If you’ve ever finished a sweaty outdoor workout and felt like water wasn’t quite quenching your thirst, your sweat might have leeched you of your sodium and other electrolytes. Liquid I.V. hydration multiplier is an electrolyte powder you mix with water to rehydrate more efficiently. At BarBend, our expert testers put over two dozen electrolyte powders through our supplement testing methodology to bring you all the details.
As a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer (CPT), I mainly recommend electrolytes to my endurance clients or those who sweat heavily since not everyone needs them. Still, many enjoy the sweet, refreshing taste of Liquid I.V. regardless of need. With input from our expert registered dietitian and CPT tester, here’s my Liquid I.V. review — let’s see how it compares to the other best electrolyte supplements.
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Liquid IV's hydration multiplier is ideal for athletes who like to take their workouts on-the-go, thanks to the convenient single-serving packets. These also contain additional vitamins and nutrients.
Main Takeaways
- Each serving of Liquid I.V. hydration multiplier has about 500 milligrams of sodium and 380 milligrams of potassium, plus your recommended daily value of B vitamins and vitamin C.
- It comes in convenient packets and 16 flavors; our tester and online reviewers enjoy the taste.
- Liquid I.V. has a significant amount of added sugar and artificial sweeteners, is not third-party tested, and is a bit pricey per serving.
Liquid I.V. Specs
| Price Per Serving | $1.56 |
| Available Flavors | Pear, Strawberry, Seaberry, Tropical Punch, Piña Colada, Concord Grape, Golden Cherry, Acai Berry, Guava, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Popsicle Firecracker, Cotton Candy, and Variety Pack of 4 Flavors |
| Main Ingredients | Citric acid, salt, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and C, natural flavors |
| Third-Party Testing | No |
| Sweeteners Used | Cane sugar, dextrose, stevia leaf extract |
Do you drink enough water but still don’t feel quite right? Your overall wellness can be impacted by drinking water alone — especially if you sweat a lot. An electrolyte drink mix might be a good bet for you. Dehydration, cramping, weakness, and muscle twitching are a few potential signs of not getting enough electrolytes. Electrolytes are a group of essential minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride) that help maintain fluid balance and contribute to optimal muscular function. (1)
Of the electrolytes, Liquid I.V. contains sodium and potassium. Each serving also has vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. The blend is what the company calls Cellular Transport Technology (CTT)®️, a proprietary ratio of sodium, glucose, and potassium that helps your body absorb water better and faster.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. adds: “With 3 times more electrolytes than the average sports drink, it can help sweaty athletes replenish lost electrolytes much faster than just water alone. Plus, the smart hydration technology provides a list of essential vitamins.” Compared to Gatorade, you’ll get 140 milligrams more sodium and 300 milligrams more potassium, with 23 grams less sugar, 5 grams less carbohydrates, and 95 fewer calories.
Bourgeois likes that formula, as well as what Liquid IV does with some of their profits: “Each serving of Liquid IV provides hefty doses of vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and C, helping you reach your daily recommendations for each in a convenient portable package. And Liquid IV makes a global impact by donating millions of their product, as well as working with community-based organizations to increase water security.”
Liquid I.V. hydration multiplier comes in 16 flavors (and a variety pack). However, it contains about 11 grams of added sugar and artificial sweeteners through cane sugar, dextrose, and Stevia leaf extract. They also classify these as a drink rather than a supplement, so they don’t do third-party testing. For people who want to skip the extra sugar, you could make your own rehydration solution with a simple homemade electrolyte drink.
Don’t mind the sugar and are willing to pay for a convenient on-the-go packet? Can’t blame you for that — it’s $1.56 per serving. They also make a sugar-free option.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Liquid I.V.
The average gymgoer likely doesn’t need an electrolyte supplement (but may want one). Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. notes, “Liquid IV is an appropriate option for endurance athletes who lose a lot of sweat, especially those spending a lot of time outside in the hot weather.”
However, Bourgeois also adds, “Each serving provides more than 500 milligrams of sodium and 10 grams of added sugar, meaning it’s not an appropriate hydration solution for everyone. Those that don’t sweat excessively during their workout may not need that much sodium, and those monitoring their blood sugar levels may prefer to avoid added sugars.”
Recommended for:
- Endurance athletes who lose a lot of sweat
- People exercising for more than two hours
- People exercising or spending time outdoors in hot weather
Not Recommended for:
- People limiting sodium intake
- People monitoring blood sugar levels
- People hydrating for general fitness or working out indoors
Our Experience Using Liquid I.V.
