Zipfizz Vs. Nuun: Which Electrolyte Drink Is Best For You?

Staying hydrated is crucial for optimal health and performance. That’s where electrolyte drinks come in. These supplements provide electrolytes like sodium, magnesium and potassium that get lost through sweat.

The two most popular electrolyte drink brands are Zipfizz and Nuun. But which one should you choose?

This comprehensive guide compares Zipfizz and Nuun electrolyte drinks in terms of ingredients, taste, cost, and more. Read on to find out which electrolyte supplement is best for your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Category	Zipfizz	Nuun
Formulation	Powder in tube	Tablets in tube
Electrolytes	More electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, calcium)	Fewer electrolytes
Caffeine	120mg per serving	Caffeine-free
Sugar	2g per serving	Sugar-free
Hydration	Recommended for 16-20 oz water	Recommended for 16-20 oz water
Flavors	9 flavors available	7 flavors available
Cost	$0.70 – $1 per serving	$0.60 – $1 per serving
Mixability	Requires shaking to dissolve	Tablets dissolve rapidly
Portability	Tubes not as compact as Nuun	Very portable tube design
Additional Ingredients	Added B vitamins and antioxidants	Electrolytes only
Taste	Strong, bold fruit flavors	Lighter, more subtle flavors

Nutrition Comparison of Zipfizz And Nuun Electrolyte Drink

The main reason people take electrolyte supplements is for the electrolyte content.

Let’s look at how Zipfizz and Nuun compare when it comes to sodium, potassium, magnesium and other electrolytes:

Sodium

• Zipfizz: 1000mg per serving
• Nuun: 360mg per serving

Zipfizz contains almost 3x more sodium than Nuun.

This makes it better for replenishing sodium lost through heavy sweating.

Potassium

• Zipfizz: 100mg per serving
• Nuun: 100mg per serving

Zipfizz and Nuun contain the same amount of potassium.

Magnesium

• Zipfizz: 100mg per serving
• Nuun: 25mg per serving

You get 4x more magnesium in Zipfizz compared to Nuun. Magnesium helps regulate muscle and nerve function.

Calcium

• Zipfizz: 40mg per serving
• Nuun: 13mg per serving

Zipfizz provides a little more calcium than Nuun. Calcium is important for bone health.

Other Electrolytes

In addition to sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, Zipfizz and Nuun contain other electrolytes:

• Zipfizz: Chloride, chromium, zinc, selenium, copper
• Nuun: Chloride

So Zipfizz contains a more extensive electrolyte profile than Nuun.

Below is a comparison table summarizing the key electrolyte differences:

Electrolyte	Zipfizz (per serving)	Nuun (per tablet)
Sodium	1000mg	360mg
Potassium	100mg	100mg
Magnesium	100mg	25mg
Calcium	40mg	13mg

Winner: Zipfizz – it contains 3-4x more sodium, magnesium and calcium versus Nuun. Zipfizz is better for replenishing a wide range of lost electrolytes.

Caffeine Content

Here is how Zipfizz and Nuun compare when it comes to caffeine:

• Zipfizz: 120mg caffeine per serving
• Nuun: 0mg caffeine

Zipfizz contains a significant amount of caffeine, equivalent to about one cup of coffee.

The caffeine provides an energy boost.

Nuun does not contain any caffeine. It’s caffeine-free.

So if you want an electrolyte drink with a kick of caffeine, Zipfizz is the better choice.

If you prefer to avoid caffeine, especially in the afternoon or evening, go with Nuun.

Winner: Tie – it depends on whether you want caffeine or not.

Sugar Content

Let’s look at the sugar content:

• Zipfizz: 2g sugar per serving
• Nuun: 0g sugar

Nuun contains zero sugar. It relies on stevia leaf extract to provide a sweet taste without sugar.

Zipfizz does contain 2 grams of sugar from sucrose and glucose. The sugar gives it a sweeter taste. But Zipfizz still has relatively little sugar compared to sports drinks.

If keeping sugar intake very low is a priority, Nuun is a better bet. Zipfizz is the way to go if you don’t mind a small amount of sugar.

Winner: Nuun – it is sugar-free while Zipfizz contains 2g sugar per serving.

Hydration Ability

The primary purpose of electrolyte supplements is to help keep you hydrated.

