DripDrop vs. Liquid I.V.: A Dietitian’s Comparison

Make an informed decision about these two electrolyte powders, and find out which one may work for your hydration needs.

By Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

— On Nov 19, 2025

DripDrop vs. Liquid I.V.: A Dietitian’s Comparison

In this article:

Electrolyte supplements have been shown to hydrate better than plain water, whether you're a competitive athlete, have a physically demanding job, or simply want a product to boost daily hydration levels. But finding the best one for your activity level, climate, and health needs can be tricky—especially with so many options on the market.

To help my clients narrow down their search for the best hydration drink mix, I'm comparing two popular brands: DripDrop vs. Liquid I.V. Find out more about DripDrop and Liquid I.V. formulas, flavors, costs, customer experiences, and more.

🏆 Who’s the winner? It’s a tie! Both brands have different pros and cons to their formulas that put them on par for hydration and taste, while DripDrop wins for price and Liquid I.V. stands out for its more inclusive refund policy.

⭐ But is it the best? Live it Up Vital Minerals is still my go-to electrolyte drink over both DripDrop and Liquid I.V. because it's formulated for daily use, making it more accessible to more people—not just athletes. Plus, it has a balanced sodium and potassium content, no artificial sweeteners or added sugar, added vitamin C, great taste, and excellent customer service.

DripDrop vs. Liquid I.V. at a Glance


Best for	Exercising in high temperatures; moderate dehydration	High-intensity, lengthy workouts
Electrolytes	Sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc	Sodium, potassium
Sodium-to-potassium ratio	Approximately 2:1 (balanced)	Approximately 1.5:1 (slightly imbalanced)
Formula notes	4 electrolytes 330mg sodium 35 calories 9g carbs 7g sugar Vitamin C	2 electrolytes 490–630mg sodium 45–50 calories 11–13g carbs 10–11g sugar Vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, and B12
Sweeteners	Sugar, fructose, dextrose, and sucralose	Cane sugar, dextrose, and stevia leaf extract
Sugar-free option?	Yes (nutrition facts differ significantly from non-sugar-free option)	Yes (nutrition facts vary slightly from non-sugar-free option)
Price	$1.12/serving $0.84/serving with subscription	$1.56/serving $1.09/serving with subscription
Flavors	18 flavors total (2 flavors are exclusive to the sugar-free option)	19 flavors
Testing and certifications	Some sticks are NSF Content Certified or NSF Certified for Sport Certified Gluten Free and Certified Kosher FDA-compliant facilities that follow Good Manufacturing Practices	Certified Gluten Free Non-GMO Project Verified FDA-compliant facilities Company doesn't state third-party testing for purity, potency, or contaminants

DripDrop Overview

Dietitian Rachel Gargano Holds a Bag of DripDrop Dehydration Relief in Front of a Plant

Dr. Eduardo Dolhun developed the DripDrop formula based on the globally recognized oral rehydration solution (ORS). His humanitarian aid missions inspired him to create DripDrop in 2008 to provide a better-tasting ORS formula to those in need. The Electrolyte Drink Mix comes in 16 flavors, and the formula features a mix of sugar, sodium, electrolytes, and vitamin C. There is also a sugar-free version, which has two additional flavors.

DripDrop is a public benefit corporation, meaning that it has a public benefit purpose alongside making profits. DripDrop participates in humanitarian aid, disaster response, and community support, and every purchase helps to generate global DripDrop donations.

Read the full DripDrop review

DripDrop Pros

Balanced sodium-to-potassium ratio
Includes vitamin C
No artificial colors or flavors
18 flavors to choose from
Non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan
Sugar-free version features added B vitamins
GMP-certified and NSF-certified
Budget-friendly

DripDrop Cons

7 grams of added sugar
35 calories
Includes artificial sweeteners
Contains fillers silicon dioxide and maltodextrin
Some DripDrop reviews note that the mix is too sweet and tastes artificial

Liquid I.V. Overview

Dietitian Rachel Gargano Holds a Bad of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier in Front of a Plant

Liquid I.V. is an oral rehydration solution that, according to the company, "improves water absorption and counteracts dehydration to turn ordinary water into extraordinary hydration" with its proprietary Cellular Transport Technology®. Brandin Cohen started the company in 2012 after realizing that sports drinks at the time just weren't supporting athletes' needs.

