Re-Lyte Vs. LMNT Electrolyte Powders: A Head-to-Head Comparison

I’m no stranger to the world of electrolyte powders. As someone who’s spent countless hours sweating through workouts, hiking in the blistering sun, and navigating the low-carb life, I know how crucial it is to stay hydrated.

Re-Lyte and LMNT are two heavyweights in the electrolyte game, each promising to keep you fueled and feeling great. In this article, I’ll break down their ingredients, taste, cost, and more, weighing the pros and cons to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your water bottle.

Let’s get into it and find the best fit for your hydration needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Why Electrolytes Matter To Me (And Probably You)

Electrolytes aren’t just buzzwords on a sports drink label. They’re the minerals—sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium—that keep your body humming. When I’m drenched after a long run or feeling foggy on a keto diet, it’s often because I’ve lost these through sweat or low-carb eating.

Both Re-Lyte and LMNT aim to replenish these, but they do it differently. I’ve tried both extensively, mixing packets into my water bottle during workouts, travel, and even those brutal summer days.

Let’s break down what makes each one tick and how they stack up for real-world use.

Re-Lyte: My Experience With Redmond’s Hydration Mix

Re-Lyte, made by Redmond Real Salt, caught my eye because of its unrefined salt sourced from an ancient seabed in Utah.

I’m a sucker for anything that feels closer to nature, and this salt comes with 60+ trace minerals, which is a nice bonus.

Each serving (6.3 grams of powder) delivers 810 mg of sodium, 400 mg of potassium, 50 mg of magnesium, 1,280 mg of chloride, and 60 mg of calcium (except in the Unflavored version).

The inclusion of coconut water powder adds a subtle tropical vibe, and the stevia sweetener keeps it sugar-free.

Pros of Re-Lyte

• Trace Minerals Galore: The Redmond Real Salt brings a spectrum of trace minerals, which I appreciate for overall health. It feels like I’m getting more than just the basics.
• Balanced Electrolyte Ratio: The 2:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio is spot-on for hydration, especially after intense workouts. I’ve noticed fewer muscle cramps when I use Re-Lyte consistently.
• Cost-Effective: At about $0.75 per serving for the tub or $1.00 for sachets (with discounts like my KKN15 code), it’s a steal compared to other brands. I can hydrate daily without breaking the bank.
• Flexible Packaging: I love the option of tubs for home use or sachets for travel. The tubs are eco-friendly and make scooping a breeze.
• Easy to Mix: Unlike some powders that clump like wet sand, Re-Lyte dissolves smoothly. I just shake it in my bottle, and it’s good to go.
• Flavor Variety: From Mixed Berry to Pina Colada, the flavors are subtle and not overly sweet. The Watermelon Lime is my go-to for a refreshing kick.

Cons of Re-Lyte

• Milder Flavor: If you’re expecting a bold taste explosion, you might find Re-Lyte a bit understated. I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice to amp it up.
• Calcium Absent in Unflavored: The Unflavored version skips calcium, which is a bummer if you’re relying on it for a complete electrolyte profile.
• Less Sodium: With 810 mg of sodium per serving, it’s solid but falls short of LMNT’s 1,000 mg. If I’m sweating buckets, I might need an extra half-scoop.
• Sachet Inconvenience: While sachets are great for portability, I’ve had a few tear awkwardly, spilling powder everywhere. Not ideal in a rush.

LMNT: My Take on the Salty Superstar

LMNT, co-founded by Robb Wolf, is designed for folks like me who live active lives or follow keto, paleo, or low-carb diets.

It packs a punch with 1,000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium per 6-gram serving.

The high-purity salt, sourced via evaporated salt production, avoids microplastics and contaminants, which I appreciate from an environmental standpoint.

LMNT uses stevia for sweetness, and flavored packets include maltodextrin as a flavor carrier (not in the Unflavored or sparkling versions).

Pros of LMNT

• High Sodium Content: That 1,000 mg of sodium is a game-changer for heavy sweaters or endurance athletes. I’ve felt a noticeable difference in my energy levels during long runs.
• Unique Flavors: From Chocolate Salt to Mango Chili, LMNT’s flavors are bold and creative. The Watermelon Salt is a crowd-pleaser, and I love mixing the Chocolate Salt into warm coffee for a cozy twist.
• Clean Ingredients: No sugar, gluten, or artificial junk. I feel good knowing I’m not sipping on a chemical cocktail.
• Portability: The sachets are perfect for tossing in my gym bag or backpack. I’ve even used them at restaurants to jazz up plain water.
• Sparkling Option: The 16-ounce sparkling cans are a treat on hot days. The Grapefruit Salt flavor is crisp and refreshing, though I sometimes dilute it to tone down the saltiness.
• Keto-Friendly: With zero sugar and minimal carbs (2 grams in some flavors), it’s a no-brainer for my low-carb days.

Cons of LMNT

• Pricey: At $1.50 per serving (or $1.00 at Costco), LMNT is pricier than Re-Lyte. My wallet feels the pinch if I’m using it daily.
• Too Salty for Some: The high sodium can be overwhelming. I’ve had friends wince at the taste, and I sometimes use half a packet in 32 ounces of water to mellow it out.
• No Calcium: Unlike Re-Lyte, LMNT skips calcium entirely. If you’re looking for a broader electrolyte profile, this is a drawback.
• Maltodextrin in Flavored Packets: While minimal, the maltodextrin in flavored packets bugs me, especially since the Unflavored and sparkling versions don’t have it.
• Limited Packaging: Only sachets and cans—no tubs. I miss the bulk option for home use, as sachets generate more waste.
• Dissolvability Issues: Some flavors, like Grapefruit Salt, take extra stirring to fully dissolve. I’ve had to shake my bottle like a maraca at times.

