Hydration is more than water—it’s about the right balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates. Let’s compare Cure vs Liquid IV across electrolytes, ingredients, taste, price, and everyday usability.
What Is Cure?
Cure Hydration is a plant-based electrolyte drink mix inspired by the World Health Organization (WHO) oral rehydration solution guidelines. It uses simple, real-food ingredients designed to support hydration without artificial additives.
Cure focuses on:
- Plant-based ingredients
- Organic coconut water powder
- Simple sugars in small amounts
- Clean-label transparency
It’s often chosen by people who want hydration with minimal processing.
👉 Official site: https://drinkcure.com
What Is Liquid IV?
Liquid IV is a powdered hydration mix marketed as a hydration multiplier. It uses a glucose-based transport system intended to enhance water absorption.
Liquid IV emphasizes:
- Electrolytes plus sugar
- Faster hydration via glucose-assisted absorption
- Added vitamins
- Convenient single-serve packets
It’s commonly used for travel, workouts, and dehydration recovery.
👉 Official site: https://www.liquid-iv.com
Key Electrolytes (Exact Amounts per Serving)
Electrolyte content highlights differences in Cure vs Liquid IV.
Electrolyte Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Electrolyte | Cure | Liquid IV |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | ~240 mg | ~500 mg |
| Potassium | ~260 mg | ~380 mg |
| Magnesium | Minimal | ~50 mg |
| Calcium | Minimal | ~125 mg |
Key takeaway:
- Liquid IV delivers higher overall electrolyte levels.
- Cure offers gentler electrolyte support closer to WHO-style hydration.
Key Ingredients
Ingredient philosophy is a major differentiator.
Cure Ingredients
- Organic coconut water powder
- Sea salt
- Organic cane sugar (small amount)
- Organic tapioca dextrose
- Natural flavors
Liquid IV Ingredients
- Cane sugar or dextrose
- Sodium citrate
- Potassium citrate
- Vitamin blend (B-complex, vitamin C)
- Natural flavors
Cure relies more on food-based ingredients, while Liquid IV emphasizes performance dosing.
Which One Helps With Fast Hydration?
Both products rely on sugar-electrolyte interaction.
- Liquid IV: Higher sodium and glucose support faster hydration in dehydration scenarios.
- Cure: Mimics WHO oral rehydration ratios, effective for mild dehydration and illness.
The World Health Organization supports glucose-electrolyte solutions for rehydration.
Source: https://www.who.int
Sugar Content
Sugar source and amount matter in Cure vs Liquid IV.
- Cure: ~4g sugar (from organic sources)
- Liquid IV: ~11g sugar per serving
Cure uses less sugar overall and relies on natural plant-based sources.
Vitamins
- Cure: No added vitamins
- Liquid IV: Includes vitamin C and B vitamins
Liquid IV offers additional micronutrient support, though not essential for hydration.
How Does It Taste?
Taste profiles differ noticeably.
Cure Taste
- Light and subtle
- Mildly sweet
- Clean, natural finish
Liquid IV Taste
- Sweeter and bolder
- Salty aftertaste
- More intense overall
People sensitive to sweetness often prefer Cure.
Artificial vs Natural Color
- Cure: No artificial colors
- Liquid IV: Uses natural coloring depending on flavor
Both avoid synthetic dyes.
Convenience
Convenience is similar.
- Single-serve packets
- Easy to mix
- Travel-friendly
Liquid IV is more widely available in stores, while Cure is more niche.
Price
Average Cost Per Serving
- Cure: ~$1.50–$2.00
- Liquid IV: ~$1.50–$2.00
Pricing is comparable, depending on retailer and subscription.
Is It Worth It?
Value depends on hydration needs.
- Cure is worth it for gentle, clean hydration.
- Liquid IV is worth it for more aggressive electrolyte replacement.
Neither is universally better.
Are They Healthy?
Both can be healthy when used appropriately.
- Cure suits ingredient-conscious users.
- Liquid IV’s higher sugar may not suit daily casual use.
Moderation matters for both.
Use Cases
Cure Is Best For:
- Mild dehydration
- Illness recovery
- Everyday hydration
- Ingredient-conscious users
Liquid IV Is Best For:
- Heavy sweating
- Travel and jet lag
- Exercise and heat exposure
- Situations needing fast hydration
Final Thoughts
When comparing Cure vs Liquid IV, the choice comes down to gentle, food-based hydration versus performance-focused hydration. Cure aligns closely with WHO rehydration principles using simple, plant-based ingredients, while Liquid IV delivers higher electrolytes and added vitamins for faster rehydration. Both are effective when used for the right situations.
FAQs
Is Cure better than Liquid IV?
Neither is better overall—they serve different hydration needs.
Which has less sugar?
Cure contains less sugar per serving.
Is Cure good for workouts?
Yes, for light to moderate activity.
Is Liquid IV good for illness recovery?
Yes, though sugar content should be considered.