The formula contains a mix of sugar, electrolytes, and added vitamins for hydration and to support various functions in the body. Hydration Multiplier comes in the original formula as well as a sugar-free option with limited flavors. The company also gives back, contributing more than 1% to its Impact Program, which donates Liquid I.V. stick packs throughout the world.

Read the full Liquid I.V. review

Liquid I.V. Pros

Both regular and sugar-free options include vitamin C and B vitamins
Offers a whopping 19 flavors
Contains added vitamins
No sugar substitutes in the standard Hydration Multiplier option

Liquid I.V. Cons

50 calories
10–11 grams of added sugar
Contains fillers silicon dioxide and dipotassium phosphate
Four vitamins exceed daily recommended amounts
Comes in 16 stick packs per pouch, requiring two pouches for a full month's supply

Hydration Formula Analysis

How do these electrolyte supplements perform, according to science? Find out more about DripDrop's and Liquid I.V.'s formulas to understand if they live up to their claims.

DripDrop Formula

First off, I have to give DripDrop props for its well-balanced sodium-to-potassium ratio. I typically look for a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio, and DripDrop is nearly 2:1 (330mg sodium to 180mg potassium). These two electrolytes work together to maintain fluid balance in and out of your cells, helping your body avoid dehydration symptoms.

Another bonus with DripDrop's formula is its inclusion of vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid) and four total electrolytes: sodium, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate (40mg), and zinc aspartate (1.5mg). Magnesium regulates the metabolism of potassium and supports muscle function by helping individuals with muscle cramps, making it especially helpful for athletes. Zinc, in turn, can support the absorption of magnesium in the body.

Dietitian Tip One study shows that large amounts of zinc can actually hinder magnesium's absorption. While it's unlikely that the small amount included in DripDrop's formula (1.5mg) will have that effect, it's important to be mindful of how much you consume per day.

DripDrop markets itself for all kinds of uses, from everyday use to intense exercise and physical output. The sodium glucose cotransport system has been proven to assist with salt and water absorption throughout the body, acting almost like a hydration shortcut. However, the added sugar (7g) and carbohydrates are unnecessary for most people unless you're heavily exercising or are at higher risk of dehydration.

Liquid I.V. Formula

Depending on the flavor, you'll find slightly different electrolyte amounts, with sodium ranging from 490–630mg and potassium ranging from 370–390mg. This puts Liquid I.V.'s sodium-to-potassium ratio at about 1.5:1, which is slightly imbalanced but still on the right track for cellular hydration.

Hydration Multiplier contains up to two times the amount of sodium that DripDrop's Electrolyte Drink Mix contains, potentially aligning with daily use and exercise needs. However, as with DripDrop, Liquid I.V.'s inclusion of added sugars (10 to 11 grams per serving), carbs, and calories leads me to recommend the electrolyte powder for endurance athletes or those working in hot climates—not everyday use. Individuals should watch their sugar intake closely, as Liquid I.V. contributes to 22% of your daily intake.

That said, Liquid I.V. shines in the endurance sports space, providing B vitamins for energy support, vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid) for heat tolerance, and sugars to work in concert with sodium to help the body stay hydrated and aid athletic performance.

Dietitian Tip Determining the right amount of sodium for your hydration needs can be challenging, as every body is unique. Still, Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that individuals may lose anywhere from 200mg to 2,000mg of salt in a liter of sweat. It's important to assess your activity level, climate, current diet, and medical conditions to properly hydrate.

🏆 Formula Winner: Tie

Both electrolyte mixes have benefits and downsides that put them on nearly equal footing. While DripDrop's has a more balanced sodium-to-potassium ratio, half the sugar of Liquid I.V., and more electrolytes, Liquid I.V.'s formula contains four additional B vitamins and no artificial sweeteners.

⭐ Want a better formula? For an electrolyte powder that's specially formulated for daily use, try Live it Up Vital Minerals. The mix features three electrolytes, roughly a 2:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio, a balanced amount of sodium, vitamin C, and no added sugar (1g total).

