“Regardless of the cause, being dehydrated and having a lower internal water supply can be felt across your entire body,” states Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. In training, many athletes often turn to some of the best electrolyte supplements, like Liquid I.V., to help regulate blood pressure and support proper muscle functions during exercise. (1) Liquid I.V. also earns its popularity thanks to the brand’s assortment of tasty flavors and convenient, travel-ready packs that can be easily dumped into your water bottle or sports drink of choice in-between sets.
In our opinion, Liquid I.V. can be a great option for athletes on the go, and the availability both online and in-store can help ensure you’re always stocked up on helpful vitamins and nutrients. However, the formulation may not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially those that aren’t partaking in strenuous activity. In this Liquid I.V. review, our team of experts utilized our supplement testing methodology to test and examine this popular electrolyte drink mix, evaluating its formulation, taste, solubility, and other factors in comparison to over 30 other electrolyte supplements we’ve trialed in the past. Feeling parched? Let’s get to mixing and dive right into our detailed findings.
Liquid I.V.’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 alongside up to 690 milligrams of sodium — the primary electrolyte lost in sweat.
Medical disclaimer: 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.
Main Takeaways
- Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is available in 18 different flavor options, perfect for athletes with different taste preferences.
- This electrolyte powder contains just two electrolyte sources per serving — sodium and potassium.
- Each travel-friendly stick costs roughly $1.56, although the brand does offer a ‘Subscribe & Save’ service for discounted rates on repeat deliveries.
Liquid I.V. Specs
| Price Per Serving | $1.56 |
| Calories Per Serving | 40-50 |
| Sodium Per Serving | 490-630mg |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 11-13g |
| Additional Electrolytes | Potassium (370-390mg) |
| Sweeteners Used | Cane sugar, Stevia leaf extract |
| Available Flavors | Acai Berry, Arctic Raspberry, Concord Grape, Cotton Candy, Golden Cherry, Grapefruit, Guava, Lemon Lime, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pear, Piña Colada, Popsicle® Firecracker, Seaberry, Strawberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Watermelon |
| Third-Party Testing | No |
With a popularity that rivals some of the best sports drinks, Liquid I.V. is synonymous with electrolyte supplementation, thanks to its assortment of different flavors and offerings. In addition to the brand’s flagship Hydration Multiplier, Liquid I.V. also offers electrolyte powders with additional energy and immune support — respectively marketed as Hydration Multiplier + Energy and Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support. The brand also offers a sugar-free variety of electrolyte drink mixes, but for the sake of this review, we’ll focus on the original Hydration Multiplier formulation.
Each single-serving packet contains between 490 and 630 milligrams of sodium, alongside up to 390 grams of potassium. The sodium content is noteworthy, according to Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “Sodium is the main electrolyte lost in sweat, so supplementing with a high-sodium electrolyte powder can be beneficial for athletes partaking in rigorous physical activity longer than 60 minutes,” he states.
Liquid I.V. also employs proprietary Cellular Transport Technology in each packet. This CTT protocol is designed to help you better absorb necessary electrolytes by using glucose as a co-transporter. Studies report that the right ratio of glucose to sodium can lead to higher bioavailability post-consumption. (2) In general terms, this means you can rehydrate faster when trying to quench your thirst.
In terms of the instructions, Liquid I.V. keeps it simple with single-serving, travel-friendly packaging. Just open the top, dump the powdered solution into your drink of choice, and shake — similar to your best protein pre-workout supplement or BCAA powder. We also like that Liquid I.V.’s packets are easily toted in a pocket or gym bag, allowing for more convenient supplementation out and about. From experience, I’ve even kept some packets in my running belt during long training sessions — a feat not possible with your standard tub.
When it comes to flavors, there is no shortage of tastes with Liquid I.V. Currently, the brand offers Hydration Multiplier in 18 different varieties from classics like Concord Grape and Lemon Lime to branded offerings like Popsicle® Firecracker. There’s also a variety pack in case you can’t limit yourself to just one taste (we don’t blame you).
