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Liquid IV Review: Nice to Have, But Not Essential

Last Updated on May 17, 2023

Dietitian Rating:

4.6

About This Rating
The average rating of this product is calculated based on the evaluation of the following factors:
  • Support for Claims:4.5
  • Ingredient Safety:5.0
  • Customer Service:4.5
  • Value for the Price:4.5

If Liquid IV's price fits your budget, it is a fun, convenient, and tasty electrolyte drink mix that will help keep you hydrated, either daily or on an as-needed basis.

Written by
Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian nutritionist with 14 years of experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics. She graduated from UCLA in 2002 with a degree in psychology and women’s studies and completed her master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2010
Written by
SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD spent several years working in various dietetic roles and settings, including research, public health, dialysis, and acute care. She became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in 2013, while completing her Master of Science degree at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Medically Reviewed by
Natalie Olsen, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-EP
Registered Dietitian, Certified Exercise Physiologist
Natalie is a registered dietitian, functional medicine practitioner and certified exercise physiologist with over 15 years experience in the health and wellness industry and holds a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine through a collaborative program provided by the University of Western States and the Institute of Functional Medicine.
Liquid IV Review: Nice to Have, But Not Essential
Photo by WellnessVerge

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

  • Liquid IV is a solid choice for hydration based on a concept called oral rehydration therapy, which has over 40 years of research.
  • It comes in 10 exciting flavors and several formulations containing ingredients supporting your energy, immunity, and sleep.
  • While water alone is adequate enough for most people, based on scientific evidence and our experience, Liquid IV is a great addition that will help you rehydrate and stay hydrated effectively.
  • The one major downside of Liquid IV is the sugar and sodium content, which may be high for some. Still, it is healthier than most popular sports drinks.
  • Most customer reviews are positive, and folks appear to really enjoy the product. Many say the powder mixes well into water, but some flavors can be too sweet. Many reviewers enjoy the Lemon Lime flavor best.

What Liquid IV Gets Right

  • Offers hydration benefits
  • Uses science-backed ingredients
  • Contains no allergens, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Dissolves and mixes easily
  • The company is involved in many humanitarian projects

Important Considerations

  • Each stick contains 11 grams of sugar, which may be too much for some
  • High in sodium with 22% of the Daily Value per stick
  • It may be expensive for some, especially when purchased from the brand’s website

Try Liquid IV

Liquid IV at a Glance

Liquid IV is a line of electrolyte powders designed to be added to water to enhance hydration and provide targeted support for energy, immunity, sleep, and digestion. It has 3x the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks with less than half the sugar and calories.

The differentiator of Liquid IV compared to other hydration products is its Cellular Transport Technology (CTT). CTT is based on the oral rehydration therapy formula, an extensively researched way to rehydrate after severe dehydration. It uses a specific ratio of glucose (sugar), sodium, potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin C to enhance the hydration potential of water.

While water alone is a good source of hydration, sometimes it is difficult to drink enough of it, especially if you’re busy or have certain conditions. Liquid IV may be a good fit for:

  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • People who struggle with water intake
  • Athletes and highly active people
  • People on long-distance rides or hikes
  • People who are getting over a cold or flu, stomach bug, or food poisoning as they may be more dehydrated
  • People with higher sweat rates where more electrolytes may be lost
  • People who work outside or in physical jobs
  • Elderly people (who often have a declining sense of thirst, along with a higher risk of dehydration) (1)
  • People that need rehydration after an evening of enjoying a few (or too many) adult beverages

Liquid IV is also great for anyone to stack in your pantry (we will share how we use it later in this review).

Liquid IV packets
Photo by WellnessVerge

Understanding How Liquid IV Works

Liquid IV applied the oral rehydration therapy (ORT) approach to their product and rebranded it for a health-focused consumer and athlete.

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT), originally promoted by the World Health Organization to help children with diarrhea and dehydration, has been extensively researched and used for over 40 years. (2)

Classic ORT beverages contain a combination of sodium chloride, glucose, and potassium to create a liquid of a very specific osmolarity, allowing the liquid to move into the body faster. (3)

Specifically, Liquid IV uses Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®) and contains a combination of glucose (sugar), sodium, potassium, and water in specific ratios that can be absorbed and utilized by your body more quickly than plain water can. This is due to the differences in the way these components are absorbed.

One study that involved recreationally active, healthy male subjects found that oral rehydration solutions (ORS) similar to Liquid IV improved fluid balance more than water. (4)

Water alone is absorbed into the body via a passive process called osmosis, which occurs gradually throughout the digestive tract.

However, when in the presence of sodium, glucose, and potassium, water is absorbed earlier and more quickly in the digestion process, along with the other components, through a process known as active transport. (5)

The Products Liquid IV Offers

Below we’ll talk about the five variations of Liquid IV that support your hydration, energy, sleep, immune system, and digestion.

