5 Best Alternatives To Liquid IV
If you're looking for hydration products but have concerns about Liquid IV, then this article is for you. As a company with over 10 years experience in supplements, we'll show you the best alternatives to Liquid IV.
Alternative To Liquid IV Less Sugar
One of the most popular reasons for seeking alternatives to Liquid IV is it contains too much sugar, 11 grams per packet.
As consumers have become more educated on the unhealthy and harmful effects of sugar, they look to avoid it.
Most hydration products contain sugar, but we'll provide you the best alternatives to Liquid IV with little or no sugar.
Downsides of Liquid IV
While Liquid IV has become a mainstream hydration product, there are two downsides to their powdered formula that you need to keep in mind.
1. Too Much Sugar
Liquid IVs contain a large amount of sugar, 11 grams per each packet. That's nearly half the recommended daily amount by AHA.³
Which means they can cause more harm than good for your body. While Liquid IV contains nutrients and electrolytes, the high levels of sugar can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, diabetes, and other serious health issues.²
The formula of Liquid IV is made based on Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), however, this formula was originally for severe dehydration and diarrhea.¹ Not for everyday use.
2. Synthetic Vitamins Hard to Absorb
The second problem with Liquid IV is that they contain synthetically produced vitamins, rather than naturally derived ones.
While these synthetic versions may look similar on paper, they can actually be harmful when consumed over long periods of time.⁴
This means that they may not be as easy for your body to absorb, in regards to bioavailability, versus whole-food supplements or other natural remedies.
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Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) - L-ascorbic acid is a synthetically made vitamin that's missing key bioflavonoids, and typically made from corn syrup.⁵
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Vitamin B5 (D-Calcium Pantothenate) - D-Calcium Pantothenate is made from formaldehyde to synthetically make vitamin B5.⁶
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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride) - Pyridoxine hydrochloride is made using petroleum and formaldehyde, and has actually been shown not absorb well and to obstruct natural B6 in the body.⁶
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Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - Cyanocobalamin is synthetically made from cyanide, which is considered highly toxic.⁶
Between having high amounts of sugar and containing synthetic vitamins that aren't readily absorbed, these are the downsides of using Liquid IV.
5 Best Alternatives To Liquid IV
Liquid IV has become a popular way of providing hydration and nutrients to the body. However, there are some downsides to this product that make it less than desirable.
We outline five alternatives to Liquid IV that are healthier options that you may want to consider.
Here's Our Five Best Alternatives To Liquid IV:
1. Zaca Chewables
A great alternative to Liquid IVs, Zaca's
chewable tablets are made with zero sugar and natural ingredients.
Formulated to help you rehydrate, replenish, and recover without the crash from sugar.
They are a great option for those who need quick access to hydration or want a convenient alternative. The chewables can be taken with or without water, and no mixing required — so they’re easy to use on-the-go or even while traveling or working out.
What separate's Zaca from most other hydration products is the strength and uniqueness of the formula. Made with herbs, amino acids, and antioxidants including glutamine and glutathione — you can vitalize your body and recover faster.
Either herbal or fermented, Zaca does not use synthetic ingredients and has a high level of bioavailability in its ingredients.
Lastly, Zaca's taste is one of the highest of hydration products on the market, with natural mixed-berry flavor and no aftertaste.
Directions: Simply take 2-4
Zaca chewables, or as needed.
2. LMNT
LMNT is a natural powder supplement that contains the basic electrolytes.
The three minerals in its formula are salt, potassium, and magnesium.
It doesn't contain any artificial ingredients or fillers, and sweetened with stevia leaf extract.
With 1,000mg of salt (sodium) in every stick pack, LMNT argues with science that sodium levels should be 2-3x higher than currently recommended by professionals.⁷
It's offered in a variety of flavors — from Chocolate Salt and Lemon Habanero to Mango Chili and Watermelon Salt. Although clean ingredients that's diet friendly, some customers do complain about the flavors being "too salty."
While is not as powerful and convenient of a product than Zaca's , LMNT is a great alternative to Liquid IV.
Directions: Mix 1 stick pack in 16-32 ounces of water based on flavor preference.
3. Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix
Cure is an electrolyte alternative using coconut water powder.⁹
Formulated like Liquid IV after the Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) made by the World Health Organization — which mixes sugar (glucose) and electrolytes.
The difference is that Cure has about half the sugar is Liquid IV at 4 grams. Although it only really contains salt and potassium for electrolytes, so a bit limited in the nutrients and benefits you could get.
Cure also advertises as low calories at 25, but Zaca does come out ahead in that area with only 5 calories.
This would be a Liquid IV alternative for those who want to cut down the sugar intake rather than eliminate it like with Zaca and LMNT.
Directions: Mix into 8-16 ounces of water, and drink as you need.
4. Nuun
Nuun hydration is a hydration brand founded in Seattle Washington.¹⁰
It's made as an effervescent tablets like alka seltzer that you can drop into water versus pouring powders. Nuun contain a mixture of four electrolytes including — sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Some customers do report dissatisfaction with the taste, however, these tablets have one of the lower counts for added sugar at only 1 gram per serving.
Directions: Drop into 16 ounces of water, wait 3 minutes to dissolve, then drink.
