Liquid I.V. vs Salud: Which Hydration Booster Wins?
Staying hydrated isn’t just about drinking water anymore. Electrolyte supplements have surged in popularity as more people recognize the importance of replenishing minerals lost through sweat, exercise, and daily activities. Two brands have captured significant attention in this space: Liquid I.V., the mainstream favorite with its Hydration Multiplier technology, and Salud, the newcomer offering Mexican-inspired flavors and cleaner ingredients.
Both promise superior hydration, but they take distinctly different approaches. Liquid I.V. leverages cellular transport technology and clinical studies to support its claims, while Salud emphasizes low sugar content and authentic flavor profiles. If you’re wondering which electrolyte powder deserves a spot in your gym bag or travel kit, this comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
What Is Liquid I.V.?
Liquid I.V. launched in 2012 with a mission to deliver hydration more efficiently than water alone. Their flagship product, Hydration Multiplier, uses Cellular Transport Technology (CTT)—a specific ratio of sodium, glucose, and potassium designed to enhance water absorption in the bloodstream.
The brand has grown into one of the most recognizable names in hydration supplements, available at major retailers like Target, Costco, and Walmart. Liquid I.V. offers multiple product lines beyond their original formula, including Energy Multiplier and Sleep Multiplier variations.
Liquid I.V. Pros
Wide Availability: You can find Liquid I.V. almost anywhere, from grocery stores to airport convenience shops. This accessibility makes it easy to grab a pack when you need it.
Flavor Variety: With options like Passion Fruit, Lemon Lime, and Strawberry, Liquid I.V. offers over a dozen flavors to suit different preferences. They’ve also introduced sugar-free versions for those watching their intake.
Clinical Backing: The brand cites studies supporting CTT’s effectiveness in improving hydration compared to water alone. This scientific foundation gives many users confidence in the product’s claims.
Liquid I.V. Cons
High Sugar Content: The original formula contains 11 grams of sugar per serving. While this glucose aids absorption, it’s a dealbreaker for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Premium Pricing: At roughly $1.50-$2.00 per stick, Liquid I.V. sits at the higher end of the hydration supplement market. Regular users may find this cost adds up quickly.
Artificial Ingredients: Some formulas contain artificial sweeteners and colors, which doesn’t align with everyone’s preference for clean ingredients.
What Is Salud?
Salud entered the market more recently with a focus on authentic Mexican-inspired flavors and cleaner formulations. The brand positions itself as a hydration option for those who want effective electrolyte replenishment without excess sugar or artificial additives.
Their products feature flavors like Tamarindo, Jamaica (hibiscus), and Horchata—taste profiles rarely seen in mainstream hydration supplements. Salud emphasizes using real fruit extracts and plant-based sweeteners to create a more natural drinking experience.
Salud Pros
Low Sugar Content: Most Salud formulas contain just 2-4 grams of sugar per serving, making them suitable for low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles while still supporting electrolyte absorption.
Unique Flavors: If you’re tired of the same lemon-lime options, Salud’s authentic Mexican flavors offer a refreshing change. The taste profiles are distinctive and made with real ingredients.
Added Vitamins: Salud includes B vitamins and vitamin C in their formulations, providing additional nutritional benefits beyond basic hydration.
Salud Cons
Limited Flavor Selection: While unique, Salud offers fewer overall flavor options compared to Liquid I.V.’s extensive lineup.
Retail Availability: Salud is primarily sold online and in select specialty stores, making it less convenient to purchase on short notice compared to Liquid I.V.’s widespread retail presence.
Newer Brand: With less market presence and fewer customer reviews, some may hesitate to try a less established brand.
Main Differences
Sugar Content
This is perhaps the most significant distinction between the two brands. Liquid I.V.’s original formula relies on 11 grams of sugar (primarily cane sugar) to facilitate its Cellular Transport Technology. The glucose works synergistically with sodium to accelerate water absorption through the intestinal wall.
Salud takes a different approach, using just 2-4 grams of sugar combined with plant-based sweeteners like stevia. This makes Salud more suitable for those monitoring blood sugar levels or following ketogenic diets, though it may slightly reduce the speed of absorption compared to Liquid I.V.’s glucose-heavy formula.
Sodium & Potassium Content
Both brands understand that sodium and potassium are essential electrolytes for hydration, but their ratios differ.
Liquid I.V. contains 500mg of sodium and 370mg of potassium per serving. This higher sodium content aligns with their CTT approach, where sodium plays a crucial role in the glucose-sodium cotransport system.
Salud typically provides 350-400mg of sodium and 300-350mg of potassium. While slightly lower, these amounts still offer substantial electrolyte replenishment for most users’ needs.
