If you spend enough time around runners, lifters, or anyone who trains hard, two names keep popping up: LMNT and Re Lyte. Both promise clean electrolytes, better hydration, and fewer mid workout crashes. I have tried both through long training days, hot summer hikes, and those sluggish mornings when water alone just doesn’t cut it.
What I learned is that these two mixes might look similar on the surface, but they feel different once you actually use them. The flavors hit differently, the formulas behave differently, and depending on your goals, one might fit your routine better than the other.
So let’s walk through how each one performs in real life, what they get right, what they miss, and who they’re really made for.
What Is LMNT?
LMNT is an electrolyte drink mix made for people who sweat a lot, train hard, or follow low carb diets. It was created by Robb Wolf and his team after seeing how many athletes were dealing with low sodium, not low water.
Each packet delivers a high dose of sodium along with magnesium and potassium. There is no sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no filler. You mix it with water, shake it, and it is ready.
People like LMNT because the flavors hit strong, the formula works fast, and it helps prevent cramps or that drained feeling you get when your electrolytes dip. It is a simple blend designed for tough workouts, long training days, or hot weather.
What Is Re Lyte?
Re Lyte is an electrolyte mix from Redmond that focuses on a more balanced, all natural formula. It uses unrefined Real Salt along with potassium, magnesium, chloride, and a few supporting minerals that show up naturally in their salt. The idea is simple: give your body the electrolytes it loses during training without loading it with sugar or artificial flavors.
Re Lyte is lighter on sodium compared to LMNT, which some people prefer if they are not heavy sweaters or if they want something they can sip through the day. The flavors are smoother, a bit less intense, and the powder mixes easily.
Most people reach for Re Lyte when they want steady hydration, cleaner ingredients, and a formula that feels gentle enough for daily use but still strong enough for long workouts.
Key Difference:
Hydration Effectiveness
Hydration is where LMNT and Re Lyte feel the most different in real use. I noticed this the first week I tested them back to back. LMNT delivers a fast, powerful hit. The high sodium pulls water into your system quickly, which is exactly what you want when you are drenched in sweat or halfway through a tough workout. On long training days I could feel the boost within minutes. My energy held steady, and those mid-session dips almost disappeared.
Re Lyte works on the same goal, but the experience is smoother. It has less sodium and a more balanced mineral mix from Real Salt, so the hydration comes in gradually. On days when I was not pushing as hard, or when I wanted to sip something through the morning, Re Lyte felt easier on my body. No salt overload, no heavy taste, just a steady pick me up that kept me from feeling sluggish or foggy.
So the difference shows up in real life. LMNT is the one you grab when the workout is intense and you need something that acts fast. Re Lyte is the one you drink when you want dependable hydration without the punch. Both work, but the way they feel in your routine is not the same.
Electrolytes
The biggest split between LMNT and Re Lyte comes down to how they build their electrolyte formulas. When I tested them side by side, the difference was obvious not just on the label but in how my body reacted.
LMNT loads up on sodium. It gives you a heavy dose right away, backed by smaller amounts of potassium and magnesium. During long, sweaty workouts, this high sodium formula felt like a cheat code. My muscles stayed calmer, I didn’t cramp as easily, and I didn’t hit that washed out feeling that usually shows up near the end of a hard session. If you are a salty sweater, you feel the payoff almost instantly.
Re Lyte takes a more rounded approach. It uses Real Salt, which naturally carries a wider range of trace minerals, so the electrolyte profile feels more balanced. The sodium is lower, the overall mineral blend is broader, and the taste reflects that. On lighter training days or when I wanted something daily without feeling over-salted, Re Lyte made more sense. It felt kinder on my system and easier to drink consistently.
In short, LMNT hits you with targeted electrolytes for high performance moments, while Re Lyte gives you a broader, gentler mix that fits everyday hydration. The right choice depends on how hard you train and how much salt you actually lose.
Sugar
One thing both LMNT and Re Lyte make a big deal about is keeping sugar out of the picture, but the way they handle it still feels a little different when you actually drink them.
LMNT is completely sugar free. No sneaky carbs, no sweeteners that hide in fine print. The taste reflects that. It is bold, salty, and straightforward. When I first tried it, the lack of sweetness caught me off guard, but during hard workouts it made sense. Nothing sticky in the mouth, nothing heavy on the stomach, and no sugar crash an hour later. If you follow low carb or you train early in the morning on an empty stomach, the sugar free formula feels clean and predictable.
Re Lyte is also sugar free, but it leans on a gentler flavor approach. It uses natural sweeteners like stevia, which gives it a smoother, slightly sweeter taste without adding calories. When I was drinking it throughout the day, the light sweetness made it easier to sip casually. It felt more like a regular flavored drink and less like a performance mix. If you want something that tastes closer to a traditional electrolyte drink without real sugar, Re Lyte hits that middle ground.
Calories
Both LMNT and Re Lyte are low calorie, but the way they feel in real use still has its own flavor. LMNT comes in at zero calories. Nothing added, nothing extra. When I used it during early morning workouts, it felt light and clean, almost like drinking flavored water with a kick. If you train fasted or you keep a tight handle on your macros, LMNT fits right in because it never adds anything to your daily intake.