If you’re an endurance athlete, love working out in the sun, or are generally thirsty, popping Liquid I.V. into your water can help you rehydrate quicker.
Our expert testers — a team of nutrition coaches, personal trainers, competitive athletes, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts — take the guesswork out of trying a new product for you. We have our certified personal trainer tester (who happens to be pregnant and having pregnancy-related hydration needs) and our registered dietitian weigh in on some of these specs — how the ingredients and formulation feel, what it tastes like, and how it mixes with water, plus cost and safety.
Ingredients and Formulation
We asked our CPT tester about the immediate effects of the ingredients. They say: “I’m pregnant and ALWAYS thirsty. I am constantly drinking water, but water alone doesn’t typically quench my thirst. If I throw one of these in my water though, I’m good to go. I’ll definitely be buying more.” They rate the ingredients a 5 out of 5.
For a formulation rating, we went to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who gives it a 4 out of 5. Bourgeois explains: “Liquid I.V. contains essential vitamins and electrolytes that can support your best workout and recovery. However, deductions stem from its high sodium content and added sugars.” The sodium and sugar in one serving make up 22% of your recommended daily value.
As a post-workout rehydration, the 11 grams of carbs can also help replenish glycogen stores.
[Related: Best Sports Drinks]
Taste
So there are 16 flavors, but are they any good? Our tester says yes. “I really like the flavor here. It’s not too sweet, and it’s even a little bit salty.” Salty sounds about right, considering the sodium content. Our tester rates the taste a perfect 5 out of 5.
Solubility
If you’re a supplement aficionado, mixing powder with water is nothing new, but you know that solubility can make or break a drink. Our tester comments: “It’s good if you stick to the recommended 16 ounces of water. If you go for 12 ounces or below, it can come out grainy. A good lesson on following instructions.”
As long as you stick with the 16 ounces of water, our tester gives solubility another perfect score — 5 out of 5.
Price Per Serving
The stuff isn’t super cheap. A box of 16 servings costs $24.99, making it $1.56 per serving. If you go with a subscription, it comes down to $17.49 for 16, so it’s $1.09 per serving. The variety pack is even pricier — $27.99 for 16, totaling $1.75 per serving.
It’s not much cheaper on Amazon or in stores. If you know you love it, a subscription is the best way to go. Despite the price, you can find this and other Liquid I.V. products in most major drug stores or grocery stores, so it is convenient if you’re in a pinch.
Third-Party Testing
Dietary supplements are a bit of a gamble regarding formulation. The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate them, meaning they don’t need to be proven safe or effective to be sold. They could contain additives or ingredients not listed on the label. (2)
Unfortunately, as Bourgeois notes: “Though Liquid IV heavily relies on scicene, there is no mention of third-party testing.” Since this is classified as a drink, not a supplement, it’s not eligible for typical third-party testing. That said, Transarent Labs HYDRATE does classify their product as a supp, and it gets third-party tested.
A lack of third-party testing doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not safe, but it’s good to know if it’s important to you.
[Related: How Much Water to Drink a Day]
What to Consider Before Buying Liquid I.V.
Whether you’re a sweaty athlete or a thirsty person in the summer (or both), you’ve decided to buy an electrolyte powder. You’ll want to consider the following details: which electrolytes it has and how many, what type of sweetener it uses, the flavors, cost, and safety. We tested over two dozen products; here’s what to know about Liquid I.V.
- Electrolytes: Most flavors have 370 or 380 milligrams of potassium, and Acai Berry has 390 milligrams. Sodium content ranges from 490 milligrams in the Golden Cherry flavor to 630 milligrams in the Pear flavor, though most have around 500 milligrams.
- Sugar/Sweetener: Liquid I.V. contains 11 grams of added sugar, which comes from cane sugar, the artificial sweetener dextrose, and the natural sweetener Stevia leaf extract.
- Flavors: Liquid I.V. comes in 16 fruity flavors and a variety pack with four flavors (Strawberry, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, and Tropical Punch).
- Price: A box of 16 sticks costs $24.99, so it’s $1.56 per serving. You can also do a subscription for $17.49 per box of 16, coming to $1.09 per serving.
- Third-party testing: There is no third-party testing on Liquid I.V. products.
