HydroMATE vs. Liquid I.V. – Which is the Best Hydration Drink Mix?

In our fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. Dehydration, or the lack of sufficient water in our bodies, can lead to a myriad of unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and even confusion.

One of the primary culprits behind dehydration is an imbalance of electrolytes—minerals that play a crucial role in maintaining our body’s fluid balance and overall functionality.

I still remember that one fateful day when I decided to push my limits and attempt my first marathon. As I crossed the finish line, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions—pride, exhaustion, and, well, dizziness. It didn’t take long for me to realize that my body’s electrolyte balance had taken a serious hit. Since that eye-opening experience, I’ve made it my mission to understand the ins and outs of electrolytes and how to maintain the perfect balance in my body, no matter the circumstance.

To maintain optimal health, it’s crucial to consume adequate amounts of common electrolytes daily. The suggested daily intake (measured in milligrams) for these vital minerals varies depending on age and gender, as outlined below:

• Sodium: Individuals aged 50 or younger should aim for 1500 mg, while those above 50 require 1300 mg, and people over 70 need 1200 mg.
• Potassium: A consistent intake of 4700 mg is recommended.
• Calcium: For those 50 years old or younger, 1000 mg is the target, while people over 50 should consume 1200 mg.
• Magnesium: Men are advised to take 420 mg, while women need 320 mg.
• Chloride: The recommended amount is 2300 mg for those aged 50 or below, 2000 mg for people over 50, and 1800 mg for individuals over 70.

As someone who’s always on the go, I can’t afford to let fatigue slow me down. That’s why I’m constantly on the lookout for products that can support my active lifestyle and keep me feeling energized throughout the day.

I’ve tried many different supplements over the years and today I’m going to compare two of my favorites: HydroMATE and Liquid I.V. We’ll examine each one individually so that you can decide which works best for your needs.

What is HydroMATE?

HydroMATE is a powdered electrolyte supplement that can be mixed with water to replenish your body’s lost electrolytes. It comes in travel-friendly packets and can be stored in your car or backpack to be used when you need it most.

It’s ideal for anyone who wants to stay hydrated and healthy but doesn’t want the extra calories or sugar found in most sports drinks. It comes in a variety of flavors and is available online and in many health food stores. You can use 16 to 32 ounces of cold water per packet, but feel free to add more for extra flavor and energy.

Ingredients

1. Potassium Chloride
2. Magnesium Oxide
3. Silicon Dioxide
4. Zinc Oxide
5. Sodium Chloride (Salt)
6. Sugar
7. Sucralose
8. Ascorbic Acid
9. Citric Acid
10. Malic Acid
11. Natural & Artificial Flavors

What is Liquid I.V.?

Liquid I.V. is a powdered drink mix made up of electrolytes, which claim to be more efficient in delivering nutrients and hydration through the bloodstream—thanks to its patented Cellular Transport Technology (CTT).

This means that your body absorbs liquids quickly, giving you an immediate hydration boost. Liquid I.V.’s formula is free of gluten, soy, and dairy—and the company also offers several flavors for those who want something other than water as an option!

Ingredients

1. Sodium Citrate
2. Mined Salt
3. Dextrose
4. Vitamin C
5. Natural Flavors
6. Stevia leaf extract
7. Silicon Dioxide
8. Dipotassium Phosphate
9. Citric Acid
10. Vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12
11. Potassium Citrate

How Do They Compare Nutritionally?

One of the key differences between these two drink mixes is their sugar content. Liquid I.V. contains 11g of sugar per serving, while HydroMATE only has 2.5 grams.

As you can see from the table, Liquid I.V. is a little more sodium-heavy than HydroMATE. This isn’t necessarily bad–it just means that if you’re trying to avoid high levels of sodium in your diet or want to control your blood pressure, then Liquid I.V.’s higher content may not be ideal for you.

HydroMATE is lower in calories and carbs than liquid I.V., but it contains similar amounts of potassium. It is slightly saltier tasting due to its low sugar content.

HydroMATE boasts a high Vitamin C content compared to other products in its class (1000 mg per serving). The average adult should get about 75mg of Vitamin C each day–meaning you could get more than a week’s worth of Vitamin C in just one serving of this product.

Liquid I.V.’s claim to fame is its high levels of Vitamin B6 and B12: both are essential nutrients that help support the body’s nervous system function metabolism and energy production. If you’re looking for these vitamins specifically Liquid I.V.’s got them covered.