Taste Review

Which one passes the taste test? Read on to find out.

DripDrop Taste

Think of a flavor and DripDrop likely has it. Its Electrolyte Drink Mix comes in 16 flavors, including Fruit Punch and Watermelon. The sugar-free version comes in 8 flavors, but two of those are exclusive from the regular mix: Cherry Limeade and Peach.

DripDrop's electrolyte powder is very light in flavor, tasting more like flavored water than its own drink. Some people prefer less intense flavors, but the watered-down taste isn't my favorite—when I invest in a hydration drink, I want a robust, well-rounded flavor.

The mix isn't overly salty, but that makes sense given that the formula includes only 330mg sodium, quite a bit less than some competitors. But what it lacks in saltiness, it makes up for in sweetness. DripDrop contains 7 grams of sugar from four different sweeteners, some of which likely lend themselves to the slightly artificial taste (sucralose).

I do give DripDrop high marks for its formula's dissolvability, as it mixes well in water and isn't grainy.

Liquid I.V. Taste

You'll find just as many flavor options—and more—with Liquid I.V., which comes in 19 flavors, like Passion Fruit and Strawberry Lemonade and sometimes has seasonal options like Hot Chocolate. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free comes in 8 flavors, some of which differ from the standard ones, like Rainbow Sherbet and White Peach.

The first thing that stood out to me when I tried Liquid I.V. was just how sweet it is. Yes, it does have a salty profile, but I think the company went a little overboard in the sweetness department to try to mask the saltiness. Not only does it contain 11 grams of added sugar, but it provides a triple whammy with the added dextrose and stevia leaf extract, making the formula too sugary sweet for my tastebuds. That said, some of the citrus-forward flavors, like Lemon Lime, do offer a refreshing tang. But others, like Strawberry, have an artificial taste.

Hydration Multiplier also doesn't mix very well compared to other electrolyte powders. The end product is a bit grainy and has a thick texture that many people don't find very alluring.

🏆 Taste Winner: Tie

Honestly, neither of these brands wins the taste test. They're both too sweet and some flavors have an artificial taste. While DripDrop's solubility and texture seem to edge past Liquid I.V.'s, it seems to be lacking in flavor intensity.

⭐ Want a better taste? Vital Minerals might not have the sheer number of flavors that DripDrop and Liquid I.V. offer, but that just means that our two options, Lemon Lime and Pomegranate Mango, have been formulated with precision to hit the right balance of salty, light sweetness (without added sugar), and natural, fruit-forward flavors. Each dissolves beautifully and doesn't have that artificial taste that many other electrolyte powders have.

Cost Comparison

Adding an electrolyte powder to your routine means budgeting accordingly. Here's what to expect with DripDrop and Liquid I.V.'s respective hydration mixes.

DripDrop Cost

Here's a look at how much DripDrop costs:

One-time purchase (32-serving pouch): $35.99 ($1.12/serving)
Subscription (32-serving pouch): $26.99 ($0.84/serving)
Shipping (from website): Free for subscriptions and orders $25+
Bulk-order discount: Not offered

Liquid I.V. Cost

Liquid I.V. charges the following prices for their hydration mixes:

One-time purchase (16-serving pouch): $24.99 ($1.56/serving)
Subscription (16-serving pouch): $17.49 ($1.09/serving)
Shipping (from website): Free for orders $40+; all other orders, including subscriptions, pay $5.99 for shipping
Bulk-order discount: Not offered

🏆 Cost Winner: DripDrop

Not only is DripDrop affordable, at less than $1 per serving with a subscription, but it offers free shipping for subscriptions and a lower spend threshold for one-time orders to unlock free shipping. Liquid I.V. is more expensive per serving and doesn't give subscription holders free shipping.

⭐ Want a better price? Though DripDrop is very affordable, it doesn't offer discounts for bulk orders, something that Vital Minerals does offer. Not only is our electrolyte powder also less than $1 per serving with a subscription, but the more you buy, the more you save: save 37% when you purchase two containers and 40% for three containers. Plus, everyone gets free shipping—not just subscription holders.

Customer Experience

In a competitive market with endless subscription services, brands need stellar service to stay top of mind with their customers. Let's find out what kind of customer experiences DripDrop and Liquid I.V. offer.

DripDrop Experience

Where to buy: DripDrop website, Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart, drug stores, and grocery stores.
Subscription policy: Skip future deliveries, cancel or change the frequency of your subscription, and adjust your order details at any time.
Return policy: 60-day return policy, but only offers refunds for damaged or defective items purchased from the DripDrop website or an authorized seller.
What customers are saying: Some reviews mention poor customer service, but most report that they had a good experience.

Liquid I.V. Experience

Where to buy: Liquid I.V. website, Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart, drug stores, and grocery stores.
Subscription policy: Pause, skip, cancel, or adjust your subscription at any time.
Return policy: 60-day return policy for items purchased from the Liquid I.V. website; 45-day Satisfaction Guarantee for products purchased from authorized sellers.
What customers are saying: Generally positive, with some people noting outstanding customer service and others reporting issues.

🏆 Experience Winner: Liquid I.V.

Liquid I.V. and DripDrop share a lot in common in terms of customer experience, but Liquid I.V. edges out DripDrop because of its more forgiving return policy. It doesn't limit returns to damaged or defective products.

Live it Up offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and lets you easily pause or cancel your subscriptions at any time. Although Vital Minerals is currently only available on our website, we take great pride in our excellent customer service, which gets rave reviews, like this one: "The customer service is truly top notch — responsive, friendly, and reliable. I’m grateful to have found a company that cares as much as their products deliver." (Thanks, John i.!)

Why Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals Instead

Liquid I.V. and DripDrop bring a lot to the table in terms of hydration solutions: sodium and other electrolytes, added vitamins, and formulas that are free of several allergens. However, because of their sugar content and inclusion of artificial sweeteners, calories, and carbohydrates, I simply wouldn't recommend adding them for a daily routine. For that, I urge people to try Live it Up Vital Minerals, which offers the following benefits:

Balanced electrolytes for effective hydration
Clean formula (it's dairy-free, vegan, and has natural flavors with no artificial sweeteners)
A moderate amount of sodium (because we know that Americans are already getting enough or too much in their diets)
Roughly 2:1 ratio of sodium to potassium for fluid balance
No added sugars
Low calorie and low carb

But you're not just getting a well-balanced, third-party-tested hydration formula. Vital Minerals is also affordable, tasty, and dissolves well, making it one of the best sipping experiences! Try it for yourself today.

Liquid I.V. vs. DripDrop FAQs

Get more answers to your pressing questions about both electrolyte powders.

What is the difference between DripDrop and Liquid I.V.?

DripDrop and Liquid I.V. are two different brands of electrolyte powders, but the main differences lie in their formulas. DripDrop contains more electrolytes and less sodium than Liquid I.V., while Liquid I.V. has more sugars, sodium, and additional vitamins than DripDrop.

Is DripDrop healthier than Liquid I.V.?

Deciding if DripDrop is healthier than Liquid I.V. means understanding your specific health goals and hydration needs. For instance, while DripDrop features a balanced sodium-to-potassium ratio for cellular fluid balance and additional vitamin C for heat tolerance, its formula also contains added sugars, four total sweeteners, and fillers. Liquid I.V. also has sugar, artificial sweeteners, and fillers.

Can I drink DripDrop every day?

According to DripDrop's website, the Electrolyte Drink Mix is safe for everyday use. That said, keep tabs on your sugar intake throughout the day, as the DripDrop formula includes 7 grams of added sugars. (There is a sugar-free formula that does contain artificial sweeteners.)

What’s the best electrolyte powder?

The best electrolyte powder should offer balanced electrolytes, optimal amounts of each, and a clean formula. Additionally, all ingredients should align with your nutritional needs and hydration goals. Live it Up Vital Minerals is an electrolyte powder formulated for everyday use, with no added sugar, added vitamin C, and electrolyte ratios that are backed by science.

References

About the author:

Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

Rachel is a registered dietitian based in Contra Costa County, California, with over 15 years experience. She specializes in whole-body wellness and plant-based nutrition, helping people understand the dynamic interplay between food and health so they can live life to the fullest. When not helping others, she enjoys spending time with her kids, being physically active, and tending to her abundant household plants.

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