Walk into the sports drink aisle at any grocery store, and your eyes will be flooded with brightly colored bottles filled with sugar, carbohydrates, caffeine, and calories. As a dietitian, I understand that hydration goals, intense workouts, and performance sometimes require more than just water, but you want to make sure the pros outweigh the cons.
LMNT and Instant Hydration are two electrolyte supplement options for individuals seeking optimal hydration and performance without the sugar overload. Here's my expert take on how these two electrolyte mixes compare and which one could be better suited for you, depending on your health goals.
π Whoβs the winner? Instant Hydration edges LMNT through its thoughtful formula that includes calcium and a higher dose of magnesium. Instant Hydration also emphasizes quality with its rigorous testing protocols and use of natural ingredients.
β But is it the best?Β Instant Hydrationβs high price point and restrictive return policy may not work for everyone seeking a daily hydration solution. My go-to electrolyte mix is Live it Up Vital Minerals. It offers the best mix of quality ingredients, balanced formula, natural taste, and value.Β
Instant Hydration vs. LMNT at a Glance
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| Best for | Those seeking to support daily hydration, alongside recovery and performance | Athletes, heavy sweaters, and those living in hot and humid conditions |
| Formula at a glance |
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| Sodium-to-potassium ratio | 1:1 ratio | 5:1 ratio |
| Flavors | 9 options | 10 options |
| Sweetener | Monk fruit and stevia leaf extract | Stevia leaf extract |
| Cost per stick (with subscription) | $1.65 per stick | $1.30 per stick |
| Shipping | $6.99 | Free shipping |
| Testing and certifications | NSF-Certified for Sport |
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| Returns | Restrictive policies with varying timelines for returns | Complete money-back guarantee |
Instant Hydration Overview
Founded by Zach Gordan and Jordan Menard, Instant Hydration is one of the newer electrolyte products to hit the market. The company's unique selling points (USPs) include nine flavor options, the use of high-quality, clean ingredients like sel gris (French sea salt), and freedom from artificial flavors, additives, and fillers.
This zero-sugar hydration mix includes sodium, chloride, potassium, and 80+ deep-sea minerals. Instant Hydration claims that its electrolyte powder allegedly aids cellular hydration, physical performance, cognitive function, and recovery.
Read my full Instant Hydration review.
Instant Hydration Pros
- Non GMO, dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free
- Keto and vegan friendly
- No artificial ingredients, colors, or flavors
- NSF Certified for Sport
- No added sugar and low carb
- Includes calcium
- 9 flavor options
Instant Hydration Cons
- Skewed sodium-to-potassium ratio
- $6.99 shipping fee
- Restrictive returns policy
- Difficult to manage subscriptions
- High price per sachet
LMNT Overview
LMNT (pronounced "element") positions itself as a sports drink for those performing intense exercise, living in hot and humid places, and "salty-sweaters." These electrolytes are said to help with energy production, cognitive function, and muscle cramping.
LMNT's mix is based on research that suggests that more salt may be the key to a true breakthrough in performance and recovery. However, the studies backing these claims have a few holes and inaccuracies, like how they calculated sodium intake.Β
Read the complete LMNT review.
LMNT Pros
- Caffeine- and gluten-free
- Paleo, keto, and vegan-friendly
- No artificial ingredients or colors
- Third-party tested and GMP-certified
- No added sugar and low carb
- 10 flavor options
- Free shipping
- No questions asked, money-back guarantee
LMNT Cons
- Skewed sodium-to-potassium ratio
- Very salty
- Formula misses calcium and vitamin C
- Higher price per sachet
- Final product isn't tested for allergens
- May contain maltodextrin, an additive
Hydration Formula Analysis
The nutritional power of any electrolyte drink is tied to its formula. Let's examine how science stacks these two products.
Instant Hydration Formula
Instant's blend includes:
- 500 mg sodium (from French grey sea salt)
- 470 mg potassium (from potassium chloride)
- 100 mg magnesium (from magnesium biglycinate chelate)
- 170 mg calcium (from mineralized algae)
Science tells us that the ideal sodium-to-potassium ratio for fluid balance and electrolyte replacement should be around 2:1 or 3:1. Instant Hydration has an almost 1:1 ratio. While this isn't as severely skewed as many of the other electrolyte products, it's something to take note of.
Instant Hydration does a good job at helping one stay hydrated for daily purposes. This well-rounded formula not only includes sufficient dosages of the big threeβsodium, potassium, and magnesium, it also includes calcium, an often unsung electrolyte thatβs linked to muscle contraction and energy production.
LMNT Formula
LMNT's hydration mix includes just three electrolytes: sodium (from Hutchinson, Kansas salt deposits), potassium, and magnesium. And at 1000 mg of salt (43% of DV) per packet, it has one of the highest-sodium content levels on the market. One serving of LMNT also has:
- 200 mg, or 4% of the daily value of potassium (from potassium chloride)
- 60 mg, or 15% of the daily value of magnesium (from magnesium malate)
Most Americans get enough salt through their diet, and LMNT's sodium content, while intentional, may not suit everyone and could even lead to dehydration. This high amount of sodium also skews the powderβs sodium to potassium balance, which is a 5:1 ratio.
