Let’s start with the big picture: Nuun is light and low-sugar, while Skratch is fuel-friendly and performance-focused.
What Is Nuun?
Nuun Sport is an effervescent electrolyte tablet you drop into ~16 oz of water. It’s designed to add electrolytes without turning your bottle into liquid candy.
Nuun is best known for:
- Low calories
- Very low sugar (1 g)
- Clean, light flavors
- Convenience and portability
It’s often used for short workouts, hot days, and everyday hydration.
👉 Brand reference: https://nuunlife.com
What Is Skratch?
Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix is a powdered electrolyte + carb mix originally developed for endurance athletes who struggled with stomach issues from overly sweet sports drinks.
Skratch focuses on:
- Real sugar (glucose + fructose)
- Moderate calories for fuel
- Clean ingredient list
- Smooth, natural flavors
Skratch is built for longer, sweatier training sessions.
👉 Brand reference: https://www.skratchlabs.com
Target Market: Who Each Brand Is For
Nuun Target Market
Nuun is aimed at:
- Casual runners and gym-goers
- People who sweat lightly to moderately
- Office workers, travelers
- Anyone avoiding sugar
It’s hydration without committing to calories.
Skratch Target Market
Skratch is aimed at:
- Endurance athletes
- Cyclists, runners, triathletes
- Heavy sweaters
- People who need fuel + hydration
Skratch assumes you’re burning energy, not just thirsty.
Electrolytes & Nutrition (Typical Servings)
Nuun Sport (per 1 tablet in ~16 oz water)
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Potassium: 150 mg
- Magnesium: 25 mg
- Calcium: 13 mg
Skratch Hydration Sport Drink Mix (per 1 scoop in ~16 oz water)
- Calories: ~80
- Sugar: ~19 g
- Sodium: ~380 mg
- Potassium: ~50 mg
- Magnesium & calcium: small amounts
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Nuun | Skratch |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Very low | Moderate |
| Sugar | 1 g | ~19 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg | ~380 mg |
| Fuel (carbs) | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes |
| Best for | Short workouts, daily hydration | Long workouts, endurance |
| Taste style | Light, fizzy | Smooth, natural |
Sugar & Fuel: The Big Difference
This is where Nuun vs Skratch really separates.
- Nuun keeps sugar minimal—great if you don’t need calories.
- Skratch includes sugar on purpose to provide energy + better absorption during long sessions.
If you’re training over 60–90 minutes, Skratch usually makes more sense. If not, Nuun often does the job.
Taste & Drinkability
Nuun Taste
- Lightly fizzy
- Tart and refreshing
- Not sweet
Some people love the effervescence; others find it slightly medicinal.
Skratch Taste
- Flat (non-carbonated)
- Mild fruit flavors
- Not syrupy
Skratch is often praised for being easy on the stomach, even late in long workouts.
🏆 Taste Winner (most people): Skratch
🏆 Light refreshment winner: Nuun
Ingredients & Sweeteners
Nuun
- Stevia for sweetness
- Citric acid + carbonates (fizz)
- Very small amount of dextrose
Good for low-sugar fans, but stevia can be polarizing.
Skratch
- Cane sugar (glucose + fructose)
- No artificial sweeteners
- Minimal additives
Simple and athlete-friendly.
Convenience & Portability
- Nuun tablets are ultra-portable (tube in a pocket).
- Skratch requires a scoop and bag—less convenient on the go, easier at home or during long training.
Price & Value
Approximate pricing:
- Nuun: ~$0.70–$0.80 per serving
- Skratch: ~$1.20–$1.50 per serving
You’re paying for fuel and volume with Skratch, and simplicity with Nuun.
Are They Healthy?
Both can be healthy when used correctly.
- Nuun is easier to use daily without overdoing sugar.
- Skratch is healthier during long or intense exercise than under-fueling.
Neither replaces balanced meals or plain water.
Best Use Cases (Quick Picks)
Choose Nuun If You:
- Want low-sugar hydration
- Do short workouts
- Sit at a desk or travel often
- Prefer light, fizzy drinks
Choose Skratch If You:
- Train longer than an hour
- Sweat heavily
- Need calories + electrolytes
- Want something gentle on your stomach
Final Thoughts: Nuun vs Skratch
There’s no universal winner in Nuun vs Skratch—just better fit.
- Nuun = light, portable, low-sugar hydration
- Skratch = fuel + electrolytes for serious training
If hydration is the goal → Nuun
If performance and endurance matter → Skratch
FAQs
Can I drink Skratch every day?
Yes, but the calories may be unnecessary on rest days.
Is Nuun enough for marathon training?
Usually not by itself—you’ll likely need carbs.
Which is better for stomach sensitivity?
Skratch tends to be gentler for long sessions.