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At a Glance
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- ZERO-SUGAR OPTION: LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes — Citrus Salt, 30 Count
- ORIGINAL SUGAR-CONTAINING FORMULA: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier — Lemon Lime, 16 Count
Choose LMNT if you want a zero-sugar mix and its higher sodium content fits your needs. Choose original Liquid I.V. if you want a sugar-containing mix with less sodium per stick. Neither is a necessary daily purchase for every desk worker. This comparison covers US LMNT Citrus Salt drink mix and original Liquid I.V. Lemon Lime, not sparkling drinks, Sugar-Free or Energy variants.
LMNT vs Liquid I.V. at a Glance
| Label or buying factor | LMNT Citrus Salt | Liquid I.V. original Lemon Lime |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 1,000 mg | 500 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg | 370 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg | No amount listed on the reviewed Nutrition Facts panel |
| Sugar | 0 g | 11 g, all added sugar |
| Purchase compared here | 30-count Citrus Salt listing | 16-count Lemon Lime listing |
| Main decision | Do you need this much sodium without sugar? | Does a lower-sodium, sugar-containing drink fit your plan? |
| Cost comparison | Compare current checkout cost per stick and the actual pack size; neither brand is automatically the better value. | |
Sources: LMNT formulation information and the US Liquid I.V. Lemon Lime product page, including its Nutrition Facts panel. These are label amounts, not independent laboratory results. Follow the mixing directions on the packet; equal amounts of powder or differently diluted drinks are not the same comparison.
When LMNT Makes More Sense
LMNT is the more direct fit when you specifically want no sugar and have a reason to replace substantial sodium losses. The formula is not a universal daily sodium target. Heavy sweating, ordinary office work and a medically prescribed hydration plan are different situations.
Its zero-sugar positioning does not make it a complete fueling plan. If your exercise plan calls for carbohydrate, check the full label and account for food or other fueling separately. Skip LMNT if the appeal is simply that its sodium number is bigger.
When Liquid I.V. Makes More Sense
The original Lemon Lime formula makes sense if you want sodium and some carbohydrate in the same drink, and the stated ingredients suit you. Its sodium per stick is lower than LMNT’s, but “lower” does not make it a low-sodium product or automatically suitable for a sodium restriction.
Do not generalize this table to the whole Liquid I.V. range. A Sugar-Free pack changes the comparison. Added vitamins and hydration marketing also do not establish superiority over LMNT for your workout, and we have not performed a matched taste or hydration trial.
What Hydration Research Actually Supports
“Individual recommendations on fluid replacement should be based on individual data and not population estimates.”
— Brendon McDermott and colleagues, National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement, 2017, page 883.
The statement emphasizes sweat losses, conditions, activity and avoiding both insufficient and excessive fluid intake. It does not identify a winning commercial brand. Our practical buying default for a low-sweat office day is to start with food and fluids before paying for a daily packet. Longer or demanding activity can present different needs.
A small experiment by Shirreffs and Maughan studied six volunteers after exercise-related fluid loss and found that sodium replacement affected subsequent fluid balance. It supports the relevance of sodium after sweat loss, not a conclusion that more is always better or that LMNT outperforms Liquid I.V.
Andrew Huberman’s LMNT Reference: Keep the Sponsor Context
In Using Salt to Optimize Mental & Physical Performance, Andrew Huberman says: Today’s episode is also brought to us by LMNT.
The Huberman Lab sponsors page also lists LMNT.
That explains a prominent public reference to the brand. It is a sponsor relationship, not independent evidence that LMNT beats Liquid I.V. Our recommendation rests on the specific formula, your needs and the research limitations above.
Compare the Verified Listings
Amazon’s catalog returned both listings in stock on October 25, 2026. Check the flavor, pack size, seller and current label again before ordering. The comparison does not require a subscription.
Detailed Reviews
1. LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes — Citrus Salt, 30 Count
Why it's here: A higher-sodium, zero-sugar drink mix. Consider it when that formula fits your individual needs, not because more sodium is automatically better.
- Zero sugar in the stated formula
- Sodium, potassium and magnesium amounts disclosed
- High sodium is unsuitable for some buyers
- Zero sugar does not make it a complete fueling plan
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Check Price on Amazon →2. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier — Lemon Lime, 16 Count
Why it's here: The original Lemon Lime formula contains sodium, potassium and added sugar. It is a different product from Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free; check the exact variant at checkout.
- Lower sodium per stick than the LMNT formula compared here
- Includes carbohydrate
- Contains added sugar
- A single packet is not a complete endurance-fueling plan
We may earn a commission if you buy through this link.
Check Price on Amazon →When to Skip Both
- You only want a desk-day wellness habit: start with ordinary food and fluids rather than assuming daily supplementation is necessary.
- You have a sodium or fluid restriction, kidney or heart disease, or medicines affecting electrolytes: ask your clinician which approach fits your care. Do not simply swap sodium for potassium.
- You are treating illness, recurrent dizziness or suspected dehydration: these shopping recommendations are not a diagnosis or a substitute for an appropriate treatment plan.
- You dislike the ingredients or cannot justify recurring purchases: compare labels and ordinary food-based options before buying a large pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LMNT better than Liquid I.V.?
It depends on the formula you need. The compared LMNT mix has no sugar and more sodium per stick. Original Lemon Lime Liquid I.V. has added sugar and less sodium. Neither fact establishes a universal hydration winner.
Does Liquid I.V. have more sugar?
The original US Lemon Lime panel reviewed here lists 11 g of added sugar per stick, compared with zero sugar for LMNT. Liquid I.V. also sells different variants; check the exact one you buy.
Can I use either every day?
Frequency should follow your needs, diet, label and any medical advice. A daily packet is not automatically necessary, and high sodium intake is not appropriate for everyone.
Which is better for fasting?
Original Lemon Lime Liquid I.V. contains sugar and calories. LMNT’s zero-sugar claim alone does not establish that every flavor fits every fasting protocol. For medical fasting, follow the clinician’s instructions; for other goals, read the complete label and our fasting electrolyte guide.
Which costs less?
Compare the current seller’s total, pack count and renewal terms. The listings here have different numbers of sticks, so comparing pouch prices alone is misleading.
How We Made This Comparison
We checked manufacturer formulas, the US Liquid I.V. label image, Amazon listing identity and published hydration evidence. We did not independently assay ingredients or perform head-to-head testing. For other formats, see our electrolyte buying guide.
Prices checked: Oct 28, 2026, 8:06 PM UTC
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
For current prices and availability, check the seller’s listing. A timestamp applies only to the price displayed beside it.
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