I'm a registered dietitian, and electrolyte products have become a hot topic with my clients. I realized that, as more brands jump on the electrolyte bandwagon, it was time for me to start researching and sampling them all so I could offer my personal recommendations.
Because Nuun and Liquid I.V. are two of the most popular electrolyte brands, I decided to compare them side by side to see if there was a clear winner in the hydration department. I dug into their formulas, tastes, costs, and customer service experiences to determine which one best suits your hydration needs.
🏆 Who’s the winner? Nuun beat Liquid I.V. because it has a more balanced electrolyte formula with less sugar and fewer calories, at a budget-friendly price.
⭐ But is it the best? While Nuun has its perks, I still believe Live it Up Vital Minerals is the better choice. Live it Up features a balanced blend of electrolytes and vitamin C, without any added sugar, making it ideal for daily hydration support.
Nuun vs. Liquid I.V. at a Glance
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| Best for | Individuals who need to replenish electrolytes after a workout, sun exposure, or illness. | Individuals who need to replenish their fluids and are mindful of their sugar intake. |
| Electrolytes |
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| Flavors | 9 flavors | 19 flavors |
| Formula at a glance |
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| Sweeteners |
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| Price (with a subscription) | $0.64 per serving | $1.09 per serving |
Nuun Sport Overview
Founded by triathletes in 2004, Nuun set out to produce a healthier hydration alternative to sugar-laden sports drinks. The company focuses on hydration support, offering a variety of low-carb, low-sugar hydration products and tablets.
The Nuun Sport tablets claim to help athletes hydrate, support athletic performance, and prevent muscle and mental fatigue. The brand is also certified by Infomed Sport, meaning the final product is free of any banned or illegal substances.
Read the full Nuun review.
Nuun Pros
- Balanced electrolyte profile of sodium to potassium
- Non-GMO
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Comes in nine flavors
- Easy to consume on the go
- Budget-friendly
Nuun Cons
- Sweetened with dextrose
- Contains added additives like baking soda and avocado oil
- No added vitamins like vitamin C for heat tolerance
- Gritty texture and difficult to dissolve
Liquid I.V. Overview
In 2012, Cameron Killeen, Hayden Fulstone, and Brandin Cohen created Liquid I.V. as a healthier adult alternative to the baby drink Pedialyte. The brand leverages its Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), a specific ratio of sodium, glucose, and potassium to support quick hydration. The Hydration Multiplier electrolyte powder also claims to include three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks.
The brand says its hydration supplements can hydrate faster than water and support athletic performance and recovery.
Read the full Liquid I.V. review.
Liquid I.V. Pros
- Comes in 19 flavors and variety packs
- Includes two electrolytes (sodium and potassium)
- Contains B vitamins and vitamin C
- Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Comes in convenient travel packs
Liquid I.V. Cons
- Sweetened with sugar cane, dextrose, and stevia
- Contains 11g of added sugar
- High in calories
- Unbalanced electrolyte profile
- Overly sweet flavor
Hydration Formula Analysis
How well do these products support your hydration needs? Let's compare their formulas.
Nuun Formula
When I look at formulas, I start with electrolyte ratios. Nuun has a 2:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio, which I believe adequately supports optimal hydration. The Nuun formula also contains additional electrolytes (calcium, chloride, and magnesium), which are key to maintaining fluid balance and rehydrating your body.
While I was pleased to see electrolytes included, I was disappointed that the formula also contains dextrose and fillers like baking soda and avocado oil.
Nuun tablets are designed for fitness enthusiasts and active individuals who need to replenish electrolytes after intense workouts, as well as daily use (since it has a lower 300mg of sodium).
Liquid I.V. Formula
Liquid I.V. has 490-530 mg of sodium (depending on the flavor) and 370 mg of potassium, which is nearly a 5:4 ratio, meaning the electrolytes are unbalanced. While I appreciate the inclusion of several vitamins in the formula, I was surprised to see that the blend doesn't contain any other electrolytes, making me question how well this powder can meet your complete hydration needs.
The formula also contains cane sugar, dextrose, stevia, and citric acid to enhance the flavor. In fact, one serving contains 11g of added sugar (22% daily recommended value) and 50 calories. According to the FDA, a product with 20% or more of the DV for sugar is considered a high source of added sugar.
