AdvoCare Rehydrate vs Liquid I.V.: Which Hydration Mix is Right

Walk into any gym, scroll through fitness forums, or check your favorite wellness influencer’s stories—electrolyte drink mixes are everywhere. Athletes swear by them for recovery. Busy professionals reach for them during long workdays. Even casual exercisers have swapped plain water for powdered hydration solutions promising faster, more effective rehydration.

Two names consistently rise to the top: AdvoCare Rehydrate and Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier. Both claim to hydrate better than water alone, but they take different approaches to get there. AdvoCare emphasizes a balanced electrolyte profile with recovery-focused ingredients. Liquid I.V. leverages science-backed Cellular Transport Technology to deliver rapid rehydration with higher electrolyte content.

Choosing between them isn’t about finding a universal “best”—it’s about understanding which formula aligns with your needs. Are you training intensely in the heat? Managing sugar intake? Looking for specific vitamins or amino acids? This comparison breaks down everything from nutrition facts and ingredients to taste, price, and ideal use cases, helping you make an informed decision.

What Are AdvoCare Rehydrate and Liquid I.V.?

AdvoCare Rehydrate is designed to support hydration before, during, and after physical activity. The formula features a 1:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio and includes Sustamine® (L-alanyl-L-glutamine), an amino acid blend that may support gut health and muscle recovery. AdvoCare positions this product as a comprehensive hydration solution that goes beyond simple electrolyte replacement.

Each stick pack (12g) mixes with 8–12 fl oz of water and contains five key electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. The formula also includes B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A, and chromium. AdvoCare markets Rehydrate as having 70% less sugar than traditional sports drinks while still delivering effective hydration.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier uses Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to enhance water absorption. This technology relies on an optimal ratio of sodium, glucose, and potassium to activate the sodium-glucose co-transport system in your intestines—the same principle behind oral rehydration solutions (ORS) used in clinical settings.

Each stick pack (16g) mixes with 16 fl oz of water and claims to provide 3X the electrolytes of leading sports drinks. The formula delivers 490mg of sodium and 380mg of potassium, along with vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, and B12. Liquid I.V. is gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and uses only natural flavors.

Nutrition Facts: Head-to-Head Comparison

Understanding the nutritional differences helps you choose based on your specific hydration needs:

Serving Size:

• AdvoCare: 12g stick pack in 8–12 fl oz water
• Liquid I.V.: 16g stick pack in 16 fl oz water

Calories:

• AdvoCare: 40 calories
• Liquid I.V.: 50 calories

Total Sugars (all added):

• AdvoCare: 6g
• Liquid I.V.: 11g

Sodium:

• AdvoCare: 100mg (4% DV)
• Liquid I.V.: 490mg (21% DV)

Potassium:

• AdvoCare: 100mg (2% DV)
• Liquid I.V.: 380mg (8% DV)

Calcium:

• AdvoCare: 100mg (8% DV)
• Liquid I.V.: Not disclosed on label

Magnesium:

• AdvoCare: 40mg (10% DV)
• Liquid I.V.: Not disclosed on label

Vitamins:

• AdvoCare: Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, plus chromium
• Liquid I.V.: Vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, B12

The numbers tell a clear story. Liquid I.V.’s sodium content is nearly five times higher than AdvoCare’s, making it more effective for rapid rehydration scenarios like intense workouts, heat exposure, or recovery from illness. The higher potassium content follows the same pattern.

AdvoCare takes a different approach with its balanced electrolyte profile. The 1:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio, combined with calcium and magnesium, supports general hydration without the sodium spike. The lower sugar content (6g vs 11g) appeals to those watching their calorie or sugar intake while still maintaining the glucose needed for effective hydration.

Key Ingredients and Formulation Differences

The ingredient lists reveal each brand’s philosophy on hydration:

AdvoCare Rehydrate contains:

• Primary carbohydrates: Fructose, maltodextrin, dextrose
• Sustamine® (L-alanyl-L-glutamine) for gut health and recovery support
• L-arginine HCl, linked to improved blood flow in some research
• Sweetened with sucralose (artificial sweetener)
• Natural and artificial flavors
• Manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier contains:

• Primary carbohydrates: Cane sugar and dextrose (glucose)
• Sweetened with cane sugar and stevia leaf extract (rebaudioside A)
• Natural flavors only
• Gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, non-dairy certified

AdvoCare’s inclusion of Sustamine® sets it apart. This dipeptide form of glutamine may help maintain gut barrier function during exercise and support muscle recovery—benefits that go beyond simple hydration. The addition of L-arginine potentially supports blood flow, though research on performance benefits remains mixed.

Liquid I.V. keeps its formula simpler but strategically designed. The combination of cane sugar and dextrose provides the glucose necessary to activate sodium-glucose co-transporters in the small intestine. This mechanism, recognized by the World Health Organization’s oral rehydration solution standards, enhances water absorption faster than water alone.

