Staying hydrated is essential for good health, sports performance, and day-to-day functionality. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function.
For people who struggle to drink enough plain water or need an extra boost of electrolytes, hydration drinks can help bridge the gap.
Two popular electrolyte drink options on the market are DripDrop ORS and LMNT. But which one is better for hydration?
This comprehensive guide compares DripDrop and LMNT on ingredients, taste, benefits, and overall value to help you decide which electrolyte drink best fits your hydration needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | DripDrop | LMNT |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium citrate, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, zinc gluconate, glucose, sucralose | Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride |
| Flavors | Lemon, Orange, Fruit Punch | 14 flavors like Citrus, Raspberry, Chocolate, Mango |
| Main Benefits | Oral rehydration, relief from dehydration | Electrolyte replenishment during exercise |
| Taste | Pleasant, fruity | Mild salty-mineral |
| Cost per serving | $0.70-$0.85 | $1.20 |
Key Differences Between DripDrop And LMNT
Ingredients
The main difference between DripDrop and LMNT lies in their list of ingredients.
DripDrop contains:
- Sodium citrate
- Potassium citrate
- Magnesium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Glucose
- Sucralose
LMNT contains:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Chloride
While both provide sodium, potassium, and magnesium, DripDrop includes additional zinc and sweeteners while LMNT contains chloride.
LMNT uses mineral salts for electrolytes while DripDrop relies on mineral citrates. The type of mineral compound used affects the taste, solubility, and absorption rate.
Citrates tend to be more soluble and have a tart, fruity taste. Mineral salts dissolve less readily and have a more neutral salty flavor.
Salts also provide electrolytes in their free ionic form, allowing for rapid absorption. Citrates break down more slowly into free minerals.
This means LMNT may provide quicker hydration, while DripDrop offers a smoother, more pleasant taste.
Flavors
DripDrop comes in 3 flavors: Lemon, Orange, and Fruit Punch.
LMNT comes in 14 flavors: Citrus, Orange, Raspberry, Lime, Grapefruit, Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon, Pina Colada, Cranberry, Mango, Watermelon, Cacao, Pineapple Coconut, and Unflavored.
So in terms of variety, LMNT offers many more options to suit different flavor preferences.
DripDrop sticks to classic sports drink flavors like fruit punch and orange.
Both brands use natural flavors and sweeteners, although DripDrop relies more heavily on sucralose to reduce bitterness and calories.
Benefits
As electrolyte drinks, both DripDrop and LMNT aim to:
- Hydrate better than water alone
- Replace electrolytes lost through sweat and illness
- Provide energy
- Prevent dehydration symptoms like cramps and headaches
However, DripDrop is specifically formulated as an oral rehydration solution for relief from mild to moderate dehydration.
Studies show DripDrop works as well as IV fluids for treating dehydration from exercise, GI illness, or heat exposure. It helps you rehydrate up to 2x faster than water.
So DripDrop is ideal for quick rehydration after intense exercise and for illness recovery.
LMNT can also rehydrate effectively but may be better for electrolyte replenishment during long workouts or outdoor activities causing heavy sweat loss. It contains more sodium and potassium per serving than DripDrop.
So LMNT seems optimal for sports applications while DripDrop targets rehydration during and after illness.
Taste
DripDrop has a pleasant, fruity taste thanks to citrates and sucralose.
It lacks the extreme sweetness of sports drinks but still tastes good chilled.
Flavors like Fruit Punch and Orange go down easily.
LMNT has a milder salty-mineral taste.
The citrus flavors add tartness to offset the saltiness while fruit flavors like pineapple coconut provide sweetness. But LMNT is generally more neutral tasting compared to DripDrop.
So DripDrop likely has broader appeal for those who don’t enjoy strong mineral flavors. But LMNT offers more versatility for adding different flavors to water or smoothies.
Cost
DripDrop comes in small 10-count packs or 30-count tubs. The 10-count box costs around $7 while the tub costs around $25. This equates to about $0.70-0.85 per serving.
LMNT comes in a 30-count tub for around $36, making each serving around $1.20. However, you can save more by subscribing.
So DripDrop is more affordable per serving compared to LMNT. But you get more flavors and customization with a tub of LMNT.
Which Is Better – DripDrop or LMNT?
So when it comes down to DripDrop vs LMNT, which electrolyte drink is the winner?
Here’s a quick recap on how they compare:
- Ingredients: DripDrop contains additional zinc, glucose and sweeteners while LMNT sticks to just key electrolyte salts.
- Flavors: DripDrop offers classic fruit flavors while LMNT has many more unique flavor options.
- Benefits: DripDrop specializes in illness recovery and rehydration while LMNT focuses on athletic electrolyte needs.
