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Hydrant vs. Liquid IV: The Electrolyte Powder I’ll Actually Keep Reordering

Chelsey Buhr
ByChelsey BuhrMay 12, 2025Sponsored

When it comes to staying hydrated, I’ve learned over the years that not all electrolyte drinks are created equal. I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to make drinking water easier, whether I’m getting through a busy workday, hitting the gym, or just trying to keep up with life in general. 

I decided to try both Hydrant and Liquid IV, two popular hydration powders, and after going back and forth between the two, I’m here to share my experience with both.

The one that tastes the best… Hydrant

Okay, let’s talk flavor. As someone who’s tried just about every electrolyte drink on the market, the taste is huge for me. I’ve tried Liquid IV in the past and I’ve always found it a bit too sweet—almost like it was trying to trick me into thinking I was having a sugary soda. It also has a noticeably salty aftertaste that I couldn’t ignore. 

Hydrant, though? It’s totally different. I’m obsessed with the blood orange flavor—it’s super refreshing and not too overpowering. They use real fruit juice powder for flavor, not artificial stuff or stevia, so it tastes clean and natural. There’s no weird saltiness or syrupy sweetness—just crisp, balanced hydration. I actually look forward to drinking it.

The one with less sugar… Hydrant

Liquid IV’s ingredients aren’t terrible, but when I really looked at them, I wasn’t thrilled about the amount of sugar and the fact that they use glucose to deliver their electrolytes. I try to avoid unnecessary sugar in my diet, so this didn’t sit right with me. 

With Hydrant, the first thing I noticed was how much cleaner it felt. It’s made with a blend of electrolytes like magnesium and potassium (which is great for muscle recovery), and the sugar content is much lower. No stevia, no artificial sweeteners, and just enough real cane sugar to help your body absorb water efficiently. Plus, the ingredients are simple and transparent—no dyes, preservatives, or unnecessary extras.

The one that goes beyond hydration… Hydrant

While both brands help with hydration, Hydrant stands out for how it makes me feel throughout the day. I started noticing that I didn’t just feel more hydrated—I felt better overall. More energized, less foggy, and even less fatigued after long days or workouts.

I’ve also had fewer muscle cramps since making Hydrant part of my daily routine, and I’ve heard the same from others who use it regularly. Whether I’m recovering after a tough workout or powering through a mid-afternoon slump, Hydrant gives me that balanced, steady boost without any jittery side effects. And again, no stevia and no synthetic flavorings—just real fruit juice powder for a clean, refreshing boost.

The one that’s easier to throw in my purse… Both

When it comes to convenience, both Hydrant and Liquid IV make it super easy to stay hydrated on the go. Their slim, lightweight packets fit neatly into my purse, gym bag, or backpack without taking up much space. Wherever I’m headed—gym, errands, travel—they’ve got me covered.

The one that’s a better value… Hydrant

Let’s be real—nobody wants to pay an arm and a leg for hydration powders. Liquid IV costs about $1.56 per stick ($24.99 for 16), which adds up fast if you’re using it daily.

Hydrant, on the other hand, comes out to around $1.07 per stick ($31.99 for 30)—and that’s before you factor in free shipping and a bonus gift with their subscription. For something I use almost every day, that lower price point makes a big difference. It feels like I’m getting more without compromising on quality.

The Bottom Line: Why Hydrant Wins

At the end of the day, Hydrant has won me over because it’s just a better fit for my lifestyle. From the clean ingredients and natural flavors to the unbeatable value and convenience, it checks all the boxes for me. I love that it uses real fruit juice powder for flavor and skips stevia entirely—no weird aftertaste, just crisp, refreshing hydration.

If you're looking for a way to hydrate that doesn’t taste like sugar water and leaves you feeling good inside and out, Hydrant is definitely the way to go.