Here is how Zipfizz and Nuun stack up for hydration:

• Zipfizz: Add 1 tube (12g) to 16-20oz water. Provides electrolytes and B vitamins.
• Nuun: Add 1 tablet to 16-20oz water. Electrolytes only.

Both brands recommend adding one serving (tube or tablet) to about 20oz of water.

Anecdotal reports show both Zipfizz and Nuun tablets dissolve well in water with just a quick shake.

Overall, Zipfizz and Nuun seem equal when it comes hydration capability. They both provide a convenient way to turn plain water into an electrolyte drink.

Winner: Tie – Zipfizz and Nuun are likely comparable for hydration when mixed into water as directed.

Ingredients of Zipfizz And Nuun Electrolyte Drink

Zipfizz and Nuun have some overlap in their ingredients, but also some distinct differences:

Overlapping Ingredients

Zipfizz and Nuun both contain these same ingredients:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Chloride

However, as discussed earlier, Zipfizz generally provides higher amounts of these shared electrolytes.

Unique Ingredients

Zipfizz contains:

• Caffeine
• B vitamins – B3, B5, B6, B12
• Chromium
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Copper
• Stevia leaf extract
• Citric acid
• Beet root extract

Nuun contains:

• Stevia leaf extract
• Citric acid
• Carbonated flavors

A major distinguishing factor is that Zipfizz provides caffeine and B vitamins while Nuun does not.

Nuun relies solely on electrolytes and stevia for sweetness. Zipfizz includes a more diverse ingredient profile.

Winner: Zipfizz – it contains caffeine, B vitamins and additional minerals like chromium and selenium.

Cost Comparison

The price per serving is another important factor when choosing between supplement brands.

Here is how Zipfizz and Nuun compare cost-wise:

• Zipfizz
  • Tube with 20 servings: $1 per serving
  • Box with 30 servings: $0.70 per serving
• Nuun
  • Tube with 10 tablets: $1 per serving
  • Box with 30 tablets: $0.60 per serving

When you buy the larger packages, Nuun is a little cheaper per serving compared to Zipfizz.

However, Zipfizz offers more servings per container (30) versus Nuun (10 or 30). This makes Zipfizz more convenient if you take it daily.

Overall, the two brands are very close in price. Cost likely won’t be a major factor in choosing between the two.

Winner: Tie – Zipfizz and Nuun are comparable in cost per serving, especially when buying the larger packages.

Flavors Available For Zipfizz Nuun Electrolyte Drinks

Having a good flavor selection allows you to switch up the taste when taking electrolyte supplements regularly.

Here are the different flavor options for Zipfizz and Nuun:

Zipfizz Flavors

• Orange Soda
• Fruit Punch
• Lemon Lime
• Grape
• Pink Lemonade
• Cherry Limeade
• Citrus
• Berry
• Orange

Nuun Flavors

• Lemon Lime
• Fruit Punch
• Orange
• Raspberry Lime
• Strawberry Lemonade
• White Grape
• Tri-Berry

Zipfizz clearly offers a much wider selection of flavors – 9 versus 7 for Nuun. Popular Zipfizz flavors not available from Nuun include pink lemonade, cherry limeade and citrus.

With nearly twice as many flavors, Zipfizz provides more variety. You can choose from fruity flavors, sodas, lemonades and more. Nuun sticks to mostly standard flavors like fruit punch and lemon lime.

One downside with Zipfizz is that some flavors seem to sell out quickly. So you may not always find your favorite in stock. Nuun seems to keep their flavors consistently available.

Winner: Zipfizz – it offers significantly more flavor choices so you can switch up the taste as desired. But some Zipfizz flavors sell out frequently.

Also Read: Comparison of Pedialyte And Nuun Electrolyte Drinks.

Formulation: Powder Vs. Tablet

Zipfizz comes as a powder in a tube that you pour into water and shake.

Nuun is offered as tablets that dissolve in your water bottle.

There are some differences in the user experience when it comes to the powder versus tablet forms:

Zipfizz Powder

• Must shake bottle to dissolve
• Contains visible powder flecks
• Adds carbonation

Nuun Tablets

• Fizz and dissolve instantly
• No powder to shake up
• Adds carbonation

The Nuun tablets offer a quicker, more convenient experience.

But some people dislike the fizz and carbonation Nuun adds.

