Re-Lyte Vs. Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Powders: A Comprehensive Comparison

I’ve always been curious about how to stay properly hydrated, especially during intense workouts or those scorching summer days when I’m sweating buckets.

With electrolyte powders like Redmond Re-Lyte and Liquid I.V. dominating the market, I wanted to understand which one truly delivers the hydration punch.

This article compares these two popular products, breaking down their ingredients, flavors, costs, and effectiveness. By sharing my experience and analyzing their pros and cons, I’ll help you decide which electrolyte powder suits your needs best.

A Brief Comparison Table

Why Electrolytes Matter To Me?

Electrolytes are the unsung heroes of hydration.

They’re minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that keep your body’s fluids balanced, your muscles firing, and your energy steady.

I learned this the hard way after a half-marathon left me cramping and dizzy—classic signs of electrolyte depletion.

Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or just someone who sweats a lot, these powders can be a game-changer.

Re-Lyte and Liquid I.V. both aim to replenish what you lose through sweat, but they approach it differently. Let’s break down what makes each one tick.

Re-Lyte: My Take On Its Strengths

I first stumbled across Redmond’s Re-Lyte when I was looking for a low-carb, high-electrolyte option to fuel my morning runs.

Made by Redmond, a company known for its mineral-rich salt, Re-Lyte boasts a clean ingredient list and a focus on delivering serious hydration without fluff. Here’s what I love about it.

• High Electrolyte Content

Re-Lyte doesn’t mess around when it comes to electrolytes.

Each serving packs 810mg of sodium, 400mg of potassium, 1280mg of chloride, 60mg of calcium, and 50mg of magnesium.

That’s a hefty dose compared to many competitors.

For someone like me, who sweats buckets during intense workouts, this blend feels like a lifeline.

The high sodium and chloride content mimics what you lose in sweat, making it ideal for athletes or anyone on a keto diet needing extra sodium to avoid the dreaded “keto flu.”

• Clean Ingredients

I’m picky about what I put in my body, and Re-Lyte’s ingredient list is refreshingly simple. It uses coconut water powder for natural hydration, non-GMO citric acid for tartness, and stevia for sweetness. There’s no sugar, artificial colors, or fillers.

Redmond sources its salt from an ancient deposit in Utah, which they claim retains trace minerals. I’m not sure how much those trace minerals move the needle, but I appreciate the transparency and the lack of junk.

• Zero Sugar, Zero Calories

For anyone watching their carb intake, Re-Lyte is a dream. It’s sweetened with stevia, which gives it a clean taste without spiking blood sugar. I’ve found it mixes smoothly into water, and the flavors—like Mixed Berry or Lemon Lime—are subtle but pleasant. If you’re on a low-carb or fasting plan, this is a no-brainer.

• Cost-Effective

At roughly $1.33 per serving (based on a 30-serving tub costing $39.99), Re-Lyte offers solid value. You’re getting a lot of electrolytes for your buck, especially compared to pricier boutique brands. I’ve found it’s cheaper than buying individual sports drinks, and the tub lasts me a month of daily use.

Re-Lyte: Where It Falls Short

No product is perfect, and Re-Lyte has a few quirks that might not work for everyone.

• Taste Can Be Salty: The high sodium and chloride content means Re-Lyte can taste saltier than other powders. I didn’t mind it after a sweaty workout, but when I tried sipping it casually, it felt a bit intense. If you prefer sweeter, milder flavors, you might need to dilute it more than the recommended 16 ounces of water.
• Limited Flavor Variety: With seven flavors, Re-Lyte’s lineup is decent but not expansive. I enjoyed the Mixed Berry and Watermelon Lime, but I found myself wanting more options after a few weeks. If you’re someone who craves variety, you might feel a bit boxed in.
• Less Accessible: Re-Lyte isn’t as widely available as some competitors. You can order it online from Redmond’s website or Amazon, but you won’t find it in every grocery store. I had to plan ahead to avoid running out, which was a minor hassle compared to grabbing something off a store shelf.