Varieties, Flavors, and Taste Comparison

HydroMATE offers 3 varieties. The Hydration Accelerator, which contains electrolytes and B vitamins; the Hydration + Energy drink, which also includes caffeine; and the Chocolate version of the drink.

Liquid I.V.’s lineup is more extensive: it includes the original product as well as Immune Support (with 5x the daily value of vitamin C), Energy Multiplier (with coffeeberry extract), Sleep Multiplier (with melatonin) and Hydration Multiplier with Probiotic Kombucha for digestive support.

The Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink comes in 12 flavors, each with its own distinct taste and flavor profile. They are all-natural and genuinely fruity, making them a great alternative to other drinks on the market.

1. Strawberry
2. Tangerine
3. Watermelon
4. Passion Fruit
5. Lemon Lime
6. Piña Colada
7. Guava
8. Acai Berry
9. Golden Cherry
10. Seaberry
11. Strawberry Lemonade
12. Tropical Punch

Currently, HydroMATE comes in four flavors: Orange Citrus, Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch, and Peach Iced Tea—plus they have a Cotton Candy version too. While this may seem like a small selection compared to Liquid I V’s ten options—I think these four flavors are pretty good!

When I first tried HydroMATE, I noticed that it tasted like a slightly saltier version of Gatorade. Orange was my favorite flavor, but fruit punch and lemon-lime were also good.

The orange flavor reminded me of Orange Jello, while the fruit punch tasted like a red Gatorade. Lemon lime was softer-flavored but still had a strong citrus taste to it.

One thing I appreciated about HydroMATE was that it didn’t taste too sweet. I found that a single packet of HydroMATE was strong enough to flavor 32oz of water.

Liquid I.V.’s taste is primarily driven by its high sodium content and stevia sweetener, so while it tastes good at first—though there’s a very salty aftertaste that lingers for a few minutes afterwards. That might not be ideal if you’re trying to sip on something during your workout.

Throughout the years, I’ve tried many different flavors of Liquid I.V. Most were good—but some were definitely more appealing to me than others: in particular Strawberry, Watermelon, and Passion Fruit.

Packaging and Portability

HydroMATE is available in packs of 16 and 30 sticks. Each stick weighs 7 grams and dissolves nicely with no grit. The packaging is easy to open and dispense, making it convenient for carrying around on the go.

Liquid I.V. is available in packs of 8, 16, 32, and 64 sticks. Each stick contains 16 grams and the powder dissolves easily with no grit or residue left behind. The convenient packaging makes it easy to carry around or store in a gym bag without taking up too much space.

The only downside to HydroMATE is that the packets are meant to be mixed with 32 oz of water. This can be a bit inconvenient if you don’t have a large bottle on hand, but it’s not a big deal if you have one of their specific bottles or something like a Yeti.

With Liquid I.V., you only need 16 oz of water—half the amount needed for the HydroMATE —which makes it more convenient as it’s easier to carry a small bottle of water at work than a large one.

Price Comparison

Liquid I.V.’s single-serve packets cost $1.53 each but can be reduced to just $1.25 per stick if you use their Subscribe & Save service, which gives customers a discount of up to 15%.

HydroMATE is a relatively less expensive option, with individual sticks costing around $1.09 each. However, HydroMATE sticks have less content than Liquid I.V.’s packets.

Both companies offer free shipping on orders above $50, and both sell their products on Amazon as well as their own websites.

Which is Better, HydroMATE or Liquid I.V.?

Overall, after trying both HydroMATE and Liquid I.V., I think that each product has its own advantages. Both drink mixes have proven to be magical in rehydrating my body after a strenuous workout, a day working in the yard, or even after a night of overindulging.

While I wasn’t too pleased with the sugar content in Liquid I.V., I found HydroMATE’s flavors to be more natural and enjoyable. On top of that, HydroMATE’s price is also more wallet-friendly compared to Liquid I.V. However, HydroMATE offers fewer flavor options than Liquid I.V., which might be a drawback for those who seek diversity in their drink mixes.

As for taste, Liquid I.V. has a good initial flavor, but the salty aftertaste due to its high sodium content and stevia sweetener might not be ideal for everyone, especially when sipping during a workout. In terms of electrolyte content, Liquid I.V. does have an edge over HydroMATE.

Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a more natural taste and a better price point, HydroMATE might be your best bet. However, if electrolyte content is your top priority and you’re okay with the sugar content and aftertaste, Liquid I.V. may be the better choice for you.

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