Whether you‘re a high-performance athlete, weekend warrior, or just looking to stay optimally hydrated, electrolyte drinks can be an invaluable addition to your routine. With so many brands and formulas on the market, though, it can be tough to figure out which one will work best for your unique needs and preferences.
Two of the most popular and highly-rated options are BioSteel and Liquid IV. In this comprehensive comparison, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to decide between these two electrolyte powerhouses – as well as highlight some other top brands worth considering.
But first, let‘s start with the basics…
What Are Electrolyte Drinks and Why Do They Matter?
Before we dive into comparing specific products, it‘s important to understand what electrolyte drinks are and why proper hydration is so critical for health and performance.
Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride that carry an electric charge. They play essential roles in the body including:
- Regulating fluid balance
- Supporting muscle and nerve function
- Maintaining proper pH levels
- Transporting nutrients into cells
- Promoting waste removal
When you sweat, you lose both fluid and electrolytes. While plain water can help restore fluid levels, it doesn‘t replenish those depleted electrolytes. That‘s where electrolyte drinks come in. By delivering a targeted combination of electrolytes and fluid, these beverages are formulated to rapidly rehydrate and promote fluid retention.
The importance of proper hydration can‘t be overstated:
- Dehydration affects 75% of Americans
- Losing just 2% of your body‘s water content can significantly impair physical and cognitive performance
- Dehydration is a major cause of headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and other common symptoms
While everyone can benefit from staying well-hydrated, electrolyte drinks are especially useful for:
- Intense exercise lasting longer than 60 minutes
- Exercise in hot and humid conditions
- High altitude training or recreation
- Illness involving vomiting, diarrhea, or fever
- Air travel
- Improving hydration in those who struggle to drink enough fluids
Now that we‘ve covered the "what" and "why" of electrolyte drinks, let‘s compare two leading brands: BioSteel and Liquid IV.
BioSteel Hydration Overview
Founded in 2009, BioSteel is a Canadian company that has grown to become a major player in the sports hydration market. Originally developed for professional athletes, BioSteel‘s sugar-free formula has attracted a broad range of active consumers.
Product Offerings
BioSteel‘s flagship product is their Hydration Mix, which comes in a variety of flavors including:
- Blue Raspberry
- Mixed Berry
- Peach Mango
- Rainbow Twist
- White Freezie (Original)
The mix is also available in convenient single-serving packets as well as a caffeinated option for those seeking an extra boost.
In addition to the Hydration Mix, BioSteel offers a Sports Drink (bottled beverage), Hydration Pods, and an Electrolyte Gum.
Key Benefits
– Sugar-free and enriched with B-vitamins
– Contains a blend of essential electrolytes including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium
– NSF Certified for Sport, making it a safe choice for drug-tested athletes
– Independently verified to be free of banned substances
– Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free
– No artificial colors or sweeteners
– Uses stevia and natural flavors for a lightly sweet taste
– Comes in a variety of refreshing flavors
– Trusted by professional sports teams and elite athletes
Liquid IV Hydration Overview
Liquid IV is a popular American wellness brand founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Brandin Cohen. Their Hydration Multiplier electrolyte drink mix has exploded in popularity thanks to celebrity endorsements and a focus on corporate social responsibility.
Product Offerings
Liquid IV‘s core product is their Hydration Multiplier, an electrolyte drink mix that comes in a variety of flavors:
- Lemon Lime
- Passion Fruit
- Acai Berry
- Watermelon
- Strawberry
- Concord Grape
- Pina Colada
The brand has also expanded to offer an Energy Multiplier (with caffeine), a Sleep Multiplier, and flavor-specific Immune Support powders.
Key Benefits
– Uses Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to enhance rapid absorption of water and nutrients
– One stick can provide the same hydration as drinking 2-3 bottles of water
– Contains 5 essential electrolytes: sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and glucose
– Made with premium ingredients like cane sugar and sea salt
– Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free
– No artificial ingredients, preservatives, or added colors
– Donates servings to people in need with every purchase
– Offers a subscribe-and-save program for discounted regular deliveries
– Has over 17,000 5-star reviews online
BioSteel vs Liquid IV: Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we‘ve looked at each brand on its own, let‘s see how BioSteel and Liquid IV stack up in a side-by-side comparison.