Hydration Multiplier

The Hydration Multiplier is Liquid IVs primary product. The ingredients include CTT (glucose, sodium, potassium), water-soluble B vitamins, and vitamin C. Each stick has 45 calories.

The sodium comes from mined salt. The potassium is in the form of potassium citrate. The glucose comes from pure cane sugar that is non-GMO.

Hydration Multiplier is high in sugar and sodium, with 11 grams of sugar and 500 mg of sodium per serving (this amounts to 22% of the Daily Value for sodium). Since most of us already consume too much sugar and salt, we would not recommend consuming more than 1 of these packets per day. (6)

Energy Multiplier

The Energy Multiplier provides hydration and added ingredients that may help boost energy. These include coffee fruit extract, which comes from the fruit of the coffee plant, and L-theanine. Caffeine and L-theanine can each improve attention and focus, and the effect may be more potent when combined. (7)

Each serving provides 100 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to about one cup of coffee (so be mindful if you are getting additional caffeine from other sources throughout the day to stay within a safe range or if you’re sensitive).

Sleep Multiplier

Sleep Multiplier contains evidence-based ingredients that can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help improve sleep. Still, some are in smaller dosages than are recommended. Such ingredients include melatonin, L-theanine, and valerian root. (8, 9, 10)

We recommend not drinking more than one packet at nighttime of this drink because too much valerian root, L-theanine, and melatonin can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sleepiness. However, the amounts of these ingredients in one packet are in safe ranges.

Hydration Multiplier+ Immune Support

The Immune Support product contains CTT, vitamin C, zinc, and a proprietary ingredient called Wellmune, which is important for immune function. Wellmune contains beta-glucans, which have been found to support immune health. (11, 12, 12)

Hydration Multiplier+ Probiotic Kombucha

Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier+ Probiotic Kombucha contains 1 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of the bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans and kombucha (fermented tea) in the powder. Both are sources of probiotics, or living bacteria, that can populate the gut and potentially help improve digestive health. (13)

Our Personal Experience

Editor’s Note: At Wellnessverge, we evaluate hundreds of products, some of which become part of our daily routines. Here’s how our co-founder, Vlad Rappoport, uses Liquid IV.

For the past two years, we’ve always been stocked up on Liquid IV in our pantry, which we buy from our local Costco. I don’t drink it daily, but I think it has its uses. That’s why I consume it occasionally.

Growing up, I really enjoyed Gatorade as I was active during my childhood and teen years, and this was way before Liquid IV emerged. However, today, I would prefer Liquid IV over Gatorade (a no-brainer for me) because Gatorade is just so sweet — nearly double the sugar content than Liquid IV.

I look forward to drinking Liquid IV and enjoy its taste since I always drink plain water. (Don’t get me wrong, I love my water!) Liquid IV does come in a variety of flavors, but we tend to have lemon for the original hydration multiplier, pineapple for the energy multiplier, and tangerine for the immunity boost.

Based on the flavor, it tastes and smells like you would imagine and gives off a pleasant aroma. I prefer it with cold water (Liquid IV recommends that too). It is rather sweet but has a hint of zestiness and somewhat of a tarty taste. I also enjoy the original Multiplier’s lemon-lime flavor, which tastes like a tarty lemonade drink.

It’s super easy to prepare and doesn’t require a blender or mixer. I simply pour the powder from the packet into a glass, fill it with cold water, and use a spoon to stir for about 10 seconds. Everything dissolves easily, tastes balanced, and leaves no sediment or powder clunks.

Does Liquid IV actually help me? Sure, I can say I feel more hydrated. I used to play late evening basketball games in local leagues, so I would take the Energy Multiplier beforehand to boost me since it contains as much caffeine as an average cup of coffee does. But who’s going to brew coffee late into the evening? Not me. I find the Energy Multiplier great for such needs or when I simply want another caffeine boost during the day and am not in the mood to make coffee or drink something hot. After drinking the Energy Multiplier, I feel the caffeine kicking in rather quickly.

Also, I drink the immunity booster due to its ingredients. I can’t say it makes me feel better. Still, I enjoy the tangerine taste and know I am consuming something that can help support my immunity. My wife and I drink this more often during cold and flu season!

Overall, I feel hydrated and don’t find myself running to the fridge every half hour for water (like I usually do on hot days here in California) after drinking Liquid IV. I’m not sure how I can quantify getting hydrated 2–3x faster than water, but I appreciate Liquid IV’s taste, brand, and social causes. I view it more as a “nice-to-have” type of drink rather than a “need-to-have.”

Liquid IV mixed with water
Photo by WellnessVerge

Where to Get the Best Price

The price of Liquid IV varies significantly depending on the retailer. Most retailers carry a limited variety of flavors, so ordering from the brand is the only option if you want a greater variety. In addition, some products, like Sleep Multiplier and Probiotic Kombucha, are only available from the brand’s website.