Finally, Liquid I.V. is sold in 16-packet bundles equating to roughly $1.56 per serving. This is about average for some of the best electrolyte drinks, but we have been able to find cheaper alternatives in testing. Thankfully, though, the brand does offer a ‘Subscribe & Save’ service that can unlock a 30% discount in exchange for repeat orders. Liquid I.V. is also widely available at brick-and-mortar institutions and other online retailers, so your chances of finding a deal are pretty high depending on your shop of choice.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Liquid I.V.
Like any supplement category — from the best creatine supplements to BCAAs, protein bars, and more — there are a range of options when it comes to potential rehydration solutions. While Liquid. I.V. may be a tasty, convenient electrolyte powder for some, others may require more from their go-to formula. Below, we’ve outlined a few camps that we feel could benefit from supplementing with Liquid I.V., as well as some groups that may want to look elsewhere for supporting their health and wellness goals.
Recommended for:
- Individuals that exercise in hot conditions or for periods longer than 60 minutes.
- People looking for an electrolyte drink with an abundance of available flavors.
- On-the-go athletes wanting a convenient, single-serving packet rather than a standard tub.
Not Recommended for:
- People aiming to limit their sodium intake.
- Those in need of a third-party tested electrolyte supplement.
- Athletes not partaking in strenuous activity or those not needing extra hydration for training in the heat.
Our Experience Using Liquid I.V.
The BarBend team is composed of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. Over the years, we’ve been able to test roughly 38 different electrolyte supplements in addition to Liquid I.V., employing our supplement testing methodology to deliver detailed notes on such categories as formulation, taste, solubility, side effects, and more. For this review, our tester, a certified personal trainer, used Liquid I.V. in multiple settings, taking note of how the popular powder made them feel post-consumption, how enjoyable the apparent flavor was, and how easily the profile blended in their best shaker bottle, among other factors. Here are our top findings.
Ingredients and Formulation
In terms of the formulation, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier stays rather consistent across the available flavors. While there are some deviations in terms of calories, sodium, and potassium content, each packet can provide hefty doses of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, and pantothenic acid. “All of the micronutrients (except for sodium, potassium, and vitamin C) are dosed above your daily value, as well,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. “While it may seem like overkill, it can be beneficial for endurance athletes needing to replenish nutrients lost in sweat.”
We also rate the formulation at 4 out of 5 since the formulation is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO, which can appeal to athletes following different types of diets. However, Liquid I.V. earns a less-than-perfect score given the 11 grams of added sugar per serving.
“While the added sugars can be beneficial for those vigorously working out in hot, humid environments, it’s not necessarily needed for individuals in more climate-controlled areas, or those training at lower intensities,” adds Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. Heavy sweating can deplete blood sugar levels, so while this extra serving of sugars can be beneficial in some circumstances, those with fewer sweat pools mid-workout may be better off with a lower sugar count.
Taste
Taste can be a driving factor in any supplement category — we have an entire round-up dedicated to the best tasting protein powders for such reasons. Thankfully, our tester, a certified personal trainer, states there are no negative flavor notes surrounding these Liquid I.V. products. “Each option is very yummy,” they note in reference to their 5-out-of-5 taste rating. “The flavors aren’t overly sweet, despite the added sugars, and there’s not a rush of saltiness like you’d experience with other electrolyte blends. I highly recommend starting with a variety pack, too, to get a grasp on which flavors please your palate best.”
Solubility
You don’t want to be tarnishing your best sports water bottle with a drink mix that, well, won’t blend easily. That goes double for an electrolyte powder that’s actually packaged for on-the-go supplementation. According to our tester, a certified personal trainer, the powder mixes well with very few shakes, earning a 5 out of 5 for the category. “Simply dump your single-serving packet in the top, jostle your beverage a few times, and you’re quickly on your way,” they note.
While we score the solubility as such, we do recommend paying close attention to the listed instructions on the packet. “Make sure you have enough water prior to making a beverage,” notes our tester. “Anything less than 16 ounces can leave you with a grainy, pungent blend that’s tough to get down. Trust me, I (unhappily) know from experience.”
Price Per Serving
You can purchase Liquid I.V. directly from the brand’s retail site in 16-packet containers. With an MSRP of $24.99, this equates to roughly $1.56 per serving — a slightly above-average cost per serving for electrolyte solutions. Naturally, though, you can expect some price variance depending on where you purchase Liquid I.V., so we’ll rate the value at a conservative 3 out of 5.
