Why We Include Sugar in Get Up & Glow

At HotTea Mama, we believe in transparency - and in working with your body, not against it. That’s why our Get Up & Glow Electrolyte powder includes a small amount of sugar. It’s not about sweetness for sweetness’ sake; it’s about smart, science-backed hydration that supports you through busy mornings, workouts, and every life stage in between.

The science: sugar helps electrolytes work faster
Glucose (a simple sugar) activates a natural transport system in your small intestine called SGLT-1 - the sodium-glucose cotransporter. When sodium and glucose arrive together, SGLT-1 shuttles them (and water) into your bloodstream more efficiently than sodium alone.

This is the same mechanism behind oral rehydration solutions used worldwide to treat dehydration from illness. In everyday life, it means that Get Up & Glow Electrolyte Powder is designed to be absorbed quickly so you can feel the benefits sooner - without a heavy sugar load.

How much sugar, and why not more?
We keep the amount modest -  1.8g of sugars per 7g serving stick. Research shows that a small dose of glucose is enough to activate SGLT-1 without tipping the drink into a hypertonic range that could slow absorption. Or - just enough to help, not enough to spike your day.

For most daily hydration - such as desk days, school runs, gentle walks - your body doesn’t need extra sugar. But when you’re sweating, recovering postpartum, feeling under the weather, or need a quick reset, that little boost - it makes a meaningful difference in how fast fluids and electrolytes get where they’re needed.

For comparison Get Up & Glow contains 80% less sugar than a glass of orange juice.

Designed for real life, not just the gym
As a women’s wellness brand, we formulate for all life stages: pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond. Hormonal shifts can affect fluid balance and energy, and sometimes you need hydration that works as hard as you do. Get Up & Glow gives you effective electrolyte support with a touch of glucose to optimise absorption - while keeping overall sugar low so it fits neatly into a balanced routine.

When you want faster, more efficient rehydration, the science says a little sugar with sodium is a smart move - and that’s exactly why we included it.