Liquid I.V. vs JUST Ingredients: Which Is Better?
Choosing the right hydration or nutrition supplement depends on your goals. Liquid I.V. is designed for fast hydration and electrolyte replenishment, using Cellular Transport Technology to help the body absorb water more efficiently. In contrast, JUST Ingredients focuses on clean, real-food nutrition, offering products made with minimal ingredients and no artificial additives. This comparison breaks down how they differ and which one may be right for you.
What is Liquid IV?
Liquid IV is a widely recognized hydration multiplier that also utilizes ORS technology to enhance water absorption in the body. It is particularly known for its Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which optimizes the delivery of water and electrolytes into the bloodstream more efficiently than drinking water alone.
Key Features:
- CTT (Cellular Transport Technology) speeds up hydration.
- Includes essential vitamins like B3, B5, B6, B12, and Vitamin C for added health benefits.
- Available in multiple flavors with a slightly sweet and salty taste.
- Used by athletes, travelers, and those needing quick rehydration after physical exertion, illness, or hangovers.
What is JUST Ingredients?
JUST Ingredients is a clean-label wellness brand that makes hydration and nutrition products using real, minimal ingredients. Their hydration mix is an electrolyte powder designed to support hydration without artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives.
Key Features
- Uses real mineral electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
- Sweetened lightly with organic cane sugar or fruit-based ingredients
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- No artificial sweeteners (no sucralose, aspartame, or acesulfame-K)
- Made with organic fruit powders for flavor
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- Designed for everyday hydration, not just workouts
Liquid I.V. Ingredients
- Cane sugar
- Dextrose
- Citric acid
- Salt (sodium chloride)
- Potassium citrate
- Sodium citrate
- Dipotassium phosphate
- Natural flavors
- Stevia leaf extract
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
- Vitamin B5 (calcium D-pantothenate)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Silicon dioxide
JUST Ingredients Ingredients
- 100% Grass-Fed Non-Denatured Whey Protein
- Coconut Milk*
- Pea Protein*
- Grass-Fed Collagen
- Chia Seed Protein*
- Vanilla Extract*
- Sea Salt
- Stevia Leaf*
- Vanilla Bean*
- Peppermint Oil*
- Monk Fruit*
(*organic)
Key Difference
- Liquid I.V. focuses on rapid hydration, using sugars, electrolytes, and added vitamins to enhance water absorption.
- JUST Ingredients focuses on clean nutrition, using real-food proteins and natural sweeteners with no artificial additives.
Nutrition Facts Comparison (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier | JUST Ingredients Protein Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 Stick (16 g) | 1 Scoop (35.4 g) |
| Calories | 50 | 150 |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 7 g |
| └ Saturated Fat | 0 g | 6 g |
| └ Trans Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 40 mg |
| Sodium | 530 mg | 125 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13 g | 4 g |
| └ Dietary Fiber | 0 g | < 1 g |
| └ Total Sugars** | 11 g | 1 g |
| └ Added Sugars | Included | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g | 22 g |
| Vitamin C | 73 mg | — |
| Vitamin B6 | 2 mg | — |
| Vitamin B12 | 7 mcg | — |
| Niacin (B3) | 22 mg | — |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | 11 mg | — |
| Calcium | — | 90 mg |
| Iron | — | 0 mg |
| Potassium | 530 mg | 160 mg |
| Phosphorus | 53 mg | — |
Key Difference
- Liquid I.V. is designed for fast hydration, providing high sodium, electrolytes, and added vitamins, with no protein.
- JUST Ingredients is a clean protein-based nutrition blend, focused on muscle support and real-food nutrition, with high protein and moderate calories.
Liquid I.V. Flavors
- Lemon Lime
- Passion Fruit
- Strawberry
- Tropical Punch
- Watermelon
- Pina Colada
- Acai Berry
- Golden Cherry
- Seaberry
- Peach
- Concord Grape
- Green Grape
(Availability can vary by country and product line such as Sugar-Free, Energy, or Immune Support.)
JUST Ingredients Flavors
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Strawberry
- Peanut Butter
- Mint Chocolate
- Cinnamon Roll
- Caramel
- Coconut
(Flavors are typically protein or nutrition blends, not hydration-only products.)
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
| Pack | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Stick | ~$1.50–$2.50 each |
| 3-Pack | ~$7–$9 |
| 10-Pack | ~$15–$22 |
| 30-Pack | ~$35–$45 |
Hydration mix powdered sticks — price varies by retailer and pack size.
JUST Ingredients Protein Powder
| Product | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Protein Powder (20+ servings) | ~$120–$140+ |
| Some flavors/sizes | ~$100–$130 |
Clean protein / nutrition tubs — price varies by flavor, retailer, and promotions.
Liquid I.V. — Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fast Hydration: Designed to help your body absorb water and electrolytes quickly.
- Portable Sticks: Easy to carry and mix with water anywhere.
- Added Vitamins: Includes B vitamins and vitamin C for extra nutrient support.
- Low Calorie: Lower in calories compared with many sports drinks.
- Wide Flavor Range: Many flavor options.
❌ Cons
- Contains Sugar: Higher sugar content compared with zero-sugar hydration products.
- Not a Meal or Protein Source: Doesn’t provide protein or substantial calories.
- Artificial Flavors: Some versions include natural flavorings that might not be ideal for “clean label” seekers.
- Not Ideal for Daily Nutrition: Mainly for hydration, not comprehensive nutrition.
JUST Ingredients — Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Clean Ingredients: Real-food based proteins and natural sweeteners, no artificial additives.
- High Protein: Great source of protein (22g per scoop) for muscle support or meal supplementation.
- Multiple Functional Ingredients: Includes whey, pea protein, collagen, and chia protein.
- Low Added Sugars: Very little sugar compared with many protein blends.
❌ Cons
- Higher Price: Premium product — more expensive up front.
- Not Primarily for Hydration: Not designed for rapid electrolyte replacement.
- Higher Calories: More calories per serving (from protein and fats) — not ideal if your goal is low calorie hydration.
Final Thought
Choosing between Liquid I.V. and JUST Ingredients ultimately depends on what your body needs most.
If your goal is fast hydration, electrolyte replacement, and quick recovery—especially after sweating, travel, or dehydration—Liquid I.V. is the better fit. Its high sodium content, added vitamins, and hydration-focused formula are designed for efficiency, not nutrition.
However, if you’re looking for clean nutrition with real-food ingredients, higher protein content, and minimal additives for everyday use, JUST Ingredients stands out. It’s not meant to replace electrolytes quickly but instead supports muscle health, satiety, and clean supplementation.
In simple terms:
- Liquid I.V. = hydration first
- JUST Ingredients = clean nutrition first