The sweetener choice matters too. AdvoCare uses sucralose, an artificial sweetener that some individuals prefer to avoid. Liquid I.V. combines cane sugar with stevia, offering a more natural sweetening profile that typically produces less of an artificial aftertaste.

Taste and Flavor Options

Flavor preferences are highly personal, but variety matters when you’re drinking these products regularly.

AdvoCare Rehydrate offers flavors including Fruit Punch, Mango Pineapple, Berry Lemon Ice, Grape, Melon, Orange, and Pomegranate Tangerine. The fructose and sucralose combination creates a sweeter profile that some users love and others find too intense. Reviews generally describe the taste as similar to traditional sports drinks—familiar and straightforward.

Liquid I.V. provides over 10 flavors: Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, White Peach, Golden Cherry, Concord Grape, and seasonal varieties. The cane sugar and stevia blend produces a balanced sweetness. Many users report that Liquid I.V. flavors taste more “fruit-forward” and less artificially sweet than traditional sports drinks.

Both brands offer variety packs, which is smart if you’re trying them for the first time. Taste can make or break your consistency with any supplement, so don’t underestimate this factor.

Price and Value

Cost matters, especially if you’re using electrolyte mixes daily.

AdvoCare Rehydrate: An 18-stick powder pack retails for approximately $23.97, working out to about $1.33 per serving. Ready-to-drink bottles (20 oz) cost around $2.50–$2.82 each, offering grab-and-go convenience at a premium.

Liquid I.V.: A 16-packet box costs $24.99, or about $1.56 per serving. Bundle and subscription pricing can bring this down to approximately $1.52 per serving. Liquid I.V. offers free standard shipping in the U.S. when ordering directly.

The price difference per serving is minimal—roughly 20–25 cents. However, when you factor in nutritional content, Liquid I.V. delivers significantly more electrolytes per serving, which could justify the slightly higher cost for those needing maximum hydration support.

AdvoCare’s ready-to-drink option adds convenience but nearly doubles the cost per serving. This format works well for travel or situations where mixing powder isn’t practical.

Availability differs too. AdvoCare is widely available in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. Liquid I.V. started as a direct-to-consumer brand sold primarily through its website and Amazon, though it’s expanding into brick-and-mortar locations.

Best Use Cases: When to Choose Each

Choose AdvoCare Rehydrate if:

• You prefer lower-calorie, lower-sugar options (6g vs 11g)
• You want a balanced 1:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio for general hydration
• You value added recovery support from Sustamine® and L-arginine
• You’re sensitive to high sodium intake (100mg vs 490mg)
• You’re looking for a more affordable option for everyday use
• You need calcium and magnesium in your hydration formula
• You don’t mind artificial sweeteners like sucralose

Choose Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier if:

• You need rapid rehydration after intense workouts, heat exposure, travel, or illness
• You want maximum electrolyte content, especially sodium and potassium
• You prefer science-backed ORS technology (Cellular Transport Technology)
• You follow a vegan, gluten-free, or plant-based diet
• You appreciate natural flavors and stevia-based sweetening over artificial sweeteners
• You’re willing to pay slightly more for higher electrolyte concentration
• You’re not sensitive to higher sugar content (11g per serving)

Safety and Considerations

Both products are generally safe for healthy adults, but there are important cautions to consider:

AdvoCare is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat. If you have severe allergies, review labels carefully and contact the manufacturer with specific questions.

Liquid I.V. carries specific warnings on its Canadian product labeling: not recommended for those under 14 years old, limit to 1 serving per day, and avoid combining with other potassium-supplemented foods or supplements on the same day. The high potassium content (380mg per serving) requires caution for individuals with kidney issues or those taking medications that affect potassium levels, such as ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics.

Anyone with kidney disease, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those taking medications that affect electrolyte balance should consult a healthcare professional before adding electrolyte supplements to their routine. The high sodium content in Liquid I.V., while beneficial for hydration, may not be appropriate for individuals on sodium-restricted diets.

Which Hydration Mix Wins?

There’s no universal winner—the best choice depends entirely on your hydration goals, dietary preferences, and specific use cases.

AdvoCare Rehydrate delivers a balanced, lower-sugar formula with recovery-focused ingredients like Sustamine® and L-arginine. It works well for everyday hydration, moderate exercise, and those watching sugar or sodium intake. The added calcium, magnesium, and comprehensive vitamin profile provide nutritional benefits beyond basic electrolyte replacement.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier excels at rapid, science-backed hydration with significantly higher electrolyte levels. It’s the better choice for intense training, heat exposure, illness recovery, or any situation demanding fast fluid replacement. The ORS-based CTT formula, combined with natural ingredients and dietary certifications, appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking maximum hydration support.

Consider your primary needs: Are you training intensely in hot conditions? Liquid I.V. might be your best bet. Looking for balanced daily hydration support without excess sugar or sodium? AdvoCare could be ideal.

Try variety packs from both brands if possible. Pay attention to how you feel—energy levels, workout performance, recovery time, and overall hydration. Your body’s response will ultimately guide the right choice.

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