Hydration supplements such as Liquid IV and Biosteel aren’t just great additions to plain water. They also contain added minerals that can help prevent symptoms of electrolyte imbalance during your workout sessions. But which is the better of the two?
Key Takeaways
Liquid IV contains more minerals (electrolytes) and vitamins than Biosteel. On the other hand, Biosteel has fewer calories and carbohydrates and contains no added sugar or caffeine. Biosteel is cheaper per serving than Liquid IV, although the latter offers free shipping for their products.
Continue reading to find out how these two brands compare and contrast with one another. I’ll look into their essential nutritional differences, as well as the pros and cons of each brand, to help you make an informed decision before you buy either.
How Liquid IV and Biosteel Compare Nutritionally
Below is a table summarizing the vitamin and mineral content of Liquid IV and Biosteel. Note that (except for the calories per serving and sugar) these are stated in terms of the percentage of Daily Recommended Value (DRV) per serving based on a 2000-calorie diet.
| Liquid IV | Biosteel | |
| Total calories per serving | 45 | 6.3 |
| Mineral Content: | ||
| Sodium | 22% | 3% |
| Potassium | 8% | 0% |
| Calcium | 0% | 1% |
| Magnesium | 0% | 1% |
| Zinc | 0% | 1% |
| Phosphorus | 3% | 0% |
| Vitamins: | ||
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 138% | 0% |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 220% | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 129% | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine) | 275% | 0% |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 76% | 0% |
| Other components: | ||
| Carbohydrates | 4% | 1% |
| Sugar | 11 grams (0.4 ounces) | 0 grams |
| Caffeine | 0.25% | 0% |
Note: A serving of Liquid IV is 16 grams (0.6 ounces), while a serving of Biosteel is 6.3 grams (0.2 ounces).
Based on the above chart, it appears that Liquid IV has more nutritional value per serving than Biosteel. Not only is it a great source of sodium and potassium, but it also contains significantly higher levels of vitamins that aren’t in the Biosteel hydration mix.
The ideal hydration supplement should contain a good balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, phosphorus, and potassium. Otherwise, too much or too little of any of these can negatively affect your performance in the long run. Therefore, Liquid IV is the better hydration supplement in terms of electrolyte content.
Still, it’s worth noting that Biosteel contains fewer carbohydrates than Liquid IV. The former contains no sugar and caffeine, which you always want to keep as low as possible in any supplements you consume, especially if you’re on a restrictive diet.
Further, combining sodium with sugar improves the absorption rate of water into the bloodstream, facilitating hydration. If you’re not on a restrictive diet and keep track of your sugar intake from other sources, Liquid IV is still an ideal choice.
Liquid IV: The Pros and Cons
Let’s have a table summary of the pros and cons of Liquid IV.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rehydrates faster than plain water | Contains a long list of potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea |
| Employs advanced Cellular Transport Technology | High sodium levels may contribute to excess sodium intake if unmonitored |
| Contains significant amounts of vitamins and minerals that your body needs | You are limited to consuming only one serving per day |
| May contribute to better performance | High sugar content (especially compared to other brands) |
| May reduce signs of aging when used regularly | Develops an unpleasant aftertaste when left out for some time |
| May help alleviate travel-related fatigue, such as jet lag | |
| Contains sleep boosters that can help you sleep better | |
| Comes in a variety of types and flavors to choose from, depending on your unique needs | |
| Dairy-, gluten- and soy-free | |
| Vegan and non-GMO |
There are four main types of Liquid IV, which are:
- Hydration Multiplier: This works for faster and more efficient hydration, and should be consumed post-workout.
- Energy Multiplier: This contains natural caffeine to boost energy levels and keep you active for longer.
- Sleep Multipier: This one is enriched with melatonin, valerian root, and L-theanine which act as sleep boosters. Ideally, you should take this before bedtime.
- Immunity Support Drink Mix: This is fortified with a blend of Vitamin C, Wellmune, and zinc to strengthen the immune system.
If you’re interested in more information about available Liquid IV flavors, ingredients, and advantages/disadvantages, check out my other article comparing Liquid IV and Gatorade.
Biosteel Hydration Mix: The Pros and Cons
Meanwhile, here’s a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Biosteel hydration mix.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains taurine, which has been shown to improve metabolism | Can lead to potentially adverse side effects when consumed in excess |
| Suitable for a caffeine-restricted diet since it doesn’t contain any caffeine | Has a bitter aftertaste (especially for the citrus flavors) |
| Potentially promotes weight loss | May not give the same energy boost as its counterparts that contain caffeine |
| Doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners | May cause bloating in less active individuals |
| May improve mental focus | |
| Vegan and non-GMO |
For more information about the benefits of Biosteel, possible side effects, and how it compares with similar drinks, I suggest reading this article.
Are There Any Similarities Between Liquid IV and Biosteel?
Liquid IV and Biosteel are both marketed as electrolyte powders that promote hydration for active individuals. Although they have their differences in terms of nutritional content and pricing, here are a few things they have in common.
- Both of them can help alleviate dehydration and can be used to replace electrolytes lost after intense activities.
- Both can be consumed at any time of the day. However, if you’re going for the variety that contains caffeine and/or sugar, you may want to drink a little earlier in the day, since both of those can cause insomnia.
- Both can lead to adverse side effects when consumed in excess.
- Both are designed for post-workout consumption.
- Both are vegan and non-GMO.
Liquid IV vs Biosteel: Which Brand Is More Cost-Effective?
When it comes to cost per serving, Biosteel is cheaper than Liquid IV. On the other hand, Liquid IV offers free shipping on purchases. However, the free shipping may not make up for the price difference between the two brands, making Biosteel the cheaper option overall.
What You Should Know Before Using Electrolyte Powders
It’s worth noting that electrolyte powders don’t entirely eliminate the need to consume 8 glasses of water daily. Instead, they’re meant to facilitate hydration by helping your body improve the absorption of water into the bloodstream. Also, electrolytes aid in keeping the balance of fluids in the body.
Any dietician worth their salt would recommend that you carefully examine a drink’s ingredients before you buy it to make sure that it lives up to its health claims. Also, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor to ensure that these drinks won’t pose any serious health hazards to you.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Liquid IV seems to have more health benefits than Biosteel. The former has more minerals and vitamins. Liquid IV may also promote better sleep when taken before bedtime because it contains sleep boosters.
On the other hand, the Biosteel hydration mix is a better choice for individuals on caffeine or sugar-restricted diets since it contains neither. Biosteel is also cheaper per serving.
The two brands have a few things in common as well. For instance, both of them help alleviate dehydration, and excess consumption of either causes undesirable side effects.