Other Electrolytes
Salud includes magnesium and zinc in their formulations, minerals that support muscle function and immune health. They also add B vitamins (B3, B6, and B12) and vitamin C for additional wellness benefits.
Liquid I.V. focuses primarily on their core hydration minerals in the original formula, though some product lines include additional vitamins. Their Energy Multiplier, for example, contains B vitamins and vitamin C.
Taste
Taste is subjective, but there are clear differences in flavor philosophy.
Liquid I.V. delivers familiar, mainstream flavors that most people find palatable. The sweetness is noticeable due to the sugar content, and some users report a slightly salty aftertaste from the sodium.
Salud’s flavors are more adventurous and authentic to their Mexican inspiration. Tamarindo offers a tangy, sweet-sour profile, while Jamaica provides a tart hibiscus taste. The lower sugar content means these flavors taste less sweet and more natural, though this may take adjustment if you’re used to traditional sports drinks.
Convenience
Liquid I.V. wins on accessibility. Individual stick packs are easy to carry, and you can purchase them almost anywhere. The powder dissolves quickly in water with minimal stirring.
Salud also uses convenient stick packs with similar mixability. However, the limited retail availability means you’ll likely need to plan ahead and order online rather than picking up a box on your way to the gym.
Third Party Testing
Liquid I.V. is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning their products undergo third-party testing to verify they’re free from banned substances and meet label claims. This certification is particularly important for competitive athletes subject to drug testing.
Salud conducts third-party testing for purity and safety but hasn’t pursued NSF Sport certification at this time. Their website provides transparency about ingredients and testing protocols.
Best For
Choose Liquid I.V. if you:
- Need immediate access to hydration supplements at retail stores
- Prefer clinical backing and established brand reputation
- Don’t mind higher sugar content for maximum absorption
- Want the widest variety of flavor options
- Are a competitive athlete requiring NSF Sport certification
Choose Salud if you:
- Follow a low-carb or ketogenic diet
- Appreciate unique, authentic flavor profiles
- Prioritize clean ingredients and lower sugar
- Want added vitamins beyond basic electrolytes
- Don’t mind purchasing primarily online
Price
Liquid I.V. typically costs $24-$28 for a 16-stick box, working out to approximately $1.50-$1.75 per serving. Bulk purchases and sales can reduce this cost slightly.
Salud generally runs $22-$26 for a 14-stick box, averaging around $1.57-$1.86 per serving. The price point is comparable to Liquid I.V., though you get slightly fewer servings per box.
Both brands offer subscription options that provide modest discounts for regular users.
Main Drawbacks
Liquid I.V.:
- High sugar content may not suit everyone’s dietary needs
- Premium pricing compared to basic electrolyte powders
- Some flavors contain artificial ingredients
- Can taste overly sweet or salty to some users
Salud:
- Limited retail availability requires advance planning
- Smaller flavor selection than competitors
- Less clinical research backing the specific formulation
- Newer brand with fewer long-term user testimonials
My Experience Taking Both
I tested both products over a four-week period during various activities: morning workouts, long runs, travel days, and recovery after outdoor activities in hot weather.
Liquid I.V.: The Passion Fruit flavor dissolved easily and provided noticeable hydration during a particularly sweaty gym session. I felt more energized than when I drank plain water, and I didn’t experience the headache I sometimes get after intense exercise. However, the sweetness became cloying after several consecutive days of use. I found myself wanting something less sugary.
Salud: The Tamarindo flavor was a pleasant surprise—tangy and refreshing without the sugar overload. I particularly appreciated it during travel when I wanted hydration without the sugar crash. The lower sweetness made it easier to drink consistently. However, I did miss the widespread availability when I forgot to pack some for a weekend trip.
Both products delivered on their hydration promises. I noticed reduced fatigue and better recovery when using either compared to water alone. The choice ultimately came down to context: Liquid I.V. for maximum absorption during intense activity, Salud for everyday hydration and travel.
Should You Take Liquid I.V. or Salud Electrolytes?
The answer depends on your priorities and lifestyle.
If you’re an endurance athlete, someone who sweats heavily, or you need rapid hydration recovery, Liquid I.V.’s higher sugar and sodium content may serve you better. The clinical backing and NSF Sport certification also make it the safer choice for competitive athletes.
For those following low-carb diets, seeking cleaner ingredients, or wanting something less sweet for daily use, Salud offers excellent hydration with more dietary flexibility. The unique flavors and added vitamins make it appealing for regular consumption without the sugar concerns.
You might even benefit from keeping both on hand: Liquid I.V. for intense workouts or illness recovery, and Salud for everyday hydration and travel. Both are legitimate hydration solutions—just with different strengths that suit different situations.