The hydration solution is crafted for intense athletes, heavy sweaters, and those living in extremely warm and humid places. I wouldnβt recommend it for everyday hydration.
Also, LMNT potentially contains maltodextrin, a highly processed additive commonly used as a flavor carrier in the food industry. The sparkling beverages and raw salt flavor don't contain maltodextrin.
π Formula Winner: Instant Hydration
Instant takes this round because of its clean ingredients, more balanced electrolyte ratio, and inclusion of calcium.Β
β Want a better formula?Β Live it Up Vital Minerals offers an almost 2:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio. Like Instant, itβs one of the few electrolyte powders that includes 40 mg of calcium. But this replenishing drink also contains vitamin C, which research indicates is helpful for energy metabolism, collagen synthesis, and heat tolerance.Β
Taste Review
It's easier to make a supplement part of your lifestyle regularly when it genuinely tastes good. Both of these products come in a variety of flavor options, so let's see how they pass the taste test.
Instant Hydration Taste
Instant Hydration comes in many flavors, which are sweetened with monk fruit extract and stevia (Reb-A). Instant Hydration relies on fruits and vegetables like carrots, beetroot, and turmeric extract for its color.
- Lemon lime
- Orange
- Watermelon
- Raspberry
- Cherry limenade
- Paloma
- Sea water (unsweetened)
- Mango pineapple
- Cotton candy
I genuinely enjoyed Instant Hydration. I sampled their lemon lime flavor, orange, and watermelon flavors. The brand recommends mixing one sachet into 16 oz of water, and I found the mixes to have a subtle flavor, but definitely still salty. I added another 4 oz of water before I found the drink to be to my taste. But otherwise, the drink was super easy to dissolve, and I did feel refreshed and hydrated.
LMNT Taste
LMNT electrolyte powder is offered in 10 different flavors (with an additional black cherry lime flavor only being offered in the sparkling, ready-to-drink version). The current line-up includes:
- Lemonade salt
- Citrus salt
- Watermelon salt
- Raspberry salt
- Grapefruit salt
- Orange salt
- Mango chili salt
- Chocolate salt
- Chocolate caramel salt
- Unflavored
With LMNT's 1000 mg of salt, I expected the drink to be very salty--and it was. Yes, the flavors are more pronounced and not as subtle as other brands, but I still enjoyed them and they dissolve well. They did a really good job at masking the saltiness with the ingredients like citrus and stevia. However, an aftereffect of all that additional sodium was extra saliva in my mouth, and actually increased thirst. Iβd recommend using half a packet and watering down this mix.Β Β
π Taste Winner: Instant Hydration
Instant Hydration takes this one for its subtle flavor thatβs not as salty as LMNT.. Both brands have multiple flavor options, which is always a plus and ensures wide appeal, and they both dissolved easily.
β Want a better taste?Β While both Instant Hydration and LMNT have multiple options that are free from sugar, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners, neither of them lives up to Vital Minerals' refreshing and delicious taste profile, in my opinion. Also, for those sensitive to salt, Live it Up Vital Minerals is both quick to dissolve and convenient, as you don't have to worry about diluting the drink much to get a great taste.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, look beyond just the price on the box, as a low price doesn't always mean value for money. On the contrary, it may signal that the brand could be using fillers and other low-quality ingredients. Variables like shipping, returns, and cancellation fees are important to factor in.Β
Instant Hydration Cost
Instant Hydration's pricing is not only higher than most electrolyte mixes, it's also more complicated once you factor in the fine print.
- A one-time buy of 30 single-serve packets is $55 or $1.83 per packet. There's also the standard shipping of $6.99.
- The subscription brings the price down to $1.65 per packet and comes with free shipping and a bottle of their vitamin D+K. But it locks you in, and it's hard to cancel.
LMNT Cost
LMNT offers two pricing options:
- One-time purchase: A box of 30 sachets is $45 or $1.50 per sachet.
- Monthly subscription: A box of 30 sachets is $39 or $1.30 per sachet. You can easily modify, pause, or cancel your subscription through your account dashboard.
There's free standard shipping and returns on all orders, which makes trying LMNT a low-risk investment.
π Cost Winner: LMNT
Not only is LMNTβs price per serving more pocket-friendly, but the free shipping and generous returns policy are the real showstoppers here. Instant's price is higher and more complex, with hidden costs for customers.
β Want a better price? Live it Up Vital Minerals costs less than both Instant Hydration and LMNT, coming in under $1 per serving with a subscription. Every purchase comes with free shipping, and there are additional bulk discounts for 60-day and 90-day orders.Β
Customer Experience Review
In this section, I dive into touchpoints like ease of ordering, flexibility of making modifications, and transparency on getting refunds and replacements. If you are going to commit to a brand, you want one that makes the entire experience seamless.