While the price is somewhat expensive depending on your personal budget, we do like that Liquid I.V. offers a ‘Subscribe & Save’ platform offering discounted rates for repeat orders. You can save 30% off your order total in exchange for autoship deliveries scheduled to your preferences — a worthwhile consideration if you routinely use electrolytes as part of your regular wellness regimen.
Third Party Testing
“Although Liquid I.V. seems to rely on research-backed studies and trials to craft the formulation in Hydration Multiplier, there is no mention of third-party testing,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. While we view Liquid I.V. as a trustworthy brand, we typically prefer to see some form of independent accreditation. As such, we score the third-party testing at a modest 2 out of 5.
What to Consider Before Buying Liquid I.V.
Whether you’re considering adding one of the best probiotic supplements to your routine, thinking about a new pre-workout, or in-between protein powder sources, there are always factors worth considering prior to check-out. Below, we’ve outlined some of the key considerations to have top of mind before adding a new electrolyte supplement to your online cart, whether from Liquid I.V. or another popular brand.
- Training Preferences: Studies report that while electrolyte supplements can be beneficial for rehydration needs, some training protocols may not call for such aggressive actions. (3) If you aren’t rigorously training for 60 minutes or more each day, you may be fine with just a popular sports drink like Gatorade or BODYARMOR.
- Formulation: Naturally, electrolyte supplements can vary in terms of formulation. A good rule of thumb, though, is to prioritize makeups without artificial sweeteners along with formulas primarily featuring sodium as a main electrolyte. “While many electrolyte drinks prioritize potassium as a high-quality electrolyte, sodium is the most abundant mineral found in sweat,” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “Accordingly, you should aim to choose an electrolyte supplement with worthwhile sodium counts, especially if you’re an active individual that routinely sweats during workouts.”
- Available Flavors: You’re likely less enthused about a supplement if the taste is off, right? As such, it’s important to choose an electrolyte supplement featuring favorable taste options from the start. We also recommend choosing an electrolyte drink with multiple appealing flavors, as this can allow you to switch between tastes to prevent flavor fatigue without veering too far from the foundational formulation.
- Cost Per Serving: Most high-quality electrolyte supplements can cost roughly $1.44 per serving, so this should be a good median price tag to start with when choosing your preferred powder or drink mix. Naturally, though, everyone’s budget is different, so be sure to crunch some numbers before finalizing your online cart.
Liquid I.V. Vs. Competitors
As you can expect, Liquid I.V. is not the lone electrolyte supplement on the market — there is some competition to be had. Below, we’ve outlined the key specs of two popular electrolyte drinks we feel match up well to Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier — BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die and LMNT Recharge.
| Liquid I.V. | BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die | LMNT Recharge | |
| Price Per Serving | $1.56 | $2.06 | $1.67 |
| Calories Per Serving | 40-50 | 40 | 5 |
| Sodium Per Serving | 490-630mg | 650mg | 1,000mg |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 11-13g | 8g | <1g |
| Additional Electrolytes | Potassium (370-390mg) | Potassium (243mg), Magnesium (62mg), Chloride (1,030mg), Calcium (5mg) | Potassium (200mg), Magnesium (60mg) |
| Sweeteners Used | Cane sugar, Stevia leaf extract | Organic stevia | Stevia leaf extract |
| Available Flavors | Acai Berry, Arctic Raspberry, Concord Grape, Cotton Candy, Golden Cherry, Grapefruit, Guava, Lemon Lime, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pear, Piña Colada, Popsicle® Firecracker, Seaberry, Strawberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Watermelon | Lemon, Mixed Berry | Citrus Salt, Grapefruit Salt, Watermelon Salt, Orange Salt, Raspberry Salt, Raw Unflavored, Mango Chili, Chocolate Salt, Chocolate Caramel |
| Third-Party Testing | No | NSF-Certified for Sport | Yes |
Similar to the brand’s lineup of best collagen peptide supplements, BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die earns praise thanks to a transparent, third-party tested formulation rich with research-backed dosages of key electrolytes such as sodium, potassium magnesium, chloride, and calcium. The sugar content per serving is also lower than Liquid I.V. at 7 grams. However, our tester, a certified personal trainer, notes, “It’s a very salty mixture, as to be expected, and you get a chalky aftertaste every now and again.” Additionally, flavor fiends may be less enthused about the two available options with BUBS Naturals as opposed to the Liquid I.V. flavor roster boasting 18 available tastes.
