BioSteel vs. Gatorade vs. Liquid I.V vs. LMNT: Who is Best for Electrolyte Drink?

Gatorade Thirst Quencher Powder, Frost Glacier Freeze

When it comes to combatting dehydration, Gatorade is a name that has been tried and tested by millions of athletes, moms, and everyone else in between. 

As a sports drink, it has earned its reputation as the go-to for those who need to maintain their endurance during athletic activities or other exercises. 

Gatorade Thirst Quencher

#1. Origin of history

Gatorade had its beginnings in 1965 at the University of Florida, home of the Gators sports teams. Athletes at the school continually battled dehydration in the Florida heat, and researchers tackled the problem by combining water, carbohydrates and electrolytes to solve the problem. The drink was credited with helping to improve the teams' performance, and the sports drink industry was born. Although developed with athletes in mind, Gatorade can be beneficial to those participating in even mild physical activity.

#2. What are the electrolytes in Gatorade Thirst Quencher?

Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains sodium and potassium electrolytes. This is because sweat contains more than just water - when athletes sweat, they also lose electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.

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#3. The  Good of Gatorade

• Sustained Energy

One serving of Gatorade contains 22 grams of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. 

Researchers at the Australian Institute of Sport's Department of Sports Nutrition state that "the ingestion of carbohydrate before, during and after exercise, are critical to the performance of a variety of sports events, and are a key recommendation in current sports nutrition guidelines."

Gatorade can be useful in this case, since it gives your body the energy it needs to continue to exercise.

When you exercise for more than an hour, drinking beverages that contain 13 to 19 grams of carbs per 8-ounce serving helps boost your endurance, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

• Prevent Dehydration

Sodium is one of the major electrolytes found in Gatorade as well as other sports drinks. Sodium the sweat at a much greater quantity than other electrolytes, per Sanford Health.

Sodium plays a large role in regulating fluid balances in your body and conducting electrical impulses in the nervous system. 

While most Americans get more than enough sodium in their diet, sports drinks with sodium can be beneficial to those exercising for more than 90 at a time or in especially hot conditions.

One serving of Gatorade contains a full 160 milligrams of sodium, enough to help replace sodium lost through sweating.

• Avoid Muscle Cramping

Potassium, which may be less important than sodium for exercise, is another electrolyte present in many sports drinks.

It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contraction and supports normal blood pressure.

During exercise and physical activity, the body burns off potassium in the muscles and some is also lost through sweat. 

Each serving of Gatorade contains 45 mg of potassium to help replenish potassium stores and prevent muscle cramps during exercise.

• Tastes Good

I've tried all the Gatorade Thirst Quencher flavors and found them all to be great for thirst quenching.

I like to keep it on when I'm in a hot, dry climate or recovering from a hangover.

It’s sweeter, not too tart, and doesn’t have an artificial aftertaste—it’s smooth on the palate, lingering, and leaves me feeling refreshed.

Not to mention, it's really cheap.

A study involving bicycling found that children increased their fluid intake by roughly 45 percent when offered flavored water, and by 91 percent when offered a sports drink.

Since Gatorade tastes sweet and palatable, it may encourage you drink more than if you were drinking plain water. With this line of thinking, Gatorade may promote extra hydration.

Fun Facts:

The initial batch of Gatorade tasted terrible. Mary Cade, the wife of Gatorade inventor, Robert Cade, suggested adding lemon juice to the drink to make it more palatable.

#4. The Bad of Gatorade

• Does not support healthy eating or weight loss

Gatorade Thirst Quencher is got slightly more carbs than some other brands, but if you need the extra energy boost, then it could be worth it.

If you’re not active, you don’t need the extra sugar in sports drinks. And calories from those drinks can add up, contributing to weight gain.

#5. Types and Comparison of Gatorade Powder

There are many different types of products under the Gatorade brand. You can find Gatorade powders that are zero-calorie, low-sugar, protein, and more.

Regular Gatorade has 80 calories per serving, more than other Gatorade products. If you're trying to lose weight or control your blood sugar levels, this may not be for you.

Gatorade Zero has zero calories per 12-ounce serving, but it still provides the other benefits of electrolytes.

Gatorade Powders Comparison Chart

	Gatorade Thirst Quencher	Gatorade Zero	Gatorade Zero Protein	G2  (lower sugar)	Propel	Propel Immune Support
Calories	80	5-10	35-42	30	0	5
Carbs	21g	<1g	<1g	8g	0g	<1g
Sodium  (Electrolytes)	160mg	160mg	163mg	150mg	210mg	210mg
Potassium (Electrolytes)	45mg	45mg	50mg	50mg	70mg	70mg
Sweetener	Sucrose	Sucralose + Ace-K	Sucralose	Sucrose + Sucralose	Sucralose	Sucralose
Added Benefits			10g Protein		Vitamins B, C, & E	Vitamins B, C, & E Zinc

Gatorade Alternatives and the 3 Healthiest Electrolyte Drinks

Sports drinks can help replace what we lose during longer duration exercise, especially in the heat.