Liquid I.V.: What I Liked

Liquid I.V. is practically a household name in the hydration world, and I can see why. It’s marketed as a premium electrolyte drink with a unique twist: Cellular Transport Technology (CTT). Here’s what stood out to me.

• Cellular Transport Technology: Liquid I.V.’s big claim is its CTT, a blend of sodium, potassium, and glucose designed to mimic the World Health Organization’s oral rehydration solution. The idea is that this combo helps water absorb faster into your bloodstream. I noticed a difference after using ii during a hot yoga session—it rehydrated me quickly, and I felt less sluggish than usual. The science behind CTT seems legit, and it’s a big reason Liquid I.V. has a loyal following.
• Added Vitamins: Unlike Re-Lyte, Liquid I.V. includes vitamins like C, B3, B5, B6, and B12. I’m not convinced I need these in an electrolyte drink since I get plenty from my diet, but it’s a nice bonus for casual users who might not eat as balanced as they should. It feels like a multivitamin and hydration in one scoop.
• Flavor Variety: With over 10 flavors like Passion Fruit, Lemon Lime, and even seasonal ones like Pumpkin Spice, Liquid I.V. keeps things exciting. I loved the crisp, sweet-tart taste of their Raspberry Melon—it’s less salty than Re-Lyte and feels more like a treat. The sugar-free versions use allulose, which I found just as tasty without the carbs.
• Wide Availability: You can find Liquid I.V. almost anywhere—grocery stores, pharmacies, even airports. I grabbed a pack at a gas station once when I was parched on a road trip, and it was a lifesaver. The convenience factor is a big win for busy folks who don’t want to order online.

Liquid I.V.: The Downsides

Liquid I.V. has a lot going for it, but there are some drawbacks I noticed.

• Sugar Content: The standard version has 11g of sugar and 45 calories per serving, which is fine for casual use but a dealbreaker for low-carb folks like me. The sugar-free version cuts that to 0g and 10 calories, but it’s not as widely available. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you’ll need to hunt for it.
• Lower Electrolyte Content: Liquid I.V. offers 500mg of sodium and 370mg of potassium per serving, which is solid but lower than Re-Lyte. It also lacks magnesium and calcium, and chloride isn’t listed. For intense workouts or heavy sweating, I found it less effective at preventing cramps compared to Re-Lyte.
• Higher Cost: At about $1.50 per serving (16 servings for $23.99), Liquid I.V. is pricier than Re-Lyte, especially considering you’re getting fewer electrolytes. I felt the cost added up quickly, especially if you’re using it daily.
• Artificial Additives: While Liquid I.V.’s ingredients are generally safe, it uses cane sugar, dextrose, and artificial flavors in some versions. I prefer Re-Lyte’s cleaner profile, but Liquid I.V.’s additives didn’t bother me too much for occasional use.

How They Stack Up Tor Different Needs?

Choosing between Re-Lyte and Liquid I.V. depends on your lifestyle and priorities. I’ve used both in different scenarios, so here’s how I break it down.

• For Athletes: If you’re pounding the pavement or hitting the gym hard, Re-Lyte’s higher electrolyte content makes it my go-to. The 810mg of sodium and 50mg of magnesium helped me avoid cramps during a recent trail run, something Liquid I.V. didn’t quite match when I tested it during a similar workout. Re-Lyte’s zero-sugar formula also fits better for long sessions where I don’t want extra carbs.
• For Casual Hydration: If you’re just looking to stay hydrated during a busy day or recover from a night out, Liquid I.V.’s CTT and vitamin boost make it a solid choice. I found it more palatable for sipping at my desk, and the variety of flavors kept me from getting bored. It’s also easier to find on the go, which is a lifesaver when traveling.
• For Low-Carb or Keto Diets: Re-Lyte is the clear winner here. Its zero-sugar, zero-calorie formula aligns perfectly with keto or fasting protocols. I’ve used it during intermittent fasting without worrying about breaking my fast, whereas Liquid I.V.’s standard version would throw me off with its sugar content.
• For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Re-Lyte edges out slightly with its lower cost per serving and higher electrolyte payload. I felt like I got more bang for my buck, especially since a tub lasts longer. Liquid I.V.’s convenience comes at a premium, which might not be worth it for daily use.