LMNT Recharge offers 1,000 milligrams of sodium per serving, which can be ideal for sweaty gym sessions or extended summer runs. Additionally, our tester, a certified personal trainer, notes positive responses to the available flavors. However, this formulation is sugar-free, which may be a detriment to those partaking in serious training protocols. “Sweating and extended training can deplete blood sugar levels, so a sugar-free electrolyte mix may actually work against you if your exercise routinely leaves you dripping in sweat,” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD.
Places to Buy Liquid I.V.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier can be purchased online directly from the brand’s retail site. Additionally, you can often find this electrolyte supplement at brick-and-mortar pharmacies and grocers, as well as online third-party retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmart, among others.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
According to our tester, a certified personal trainer, Liquid I.V.’s ordering process can vary depending on your retailer of choice. “I typically add it in passing as I stroll through my local grocery store, but I’ve had zero issues, too, when ordering online,” they add. According to our research, the brand is also quick to respond with any inquiries, earning a 4.75 out of 5 in the customer service category. To reach the brand with any inquiries, call (855)-386-4021, email info@liquid-iv.com, or utilize the Live Chat feature found on the brand’s retail page.
In terms of customer reviews, Hydration Multiplier boasts a 4.93-out-of-5 rating online based on over 1,100 reviews. “I love the taste of the Acai Berry,” states one positive customer response. “It’s just the right amount of flavor to make drinking water more enjoyable.”
Our Final Verdict on Liquid I.V.
So, is Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier the “healthiest” electrolyte supplement on the market? It depends. If you’re partaking in endurance sports and regularly sweat through your workouts, the high sodium counts and Cellular Transport Technology may be beneficial. However, a normal strength training regimen may not call for regular consumption. Still, though, we do appreciate the available flavors and travel-friendly packaging. If you’re interested in adding some electrolytes to your drinking routine, this can be a good introductory powder.
When thinking about electrolyte drinks for improved (or sustained) training performance, it’s important to consider the actual formulation at play — look for a makeup with high sodium counts, as this is the main electrolyte lost in sweat. (4) Also, look for electrolyte powders in appealing flavors and speak to your personal healthcare professional if you have any lingering concerns. Now, feel free to shop around and find a concoction destined to keep your thirsts quenched and performance levels high.
Liquid I.V. Review FAQs
Can you drink two Liquid I.V.s per day?
Liquid I.V. is generally safe, but the brand recommends consuming no more than one packet per day. This can be related to the sodium content in each drink mix as well as the multitude of included vitamins and minerals dosed above their recommended daily values. If you are curious or feel multiple packets per day are necessary, be sure to speak to your personal healthcare professional prior to supplementation.
What are some side effects of Liquid I.V.?
Some athletes may experience symptoms including mild nausea and GI distress after taking Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier. If you’re unsure of your body’s reactions to added electrolytes, be sure to speak to your personal healthcare provider.
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
- Hunt, J. B., Elliott, E. J., Fairclough, P. D., Clark, M. L., & Farthing, M. J. (1992). Water and solute absorption from hypotonic glucose-electrolyte solutions in human jejunum. Gut, 33(4), 479–483. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1582591/
- Orrù, S., Imperlini, E., Nigro, E., Alfieri, A., Cevenini, A., Polito, R., Daniele, A., Buono, P., & Mancini, A. (2018). Role of functional beverages on sport performance and recovery. Nutrients, 10(10), 1470. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6213308/
- Sawka, M. N., Stachenfield, N. S., Montain, S. J., Maughan, R. J., Eichner, R., & Burke, L. M. (2007). Exercise and fluid replacement. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(2), 377–390. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17277604/
- National Research Council (US) Committee on Diet and Health. (1989, January 1). Electrolytes. Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218740/