Here is how the prices compare among popular retailers:

Retailer

Hydration Multiplier

Energy Multiplier

Liquid IV

16-pack, $24.99 ($1.56/stick)

14-pack, $24.99 ($1.78/stick)

Amazon

16-pack, $23.45 ($1.47/stick)

14-pack, $24.99 ($1.78/stick)

Costco

30-pack, $29.99 ($0.99/stick)

24-pack, $29.99 ($1.25/stick)

GNC

15-pack, $22.99 ($1.53/stick)

N/A

Walmart

30-pack, $40.84 ($1.36/stick)

6-pack, $9.98 ($1.66/stick)

Target

10-pack, $15.99 ($1.59/stick)

10-pack, $17.99 ($1.79/stick)

You can get additional discounts (5%–20%) by opting into a monthly subscription directly from the brand as well as Amazon and GNC. When buying directly from the brand, you also get free shipping on all orders and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

How Liquid IV Compares to Alternatives

Here’s how Liquid IV compares to four popular alternatives.

Nuun

Nuun is similar to Liquid IV, offering dissolvable tablets containing electrolytes. These tablets dissolve easily in water. Nuun also carries a variety of products for energy and immunity, similar to Liquid IV.

Both Nuun and Liquid IV contain stevia leaf extract. However, one key difference between the products is that Nuun does not contain pure cane sugar. So, if you're looking for a product free of cane sugar, Nuun may be a better fit.

Drip Drop

Drip Drop also uses ORT in its products and offers packets of electrolytes that can be easily mixed into a water bottle. However, they offer two sizes — 8-ounce and 16-ounce.

Drip Drop contains the artificial sweetener sucralose in addition to fructose and sugar.

Gatorade

Gatorade is a popular sports drink available in several flavors and varieties. You can purchase it at nearly all grocery, convenience, and big box stores.

Thirst Quencher contains significantly more sugar at 21 grams per bottle and fewer electrolytes than Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier. It also contains food dyes and other artificial ingredients.

Pedialyte Electrolyte Water

Pedialyte is a convenient and sugar-free alternative to Liquid IV that requires no mixing. Pedialyte started by offering oral rehydration solutions for kids, but now they offer several different hydration products for adults as well.

Their electrolyte water can be purchased by the liter. It is sweetened with the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier

Nuun Daily

Drip Drop

Gatorade Thirst Quancer

Pedialyte Classic

Key Ingredients

Sodium, Sugar, Potassium, B vitamins, Vitamin C

Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Sodium, Potassium

Sodium, Sugar, Fructose, Potassium, Dextrose, Magnesium, Zinc

Sugar, Dextrose, Sodium, Potassium

Sodium, Potassium, Zinc, Chloride

Sweetener

Dextrose, cane sugar, and stevia leaf extract

Stevia leaf extract

Fructose, sugar and sucralose

Sugar and dextrose

Sucralose and acesulfame potassium

Sugar

11 g

0 g

7 g

21 g

9 g

Calories

45

15

35

80

45

Sodium

500 mg

100 mg

330 mg

160 mg

370 mg

Artificial Ingredients

None

None

Artificial sweetener

Food dyes and artificial ingredients

Artificial sweeteners

Form

Powder

Tablet

Powder

Beverage

Beverage

General Price Per Serving

$1.56

$0.69

$1.18

$1.12

$1.83

Shipping

Free

$4.99, free on orders over $45 or subscription

Free

Varies based on the retailer

Varies based on the retailer

Returns

60-day money-back guarantee

60-day money-back guarantee

60-day money-back guarantee

Varies based on the retailer

Varies based on the retailer

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At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.

  1. Narrative Review of Low-Intake Dehydration in Older Adults - PMC:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8470893/
  2. Oral Rehydration Therapy in the Second Decade of the Twenty-first Century - PMC:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3950600/
  3. Reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution for treating dehydration caused by acute diarrhoea in children - PubMed:
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869639/
  4. randomized trial to assess the potential of different beverages to affect hydration status: development of a beverage hydration index | The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | Oxford Academic:
    https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/103/3/717/4564598
  5. Electrolytes - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
  6. Sodium | cdc.gov:
    https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/sodium.htm
  7. Acute effects of theanine, caffeine and theanine-caffeine combination on attention - PubMed:
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26869148/
  8. Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed:
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33417003/
  9. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed:
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31623400/
  10. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed:
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33086877/
  11. Dietary modulation of immune function by β-glucans:
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938407004702
  12. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7818810/
  13. Spore-forming Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 improved intestinal motility and constipation perception mediated by microbial alterations in healthy adults with mild intermittent constipation: A randomized controlled trial - PubMed:
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34119240/