5 Better or Cheaper Alternatives to Liquid I.V. (No Sugar or Less Sugar)

What is Liquid IV?

Liquid I.V. is the number one powdered hydration company in the U.S.

• 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.

• The product features a specific sodium, glucose, and potassium ratio, which can provide 2-3x the hydration of water alone.Additionally, Liquid I.V. also contains vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, and B12.

• 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.

• The Hydration Multiplier, Liquid I.V.'s hero product, is available in a variety of core flavors including Lemon Lime, Strawberry, Concord Grape, Golden Cherry, Passion Fruit, and more.

• The company recommends healthy adults consume one stick per day, combining each stick with 16 ounces of cold water. 

• While the product is best utilized before travel and exercise, the company claims Liquid I.V. products can also be beneficial for focus and concentration, hangover relief, energy boosts, anxiety or stress reduction and more.

Visit www.liquid-iv.com & Get Up To 2% Cash Back with Liquid I.V.

Liquid I.V. is also available online and in-store at retailers across the United States. To learn more, visit www.liquid-iv.com and follow @liquidiv on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.

Why look for Liquid I.V. alternatives?

1. Each stick contains 11 grams of sugar, which may be too much for some.

2. High in 500mg sodium with 22% of the Daily Value per stick.

3. Liquid IV is more expensive, averaging $1.56 per stick when purchased by a 32-stick. The price goes down when you buy a larger bundle.

4. Some people don't like the available flavor options; or some people think it's a bit sweet.

5. Liquid IV is not as accessible as Gatorade since it is limited to a few retail stores in the United States and does not ship internationally.

5 Best Liquid IV Alternatives and Their Comparison List

Liquid IV is a well-regarded electrolyte drink, and while it is said to be very effective, it has the drawbacks mentioned above. Don’t worry! I'm going to show you the best electrolytes in our picks for the best liquid IV alternatives:

• Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar Free

• DripDrop ORS

• Hydrant Hydrate Hydration Electrolye Powder

• Ultima Replenisher Variety Stickpacks - Electrolyte Hydration Powder

• Nuun Sport Powder

Reviews of 5 Better or Cheaper Liquid IV Alternatives

1. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar Free

• Our Overall Rating: 4.70

• Nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 20

• Carbohydrates: 5 g

• Total sugar: 0 g

• Added sugar: 0 g

• Sodium: 530 mg

• Potassium: 380 mg

• Vitamin C: 76 mg

• Niacin: 24.9 mg

• Vitamin B6: 2.53 mg

• Vitamin B12: 8 mg

• Pantothenic acid: 11.7 mg

• Price: $48.99 for 28 sticks, or $1.75 per stick

In the past, a common reason people looked for Liquid IV alternatives was the brand's lack of sugar-free options. But that changed in June 20-23!

Due to increasing demand for sugar-free electrolyte drinks, Liquid IV has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of a "sugar-free" hydration multiplier, which contains allulose instead of the glucose in its original formula.

The cutting-edge formula is available on shelves nationwide in the fan-favorite flavor Lemon Lime, as well as two new flavors, Green Grape and White Peach.

Allulose is a natural sweetener found in certain fruits, including jackfruit, figs, and raisins. Other sugar-free hydration mixes on the market contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose.

Allulose is a rare sugar, which, according to clinical research, doesn’t induce the glycemic and insulin responses that other forms of sugar do. Further, the addition of allulose to other forms of sugar may even reduce the glycemic and insulin responses that those sugars have.

Liquid I.V. is the first on the market to launch an allulose-based product at this scale; the Hydration Multiplier range took two years to develop and bring to market.

Liquid IV’s Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier makes the clear statement of having “3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink”, the same as the sugary original, which has 11g of carbohydrates with 11g of that sugar, all in one serving.

It'll deliver the same electrolyte-driven benefits fans have come to rely on in Hydration Multiplier, but without the sugar. The brand also prioritizes adding the amino acids glutamine and alanine because they provide extra hydration benefits.

On top of that, this electrolyte mix has eight essential vitamins and minerals to support everyday wellness, heavy hitters like vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, B12, calcium, and iron.

In addition, like other Hydration Multiplier offerings, the new product is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, with no artificial colors or sweeteners.

Give it a whirl; your taste buds and body will thank you.

Unfortunately, while it may serve as a better alternative to the Hydration Multiplier, it is not a cheaper alternative. Because each Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free is $0.19 more expensive than Hydration Multiplier.

2. DripDrop ORS

• Our Overall Rating: 4.70

• Nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 70

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Total sugar: 14 g

• Added sugar: 14 g

• Sodium: 670 mg

• Potassium: 380 mg

• Magnesium: 80 mg

• Zinc: 3 mg

• Vitamin C: 144 mg

• Price:

• $35.99 for 32 sticks, or $1.12 per stick(10g)

• $159.99 for 80 sticks, or $2.00 per stick(21g)

• Mix one 10g stick of DripDrop into 8oz (or 250ml) of water.