The Liquid I.V. brand says it is safe to consume the powder daily, but given its high-calorie and sugar content, I wouldn't recommend it for everyday use.
🏆 Formula Winner: Nuun
When comparing formulas, I would recommend Nuun over Liquid I.V. because it contains more electrolytes. Nuun also offers a better balance of sodium and potassium to support rapid hydration. Liquid I.V. does contain vitamins that may provide additional health benefits, but the powder also has more sugar and calories than Nuun, making it lose points in my book.
⭐ Want a better formula? I recommend Live it Up Vital Minerals because its formula provides a balanced ratio of sodium and potassium to support your hydration needs. It also contains calcium and vitamin C, which may help improve your heat tolerance, and is free of added sugars and artificial sweeteners. If you choose this formula, you don't have to worry about your sugar intake, and you can safely consume it on a daily basis.
Taste Review
Flavor is another essential factor to consider, so let's compare the tastes of these supplements.
Nuun Taste
I appreciate that Nuun comes in a variety of flavors, including the following:
- Tropical
- Tri-berry
- Orange
- Lemon lime
- Grape
- Fruit punch
- Watermelon
- Citrus fruit
- Strawberry
The taste was sweet and salty, due to the inclusion of stevia leaf and dextrose, but the flavor was actually quite subtle with a hint of citrus. Overall, I would consider these tablets among the more pleasant-tasting ones I've tried.
While the taste wasn't too bad, the dissolvability was another story. The tablet took a full five minutes to dissolve in water, even after I shook and stirred it up in my water bottle. For a product designed for on-the-go consumption, these Nuun tablets sure take their sweet time to dissolve and may still be gritty.
Liquid I.V. Taste
Liquid I.V. offers even more in the flavor department, with 19 fun flavors, such as Arctic Raspberry, Pear, Passion Fruit, Lemon Lime, and Guava.
While I appreciate all the different options, I wasn't a fan of the taste. It was very salty (after all, there is 500 mg of salt per serving), but also extremely sweet. The hydration multiplier formula includes a whopping 11g of added sugar, plus dextrose and stevia, so it's no wonder this hydration supplement has an overpowering sweet taste. I suspect the formula includes cane sugar to help mask the saltiness.
Compared to Nuun tablets, Liquid I.V. dissolved much more quickly, perhaps because it's in powder form rather than tablet form. It didn't cause a chalky mouthfeel like other powders, but it did leave a grainy texture that was impossible to ignore.
🏆 Taste Winner: Tie
In my opinion, Nuun tastes better than Liquid I.V., but the tablets don't dissolve as well as the powder and are quite grainy, so this comes out more as a tie for me.
⭐ Want a better taste? Live it Up Vital Minerals comes in two delicious, refreshing flavors (Lemon Lime and Pomegranate Mango) and offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Plus, the powder dissolves quickly and easily in liquid, making it easy to add to your everyday routine.
Cost Comparison
The price of these supplements is another deciding factor. Let's take a closer look at their cost comparisons.
Nuun Cost
- $7.49 ($0.75 per serving) for a single tube with 10 tablets (one-time purchase)
- $6.37 ($0.64 per serving) for a single tube with 10 tablets with a subscription
- $53.50 ($0.67 per serving) for a sport pack with eight tubes (one-time purchase)
- Free shipping on orders $45+
- Save 15% with a subscription
Liquid I.V. Cost
- $24.99 ($1.56 per stick) for a one-time purchase of one pouch with 16 sticks
- $17.49 ($1.09 per stick) for one pouch with 16 sticks with a subscription
- $49.98 ($1.56 per stick) for a one-time purchase of two pouches with 32 sticks
- $34.98 ($1.09 per stick) for two pouches with 32 sticks with a subscription
- $79.97 ($1.56 per stick) for a one-time purchase of three pouches with 48 sticks
- $52.47 ($1.56 per stick) for three pouches with 48 sticks with a subscription
- Free shipping on orders $40+
- Save 30% with a subscription
🏆 Cost Winner: Nuun
Nuun is the clear winner when it comes to price. While both brands have similar shipping policies, Nuun is much more affordable per serving than Liquid I.V. What's more, the Nuun sport pack includes 80 servings, which is nearly twice as many as Liquid I.V.'s three-pouch option. Costing only $0.64 per serving for a single tube with a subscription, Nuun tablets are an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Live it Up Vital Minerals is another affordable option, costing less than $1 per serving with a subscription and free shipping on all purchases, no matter what.
