If you eat properly, you do not need electrolyte powders. The Camino is not a race. Always carry snacks, such as GORP (Good Ol' Raisin and Peanuts) or your choice of and salt-sweet snacks. Have a bite of sausage, local cheese or chocolate! These items are easily found in local stores.
-Paul
I usually carry a small 300ml bottle with electrolytes.
I found they gave me a real 'boost' mid afternoon on hot days.
In my planning for my next Camino I came across a series of very interesting videos, that seem well researched.
On the basis of this series, and the video below...........I'm going to try some of the Salt sticks recommended.
You need to watch the whole video to understand the reasoning.
Oh I should add, in case it's not in this video (but only in the first of the series), he has looked at a lot of published research on these topics, and 'adapted' or 'extrapolated' the findings in a logical way, so that we can apply it to Thru Hiking. Which in terms of nutritional needs, hydration and electrolyte balance, is not a million miles from walking a Camino.....
Anyway, watch or not.
At the end of the day.........it seems we need extra salt. One way of course is as you suggest to eat salty foods. I thought the idea of a 'range' of electrolytes in a tablet sounded interesting and worth a try. I will report back in due course!