With Zipfizz, you have to shake the drink for several seconds before drinking to properly mix in the powder. But some users prefer Zipfizz’s visible flecks and lighter carbonation.

This category really comes down to personal preference in terms of your thoughts on powders versus quick-dissolving tablets.

Winner: Tie – Zipfizz powder versus Nuun tablets offer slightly different user experiences. But overall ease of use is comparable.

Additional Health Benefits

In addition to electrolyte replenishment, these supplements provide other potential health benefits:

Zipfizz

• Energizing with 120mg caffeine per serving
• Immune support from zinc & vitamin B12
• Antioxidant support from vitamin B12 & selenium

Nuun

• Hydration
• Electrolyte replenishment

The caffeine in Zipfizz gives you an energy boost. The B vitamins and minerals provide additional health benefits.

Nuun focuses solely on hydration and electrolyte replacement. There are no extras like vitamins or caffeine.

Winner: Zipfizz – it provides an energy kick from caffeine plus extra nutrients for immunity and antioxidants.

Also Read: Comparison of Nuun And Ultima Electrolyte Drinks.

Taste Comparison

The most important factor for some consumers is the taste – which one do users enjoy drinking more?

Here is a flavor by flavor taste comparison:

• Fruit punch: Both are tasty but Nuun is a little lighter while Zipfizz has more sweetness.
• Lemon lime: Nuun has a stronger lemon-lime flavor. Zipfizz is lighter.
• Orange: Zipfizz has a stronger orange soda taste. Nuun orange is subtle.
• Grape: Zipfizz grape is sweet with a soda-like flavor. Nuun doesn’t offer grape.
• Pink lemonade: Zipfizz has an authentic pink lemonade taste. Nuun doesn’t have this flavor.

Although taste preferences are subjective, overall Zipfizz seems to provide stronger, more authentic fruit flavors. Nuun flavors tend to be lighter and more subtle.

But some people prefer Nuun’s lighter flavors, especially for all-day sipping. Others find Zipfizz worth the stronger taste since you drink it quickly.

Winner: Tie – flavor preferences are personal, but Zipfizz provides bolder fruit flavors while Nuun is more subtle.

Mixability

How well do Zipfizz and Nuun mix up in water?

With Zipfizz powder, you do need to shake vigorously for about 30 seconds before drinking to dissolve all the powder. It takes a little effort but mixes smoothly.

Nuun tablets fizz quickly when dropped in water. The tablets fully dissolve in about 1 minute without shaking required.

But some users don’t like the strong fizzing sensation of Nuun dissolving. Others don’t mind it.

Overall, Nuun is a bit faster and easier to mix up. But Zipfizz still blends fine with some shaking.

Winner: Nuun – the tablets dissolve rapidly in water for quick mixing with less effort.

Convenience And Portability

Zipfizz and Nuun both come in convenient portable containers.

But Nuun may have a slight edge in portability thanks to packaging designed for on-the-go use.

Nuun tubes are very compact and lightweight. They are about the size of a small finger and slip easily into bags, pockets or water bottles.

Zipfizz tubes take up a little more space. However, the Zipfizz tube does provide 20 servings versus 10 per Nuun tube.

For sports or activities where you want the most portable electrolyte option, Nuun may be preferable. But Zipfizz tubes still transport reasonably well too.

Winner: Nuun – the smaller tube design makes Nuun slightly more portable and convenient for on-the-go use.

Also Read: Comparison of Propel And Nuun Electrolyte Drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still have questions about Zipfizz versus Nuun? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Wrapping Up

So which electrolyte supplement is better – Zipfizz or Nuun?

Here are some key takeaways in the Zipfizz versus Nuun comparison:

Zipfizz contains more electrolytes and adds caffeine plus B vitamins. Nuun has zero sugar and less caffeine. For portable convenience, Nuun may be preferred. But Zipfizz offers more flavors and stronger taste.

Ultimately, there is no definitive “winner.” The right choice comes down to your personal preferences and hydration needs.

If you want an energy boost from caffeine plus higher electrolytes, Zipfizz is likely the better choice. For a lighter, portable electrolyte drink without stimulants, go with Nuun.

Hopefully this comprehensive breakdown gives you the information needed to select the best electrolyte supplement for YOU – whether that’s Zipfizz, Nuun or another brand. Staying well hydrated with proper electrolyte intake can make a big difference in how you look, feel and perform.