Electrolyte supplements are on the rise as people realize the benefits of staying properly hydrated. But choosing and using an electrolyte powder depends on several things, from your level of physical activity to climate and diet. With so much to keep in mind, I thought I'd compare electrolyte mixes—drilling down to formulas, taste, cost, and even customer experience—to help my clients with their decision-making.
Here, I'm reviewing Liquid I.V. and Instant Hydration, two popular electrolyte products that my clients often ask about. Learn more about where they shine and where they fall short in terms of effective hydration.
🏆 Who’s the winner? While Liquid I.V. didn't win the taste contest and ties with Instant Hydration for formula, it comes at a more affordable cost and offers a better customer experience.
⭐ But is it the best? I still choose Live it Up Vital Minerals for its well-balanced formula, accessible price (less than $1 per serving), delicious taste, and stellar customer service.
Instant Hydration vs. Liquid I.V. at a Glance
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| Best for | Increased daily activity; workout recovery | Strenuous exercise; higher risk of dehydration |
| Electrolytes | Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium | Sodium, potassium |
| Sodium-to-potassium ratio | Nearly 1:1 (imbalanced) | Approximately 1.5:1 (slightly imbalanced) |
| Formula notes |
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| Sweeteners | Organic stevia leaf extract, organic monk fruit extract | Cane sugar, dextrose, stevia leaf extract |
| Price |
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| Flavors | 9 flavors | 19 flavors |
| Testing and certifications |
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Instant Hydration Overview
Founded in 2024, Instant Hydration is one of the newest products in the electrolyte drink space. The electrolyte powder sets itself apart from competitors by delivering sodium in the form of sel gris (French Grey salt), which includes trace minerals, instead of sodium chloride. It claims to have 7x the electrolytes of leading sports drinks.
Instant Hydration's Electrolyte Drink Mix comes in eight flavors, two of which were created in collaboration with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and fashion influencer Laura Beverlin. The company lists quite a few purported benefits of its electrolyte powder, from supporting cellular hydration and exercise performance to aiding cognitive function.
Read the full Instant Hydration review
Instant Hydration Pros
- Includes four essential electrolytes
- Highly bioavailable magnesium bisglycinate chelate
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners and no added sugar
- 9 tasty flavors
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free
- NSF Certified
Instant Hydration Cons
- No vitamin C
- Imbalanced sodium-to-potassium ratio
- Expensive, at well more than $1.50 per serving
- Includes two sweeteners
- Customers complain about poor return/refund policy
- Contains malic acid, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people
Liquid I.V. Overview
Brandin Cohen launched Liquid I.V. in 2012 as an answer to athletes' questions about the best hydration solutions. The company's proprietary Cellular Transport Technology® is based on the World Health Organization's science-backed oral rehydration solution, which includes a mix of water, glucose, and salts. Liquid I.V.'s formula contains two electrolytes, sugar, and extra vitamins to support hydration and other bodily functions.
Read the full Liquid I.V. review
Liquid I.V. Pros
- Contains added vitamin C and B vitamins
- 19 flavors to choose from
- Has a sugar-free version
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, vegan
Liquid I.V. Cons
- Contains added sugar and two other sweeteners
- Higher carb and calorie count
- Contains the fillers silicon dioxide and dipotassium phosphate
- B vitamins exceed daily recommended amounts
- A full month's supply requires a purchase of two pouches
Hydration Formula Analysis
When searching for electrolyte products, identifying the right formula is key. Find out how effective these hydration powders are.
Instant Hydration Formula
Right off the bat, I notice that Instant Hydration's ratio of sodium to potassium is off, at nearly a 1:1 ratio (500mg sodium to 470mg potassium). I typically look for a 2:1 or 3:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio. The proportion of these two electrolytes is important because both help you stay hydrated by regulating intracellular and extracellular fluid balance. While electrolyte powders do hydrate better than plain water alone, they should include sodium and potassium (as well as other key electrolytes) at the right amounts.
In addition to cellular hydration, one of Instant Hydration's purported benefits is "enhanced performance and recovery," and I do believe that it delivers on this claim. The inclusion of calcium (170mg) may support muscular function, helping people who experience muscle cramps. But magnesium is also a key player in the performance and recovery space, regulating muscular contractions, energy production, and more. Magnesium is included in the form of magnesium bisglycinate chelate, which is known to be a highly bioavailable form of the mineral.
I'd recommend Instant Hydration to those who may need more assistance with replenishing electrolytes after a workout.
Liquid I.V. Formula
Liquid I.V. contains similar amounts of sodium as Instant Hydration (560mg) but less potassium (370mg), providing a slightly more balanced sodium-to-potassium ratio, at approximately 1.5:1. (This is an approximation because sodium and potassium content vary based on flavor.) The more proportional amounts of these electrolytes help to support cellular hydration.
This electrolyte powder also leans on something called the sodium-glucose transport system as a main delivery of hydration. This system helps to move water throughout the body, aiding hydration and sustaining muscular activity for exercise performance. But Liquid I.V. contains a high amount of sugar per serving (up to 11g), leading me to only recommend this product to endurance athletes who need to replenish lost electrolytes quickly.
