In April 2026, Health Canada published the “Public Notice: Classification of sports electrolyte products as foods”, formally transitioning sports electrolyte products from the Natural Health Product (NHP) framework to the food regulatory framework.

For manufacturers and Product License Holders (PLHs), the change introduces new considerations and potential regulatory adjustments related to product formulation, labelling and claims.

What are sports electrolyte products?

Sports electrolyte products are typically marketed in conventional food formats, including:

• Ready-to-drink beverages;
• Powders, effervescent tablets or concentrates intended to be dissolved in water.

These products are commonly promoted with claims related to hydration, rehydration, electrolyte replacement,sports and exercise performance support.

Historically, many of these products marketed in Canada fell within the scope of the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR), requiring a Product License alongside an assigned Natural Product Number (NPN) from Health Canada before market entry. Nevertheless, these products are typically presented in conventional food formats, consumed in a manner consistent with other beverages or drink mixes available on the market.

Scope and applicable regulatory framework

Health Canada has emphasized that sports electrolyte products are defined by both their format and intended use. Based on the principles outlined in the “Guidance Document: Classification of products at the food-natural health product interface: products in food formats”, these products meet the definition of a food and will now be regulated under the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).

Following the reclassification, most sports electrolyte products containing added ingredients such as mineral nutrients will be regulated as Supplemented Foods.

The decision aims to improve regulatory consistency and enhance transparency for consumers, ensuring that products marketed and consumed in food formats like beverages and drink mixes are regulated as foods.

Products excluded from the transition

The reclassification does not apply to Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) intended to treat dehydration caused by medical conditions, such as diarrhea or vomiting. These products will remain regulated as the Natural Health Products, under the NHPR and the applicable ORS Monograph.

Key implications for manufacturers and PLHs

The transition of sports electrolyte products to the food regulatory framework may require companies to review several aspects of their products.

• Formulation

Sports Electrolyte Products now classified as Supplemented Foods must comply with applicable requirements for added ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other supplemental substances. Formulations already present on the Canadian market should therefore be assessed for compliance.

• Labelling and claims

The Natural Product Number (NPN) will no longer apply to products transitioning to the food framework. Labels must comply with food requirements, including the Nutrition Facts table, the front-of-package nutrition symbol and any other applicable Supplemented Foods statements or warnings.

In addition, all expressed and implied health claims must comply with the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations and be supported by appropriate scientific evidence.

• Market access

Unlike NHPs, compliant food products can generally be marketed without a pre-market submission, potentially reducing administrative burden and time to market, though all products must meet applicable food requirements before market entry.

Compliance timeline

The food regulatory framework applies immediately to new sports electrolyte products entering the Canadian market.

For products already present on the Canadian market and currently holding an NPN, Health Canada has established December 31, 2027, as the target date for the regulatory transition to the food framework. This period allows manufacturers and PLHs to update formulations, labels and marketing materials to meet the applicable food requirements. Companies requiring additional time may submit a transition plan to Health Canada.

>>> Complife supports operators to be compliant to the Canadian regulatory framework, including product classification assessments, regulatory strategy, formulation reviews, claims substantiation, labelling compliance and testing activities to facilitate access to the Canadian market.

SOURCES:

• Public Notice: Classification of sports electrolyte products as foods
• Guidance Document: Classification of products at the food-natural health product interface: products in food formats