Sports drinks like Gatorade contain sugar and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. 

However, you should note that people exercising for less than 60 to 90 minutes may not need Gatorade to maintain or improve performance.

So, what about use of sports drinks for the average person?

A 20-ounce serving of Gatorade’s Thirst Quencher contains 21 grams of sugar. While that’s a bit less sugar per ounce than your average soda, it’s not exactly healthy. 

When consumed often, the sugar content of Gatorade can also contribute to tooth decay, especially in children.

The extra calories from a sports drink could contribute to weight gain. 

So is there any other electrolyte drink that can be substituted for Gatorade?

Yes, we've found some healthier electrolyte supplements for those looking to hydrate!

#1. Our picks for the best electrolyte powders of 2024:

1. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Drink Mix

2. BioSteel Hydration Mix

3. LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

#2. Gatorade, Liquid I.V., BioSteel, LMNT: How are they different? Which is the best sports drink or hydration drink should I choose?

Comparison Chart

Electrolyte Powders (per serving)	Gatorade Thirst  Quencher Powder	Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Drink Mix	BioSteel Hydration Mix	LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix	Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus Electrolyte Powder
	About 63 servings per container Serving Size 1 2/3 Tbsp (23g)/Makes about 12 fl oz		45 Servings per Tub	30 Stick Packs	6 Count
	$9.99	$24.99 ($1.56 / Stick)	$49.99	$45.00	$11.94
Calories	80	45	5	10	50
Carbs	22g	11g	1g	2g	12g
Sugar	21g	11g	0g	0g	12g
Potassium	50mg	380mg	33mg	200mg	370mg
Magnesium		0mg	5mg	60mg	0mg
Sodium	150mg	500mg	140mg	1,000mg	650mg
Additional Ingredients		5 Essential Vitamins: B3, B5, B6, B12 and Vitamin C
Calcium
	SUGAR, DEXTROSE,  CITRIC ACID, SALT,  SODIUM CITRATE,  MONOPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE,  CALCIUM SILICATE, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, YELLOW 5	Pure Cane Sugar, Dextrose, Citric Acid, Salt, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide, Rebaudioside A (Stevia Leaf Extract), Natural Flavor, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin B5 (D-Calcium Pantothenate), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)	Branched Chain Amino Acid Blend (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine), L-Glutamine, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Stevia (Leaf) Extract, L-Glycine, Red Beet Powder (Color), Sea Salt (Celtic Sea Salt), Sodium Citrate, Taurine, Tripotassium Citrate, Calcareous Marine Algae (Lithothamnion spp.), Whole Plant (Aquamin), Magnesium Citrate, Zinc HVP Chelate, Choline Bitartrate, Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), Calcium D-Pantothenate, Inositol, Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin B12 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin HCI), Thiamin Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Sunflower Lecithin.	INGREDIENTS FOR LMNT (CITRUS SALT / SINGLE SERVING (1 PACKET)): SALT (SODIUM CHLORIDE), CITRIC ACID, MAGNESIUM MALATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, NATURAL FLAVORS, STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT.	Anhydrous Dextrose, Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides, Citric Acid, Salt, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Natural & Artificial Flavors. Less than 2% of: Calcium Silicate, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, and Blue 1.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Review 

Best for Hangovers: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Drink Mix

• Form: Powder

• Calories: 45

• Carbs: 11g

• Sugar: 11g

• Sodium: 500mg

• Magnesium: 0mg

• Potassium: 380mg

• Chloride: 0mg

• Flavors: Lemon Lime, Tropical Punch, Piña Colada, Concord Grape, Golden Cherry, Acai Berry, Guava, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Watermelon

Liquid I.V. is an impressive and innovative brand in the fast-growing health, wellness and personal nutrition space.

What really sets Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier apart is its cutting-edge Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which enhances the rapid absorption of water and other key nutrients into the bloodstream, helping people feel better, faster. 

Basically, Liquid IV’s CTT is their specific combination of sodium, potassium, glucose, and water.

That means that using a Liquid I.V. item is like injecting water and nutrients straight into your bloodstream. Maybe that’s why they’ve included the term “IV” in their name.

Liquid I.V. is based on the World Health Organization’s guidelines for the clinically proven Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), that prevents and treats dehydration.

