangover relief, prioritize rehydration with Hydralyte, and use vitamin supplements as a secondary support system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydralyte is specifically formulated as an oral rehydration solution, making it more effective for treating dehydration caused by alcohol. Its precise balance of electrolytes and glucose ensures optimal fluid absorption.

Berocca primarily provides high-dose B and C vitamins for energy and antioxidant support, along with some electrolytes. Hydralyte focuses on a balanced ratio of key electrolytes like sodium and potassium, along with a small amount of glucose, specifically for rapid rehydration.

While not harmful, it is not recommended. Hydralyte's formula is carefully balanced for rehydration, and adding Berocca's ingredients could potentially disrupt that optimal ratio. It's better to prioritize Hydralyte for dehydration and consider Berocca later for a vitamin boost if needed.

Berocca may be more directly helpful for fatigue due to its high concentration of B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production. However, fatigue can also be a symptom of dehydration, which Hydralyte would address more effectively.

No, there is no scientific evidence that Berocca, or any other product, can cure a hangover. It can help replenish nutrients and provide a temporary energy boost, but it does not reverse the effects of heavy drinking.

High sugar intake can aggravate an upset stomach and sometimes draw water out of the body, potentially worsening dehydration. Hydralyte's low sugar content helps prevent these issues while facilitating rehydration.

While drinking plain water is essential, Hydralyte's electrolyte and glucose balance makes it more effective than water alone for rapid rehydration, especially when experiencing moderate dehydration. For mild dehydration, plain water is often sufficient.