Instant Hydration Experience
Ordering Instant Hydration was not a very pleasant experience. First of all, I was confused into signing up for a subscription when I just wanted to complete a one-time purchase to see if the electrolyte powder worked for me. When I realized what had happened, I tried to cancel my subscription (after a mandatory 14-day wait) and was bombarded with videos guilt-tripping me into not canceling. I read other online reviews and found that many other customers had quite the difficulty in ordering and returning products with Instant Hydration.
My biggest concern is the frustrating policies that make refunds and returns cumbersome, which means you could be stuck with a product that may not work for you.
- Strict returns: Only on your first order, you get 50 days to raise a return request. But, the refund will only be approved if you haven't used more than 2 sticks from the box and return any gift items (water bottle, vitamin pack, etc.).
- Damaged packages get a 30-day return and replacement policy.
- Limited support: They will not attempt to help you with a refund or replacement if your package is lost by the delivery company.
- Non-refundable shipping fees: If the product is undeliverable and returned to them, they will issue a refund after subtracting the shipping fee.
LMNT Experience
Ordering LMNT was a breeze. I genuinely appreciate their free shipping and complete money-back guarantee without any time restrictions.
Their customer service team was also prompt in replying to my questions about the product, and trying out a different flavor than the one I had originally ordered. I also signed up for a subscription to understand how easy it was to manage or cancel my plan. Everything is crystal clear and manageable through the customer dashboard, and you can pause or alter your subscription with just a few clicks.
- Subscription policy: Pause, cancel, or change the frequency of your subscription at any time
- Return policy: No-questions-asked refund policy for products purchased on their website
- What customers are saying: Most people report A+ customer service experience
π Experience Winner: LMNT
This would have to go to LMNT. Their easy-to-order portal and no-questions-asked refund policies demonstrate that they put the customers first. There's also none of that guilt-tripping that Instant Hydration plays on when you try to cancel a subscription.
Live it Up also prides itself on excellent customer service that prioritizes flexibility, promptness, and a team of real people who care about your experience. All purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals
Instant Hydration, LMNT, and Vital Minerals are all solid options in the electrolyte powder space. However, if I had to pick one for comprehensive daily hydration and restoring electrolytes, I would go with Live it Up Vital Minerals. Here's why:Β
- Balanced sodium-to-potassium ratio
- Inclusion of calcium and vitamin C
- Coconut powder to support quick hydration
- Better price per serving than both comps
- Subtle, smooth, and refreshing flavor profiles that dissolves quickly
Vital Minerals has none of the artificial colors, sweeteners, or caffeine we usually see in hydration drinks. Plus, Live it Up products are backed by third-party testing and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
FAQs on Instant Hydration vs. LMNT
How is sel gris different from table salt?
Sel gris is a form of sea salt that's different from table salt based on taste, texture, mineral profile, and cost. Sel gris, which is featured in Instant Hydration, often tastes more earthy than regular table salt and also looks like fine grains or crystals.
Is it okay to drink LMNT every day?
This differs from person to person, but most people donβt need 1000mg of added sodium every day. If you eat a lot of processed foods, aren't physically active, don't live or work in humid conditions, or have an underlying medical condition, the extra 1000mg may tip your electrolyte balance. On the flip side, if you have high salt needs or are following a paleo or keto diet, then yes, you can drink LMNT on a more frequent basis. I would still recommend you start with half a packet and see how your body feels. It's also smart to consult a doctor or dietitian before jumping into any supplement regimen.Β
Does LMNT really hydrate you?
LMNT contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are all necessary electrolytes for cellular hydration and can certainly be more effective than plain water. But the ratio of the electrolytes is also key. As mentioned earlier, LMNT's mix heavily tips on the side of sodium, which not only limits its user base, but may also impact the sodium-potassium pump functioning. For a more balanced hydration formula, Live it Up Vital Minerals may be the better option.Β
What is the difference between LMNT and Instant Hydration?
Instant Hydration and LMNT differ in their electrolyte profile, cost, ingredient list, and purported benefits. Instant Hydration is more of a daily hydration drink, while LMNT is better suited for athletes, those who sweat profusely, and those living in really warm and humid places.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice or individualized nutrition counseling. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to supplements or medications. Any product or brand mentions are for general information and donβt guarantee results.
References
- https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Hydration-Electrolytes-Powder-Packets/dp/B0DDM7LKD4?th=1
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/instanthydration.com
- https://instanthydration.com/policies/shipping-policy
- https://instanthydration.com/pages/shop-all
- https://drinklmnt.com/collections/salt
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-happens-if-you-eat-too-much-salt
- https://help.drinklmnt.com/en-US/does-lmnt-use-table-salt-sea-salt-or-himalayan-salt-in-its-formula-315859
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-types#5-Magnesium-malate
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes
- https://www.avancecare.com/hydration-education-understanding-electrolytes-and-their-vital-role-in-your-health
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0ZNfRZRep0&t=185s
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1323420/
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMtJRHzyZ3M/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22110105/
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ904BkuYH7/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537088/
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