My Testing Process of Re-Lyte And Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Powders

To give you a real-world perspective, I tested both products over a month. I used Re-Lyte during morning runs and Liquid I.V. during less intense activities like hiking or working from home.

I tracked how I felt—energy levels, cramping, thirst—after each use. I also compared ingredient labels, pricing, and availability based on data from the brands’ websites as of May 8, 2025.

For context, I’m a 30-something runner with a low-carb diet, so my needs lean toward high electrolytes and minimal sugar. Your experience might differ based on your activity level or dietary preferences.

• Ingredient Deep-Dive

Let’s talk ingredients, because this is where the rubber meets the road.

Re-Lyte’s blend is straightforward: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, plus coconut water powder and stevia.

The magnesium comes from a 50/50 mix of magnesium malate and glycinate, which I found easier on my stomach than other forms like citrate, which can act as a laxative.

Liquid I.V., on the other hand, leans on sodium and potassium with added glucose for its CTT, plus a vitamin cocktail.

The sugar-free version swaps sugar for allulose, a low-carb sweetener I didn’t notice affecting my energy.

One thing that bugged me about Liquid I.V. is the lack of transparency on chloride content. Chloride is a key electrolyte, and Re-Lyte’s 1280mg per serving is a big selling point for me. Without that info from Liquid I.V., it’s hard to know if you’re getting the full hydration package.

I also appreciated Re-Lyte’s non-GMO citric acid and natural flavors over Liquid I.V.’s occasional use of artificial additives.

• Taste and Mixability

Taste is subjective, but I’ll share my experience. Re-Lyte’s flavors are clean and natural, but the saltiness can be a lot if you’re not sweating hard. I mixed it with 20 ounces of water instead of 16 to mellow it out. Liquid I.V. tastes sweeter and more polished, almost like a sports drink you’d buy at a store.

It mixed easily in a standard water bottle, though I noticed a slight graininess in the sugar-free version. Both dissolve well with a quick shake, so no complaints there.

• When I Use Each One

I reached for Re-Lyte before and after runs or hot yoga, where I needed serious electrolyte replenishment. It’s my go-to for anything over an hour of sweating. Liquid I.V. was better for lighter days—think a long walk or a dehydrating flight.

The vitamins were a nice perk when I wasn’t eating as well, like during travel. If I had to pick one for daily use, Re-Lyte’s clean profile and cost won me over, but Liquid I.V.’s convenience and taste made it a strong backup.

• Health Considerations

I’m not a doctor, but I’ve done my homework on electrolyte safety.

Both products are generally safe for healthy adults when used as directed.

Re-Lyte’s high sodium might be a concern if you have hypertension, so check with a doctor if that’s you.

Liquid I.V.’s sugar content could spike blood sugar for diabetics, though the sugar-free version mitigates this.

I get regular blood tests to monitor my electrolyte levels, and I’d recommend you do the same if you’re using these daily, especially if you have kidney or heart issues.

After a month of testing, I lean toward Re-Lyte for its high electrolyte content, clean ingredients, and better value. It’s my pick for serious hydration needs, especially for athletes or low-carb dieters. Liquid I.V. shines for casual use, travel, or when I want a tastier, vitamin-packed option.

Both are solid, but your choice depends on your priorities—electrolytes and cost (Re-Lyte) or convenience and flavor (Liquid I.V.). Try a small pack of each and see what works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

You’ve got two solid options with Re-Lyte and Liquid I.V., but they cater to different needs. I found Re-Lyte’s high-electrolyte, zero-sugar formula perfect for my runs and low-carb lifestyle, while Liquid I.V.’s tasty flavors and vitamins were great for casual hydration.

Your choice depends on what you value—electrolytes and cost or convenience and variety.

Try both, listen to your body, and pick what keeps you feeling unstoppable. Stay hydrated, and let me know what works for you!