Athletes will appreciate the inclusion of B vitamins—including pantothenic acid, niacin, and more—which contribute to energy production and can help individuals with post-exercise fatigue.
🏆 Formula Winner: Tie
Both may support exercise performance and workout recovery, but they're either too high in sugar or have somewhat imbalanced electrolyte ratios.
⭐ Want a better formula? Live it Up Vital Minerals is formulated for daily use, featuring a roughly 2:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio, calcium, and added vitamin C for immune function and heat tolerance. And at 0g added sugar and only 10 calories, it's a great choice for everyday hydration and athletes.
Taste Review
Will these electrolyte powders suit your taste preferences? Learn more about their flavor profiles, sweet and salty levels, and dissolvability.
Instant Hydration Taste
Instant Hydration comes in nine flavors:
- Raspberry
- Paloma (tastes like grapefruit)
- Watermelon
- Cherry Limeade
- Orange
- Mango Pineapple
- Lemon Lime
- Cotton Candy
- Sea Water
Overall, I thought the flavors were robust but not too overwhelming. I do think the lime flavor in several of the options, like Lemon Lime, was a bit much, overpowering the other flavors and resulting in a puckering mouth effect.
In terms of salty vs. sweet, Instant Hydration leans salty. Similar to other customers, I had to dilute it in more water than the company suggests—20 ounces instead of 16—for it to be drinkable. The company does sell a glass water bottle for customers to use for their electrolyte mixes, but it's only 16 ounces, so the drink might taste overwhelmingly salty in the bottle, depending on your taste buds.
Instant Hydration is a bit sweet (though not enough to balance out the saltiness). It doesn't have that unpleasant stevia aftertaste, likely due to the inclusion of monk fruit extract to provide balanced sweetness. Finally, Instant Hydration dissolves very well. There's no graininess or chalky texture after mixing.
Liquid I.V. Taste
If you're looking for a huge array of flavor options at your fingertips, Liquid I.V. delivers. Hydration Multiplier comes in a whopping 19 flavors, from Lemon Lime to Mango to Tropical Punch, even offering some limited-time seasonal options, such as Hot Chocolate.
But let's get down to how Liquid I.V. actually tastes. I found the mix to be overly sweet. With up to 11 grams of added sugar in each serving, it's no wonder that Liquid I.V. has a high level of sweetness. This does make the hydration powder less salty-tasting than some other electrolyte powders.
Unfortunately, some of the flavors, like Strawberry, tasted too artificial, but the citrusy options had a nice tanginess. I also give Liquid I.V. low marks for its dissolubility, as it stays grainy after mixing and has a thick texture.
🏆 Taste Winner: Instant Hydration
Instant Hydration beats Liquid I.V. for its more balanced, not-too-sweet flavors and the mix's good dissolvability.
⭐ Want a better taste? Even though Live it Up Vital Minerals doesn't have as many flavors as Instant Hydration and Liquid I.V., both of our fruit-forward flavor options—Lemon Lime and Pomegranate Mango—are delicious, striking the right balance of salty and light sweetness (without any added sugar). The powder fully dissolves and doesn't leave a thick or gritty texture behind.
Cost Comparison
Cost affects how likely you are to incorporate a new supplement into your daily routine. Find out how Instant Hydration and Liquid I.V. may affect your budget.
Instant Hydration Cost
- One-time purchase (30-serving pouch): $55 ($1.83/serving)
- Subscription (30-serving pouch): $49.50 ($1.65/serving)
- Shipping (from website): Free for first purchase only, including subscriptions
- Bulk-order discount: Not offered
Instant Hydration's website doesn't state how much shipping costs are after the first purchase, so it could depend on location. They do offer promotions from time to time that include discounts on individual and subscription purchases and bulk-order discounts. To lower the cost, keep an eye out for their seasonal promotions.
Liquid I.V. Cost
- 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
Liquid I.V. also offers seasonal promotions that may lower the cost of your purchase.
🏆 Cost Winner: Liquid I.V.
With a lower cost threshold for free shipping and a much lower price per serving with a subscription, Liquid I.V. beats Instant Hydration. Even though you need to purchase two Liquid I.V. pouches to last one month, the total price is still less than Instant Hydration.
⭐ Want a better price? Hydration doesn't have to break the bank. Ringing in at under a $1 per serving with a subscription, Vital Minerals is a top choice for an affordable electrolyte powder. Plus, we offer bulk-order discounts for purchases of two and three containers and free shipping—no spend thresholds or subscriptions necessary.
Customer Experience
Do these hydration companies boost customer loyalty through their offerings and services? Let's find out.