Comparing the Ingredients: What’s in Your Glass?

Let’s break down the nitty-gritty of what you’re actually drinking. Re-Lyte uses Redmond Real Salt, which I love for its natural, unrefined vibe and trace minerals. It includes sodium chloride, potassium citrate, magnesium malate and glycinate, calcium carbonate (except Unflavored), and coconut water powder.

The stevia and natural fruit flavors keep it clean, though the “natural flavors” label is a bit vague for my taste.

LMNT, on the other hand, goes for high-purity sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium malate.

The stevia is water-extracted, which is a nice touch, but the maltodextrin in flavored packets feels like a compromise.

The Unflavored version is as clean as it gets, and the sparkling cans are a fun way to mix things up.

Neither brand uses sugar, artificial colors, or fillers, which is a win in my book.

Re-Lyte’s edge is its broader electrolyte profile, including calcium and chloride, plus those trace minerals. LMNT, however, dominates in sodium content, which is critical if you’re losing a lot through sweat.

I’ve found LMNT’s simplicity works when I need a quick hydration hit, but Re-Lyte feels more like a well-rounded supplement for daily use.

Taste Test: Which One Wins My Palate?

Taste is make-or-break. If it doesn’t taste good, I’m not drinking it, no matter how healthy it is. Re-Lyte’s flavors are subtle and smooth, with a slight coconut undertone from the coconut water powder. The Mixed Berry feels fresh, not cloying, and the Pina Colada is a fun tropical escape.

I’ve mixed it into 16 ounces of water for a stronger flavor or 20 ounces for a lighter sip. It’s never too sweet, which I appreciate after trying overly sugary sports drinks.

LMNT, by contrast, is bold and salty. The Watermelon Salt is a favorite—it’s refreshing with a tangy edge. The Chocolate Salt, when mixed with warm water, feels like a healthy hot cocoa.

But that high sodium content can make it taste like a salt lick if you don’t dilute it enough. I’ve learned to use 24–32 ounces of water per packet to get the balance right. Some friends love the intense saltiness, while others find it overpowering. It’s definitely an acquired taste.

Price And Value: Where’s The Bang for Your Buck?

I’m all about getting the most out of my money, especially for something I use daily. Re-Lyte is the clear winner here. The tub (60 servings) works out to about $0.75 per serving, and even the sachets are around $1.00 with a subscription or discount code.

I can stock up on a bulk pouch (175 servings) for even better value, which is perfect for my household.

LMNT, at $1.50 per serving (or $1.00 at Costco), feels like a splurge. The sparkling cans are $2.25 each, which adds up fast if you’re sipping them regularly. I justify LMNT’s cost when I need that extra sodium kick, but for daily hydration, Re-Lyte’s price point is hard to beat. If you’re on a budget, Re-Lyte’s tubs are a no-brainer.

Who Are These For? Matching Your Lifestyle

Both brands cater to active folks, but they shine in different scenarios. Re-Lyte is my pick for daily hydration, especially if you’re budget-conscious or want a broader electrolyte profile.

It’s great for moderate workouts, low-carb diets, or anyone who values trace minerals. I’ve used it during yoga, short runs, and even on regular days to stay balanced.

LMNT is my go-to for intense sweat sessions—think marathon training, hot yoga, or long hikes in the heat. The high sodium content is a lifesaver for heavy sweaters or those with conditions like POTS that require extra salt.

If you’re keto or paleo, LMNT’s zero-sugar formula aligns perfectly. But if you have high blood pressure or don’t need that much sodium, you might want to stick to half a packet.

Stories From The Field

Let me share a couple of moments that shaped my take on these products.

Last summer, I was hiking in 90-degree heat, sweat dripping like a faucet.

I mixed a Re-Lyte Mixed Berry packet into my water bottle, and it kept me going for hours without that heavy, bloated feeling I get from sugary drinks.

The subtle flavor was perfect, and I didn’t crash later.

On the other hand, during a half-marathon training run, I used LMNT’s Watermelon Salt. The high sodium kept my energy steady, and I didn’t cramp up, which is a miracle for me. But when I tried it on a low-key day, it felt like overkill—too salty for just sitting around.

These experiences taught me that context matters. Re-Lyte’s my everyday ally, while LMNT’s my heavy-duty backup.

How They Fit into My Routine?

I’ve woven both into my life, depending on the day. Mornings start with Re-Lyte in my water to kickstart hydration, especially if I’m fasting or eating low-carb. It’s gentle enough for daily use and doesn’t overwhelm my taste buds.

For intense workouts or hot days, I’ll grab an LMNT packet for that sodium boost. I’ve even mixed LMNT into sparkling water for a mocktail vibe at summer BBQs. Both are versatile, but Re-Lyte’s affordability and broader profile make it my default, while LMNT’s intensity is reserved for high-sweat moments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Hydration, Your Choice

You’ve got two solid options in Re-Lyte and LMNT, each with its own strengths. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and real-world experiences to help you decide. If you’re after affordability, a broader electrolyte profile, and eco-friendly packaging, Re-Lyte’s your go-to.

If high sodium, bold flavors, and keto-friendly simplicity are your vibe, LMNT’s got you covered. I switch between them based on my day—Re-Lyte for routine hydration, LMNT for intense sweat sessions.

You can’t go wrong, but your lifestyle will tip the scales. Grab a sample of each, test them out, and see what keeps you feeling your best.