Electrolyte powders have become increasingly more popular in recent years and aren’t just for athletes. Electrolytes are frequently used after intense exercise lasting over an hour, heavy sweating, acute fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea, and medical conditions like kidney disease or diuretic use.
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.
Why Trust Fortune
Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks.
About Our Expert
This article was medically reviewed by Jillian Robillard, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD. Jillian is a licensed and registered dietitian at Whole Balanced Nutrition.
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier
Electrolytes included
Flavor options
Serving size
- Our thoughts: Easy to take on the go
- 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
Liquid IV Specs
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
- 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
- When your workout is less than one hour and of lower intensity performed in moderate temperatures, plain water is the best choice. Eating a balanced meal or a snack shortly after a workout can naturally and safely replete electrolytes, per Jillian Robillard, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD.
Comparing Liquid IV to Other Electrolyte Powders
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 could be a good choice after a workout or physical activity, on an extremely hot day when you’ve been sweating a lot, or during an illness that causes dehydration.
Supplementing when it’s not needed can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes that can stress your kidneys and cause other health issues.
What are the negative effects of 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.