I didn’t plan on comparing Relyte and Liquid I.V.. I just wanted something that actually helped me feel hydrated without tasting awful or loading me up with sugar. These two kept coming up, so I tried both.
I used them during workouts, on hot days, and when I just felt run down from not drinking enough water. This isn’t a technical breakdown or a sponsored take. It’s based on how they tasted, how my body responded, and which one I actually wanted to keep using.
If you’re deciding between Relyte vs Liquid I.V., here’s my straight-up experience with both.
What Is Relyte?
Relyte is an electrolyte supplement made by Redmond Life. I first noticed it because it doesn’t rely on sugar to do the heavy lifting. Instead of focusing on carbs, Relyte is built around minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
What stands out to me is the salt source. Relyte uses real sea salt, which gives it a stronger, salt-forward taste compared to most electrolyte powders. It’s definitely not sweet. If you’re used to sugary sports drinks, this can be a shock at first.
I use Relyte when I’m doing longer workouts, fasting, or eating low-carb. It feels more like a “functional” hydration drink than something you sip for flavor. For me, it works best when I actually need electrolytes, not just something that tastes good in water.
What Is Liquid I.V.?
Liquid I.V. is a powdered hydration drink mix designed to help you absorb water faster. The brand leans heavily on something called Cellular Transport Technology, which basically means it uses sodium and glucose together to pull more water into your system.
Liquid I.V. is much sweeter than Relyte. Most flavors taste closer to juice or a sports drink, and sugar is part of the formula. That makes it easier to drink, especially if you’re already dehydrated and just want something that goes down fast.
I reach for Liquid I.V. when I’m traveling, hungover, or feeling wiped out and need a quick boost. It feels more like a convenience hydration fix rather than a daily electrolyte drink.
Ingredients
Relyte
Simple, mineral-focused formula:
- Redmond sea salt (sodium source)
- Potassium chloride
- Magnesium malate
- Calcium carbonate
- Natural flavors
- Stevia leaf extract
No sugar. No vitamins. No fillers.
Liquid I.V.
More complex, sugar-based formula:
- Cane sugar
- Dextrose
- Sodium citrate
- Potassium citrate
- Citric acid
- Natural flavors
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B12)
Which Brand Has the Most Electrolytes Per Serving?
Short answer: Relyte — by a lot.
Relyte is much heavier on electrolytes per serving, especially sodium.
Here’s the cut-to-cut breakdown based on standard single servings:
- Relyte
- Sodium: ~1,000 mg
- Potassium: ~200 mg
- Magnesium: ~60 mg
- Calcium: ~60 mg
- Liquid I.V.
- Sodium: ~500 mg
- Potassium: ~380 mg
- Magnesium: minimal
- Calcium: minimal
What Salt Is Used?
Relyte
Uses real sea salt. Strong, salty taste. Built for heavy electrolyte replacement.
Liquid I.V.
Uses sodium citrate and sodium chloride. More refined. Smoother, sweeter taste.
That’s the difference.
Best Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio
Relyte has the better sodium-to-potassium ratio if your goal is hydration during heavy sweating, workouts, or low-carb eating.
- Relyte: ~1,000 mg sodium / ~200 mg potassium
→ About 5:1, which matches what you lose in sweat.
Liquid I.V. is more balanced but lighter on sodium.
- Liquid I.V.: ~500 mg sodium / ~380 mg potassium
→ Closer to 1.3:1, better for casual hydration.
Natural or Artificial Flavors
Relyte
Uses natural flavors. No artificial colors. Taste is mild and salt-forward.
Liquid I.V.
Uses natural flavors, but also includes added sugar and flavoring acids to boost taste. No artificial colors.
What Types of Magnesium Are Used?
Relyte
Uses magnesium malate.
Well-absorbed. Easier on the stomach. Better for muscle function and cramps.
Liquid I.V.
Uses magnesium citrate, but in very small amounts.
Main focus isn’t magnesium.
Cut to it:
If magnesium matters to you, Relyte clearly does more here.
Vitamins
Relyte
No added vitamins.
It’s strictly electrolytes. Nothing extra.
Liquid I.V.
Includes added vitamins:
- Vitamin C
- B3 (niacin)
- B5
- B6
- B12
Sugar Content
Relyte
0 grams of sugar.
Sweetened with stevia.
Liquid I.V.
~11 grams of sugar per serving.
Sugar is part of how it boosts absorption.
Taste and Cost
Taste
Relyte
Salty, not sweet. Flavor is light and mineral-heavy.
Takes a few uses to get used to.
Liquid I.V.
Sweet and punchy. Tastes closer to juice or a sports drink.
Easy to drink right away.
Cost (per serving, roughly)
Relyte
About $1.00–$1.25 per serving.
Liquid I.V.
About $1.50–$2.00 per serving.
Packaging and Convenience
Relyte
Available in tubs and single-serve sticks.
Tubs are cheaper but less portable.
Sticks work, but you have to mix carefully to avoid clumping.
Liquid I.V.
Mostly single-serve packets.
Easy to carry, tear, and pour.
More travel-friendly and mess-free.
Best For
Relyte
Best for:
- Heavy sweating
- Long or intense workouts
- Keto or low-carb diets
- Fasting
- People who want zero sugar and high sodium
Liquid I.V.
Best for:
- Travel and flying
- Hangovers
- Quick hydration when sick or run down
- People who prefer sweet drinks
- Situations where convenience matters most
Final Thoughts
After using both, this is how it shakes out for me.
Relyte is what I choose when hydration actually matters. It’s high in sodium, zero sugar, and built for workouts, heat, fasting, or low-carb days. It’s not about taste. It’s about function.
Liquid I.V. is what I use when I want something easy and fast. It tastes better, mixes effortlessly, and works well for travel, hangovers, or quick dehydration fixes.