5. Propel
Propel powder packets are another alternative to Liquid IV that was actually created by The Gatorade Company.⁸
The focus of Propel versus Gatorade was on a healthy lifestyle option with no artificial colors, nor sugar.
Propel hydration is a mixture of electrolytes and vitamins. While these are key nutrients, the one downside is all the vitamins used are synthetic like Liquid IV. Therefore not bioavailable and potentially harmful vitamins — including its B3, B5, B6, B12, and Vitamin C.
Sweetened with sucralose instead of sugar, Propel is made with many flavor options and also available as a drink in addition to the powders.
Although an alternative to Liquid IV, this would not be our top pick.
Directions: Open and pour one powder packet with 16.9 ounces of water, then shake and enjoy.
In conclusion, there's pros and cons based on what product you choose, but these are the best alternatives to Liquid IV — which includes Zaca Hydration and Recovery Chewables, LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix, Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix, and Propel Hydration Powder Packets.
Liquid IV Alternatives Comparison Chart
This chart compares the top alternatives to Liquid IV.
Zaca vs LMNT vs Cure vs Nuun vs Propel
| |
Zaca |
LMNT |
Cure |
Nuun |
Propel |
| Hydrating |
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Multi-Purpose
|
✓
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Friendly
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
| Gluten Free |
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
| GMO Free |
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
| No Synthetic Vitamins |
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
| Take On-The-Go |
✓
|
✓ |
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
| No Artificial Sweeteners |
✓
|
✓ |
✓
|
✓
|
|
| Tastes Great |
✓
|
|
|
|
|
| Liver Support |
✓
|
|
|
|
|
| High In Antioxidants |
✓
|
|
|
|
|
| Standardized Herbs |
✓
|
|
|
|
|
| Sugar Free |
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
✓
|
| Low Carb |
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
✓
|
| Low Calories |
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
✓
|
| No Water Required |
✓
|
|
|
|
|
| Easy To Take |
✓
|
|
|
|
|
| Keto & Diet Friendly |
✓
|
✓ |
|
|
|
| Amino Acid Enhanced |
✓
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fast-Acting
|
✓
|
|
|
|
|
Our Top Choice Liquid IV Alternative
Whether you're a weekend warrior, an athlete, or world traveler — Zaca Chewables are designed to give your body what it needs in the most simple, convenient, and effective way possible. When you need to take your hydration recovery to the next level and eliminate sugar, Zaca is designed to fuel your body with amino acids. By formulating with glutamine, these chewables help with optimal hydration and sustained performance by enhancing water absorption. Rehydrate, replenish, and recover faster. Made with a potent blend of bioavailable, whole plant-based and fermented nutrients. Simply take 2-4 chewables as needed. Try Zaca Hydration Chewables today and fuel your performance.
FAQ's
Is There A Healthier Alternative To Liquid I.V.?
Yes, there are healthier alternatives to Liquid I.V..
Liquid IV claims to be "a natural, healthy way to hydrate your body." However, the amount of sugar alone is not healthy,³ and the synthetic vitamins are questionable and possibly harmful.¹¹
In this write-up we break down the five best alternatives to Liquid I.V. — which includes Zaca Hydration Chewables as the first pick — followed by LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix, Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix, and Propel Hydration Powder Packets.
Is It OK To Drink Liquid IV Everyday?
While Liquid IV has some essential electrolytes, it can actually have some dangerous side effects when taken too often or in large doses due to high amounts of sugar.
No more than 25 grams of sugar for women and 36 grams for men is recommended by the American Heart Association.³ We think even these levels are too high, added sugar should be minimal, but nevertheless this recommendation creates a maximum baseline.
You're intaking nearly half of your daily maximum in one stick pack of Liquid IV, with 9 grams each. To take these everyday or take multiple ones per day is very unhealthy amounts of sugar — that could lead to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver issues, cavities, poor sleep, poor mood, and aging, just to name a few.³
SOURCES:
1. Oral Rehydration Therapy (or Oral Rehydration Solution ORS)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_rehydration_therapy
2. 10 Reasons Why Sugar Is Bad for Your Health
https://www.atkins.com/how-it-works/library/articles/10-ways-sugar-harms-your-health
3. 12 Ways Too Much Sugar Harms Your Body
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ss/slideshow-diabetes-too-much-sugar
4. Vitamin Poisoning: Are We Destroying Our Health with Hi-Potency Synthetic Vitamins?
https://www.completefoodsnutrition.com/blog/vitamin-poisoning-are-we-destroying-our-health-with-hi-potency-synthetic-vitamins
5. Synthetic Vitamins
https://ntischool.com/synthetic-vitamins/
6. Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamins – What’s the Big Difference?
https://sunwarrior.com/blogs/health-hub/natural-vs-synthetic-vitamins
7. LMNT
https://drinklmnt.com/pages/ingredients
8. Propel Water and Powder Packets
https://www.propelwater.com/
9. Cure Hydration Packets
https://www.curehydration.com/
10. Nuun Hydration
https://nuunlife.com/
11. B-Aware: Cyanide In Your B-12 Vitamin
http://www.cityslim.com/blog/2018/11/12/b-aware-cyanide-in-your-b-12-vitamin
12. Liquid IV Hydration Packets
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IT9NLHW/