- Taste: DripDrop tastes fruity and sweet while LMNT is more mildly salty.
- Cost: DripDrop is less expensive per serving compared to LMNT.
Overall, DripDrop is the better choice for quick oral rehydration and relieving dehydration symptoms. With its good flavor and affordable pricing, it’s ideal for rehydrating after illness.
But LMNT is the better option if you mainly need an electrolyte boost for long workouts and athletic performance.
The wider range of flavors allows more customization for adding to water or protein shakes.
So in choosing between DripDrop and LMNT, consider your main hydration needs.
DripDrop works best for rehydration while LMNT better serves athletic electrolyte replenishment.
Pick DripDrop for illness recovery and LMNT for exercise and sports. Or try both to compare the taste and effects!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Liquid IV and LMNT both provide electrolyte hydration, but there are some key differences:
1. Liquid IV contains 5 key electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium chloride, phosphate) while LMNT has 4 (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride).
2. Liquid IV uses a blend of glucose, sucrose, and stevia for sweetening. LMNT is unsweetened or uses monk fruit.
3. Liquid IV dissolves quickly while LMNT salts take longer to dissolve.
4. Liquid IV comes in over 15 fruit flavors. LMNT has 14 flavors including fruit, chocolate, and unflavored.
5. Liquid IV costs around $1 per serving while LMNT is $1.20 per serving.
So in summary, Liquid IV provides more electrolytes and sweetness while LMNT offers more flavor versatility. Liquid IV hydrates faster but both can effectively rehydrate. Liquid IV is slightly cheaper.
For most people, either will effectively provide electrolyte hydration. Liquid IV is ideal if you want a drink with more sweetness and quick solubility. LMNT is better for custom flavors and adding to your own beverages.
DripDrop and Gatorade are both electrolyte drinks, but DripDrop has some advantages:
1. DripDrop contains more potassium, magnesium, and zinc than Gatorade. It has a better electrolyte profile.
2. DripDrop is lower in sugars. Gatorade’s main ingredients are sucrose and dextrose while DripDrop uses sucralose.
3. DripDrop is designed for illness recovery while Gatorade focuses on athletic performance. So DripDrop is better for rehydrating after vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
4. DripDrop comes in more convenient powdered stick packs while Gatorade uses bottles and powders.
5. DripDrop is absorbed up to 2x faster than Gatorade.
So in summary, DripDrop contains better electrolyte levels for rehydration, has lower sugar and calories, and is more convenient and portable. It’s the better choice for relieving dehydration symptoms from illness or heat exposure. Gatorade is fine for workouts but doesn’t rehydrate as quickly or effectively as DripDrop.
Yes, DripDrop is a healthy hydration option that provides key benefits:
1. It contains optimal levels of electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium needed for hydration. This helps it rehydrate better than water alone.
2. It is low in sugar compared to sports drinks, containing just 2g per serving. The sweeteners used are gentler on blood glucose levels.
3. The citrates help you absorb fluids faster than mineral salts. DripDrop can hydrate 2x faster than water.
4. It is calorie-free and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
5. The portable powdered sticks make it convenient to hydrate anywhere.
6. It tastes pleasant without being overly sweet like soda.
So DripDrop effectively provides safe hydration with natural ingredients. It’s a healthy way to get essential electrolytes without extra sugars or additives.
Liquid IV and Prime are both electrolyte drink mixes that help hydrate. Here’s how they compare:
1. Liquid IV has 5 electrolytes while Prime only has 3 (sodium, potassium, magnesium). So Liquid IV replaces more lost nutrients.
2. Liquid IV uses all natural ingredients – Prime contains artificial sweeteners and colors.
3. Liquid IV has more flavor options – over 15 vs 7 fruity flavors for Prime.
4. Liquid IV dissolves faster for quicker hydration.
5. Liquid IV is cheaper – about $1 per serving vs $1.50 for Prime.
So in summary, Liquid IV provides more complete electrolyte replenishment with a more natural formula and costs less per serving compared to Prime. Liquid IV is the better choice for most people needing a hydration supplement for illness, travel, or exercise.
Wrapping Up
Proper hydration is key for both health and performance. DripDrop and LMNT provide two options to help achieve optimal fluid and electrolyte levels.
DripDrop stands out when you need rapid rehydration after illness or exercise thanks to its balanced electrolyte formula, great taste, and fast absorption.
LMNT shines for athletes who want to customize their electrolyte intake across long workouts and events. With endless flavor options, it can be added to any beverage.
In the battle of DripDrop vs LMNT, DripDrop carries the advantage for convenience and rehydration effectiveness. But flavor versatility makes LMNT a top choice for adding electrolytes to your athletic regimen.
Try out both to see which you prefer and ensure you stay hydrated when you need it most!