A shelf stable liposomal based oral rehydration formulation as a mixture has an improved beverage rehydration index performance. The liposomal rehydration salt formulation prevents severe dehydration, maintains body electrolytes and fluids in a human, and rehydrates a human. The formulation includes less than 0.4% phospholipids, having an average size less than 270 nm and an osmolality of about 200 mOsm/kg.