• Mix one 21g packet of DripDrop into 16oz (or 470ml) of water.

Like Liquid IV, DripDrop is also a hydration brand that focuses on oral rehydration solutions.

In terms of price, the DripDrop is arguably a bit more expensive than the Liquid IV, but if you need more electrolytes and minerals, you might consider the better DripDrop.

In terms of convenience, DripDrop is the better choice because it offers two different dosage sizes, a 10-gram package and a 21-gram package that can be added to 8 or 16 ounces of water. However, Liquid IV only comes in one size, the 16-gram package, which needs to be added to 16 ounces of water.

What is DripDrop?

DripDrop is the first Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to combine medical standards of rehydration therapy and excellent taste.

DripDrop ORS was developed by Eduardo Dolhun, M.D., recipient of the Mayo Clinic’s 2017 Alumni Award, after he was inspired by a medical relief mission in Guatemala.

DripDrop ORS improves on the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for an ORS with medical-grade electrolytes, conforming to proven ratios of salts, sugars, potassium, and other ingredients, making it both the ideal rehydration therapy for the general population.

DripDrop's doctor-developed formula was designed to rehydrate 2x faster than water alone and has 3x the electrolytes and ½ the sugar of the leading sports drink, five key minerals and vitamins for health and wellness and unmatched taste.

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So how does DripDrop compare to Liquid IV?

Considering the sodium content, Liquid IV provides 500 milligrams of sodium per serving to help with rehydration and electrolyte balance. In comparison, Drip Drop provides more sodium at 670 milligrams per serving, making it suitable for those who need more sodium.

Considering the sugar content, Drip Drop contains 14 grams of sugar per serving, providing a delicious taste while having a high sugar content. The liquid IV contains 11 grams of sugar per serving, slightly less than the Drip Drop.

In terms of other nutrients, Liquid IV includes 370 mg of potassium, as well as vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, and B12. Drip Drop however includes 380 mg of potassium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C for maximum immune support.

 In summary, compared to Liquid IV, DripDrop can quickly rehydrate in the most challenging situations and can meet the needs of people who are chronically dehydrated due to fluid loss due to heat, exercise, sleep, and travel, allowing them to feel better faster. More electrolytes also means a higher price. If you're using this powder more than once a day if you are not exercising, the sugar and sodium can add up.

3. Hydrant Hydrate, Individual Hydration Electrolye Powder

• Our Overall Rating: 4.70

• Nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 25

• Carbohydrates: 5 g

• Total sugar: 4 g

• Added sugar: 4 g

• Sodium: 260 mg

• Potassium: 200 mg

• Magnesium: 30 mg

• Zinc: 2 mg

• Price:

• $39.49 for 30 sticks, or $1.32 per stick(7.9g)

• Convenient to Use: Simply stir 1 Hydrant electrolyte powder packet with 8 to 16 oz of cold water depending on your taste preference and enjoy.

Hydrant is a balanced hydration mix, high in electrolytes with a small amount of sugar and a light natural flavor.

Hydrant was developed in 2017 by 28-year-old University of Oxford biologist John Sherwin, alongside 30-year-old entrepreneur and former McKinsey consultant Jai Jung Kim.

Hydrant is ready to compete with Gatorade and Powerade with an angle and a hook not primarily focused on athletic performance and pre and post-workout fuel.

Hydrant is focused on keeping Americans hydrated, especially in the morning.

Like Hydrant’s original Rapid Hydration Mix, the formulas are based on the World HealthOrganization’s guidelines for oral rehydration. They have more than three times the electrolytes and 80 percent less sugar than the average sports drink.

They are lightly flavored with real fruit juice, resulting in a subtle, refreshing taste perfect for enjoying first thing in the morning, every morning.

Much like Liquid IV, Hydrant’s focus is rapid hydration. It stands out from the pack as the only electrolyte supplement with added zinc (+20% of your daily value).

Zinc is important for hydration, and anyone with a zinc deficiency will have difficulty transporting electrolytes, water, and glucose throughout the body.

Hydrant also contains magnesium, but only 8% of the daily value.

Hydrant comes in two versions—with or without caffeine. Pairing a premium caffeine source, organic green tea, with L-Theanine, Hydrant + Caffeine offers a clean and sustainable solution to hydrate you effectively while also providing a boost of energy from caffeine.

That said, Hydrant + Caffeine contains 100 mg of caffeine (equivalent to a cup of coffee) and 200 mg of L-theanine.

The main difference between Liquid IV vs Hydrant is the amount of electrolytes and other nutrients they contain!

Liquid IV has an advantage when it comes to the content of the main electrolytes sodium and potassium.

The highlight of Liquid IV is that it contains B vitamins and vitamin C. Hydrant also contains unique magnesium and zinc.

As for the sugar and calorie content, Hydrant seems to be the healthier choice. Its 4 grams per serving comes in better than Liquid IV’s 11 grams.

Compared to Liquid IV and other products on our list, Hydrant is relatively low in sodium and carbohydrates, making it suitable only for daily use and light exercise.