Ingredients and Nutrition
Both brands provide a blend of electrolytes to support hydration, but there are some key differences:
BioSteel Hydration Mix (per 1 scoop/12oz):
- 25 calories
- 0g sugar
- 140mg sodium
- 55mg potassium
- 50mg calcium
- 26mg magnesium
- 185mg chloride
- B-vitamins (B3, B6, B12)
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier (per 1 packet):
- 35 calories
- 11g carbohydrate (including 11g sugar)
- 500mg sodium
- 370mg potassium
- 100mg magnesium
- 40mg chloride
- 60mg calcium
- Vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, B12
The most notable differences are that Liquid IV contains added sugar and more sodium, while BioSteel is sugar-free but lower in some electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Liquid IV is higher in calories and carbs overall.
Taste and Mixability
Taste is subjective, but both BioSteel and Liquid IV receive positive reviews for flavor from customers. BioSteel has a light sweetness from stevia, while Liquid IV is sweeter from the cane sugar. Both mix easily into water.
Price
BioSteel is more affordable than Liquid IV. A tub of BioSteel Hydration Mix (45 servings) retails for $34.99 ($0.78 per serving), while a box of Liquid IV (16 packets) goes for $24.99 ($1.56 per serving). You can save on both by subscribing or buying in bulk.
Effectiveness
Both drinks appear to be effective for supporting hydration based on their electrolyte content and positive customer feedback. Liquid IV may have a slight edge due to its higher sodium and potassium to boost fluid retention. However, BioSteel is likely sufficient for most people‘s hydration needs.
Other Top Electrolyte Drinks to Consider
While BioSteel and Liquid IV are great options, there are several other electrolyte supplements worth considering:
-
Nuun Sport: Fizzy electrolyte tablets with light flavor. Certified vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.
-
Ultima Replenisher: Electrolyte mix with no sugar, carbs, or calories. Made with plant-based colors.
-
Hydrant: Electrolyte packets formulated for rapid absorption. No artificial sweeteners, stevia, or synthetic colors.
-
LMNT: Electrolyte drink mix with 1000mg sodium per packet. No sugar, artificial ingredients, fillers, or junk.
-
Pedialyte: The go-to electrolyte beverage for illness-related dehydration. Comes in ready-to-drink, powder, and freezer pop forms.
-
Gatorade/Powerade: The most widely available sports drinks. Contain added sugar, artificial flavors and colors.
Finally, you can also make a DIY electrolyte drink by combining salt, lemon juice, a sweetener like honey, and optional additions like baking soda and potassium chloride (salt substitute).
Choosing the Best Electrolyte Drink for You
With so many electrolyte options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs and preferences? Here are some factors to consider:
-
Activity Level: Are you a competitive athlete, endurance runner, or just looking for a little extra hydration support? Match the strength of your electrolyte drink to the intensity of your training and lifestyle.
-
Ingredient Quality: Review the ingredient list and look for products with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners if possible.
-
Sugar Content: Watch out for electrolyte drinks loaded with added sugar, which can actually impair hydration in high amounts. Look for brands with little or no sugar, especially if you‘re watching your calorie intake.
-
Electrolyte Profile: An effective electrolyte drink should have a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. If you‘re a heavy and salty sweater, you may need a higher sodium formula.
-
Taste and Flavor: If you don‘t like the taste of your electrolyte drink, you‘re unlikely to use it consistently. Sample some different flavors and choose one that you enjoy and look forward to drinking.
-
Special Needs: If you have any allergies, food sensitivities, or are following a specific diet (e.g. keto, vegan), make sure to choose a product that fits your unique needs.
-
Brand Values: Consider supporting brands with a commitment to clean ingredients, sustainability, and giving back to the community.
-
Budget: Electrolyte drinks can vary pretty widely in price. Figure out what you‘re comfortable spending and look for the best quality products in that range.
The Bottom Line on BioSteel vs Liquid IV
So, when it comes to BioSteel vs Liquid IV, which one comes out on top? The truth is, both are solid choices for upping your hydration game.
BioSteel is great for athletes and other highly active individuals thanks to its NSF Certification, absence of sugar, and stevia-sweetened flavors. It‘s also more affordable per serving. The drawbacks are that it‘s lower in key electrolytes like sodium and potassium compared to some other brands.
Liquid IV, on the other hand, is an ideal choice if you‘re looking for a rapid and effective hydration boost and don‘t mind a little bit of added sugar. It has a devoted fan base and the company‘s charitable giving adds a feel-good factor. Just be aware that you‘ll pay a premium compared to some other electrolyte products.
Ultimately, the best electrolyte drink is the one that you enjoy and use consistently to support your hydration needs. Don‘t be afraid to experiment with a few different brands and flavors until you find your perfect match – and be open to switching it up now and then for variety.
By prioritizing hydration with the help of a quality electrolyte supplement like BioSteel or Liquid IV, you‘ll be well on your way to feeling and performing your best, no matter what life throws your way. Your body will thank you!