Instant Hydration Experience
- Where to buy: Instant Hydration website and Amazon
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Subscription policy:
- Can only cancel after 14 days from the initial purchase
- Skip or pause from your account (unclear if you need to wait until the 14-day initial purchase window ends)
- If an order slip has already been created, changes cannot be made
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Return policy:
- Can request a refund on opened products within 50 days of delivery on first order only
- Only two packets can be missing from the package
- All other items in the order, including complementary gifts, must be included unused and in their original packaging
- Must email hello@instanthydration.com before initiating a return
- Must pay for return shipping and email the company the package tracking info
- What customers are saying: Mostly negative, with some Amazon, TrustPilot and Reddit reviewers claiming that it took weeks for Instant Hydration to reply to their initial refund request email and that there are too many hoops to jump through to get your money back.
Liquid I.V. Experience
- Where to buy: Liquid I.V. website, Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart, drug stores, and grocery stores
- Subscription policy: Pause, skip, change, or cancel at any time
- Return policy: 60-day return window for orders purchased from the Liquid I.V. website; 45-day Satisfaction Guarantee for orders from authorized sellers
- What customers are saying: Reviews are mostly positive, with some customers reporting customer service issues and others describing a great experience
🏆 Experience Winner: Liquid I.V.
Instant Hydration's return policy is very involved, with an overwhelming number of steps that need to be taken to get a refund on a return. Plus, returns are only available for your first order, and some consumers have had a hard time communicating with customer service. For that reason, Liquid I.V. is the better choice for a more positive customer experience, where you have a longer return window and no waiting period for canceling a subscription.
⭐ Want a better price? Customers keep coming back to Live it Up Vital Minerals not only for its effective daily hydration but also for its stellar customer service. You can reschedule, skip, adjust, or cancel your subscription at any time, and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with your purchase.
Why Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals Instead
I can see why many people might choose Liquid I.V. and Instant Hydration for their hydration needs: They offer a moderate amount of sodium, include some primary electrolytes, and may support recovery after physical performance. But I'd ultimately recommend Live it Up Vital Minerals because it's formulated for everyday use—not just lengthy or intense exercise.
Vital Minerals is effective at hydration, featuring three key electrolytes, a balanced sodium-to-potassium ratio, and added vitamin C to help with heat tolerance if you're out in high temperatures. Our formula is vegan, third-party tested, and doesn't include any added sugar, unnecessary additives, artificial sweeteners, or artificial coloring. With Vital Minerals, you can expect clean, effective, and affordable hydration that tastes great!
Incorporate Vital Minerals into your daily regimen
FAQs About Liquid I.V. vs. Instant Hydration
Need more help with making your decision? Uncover answers to more of your pressing questions here.
What is the difference between Liquid I.V. and Instant Hydration?
Liquid I.V. and Instant Hydration are two different companies that sell electrolyte powders in single-serve packets for on-the-go hydration. The main differences lie in their ingredient list. For instance, Liquid I.V.'s standard Hydration Multiplier contains up to 11 grams of added sugar, while Instant Hydration is sugar-free. Liquid I.V. contains added vitamins, while Instant Hydration does not. However, Instant Hydration features four electrolytes, and Liquid I.V. includes two.
Is Instant Hydration really good for you?
Determining whether Instant Hydration is good for you depends on several factors: your nutritional needs, activity level, climate, and health goals. Many people appreciate that Instant Hydration is low-calorie and sugar-free (sweetened with both stevia leaf extract and monk fruit). It also offers up a clean formula, with no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
But as with any hydration drink, keep tabs on your sodium intake throughout the day, especially if you're not heavily exercising or at risk of dehydration. Instant Hydration contains 500 grams of sodium.
Is there a better option than Liquid I.V.?
Liquid I.V. is by no means the only electrolyte powder on the market—there are lots more options! For individuals looking for a vegan, low-calorie, clean hydration formula with no artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors or added sugar, Live it Up Vital Minerals is a great choice. It’s third-party tested, and the formula features a balanced ratio of sodium to potassium and ingredient amounts intended for daily use.
What’s the best electrolyte powder?
The best electrolyte powder should align with your hydration needs and health goals—and that is unique to each individual. Key elements to look for when you want to take an electrolyte supplement daily include sodium content, electrolyte balance, added vitamins, and a clean formula. Live it Up Vital Minerals features all of these elements and more, providing a high-quality hydration drink formulated for everyday use.
References
- https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2024/08/20/instant-hydration-debuts-electrolyte-packets-for-refreshment-recovery/
- https://instanthydration.com/
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDM7LKD4#customerReviews
- https://www.reddit.com/r/HydroHomies/comments/1jmxbhb/my_electrolytes_experience_instant_hydration/
- https://www.amazon.com/liquid-iv/s?k=liquid+iv
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-magnesium-what-they-are-and-how-to-choose-8748803
- https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/malic-acid-therapeutic-supplement
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1323420/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/fluid-metabolism/water-and-sodium-balance
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/585
- https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/runners-world-5-signs-youre-not-getting-enough-calcium/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-magnesium-what-they-are-and-how-to-choose-8748803
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-magnesium-should-i-take-8662648
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC24099/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231364/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10542023
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236216/
- https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/celtic-salt
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