Consumers may have noticed more electrolyte water or alkaline water drinks being sold in stores or advertised online, but what benefits do these products actually provide? Alkaline water products are marketed as being less acidic than regular water. Araghi said it’s important to understand the differences among electrolyte, mineral, pH-balanced and alkaline water products and their health claims. “Electrolyte water is also not necessarily the same as a sports drink, which may contain carbohydrates or added sugars.” There are downsides to consuming electrolyte or alkaline water products, especially if people use these products as an everyday replacement for water, Daniels and Araghi said.