Liquid IV vs. Gatorade – Which Is Better?

Compared to Gatorade, Liquid IV has less calories and sugar, but higher amounts of the electrolytes sodium and potassium. Additionally, Liquid I.V. also contains vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, and B12.

Liquid IV is an excellent option if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to hydrate without the added sugar and calories that come with Gatorade. 

It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a vegan and gluten-free product.

On the other hand, Gatorade may be a better choice if you’re looking for a sports drink that provides both hydration and energy during intense physical activity. It also comes in a wider variety of flavors and forms, making finding something you enjoy easier.

In terms of price, Liquid IV is generally more expensive than Gatorade. This is primarily due to its use of high-quality ingredients and the technology used to create it. A single stick of Liquid IV can cost around $1.50, while a bottle of Gatorade typically costs around $1.00. However, when purchased in bulk or through subscription services, the price of Liquid IV can be reduced.

BioSteel Hydration Mix Review 

Best with Amino Acids: BioSteel Electrolytes Hydration Mix

• Form: Powder

• Calories: 5

• Carbs: 1g

• Sugar: 0g

• Sodium: 140mg

• Magnesium: 2mg

• Potassium: 30mg

• Chloride: 0mg

• Flavors: Fruitropolis, Ice Pop, Strawberry-Banana, Tart Cherry, Pineapple Passionfruit, Banana Blast, Rainbow Twist, Mixed Berry, Blue Raspberry, Peach Mango, Lemon-Lime, Grape, Watermelon, White Freeze

BioSteel products are all targeted at increasing sports endurance and other physical performance levels. The hydration mix is a powder you mix with water that keeps your body from tiring out due to lost electrolytes. It’s a great product for people who like to work out and those who participate in sports.

You won’t find artificial sweeteners or caffeine. There is zero sugar and only 1 carbohydrate per serving. BioSteel doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors. It’s also preservative-free and vegan-friendly.

BioSteel Hydration Mix could be compared to other sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, but without all the sugar or artificial sweeteners, and with other important nutrients like amino acids included.

When compared with similar products like Gatorade, Powerade and Body Armor, BioSteel Hydration Mix offers the fewest calories and carbs per serving by a large margin. It also has thousands more milligrams of the following nutrients and amino acids compared to Gatorade, Powerade and Body Armor per serving.

One thing that stands out is that BioSteel doesn’t just include one or two electrolyte varieties. It has all of the main essential electrolytes included in its formula. It also has highly beneficial ingredients, such as zinc, biotin, niacin, L-leucine, vitamins B1, B2, B12 and B5, and more. Each serving contains only 5 calories.

Finally, you might be wondering where BioSteel's Hydration Mix gets its sweetness from — the answer is natural stevia leaves.

Founded in 2009 by Cammalleri and business partner John Celenza, BioSteel has achieved a reputation for being the hydration product of choice for athletes and consumers. BioSteel hydration products are currently readily available across North America, globally with select retail partners, and direct to consumers online through www.biosteel.com.

Biosteel vs. Gatorade – Which Is Better?

Gatorade also has electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which support hydration and contribute to brain and muscle function. In contrast, Biosteel contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, which support hydration by retaining fluids in your body.

BCAAs in Biosteel help reduce muscle soreness after training, making it easier to train the next day (or the same day) again. Biosteel is an excellent choice for athletes who max out their strength and speed gains during their workout sessions.

Gatorade has more calories and carbohydrates as well as higher sugar content. While it may be beneficial to athletes and those who engage in physical activity, it can adversely affect the body of those who do not exercise regularly.

Biosteel Hydration mix has only 5 calories in 7g serving, and 1 gram of carbohydrates, Gatorade Thirst Quencher (360ml) has 80 calories and 22 grams of carbs. So, if you’re watching your weight or simply trying to get healthier overall, then Biosteel hydration mix may be a better option for you.

LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix Review 

Best for Keto: LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

• Form: Powder

• Calories: 10

• Carbs: 2g

• Sugar: 0g

• Sodium: 1,000mg

• Magnesium: 60mg

• Potassium: 200mg

• Chloride: 0mg

• Flavors: Chocolate Salt, Citrus Salt, Lemon Habanero, Mango Chili, Orange Salt, Watermelon Salt, Raspberry Salt, Raw Unflavored

While the powder does include stevia and added (natural) flavors, the ingredient list is generally lean and clean, with no added sugars, gluten, or animal products. It’s a great option for vegans or those on special diets, such as keto, paleo, or low-carb.

Just note: If you don’t like a salty taste, this one isn’t for you.

Liquid IV vs. LMNT – Which Is Better?

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