At a Glance
- Over 20 hydration drinks vary widely in calories, sodium, and sugar.
- Some contain high artificial sweeteners; others have low sugar.
- Sodium ranges from 100 mg to 1,000 mg per serving.
- Why it matters: Consumers can match a product to their hydration, calorie, and flavor preferences.
Hydration is more than water. With a growing market of powders, tablets, and ready-to-drink mixes, athletes and casual users alike face a maze of options that differ in nutrition, additives, and cost.
Sugar & Sodium Overview
The sodium content of these drinks spans a broad spectrum, from 100 mg in SaltStick Electrolyte FastChews to a staggering 1,000 mg in LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix. Carbohydrate and sugar levels also vary, with some products delivering as little as 1 g of carbs and others offering up to 20 g.
- High-sodium options (≥500 mg): LMNT, Bodyarmor Flash I.V., Quince Recovery Zero Sugar Hydration, IQBAR IQMIX.
- Low-sodium options (≤200 mg): SaltStick FastChews, Klar Energy + Hydration, DryWater Complete.
- Sugar-free or low-sugar: Thorne Daily Electrolytes, Buoy Electrolyte Drops, IQBAR IQMIX.
Sweeteners & Additives
Artificial sweeteners and colors are common, especially in flavored powders. Products like Liquid I.V. and Skratch Labs contain artificial sweeteners, while Thorne Daily Electrolytes and DryWater Complete use natural or no sweeteners.
- Artificial sweeteners present: Liquid I.V., Skratch Labs, SaltStick FastChews, Electrolit, Celsius, Bodyarmor Flash I.V., Shaklee, DryWater Complete, Klar Energy, Plink, IQBAR, LMNT.
- Natural or no sweeteners: Thorne Daily Electrolytes, Buoy Drops, Quince Recovery Zero Sugar.
Special Features
Some mixes offer added vitamins, caffeine, or cognitive enhancers. For example, Bodyarmor Flash I.V. includes caffeine and a bright neon color, while Shaklee adds focus-boosting ingredients.
| Product | Calories | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid I.V. | 50 | 500 | 13 | 11 |
| Skratch Labs | 80 | 400 | 20 | 19 |
| SaltStick FastChews | 10 | 100 | 2 | 2 |
| Electrolit | 40 | 330 | 10 | 10 |
| Celsius | 15 | 210 | 1 | 0 |
| Bodyarmor Flash I.V. | 15 | 510 | 1 | 0 |
| Thorne Daily Electrolytes | 5 | 480 | 1 | 0 |
| Shaklee | 20 | 300 | 5 | 4 |
| DryWater Complete | 15 | 380 | 2 | 0 |
| Klar Energy + Hydration | 10 | 200 | 0 | 0 |
| Plink | 10 | 250 | 3 | 1 |
| IQBAR IQMIX | 10 | 500 | 3 | 0 |
| LMNT | 10 | 1,000 | 2 | 0 |
| Buoy Drops | 0 | 50 | 0 | 0 |
| Quince Recovery Zero Sugar | 10 | 1,000 | 0 | 0 |
Key Takeaways
- Sodium and sugar levels vary dramatically; choose based on hydration needs and dietary restrictions.
- Artificial sweeteners are common; look for natural options if you prefer to avoid them.
- Some products add caffeine or vitamins, offering extra benefits beyond basic electrolytes.
Choosing the right hydration mix depends on your activity level, dietary goals, and flavor preferences. With clear nutrition labels and ingredient lists, you can find a product that fits your hydration strategy.