Customer Experience
Now, what if you have questions or concerns about your electrolyte supplements? It's crucial to purchase from a brand committed to providing a helpful, positive experience.
Nuun Experience
- Where to purchase: Nuun website, Amazon, CVS, Albertsons, REI, Target, and Walmart, among other retailers
- Return policy: 60-day satisfaction guarantee on orders purchased on nuunlife.com
- Subscription policy: Skip, change, or cancel at any time
- Customer service options: Call, email, or submit an inquiry on the Nuun website
- Customer service experience: Customers generally report a positive experience with customer support
Liquid I.V. Experience
- Where to purchase: Liquid IV website, Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, among other retailers
- Return policy: 60-day satisfaction guarantee on orders purchased on Liquid-IV.com
- Subscription policy: Pause or cancel at any time
- Customer service options: Call, email, or chat online
- Customer service experience: Customers report a lack of customer support with slow response times
🏆 Experience Winner: Nuun
Nuun and Liquid I.V. have similar customer service experiences, as they sell their products at a variety of retailers and offer nearly the same return and subscription policies. That said, based on customer feedback, it seems like customers had a slightly more positive experience dealing with Nuun representatives than those at Liquid I.V.
⭐ Want better service? Live it Up prides itself on offering the most helpful customer service. The team is always on hand to answer your questions and address any issues, and they're happy to provide a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with orders you can pause any time. While the brand currently only sells its product on its website, the positive customer service experience and flexible subscription options are well worth it.
Why Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals Instead
If we look at Nuun vs. Liquid I.V., both brands provide viable electrolyte products that may help you stay hydrated. However, they both have their fair share of shortcomings, from the inclusion of added sugars and fillers to issues with sweetness and dissolvability. Because of these drawbacks, I'll continue to recommend Live it Up Vital Minerals to my clients.
Live it Up Vital Minerals provides a refreshing hydration powder with balanced electrolytes and vitamin C to support your hydration levels. Its vegan formula is free of added sugar, GMOs, and artificial sweeteners and flavors. This powder is also affordable, comes in two refreshing flavors, and quickly dissolves in your drink, making it a great daily hydration option.
Of course, everyone has different dietary preferences, fitness goals, and lifestyles, but if you're looking to stay hydrated, I believe Live it Up Vital Minerals is an excellent hydration option.
FAQs about Nuun vs. Liquid I.V.
Check out some answers to your FAQs below!
What is the difference between Nuun and Liquid I.V.?
Nuun and Liquid I.V. are both electrolyte supplements that claim to replenish your electrolytes and provide quick hydration. The main difference is that Nuun provides electrolytes in tablet form, while Liquid I.V. provides them in powder form. Other differences are apparent in their formulas. For example, Nuun contains five electrolytes, while Liquid I.V. contains only two electrolytes, plus several vitamins and a lot of added sugar.
What’s the best electrolyte powder?
The best electrolyte powders contain a balanced electrolyte blend to achieve optimal hydration. I believe Live it Up Vital Minerals is one of the best electrolyte powders because it offers the ideal sodium-to-potassium blend and contains vitamin C, which provides additional health benefits. It's also a low-calorie option that does not contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Does Nuun actually hydrate you?
Yes, I believe Nuun can hydrate you because it contains a balanced electrolyte ratio, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. These electrolytes can help rehydrate you and maintain fluid balance, especially after you've lost fluids from exercise, sun exposure, or vomiting.
What is the downside to Liquid I.V.?
One of the biggest downsides to Liquid I.V. is its sugar and calorie content. One serving contains 11g of added sugar and 50 calories, which means it may not be suitable for daily consumption. If you're concerned about your sugar intake, I would recommend Live it Up Vital Minerals, a low-calorie alternative with more electrolytes and no added sugars.
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 don’t guarantee results.
References
- https://nuunlife.com/
- https://www.liquid-iv.com/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1323420/
- https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html
- https://healthmatters.nyp.org/do-we-need-to-supplement-our-electrolytes/
- https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-nutrition-facts-label
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236216/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK591820/
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