Electrolyte powders have become increasingly more popular in recent years and aren’t just for athletes—anyone can boost their hydration and vitamin and mineral levels by sipping water flavored with these types of products. When a high-pressure job keeps you on the go, ensuring proper hydration can help keep your brain firing on all cylinders.
You’ve probably seen Liquid IV at your local pharmacy, grocery store, Costco, or Amazon. Liquid IV also sells its products in bigger batches through its website, and Liquid IV’s Hydration Multiplier is currently available in 17 flavors. We tested the Hydration Multiplier hands-on, considering aspects such as mixability, flavor, taste, and overall experience. Read on for our tester’s full review.
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Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier
Electrolytes included
Sodium, Potassium
Flavor options
Over 20 flavors available
Serving size
1 powder stick
Product HighlightsPros & Cons
Our thoughts: Great for a hydration pick-me-up
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to boost hydration after exercise, during back-to-back meetings, long travel, or simply ensure they get enough electrolytes throughout the day
What makes it different: It’s available in 17 different flavors
Subscribe and save discount is 30% offVegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free17 flavors availableHas 10 grams of added sugarContains a proprietary blendMore expensive than other hydration packets on the market
Liquid IV Specs
SpecsDetailsPrice$24.99 for 16 sticks, $49.98 for 32 sticks, $74.97 for 48 sticksCost per serving$1.56Dose1 stick per day (16 grams)Key ingredientsVitamin B12, B6, pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin CThird-party testingNo third-party testing noted on the brand’s websiteReturn policyOrders under $400 can be returned with 60 daysPriceDetails$24.99 for 16 sticks, $49.98 for 32 sticks, $74.97 for 48 sticksCost per servingDetails$1.56DoseDetails1 stick per day (16 grams)Key ingredientsDetailsVitamin B12, B6, pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin CThird-party testingDetailsNo third-party testing noted on the brand’s websiteReturn policyDetailsOrders under $400 can be returned with 60 days
Our Experience with Liquid IV
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier is an electrolyte powder that includes multiple vitamins and minerals. It’s available in 17 different flavors. Liquid IV is “powered by LIV Hydrascience,” according to the brand, which is a proprietary blend. The brand also says that its Hydration Multiplier has 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink.
Kendall tested the Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier in the strawberry lemonade flavor, then provided her feedback about the instructions, mixability, taste, sweetness, and side effects. Overall, she said that Liquid IV’s Hydration Multiplier is a decent option for days when she needs an extra hydration boost—like after a long workout, traveling, or being out in the heat.
“In general, I like that it’s convenient and easy to throw into my bag when I’m on the go, since I don’t always remember to drink enough water throughout the day,” Kendall said.
What We Liked
Here’s what Kendall rated highly after trying Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier:
Instructions (5 out of 5): The directions were “super easy to read” per Kendall—just add one stick to 16 ounces of water and mix thoroughly before drinking.
Mixability (5 out of 5): The product completely dissolved after Kendall mixed it. “The texture of the water looks cloudy, but there are no visible chunks,” she said.
What We Would Change
Here’s what Kendall would improve about the Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier.
Taste (3 out of 5): I would only drink this again if it were the only electrolyte provided in a situation where I need to hydrate. It’s a little thick,” she said.
Sweetness (5 out of 5): “The product is too sweet for me, especially compared to other electrolyte packets I have tried,” Kendall said.
Value (1 out of 5): Liquid IV costs $1.56 per serving as of this writing, which puts it solidly in the premium electrolyte packets group. Transparent Labs Hydrate costs only 99 cents per serving, and Gatorade’s Propel hydration sticks are about 75 cents per serving.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier is for:
People who sweat a good bit during exercise, do intense workouts in hot weather, or are athletes looking to boost hydration
Folks who travel frequently and often feel dehydrated or fatigued and want a convenient way to rehydrate
Professionals who want to ensure they drink enough water throughout the day and prefer single serving, on-the-go hydration packets
People who don’t mind paying a premium price
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier may not be ideal for:
Folks who have been medically advised to keep their diets low-sodium or who have hypertension
People who are sensitive to sugar or want to avoid added sugar altogether, as each serving has 10 grams
Budget-conscious shoppers
Comparing Liquid IV to Other Electrolyte Powders
Hydration productPrice per servingFlavors availableThird-party testedLiquid IV Hydration Multiplier$1.5617UnclearLive it Up Vital Minerals$1.505YesTransparent Labs Hydrate$1.0012, including unflavoredYesLiquid IV Hydration MultiplierPrice per serving$1.56Flavors available17Third-party testedUnclearLive it Up Vital MineralsPrice per serving$1.50Flavors available5Third-party testedYesTransparent Labs HydratePrice per serving$1.00Flavors available12, including unflavoredThird-party testedYes
Looking to boost your greens, superfoods, and digestive health? Check out our list of the best greens powders of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Liquid IV actually healthy?
Liquid IV contains some vitamins and minerals, plus a proprietary hydration blend. It can be a helpful way to boost your hydration, though folks watching their sodium and/or sugar intake may want to look at other similar options.
What are the negative effects of Liquid IV?
Some folks may experience an aftertaste or digestive upset after taking Liquid IV.
Does Liquid IV help with jet lag?
Hydration powders that are sodium-based, like Liquid IV, can help with jet lag, though more studies are needed.