LMNT and Liquid IV are two of the most popular electrolyte brands, and "LMNT vs Liquid IV" is one of the most searched comparisons in this space. Both offer sugar-free stick packs at nearly the same price ($1.50 vs. $1.56 per serving). But the formulas are built around different philosophies. LMNT prioritizes sodium (1,000mg per serving). Liquid IV Sugar-Free balances sodium and potassium more evenly (500mg and 370mg) while adding B vitamins.
The short version: if you need high sodium (keto, carnivore, POTS, heavy sweating), LMNT delivers twice as much per serving. If you want a more balanced electrolyte profile with added vitamins and prefer allulose over stevia, Liquid IV Sugar-Free has the edge. For sodium per dollar, LMNT wins at $1.50 per gram of sodium vs. Liquid IV's $3.12.
LMNT vs Liquid IV: The Numbers Side by Side
This comparison uses Liquid IV's sugar-free formula, not the original (which has 11g sugar). Both products below are zero-sugar stick packs.
| Metric | LMNT | Liquid IV (SF) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 1,000mg | 500mg | LMNT (2x) |
| Potassium | 200mg | 370mg | Liquid IV (1.85x) |
| Magnesium | 60mg | 0mg | LMNT (Liquid IV has none) |
| Sugar | 0g | 0g | Tie |
| Sweetener | Stevia | Allulose | Preference |
| Price/serving | $1.50 | $1.56 | ~Tie |
| $/g sodium | $1.50 | $3.12 | LMNT (2x better value) |
| Servings/box | 30 | 14 | LMNT (more per box) |
| Box price | $45.00 | $21.84 | Liquid IV (lower upfront) |
| B Vitamins | None | B3, B5, B6, B12 | Liquid IV |
| Form | Stick Pack | Stick Pack | Tie |
Data verified against manufacturer websites. Prices as of March 2026. See the full 17-brand comparison →
Where LMNT Wins
Double the sodium. LMNT delivers 1,000mg sodium per serving. Liquid IV Sugar-Free delivers 500mg. If you're on keto, carnivore, or dealing with POTS, you likely need 3,000–5,000mg sodium daily.[1] With LMNT, three packets hits 3,000mg. With Liquid IV Sugar-Free, you'd need six packets for the same amount, at a higher total cost ($9.36 vs. $4.50).
Magnesium included. LMNT has 60mg magnesium per serving. Liquid IV Sugar-Free has zero. Magnesium plays a role in muscle relaxation and nerve function.[2] If you're using electrolytes to prevent cramps during exercise or on a low-carb diet, getting magnesium in the same packet is convenient. Without it, you'd need a separate magnesium supplement.
Better sodium value. At $1.50 per gram of sodium, LMNT delivers twice the sodium per dollar compared to Liquid IV's $3.12. The per-serving prices look almost identical ($1.50 vs. $1.56), but the per-serving sodium is completely different. You're paying the same price for half the sodium with Liquid IV.
Simpler ingredient list. LMNT contains sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium malate, citric acid, and natural flavors. Liquid IV Sugar-Free includes those plus L-glutamine, L-alanine, silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent), and multiple vitamins. Fewer ingredients isn't automatically better, but some people prefer a minimal formula.
Where Liquid IV Wins
More potassium. Liquid IV Sugar-Free has 370mg potassium per serving compared to LMNT's 200mg. That's 1.85x more. Potassium plays a key role in heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and fluid balance.[3] If your diet is already low in potassium (and most American diets are), the extra 170mg per serving adds up over multiple daily servings.
Added B vitamins. Liquid IV includes vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12. LMNT has no vitamins. Whether you need supplemental B vitamins depends on your diet. Most people eating a varied diet get enough B vitamins from food. But if you're using electrolytes as a daily supplement, the added vitamins are a bonus at no extra cost.
Allulose sweetener. Liquid IV Sugar-Free uses allulose, a rare sugar that tastes closer to real sugar than stevia does. Some people detect a bitter or metallic aftertaste with stevia. Allulose avoids this entirely while still containing nearly zero calories and not spiking blood sugar or insulin. Taste is subjective, but allulose generally scores higher in consumer taste tests than stevia.
Lower upfront cost. A box of Liquid IV Sugar-Free (14 servings) costs $21.84. A box of LMNT (30 servings) costs $45.00. Liquid IV's lower box price makes it easier to try without a big commitment, even though the per-serving price is slightly higher.
Stevia vs. Allulose: The Sweetener Difference
This matters more than most people realize, because you're drinking these products daily.
Stevia (LMNT) is a zero-calorie extract from the stevia plant. It's been used for decades and is well-studied. The tradeoff: a significant portion of people detect a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste.[4] LMNT's flavoring does a good job masking this, but it's still noticeable to some.
Allulose (Liquid IV Sugar-Free) is a rare sugar found naturally in figs, raisins, and maple syrup. It has about 70% of the sweetness of table sugar with only 0.2–0.4 calories per gram. It doesn't spike blood sugar or insulin,[5] making it safe for keto and fasting. The taste profile is much closer to real sugar with no bitter aftertaste. The tradeoff: in very large amounts (40g+), allulose can cause mild GI discomfort in some people. At the amounts in Liquid IV, this is unlikely to be an issue.
If you've tried LMNT and found the taste slightly off, Liquid IV's allulose formula might work better for you. If stevia doesn't bother you, there's no taste-based reason to switch.
Which Should You Choose?
LMNT is the better pick if: You need high sodium (keto, carnivore, POTS, or heavy sweating). You want magnesium in the same packet. You prefer a minimal ingredient list. You're buying in bulk and want more servings per box.
Go with Liquid IV Sugar-Free if: You want more potassium per serving. You prefer allulose over stevia (better taste for many people). You want added B vitamins. You're buying to try and want a lower upfront cost. Your sodium needs are moderate (general hydration, light exercise).
Skip both if: Budget is your primary concern. Both brands cost $1.50+ per serving. Several tub-format electrolytes in our comparison table deliver similar or higher sodium for under $1.00 per serving.
Compare all 17 brands in our full comparison table to find the best electrolyte for your specific needs.
References
- Phinney SD. "Ketogenic diets and physical performance." Nutrition & Metabolism, 2004; 1:2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. "Magnesium — Health Professional Fact Sheet." Updated June 2, 2022. ods.od.nih.gov
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. "Potassium — Health Professional Fact Sheet." Updated June 2, 2022. ods.od.nih.gov
- Tao R, Cho S. "Consumer-Based Sensory Characterization of Steviol Glycosides (Rebaudioside A, D, and M)." Foods, 2020; 9(8):1026. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Yuma T, et al. "Allulose for the attenuation of postprandial blood glucose levels in healthy humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis." PLoS ONE, 2023; 18(4):e0281766. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov