A Dietitian’s Honest Review of Instant Hydration

Hydration products are hot on the market right now, with everything from high-performance, athlete-focused powders to those made for everyday hydration. As a dietitian, Instant Hydration is the most recent electrolyte powder my clients have been asking about.

Is Instant Hydration worth it? That depends on both your lifestyle and health goals. In this article, I’ll bring you through this formula’s key ingredients, whether their electrolytes stack up, what benefits it might provide, available flavors, and if this product is a good one to invest in.

Hint: I actually prefer Live it Up Vitamin Minerals instead!

In this review, I’ll cover:

• Is Instant Hydration Worth a Try?
• What Is Instant Hydration?
• Purported Health Benefits
• Ingredient Breakdown
• Quality and Safety
• Cost Analysis
• Taste Review
• Why I Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals

Instant Hydration Quick Facts

• Calories: 10 per stick pack
  • Sodium: 500 mg (imported sea salt from France)
  • Potassium: 470 mg 
• Claimed benefits: Cellular hydration, improved brain health, improved nervous system function, increased energy production, reduced headache and fatigue, increased vitamin absorption, enhanced performance & recovery, thermoregulation.
• Flavors: 
  • Cherry Limeade
  • Raspberry
  • Paloma flavor
  • Watermelon
  • Mango Pineapple
  • Orange flavor
  • Lemon Lime flavor
  • Cotton Candy
  • Sea Water
• Sweeteners: Organic stevia extract and organic monk fruit extract
• Cost: $55 per month ($1.83 per serving)
• Shipping: Only free for first order

Bottom Line: Is Instant Hydration Worth a Try?

While Instant Hydration Premium Electrolyte Drink hits many of the right notes when it comes to maintaining hydration, it falls short in a couple of key places, including cost and the ratio of sodium to potassium. On the other hand, Live it Up Vital Minerals has a much better electrolyte balance and also includes vitamin C, which may help to improve tolerance to heat. 

What Is Instant Hydration?

Instant Hydration stands for premium hydration. Developed in 2024, it boasts 7x more electrolytes than leading sports drinks, the use of imported french salt (‘sel gris’) over table salt, and a more bioavailable magnesium. 

Two of their flavors were created in partnership with big names, such as Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson (cherry limeade) and fashion influencer Laura Beverlin (cotton candy).

It is worth noting that not all flavors contain the same amount of sodium. For example, while most contain 500 mg of sodium, the cotton candy seems to contain a whopping 750 mg. (Though in one place on the website it says this flavor contains 500 mg, so it’s difficult to deduce the true number).

Nutrition information per one serving stick pack:

• Calories: 10
• Sodium: 500 mg (750 mg for cotton candy)
• Potassium: 470 mg
• Calcium: 170 mg
• Magnesium: 100 mg

Instant Hydration Pros

• Includes essential electrolytes
• More potassium than most other brands
• Highly bioavailable magnesium bisglycinate chelate
• No artificial additives, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners
• Made in the USA
• Vegan, gluten -free, non-GMO

Instant Hydration Cons

• High price point
• Not ideal ratio of sodium to potassium
• Includes stevia
• Not a zero calorie option, which may be a downside for some
• Many customers complain about the difficulty in canceling subscriptions

Instant Hydration Purported Benefits

Instant Hydration lists eight main benefits, which comes across as a red flag for this dietitian. It puts my hackles up when a product seems too good to be true (especially with such few ingredients).

With that said, let’s look at a few to see which ones may align with their product.

#1 Cellular Hydration

Instant Hydration claims to hydrate on a cellular level. This is just a very fancy way of saying “helps keep you hydrated.” Instant Hydration contains sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which work together to help keep a fluid balance both outside and inside our cells. 

However, it’s important to understand that electrolyte supplements only work if you are indeed drinking enough water. Without meeting your fluid needs, these electrolyte packets can’t hydrate you; in fact, they could lead to potential health concerns.

#2 Aids Cognitive Function

While dehydration has been linked with declining cognitive function, research is not definitive. Some studies show that the more dehydrated you are, the more your mood and short-term memory may be affected. However, other studies show a more modest, or even no, impact.

#3 Enhances Performance and Recovery

Electrolytes have been most avidly studied in the athlete population. People who exercise for long periods (more than 1 hour) or in high heat are most susceptible to losing sodium and potassium through sweat. This loss has been linked to a negative effect on performance, muscle function, and recovery.

Each athlete’s needs are different depending on their sport, training, body metrics, and weather. So while electrolytes in general may be beneficial for performance and recovery of hydration, there is not one electrolyte powder that will meet everyone’s needs.

#4 Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the body’s ability to maintain the right temperature. One of the most important factors when it comes to thermoregulation is being well-hydrated. For example, sweating is how we cool off when hot; sweat evaporates, bringing heat away from the body. If we are dehydrated, we can’t make enough sweat to cool the body back down to a normal temperature. 

Not only are electrolytes a critical part of how we begin sweating, but they also help keep more fluid in the body (assuming you are drinking enough fluids along with the electrolytes), and help cool the body via sweating.

Instant Hydration Ingredients

Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients in Instant Hydration’s electrolyte mix.

• Sel Gris. Instant Hydration states that this French sea salt is rich in flavor and contains “83 additional minerals.” However, as with most sea salt, the minerals are likely in minute amounts and you’d have to consume upwards of half a cup to get an effective dose.
• Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate. Bisglycinate indicates that this magnesium is bound to two of the amino acids glycinate. Adding chelate is redundant, as it also means “surrounded by organic substances,” referring to the glycinate. Chelation is said to help increase bioavailability and absorption of minerals, but human studies are currently not in agreement on its effectiveness.
• Potassium Chloride. This is a potassium salt that is generally considered a high bioavailable form of this electrolyte.
• Calcium from mineralized algae. Supplement companies often use this type of calcium as a plant-based alternative to traditional sources, such as coral, crustacean, marine shells, and calcium-carbonate ores.
• Flavors. Citric acid, natural flavors, and malic acid are combined to give Instant Hydration its array of flavors.
• Colors. The blends focus  on natural colors, such as carrot and hibiscus extract for Cherry Limeade and beet root and carrot for Cotton Candy.
• Sweetener. This electrolyte powder uses both organic stevia leaf extract and organic monk fruit extract. Interestingly, these are the only organic ingredients included.

Instant Hydration Quality and Safety

Instant Hydration’s FAQs reveal that their products are “lab-tested” for taste, performance, and safety. This does not make it clear if they use third-party testing; however, with more digging outside of the website, I was able to find that the products are NSF-certified.

There is also no indication as to whether their electrolyte powders are manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified facility. Live it Up Vital Minerals, however, is in fact third-party tested and produced in a facility that is certified GMP.

Instant Hydration Cost Analysis

Cost is often a critical factor in whether we add a new supplement to our routine. Let’s take a look to see how your monthly spend will be affected and what hoops you must jump through for shipping, returns, and cancellations (turns out they’re pretty lengthy and hoop-y). 

Instant Hydration Price and Shipping

• One-time purchase (30 servings): $55 ($1.83 per day)
• Monthly subscription price: $49.50 ($1.65 per day)
• First month of subscription includes 30-day bottle of vitamin D+K
• Free shipping on first purchase only

Return and Cancellation Policy

• 50-day money-back guarantee on initial purchase only
• Refund policy
  • You must contact the company before initiating a refund
  • No more than 2 stick packs can be used to be eligible
  • All complimentary unopened / unused gifts must be returned as well
  • No refunds beyond the first order
• Subscriptions can only be cancelled after 14 days from the initial purchase
• You must call the company as soon as possible to make changes to your order. If the package slip has already been created, they will not be able to change or cancel it.

Instant Hydration Taste Review

Flavor is one of the most powerful drivers of consumption; if we don’t like it, we don’t buy it. When it comes to electrolyte mixes, this is especially true. Instant Hydration offers nine main flavors:

1. Cherry Limeade
2. Raspberry
3. Paloma
4. Watermelon
5. Mango Pineapple
6. Orange
7. Lemon Lime
8. Cotton Candy
9. Sea Water
   

Overall, the majority of customers find this formula delicious and dissolves well in water. The biggest drawbacks tend to be the price, how salty it tastes, and that it is too sweet. 

Personally, I found it to be a bit sweet and needed to add more water to tame the flavor. I did enjoy how well it dissolves, but be aware that after a while you may need to mix it up again as some of the minerals settle to the bottom. 

I also like how there are nine flavors, including the ever-popular lemon lime, and even a variety pack for those looking for several refreshing ways to quench their thirst. The stick packs are convenient and loved by many consumers, but a bit wasteful in my opinion.

I find the taste of Live it Up Vital Minerals to meet my expectations a bit better. The sweetness is tamer, and the flavors are brighter. 

Why I Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals

Instant Hydration does a great job offering a range of flavors and includes all the important electrolytes. It tries to get a leg up on the competition by embracing minerals that may be more bioavailable. With that said, in my opinion, this product doesn’t go above and beyond.

Live it Up Vital Minerals, on the other hand, took the daily hydration model and built on it. By including vitamin C, it takes hydration a step further by providing additional support in the heat and more micronutrients to round out the formula. Additionally, it does a much better job at safety and quality by ensuring the product is third-party tested and produced in a GMP-certified facility. Plus, I think the taste is definitely superior!

While many daily hydration products seem the same, they each have something a little different that sets them apart, which is important because we all have individual goals and needs. Always look at ingredients thoroughly to ensure the product you choose is the right fit for you. 

Instant Hydration Frequently Asked Questions

Before jumping into an Instant Hydration purchase, here are some frequently asked questions.

Can you buy Instant Hydration on Amazon?

As with most brands, you can purchase Instant Hydration on Amazon, as well as on their website.

Is Instant Hydration good for you?

For athletes interested in an electrolyte supplement with high sodium and potassium to help replace what they lose via sweat, Instant Hydration may be a superior hydration option with good efficacy. It is also an option for those who enjoy outdoor activities in the heat and need to get essential nutrients in one formula.

Also, this electrolyte drink has clean ingredients and was formulated without artificial colors or artificial sweeteners. And since it uses organic monk fruit as the sweetener, it may be a better option than a sugary sports drink for daily hydration.

It’s important to note that too much sodium in the diet has been linked to chronic disease and poor health. Consuming a hydration supplement, in addition to a high sodium diet and without adequate exercise, may not be in line with your ultimate health goals. 

If you are looking for a daily hydration supplement that will meet your everyday needs, you may want to consider one with less sodium than what this brand provides.

Is Instant Hydration a legit company?

Yes, Instant Hydration is a legit company. It was founded in August of 2024 by Jordan Menard and Zachary Gordan, backed by a “medical advisory board of experts,” with the aim to provide sugar-free, clean hydration products. As with all supplement companies, their website contains the following disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

How many Instant Hydration packets per day?

Currently the Instant Hydration website only states how to mix Instant Hydration, one packet with 16 ounces of water. While there are no specific recommendations on how many packets you can have per day, this likely depends on differences in activity level and outside temperature.

As a dietitian, here is how I would counsel someone on how to take an electrolyte supplement with this level of sodium. If you are mostly sedentary, or if your diet is already high in sodium, you likely only need 1 packet per day, which contains 500mg of sodium.

If you are exercising longer than 1 hour and sweating a lot, or if it is very hot out, you may consider a second hydration packet, especially if you are a salty sweater and lose a lot of sodium through sweat. Always check with your healthcare provider before introducing new supplements into your daily routine.

Are hydration packets better than water?

Water is the most important factor when it comes to hydration. Electrolytes help enhance hydration by holding water in the body. They may also promote muscle function during exercise, influencing peak performance. Some research also links electrolytes to supporting muscle recovery.

Hydration packets should be used in tandem with adequate water intake. For athletes, they may do best to hydrate with electrolytes combined with glucose to aid performance.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236216/
• https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/11537/chapter/15#158 
• https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/ 
• https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-hydration-status-on-cognitive-performance-and-mood/1210B6BE585E03C71A299C52B51B22F7 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8001428/ 
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232208129_ACSM_Position_Stand_Exercise_and_Fluid_Replacement 
• https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10103 
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chelated-minerals#absorption 
• https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2024/08/20/instant-hydration-debuts-electrolyte-packets-for-refreshment-recovery 
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-75575-8 
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sodium-reduction