Liquid I.V. Vs. Competitors
We know there are plenty of contenders for the best electrolyte drinks, so we’re putting Liquid I.V. up to bat against three other popular electrolyte supplements. We like Transparent Labs HYDRATE for their clear labels and clean ingredients, and BUBS Naturals is similar since all its goods come from real food sources. LMNT, Transparent Labs, and BUBS all leave out the added sugar and artificial sweeteners, though they all contain Stevia and natural flavors.
Transparent Labs is significantly cheaper, BUBS Naturals is the most expensive, and LMNT is the closest in price. One of the most significant differences is the other three contain a key electrolyte that Liquid I.V. lacks: magnesium. However, Liquid I.V. is the only one that offers B vitamins and vitamin C. Though they aren’t electrolytes, they could help increase electrolyte absorption.
| Liquid I.V. | LMNT | Transparent Labs HYDRATE | BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die | |
| Price Per Serving | $1.56 | $1.50 | $0.75 | $1.89 |
| Available Flavors | 16 | 9 (including unflavored) | 5 | 3 |
| Main Ingredients | Citric acid, salt, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, vitamins b3, b5, b6, b12, and c, natural flavors | Sodium chloride, citric acid, magnesium malate, potassium chloride, natural flavors | Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, taurine, citric acid, senactiv (rose hips), coconut water powder, natural flavors | Coconut water powder (potassium and chloride), himalayan salt (sodium and chloride), magnesium citrate, citric acid, natural flavors |
| Sweeteners Used | Cane sugar, dextrose, stevia leaf extract | Stevia leaf extract | Stevia extract | Organic stevia |
| Servings Per Container or Packets Per Box | 16 | 30 | 40 | 18 |
Places to Buy Liquid I.V.
Liquid I.V. is available at most drug stores and grocery stores. Here’s a quick list.
- Liquid-IV.com
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- CVS
- Walgreens
- GNC
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Here’s what to expect if you purchase Liquid I.V. regarding when you’ll get it, what to do if it’s not up to your standards, and how other customers feel about the brand.
- Shipping:
- Time: After placing your order, processing takes one to two business days. Liquid I.V. offers standing shipping (three to six business days) or three-day shipping through UPS.
- Price: Standard shipping costs $5.99, or free for orders over $30. For three-day shipping through UPS, it’s $20.
- Trial Period: Liquid I.V. offers free returns if you are not 100% satisfied within 60 days of receiving your product. You can email the company and they ask for feedback and input. Returns are only valid for products purchased through their website, not other sellers.
- Customer Reviews:
- Liquid I.V. Site: On their website, customers rate Liquid I.V. hydration multiplier 4.91 out of 5 out of 60,429 reviews.
- Amazon Reviews: On Amazon, the product has 146,361 reviews and a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
- Customer Thoughts: Customers generally like the taste, which feels refreshing and hydrating (and our testers agree). They also appreciate the energy and immune system boost from the other products (energy multiplier, and hydration multiplier + immune support). While some love that it tastes like a sweet treat, others say it is too high in sugar. Many also find it too expensive and not worth the cost.
Our Final Verdict on Liquid I.V.
If you’re in need of quick rehydration from an electrolyte supplement, Liquid I.V. is a convenient option. It comes in 16 well-regarded flavors and mixes well in 16 ounces of water. Although sodium is essential for hydration, the content is significant, and the added sugar is much higher than its competitors. However, the brand states that glucose is part of the absorption process.
Always be careful with claims made by companies, especially when third-party testing is not available. Still, Liquid I.V. is a popular option with many good reviews — including from our testers — mentioning its refreshing and hydrating feeling. Since they offer a trial period, tasting it for yourself is risk-free.
Liquid I.V. FAQs
We’ll finish with what you want to know most about Liquid I.V.
How much does Liquid I.V. cost?
A box of 16 packets costs $24.99, so it’s $1.56 per serving. If you want a cheaper option as a regular consumer, you can opt for a subscription at $17.49 per box of 16 and $1.09 per serving.
How does Liquid I.V. work?
Liquid I.V. ingredients are meant to utilize cellular transport technology (CTT) to create an optimal ratio of potassium, sodium, and glucose,rapidly increasing how much water your body can absorb.
How much sodium is in Liquid I.V.?
Sodium content in Liquid I.V. ranges from 490 to 630 milligrams, though most flavors have about 500 milligrams.
References
- Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
- Ronis MJJ, Pedersen KB, Watt J. Adverse Effects of Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2018 Jan 6;58:583-601.