Re Lyte is also extremely low calorie, usually just a couple of calories per serving depending on the flavor. You will not feel a difference in your diet, but you might notice a difference in taste. That tiny calorie count comes from natural sweeteners and minerals that give Re Lyte a smoother, slightly sweeter finish. When I used it throughout the day, it felt more like a normal drink and less like a pure performance mix.
In practice, calories will not be the deciding factor for most people, since both options keep things very light. But LMNT feels more stripped down, while Re Lyte feels a little more drinkable for long, casual hydration.
Flavor
Flavor is where LMNT and Re Lyte really split. The first time I tried LMNT, I understood why people either love it or tap out after one sip. The flavors are bold, salty, and strong. LMNT does not hide the sodium. During intense workouts, that punch actually felt refreshing because it cut through the dryness and gave me a quick boost. But if I tried to drink it casually while sitting at my desk, the saltiness felt a little heavy.
Re Lyte is the opposite. It goes for smoother, friendlier flavors with a hint of sweetness from stevia. When I drank it on a normal day, it tasted more like a flavored water and less like a performance drink. The taste is softer and easier to sip for long periods. On training days it worked fine, but it did not have that same intense kick LMNT gives during hard workouts.
So the flavor choice depends on the moment. LMNT feels like a strong, salty mix built for sweat heavy days. Re Lyte feels lighter and more enjoyable for everyday hydration. Both taste good in their own lane, but they definitely do not taste the same.
Price
Price is one of the first things you notice when comparing LMNT and Re Lyte, and it definitely shows up when you use them regularly. LMNT sits on the higher end. When I was going through a box during peak training, I felt the cost add up fast. You are paying for a simple but strong formula and a big brand name, so the price reflects that. If you use it every day, it can feel like a commitment.
Re Lyte is more budget friendly. The tubs and stick packs usually cost less per serving, which made it easier for me to drink daily without thinking about the price. It felt like the kind of electrolyte mix you can buy in bulk and not stress over. Even when I used it on long hikes or during workouts, I never felt like I was burning through an expensive product.
In real use, LMNT feels like a premium performance option, while Re Lyte feels more practical for everyday hydration. Both work well, but if cost matters or you drink electrolytes often, Re Lyte has the edge.
Which One Is Better for Athletes?
If you train hard, sweat a lot, or push through long sessions, the difference between LMNT and Re Lyte becomes pretty noticeable. When I tested them during heavy workouts, LMNT came out stronger for pure athletic performance. The high sodium hits fast, the energy drop never showed up, and my muscles held steady even during long runs and heavy lifts. It feels like a mix built for people who are constantly in motion and losing a ton of electrolytes.
Re Lyte still works for athletes, but it feels better suited for moderate training or mixed days where you want something lighter. The balanced mineral profile kept me hydrated without the salty punch, and it was easier to sip between sets or on lighter cardio days. If you train regularly but not at full throttle, Re Lyte can handle the job without feeling overwhelming.
So here is the simple version.
If your workouts are long, intense, and sweat heavy, LMNT gives you more immediate support.
If your routine mixes light and moderate training or you want something easier on the taste buds, Re Lyte fits more naturally into the day.
For High Performance Users
If you fall into the high performance category, the kind of person who pushes hard day after day, LMNT usually fits better. When I tested both during long training blocks, LMNT gave me the most noticeable support. The high sodium kept my energy stable, my focus sharper, and my muscles calmer during long sessions. There were days when I could feel the difference within minutes, especially in the heat. It behaves like a formula built for people who demand a lot from their bodies and need something that works fast.
Re Lyte can still handle tough days, but it feels more like a steady, all day hydration option than a high octane performance booster. On long but moderate training days, it kept me hydrated without any heaviness, but it never delivered that same immediate kick LMNT gives when things get intense. If you train hard but prefer a smoother taste or a more balanced mineral mix, Re Lyte can still fit into your routine. It just will not hit as aggressively as LMNT when your workouts get brutal.
For high performance users, LMNT has the stronger edge. It acts quickly, it holds up under pressure, and it keeps your hydration at peak levels when your training demands it.
For Casual Hydration
For everyday hydration, Re Lyte takes the lead. When I wasn’t training hard and just wanted something to sip throughout the day, Re Lyte felt easier, lighter, and more natural to drink. The mild sweetness and smoother flavor made it feel more like flavored water and less like a performance product. I could keep a bottle on my desk or take it on a walk without feeling overwhelmed by salt or intensity.
LMNT can work for casual hydration, but it is not the easiest option. The strong, salty taste makes more sense when you are sweating hard. On slow days when I tried to drink it casually, it felt too bold and sometimes even a bit much. It is built for performance first, not all day sipping.
So if you want something that keeps you hydrated during normal routines, office days, morning walks, or mild workouts, Re Lyte fits the role perfectly. It is smoother, lighter, and easier to enjoy without thinking about it.
Final Winner
If I had to pick one overall winner, it depends on how you plan to use it. After testing both in real life, here is the simplest way to look at it.
LMNT wins for performance.
When the workout is brutal, the weather is hot, or the sweat is pouring, LMNT delivers a fast, noticeable boost. The high sodium, no sugar formula works exactly when you need it most. I felt the difference every time I pushed past my comfort zone.
Re Lyte wins for daily hydration.
On normal days, lighter training sessions, or long hours at the desk, Re Lyte is the better fit. It tastes smoother, it goes down easier, and the balanced minerals make it something you can drink anytime without overthinking it.