Founded with the vision to "make water work better," Hydrant's Rapid Hydration Mix and Hydrant + Caffeine formulas are available in convenient single-use powder packages for use in 8 to 16 oz. of water, and provide a guilt-free shortcut to optimal hydration every morning.

Consumers said they love Hydrant because of the clean ingredients.

4. Ultima Replenisher Variety Stickpacks - Electrolyte Hydration Powder

• Our Overall Rating: 4.70

• Nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 0

• Carbohydrates: 0 g

• Total sugar: 0 g

• Added sugar: 0 g

• Chloride: 79 mg

• Sodium: 55 mg 

• Potassium: 250 mg

• Vitamin C: 100 mg

• Calcium: 65 mg

• Phosphorus: 70 mg

• Magnesium: 100 mg

• Zinc: 1 mg

• Selenium: 1.25 mcg

• Copper: 0.2 mg

• Manganese: 0.2 mg

• Chromium: 5 mcg

• Molybdenum: 3.5 mcg

• Price:

• $20.99 for 20 sticks, or $1.05 per stick

• Convenient to Use: Take Ultima on the go with the single- serving stickpack- mix 1 stickpack of Ultima Hydration Powder into 16 floz. of water and feel replenished.

Ultima Replenisher Hydration Mix wins our award for Best Budget Electrolyte Powder. It earns these distinctions for its complete electrolyte blend, great taste, clean ingredients, and affordable price.

Ultima Replenisher is committed to making health and wellness both delicious and convenient with two product lines including Ultima Electrolyte Hydration Powder and Ultima Beauty Collagen + Electrolytes.

With 0 carbs, 0 sugar and 0 calories, Ultima’s foundational product line has become a favorite for those looking for sugar free (and absolutely delicious) hydration.

Ultima’s electrolyte line comes in an abundant of fruity and refreshing flavors including Passionfruit, Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Appletini, and more.

The ingredient list of Ultima Replenisher is impressive, and it contains all the top electrolytes, including sodium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Best of all, you’ll also get a boost of vitamin C, zinc, potassium, chromium, copper, and more!

While Ultima Replenisher is great for daily use and light exercise, with a lower sodium content of only 55 mg per serving, it may not provide the same results for more strenuous exercise. If you sweat frequently or regularly engage in workouts that last longer than 60 minutes, you may want to choose a different product, such as DripDrop or Liquid IV, which are higher in electrolytes and carbohydrates.

5. Nuun Sport Powder

• Our Overall Rating: 4.70

• Nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 10

• Carbohydrates: 2 g

• Total sugar: 1 g

• Added sugar: 1 g

• Chloride: 40 mg

• Sodium: 300 mg

• Potassium: 150 mg

• Magnesium: 25 mg  

• Calcium: 15 mg

• Price:

• $23.99 for 16 sticks, or $1.50 per stick

• Nuun Sport: 10 tablets for $7.49, or $0.75 each tablet

• Convenient to Use: Take Nuun Sport Powder on the go with the single- serving stickpack- mix 1 stickpack of Nuun Sport Powder into 16 floz. of water and feel replenished.

The Seattle based company Nuun is known primarily for its clean-ingredient proactive hydration products designed to maintain hydration throughout an active lifestyle.

Nuun Sport is designed by athletes for optimal hydration before, during and after exercise and activity.

Nuun Sport available in thirteen flavors comes in 10 tablet recyclable tubes, providing 'keep it in your bag' convenience so we can add Nuun's delicious hydration to their reusable water bottles anywhere, anytime.

If you're looking for a Liquid IV alternative, try Nuun® Sport Hydration Electrolyte Powder Drink Mixes.

The powders feature a similar electrolyte profile as the best-selling original Nuun® Sport tablets but without the effervescent fizz.

Featuring five essential electrolytes the body needs to perform at its best and 90 percent less sugar than the leading electrolyte drink mix, the Sport Powder is delivered in convenient on-the-go powder stick packs in two new flavors – Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Kiwi.

Nuun is science backed with optimized electrolytes to help support water absorption and includes 1 gram of sugar per serving.

Nuun® Sport Hydration Powder Drink Mixes are gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO.

Choose Liquid IV or Nuun?

Customers who prefer a mix of effervescent electrolyte drinks may prefer Nuun, which is slightly fizzy, while Liquid IV does not. Taste-wise, Liquid IV is tastier and sweeter, while Nuun has less sugar and a more subtle flavor.

When purchased in single tube form, Nuun sells for $0.75 per serving. If you buy powder, the price difference between the two is not much, both are around $1.50.

Nuun uses a blend of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, to help replenish the body's electrolyte levels and promote hydration. But their content is relatively low.

Liquid IV includes higher levels of sodium, potassium and glucose, as well as vitamins. Additionally, the company claims to use a technology called "Cell Transport Technology" to help the body absorb more water and electrolytes for faster and more effective hydration.

Liquid IV does contain 11 grams of sugar per serving, while Nuun only contains 1 gram.

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