Whether you’re an athlete or trying out a low-carb diet, proper hydration is vital to your success. When it comes to hydration, people immediately think of water, but they don’t realize that electrolytes are crucial to staying hydrated and healthy. So if you’re looking for an electrolyte drink to meet your hydration demands, you might wonder which is better: LMNT or BioSteel?
LMNT and BioSteel are both low-carb, sugar-free electrolyte drinks. Those on a low-carb or keto diet or those sweating heavily, tend to need more sodium and could benefit more from LMNT. However, BioSteel has a broader range of nutrients and amino acids that better support strength training.
While they are both used by athletes, you don’t have to be into sports to drink these beverages. They can help you get the vitamins or minerals your body craves and help you absorb the right amount of water. Keep reading to learn about the similarities and differences between these brands and decide which one is best for you.
Basic Similarities
Before we explore the differences between these brands, let’s look at the similarities.
- LMNT and BioSteel both sell electrolyte powders that dissolve in water. You can buy both in powder form and mix them yourself, deciding how much you’d like to use.
- Both drinks are low-carb. They use primarily natural flavors and sweeteners to enhance the taste. So technically, you can enjoy either LMNT or BioSteel on a low-carb or keto diet.
- They also both contain sodium, magnesium, and potassium. While LMNT and BioSteel have different amounts, these three essential electrolytes are crucial for hydration and nervous system function. They are particularly good for athletes who tend to lose higher amounts through sweating and exertion.
- Neither has caffeine or significant calories. They won’t give you that pre-workout energy boost; you are best off drinking it during or after exercise. However, the lack of calories aids exercises in weight loss, and the lack of caffeine prevents the potentially harmful effects during training.
- Both products are also made with stevia. While this natural sweetener is calorie-free, some people describe the flavor as overly sweet or having a bitter aftertaste. This criticism comes down to preference, so you’ll need to try it to see what you think. I personally prefer Allulose or Monk fruit due to lack of after taste.
LMNT Strengths and Considerations
| Strengths | Considerations |
| High ratio of sodium to water for better hydration | No amino acids or vitamins |
| Potassium & magnesium | No energy boost, not a pre-workout drink |
| No Sugar, gluten, or dubious ingredients | |
| Vegan & Paleo friendly |
LMNT is an electrolyte powder that comes in a small packet to mix with water. The manufacturers designed these products with a low-carb or keto lifestyle in mind. Many of these dieters, especially if they are athletic, struggle with electrolyte balance.
Carbohydrates hold onto more water within your body. You lose that water and electrolytes, particularly sodium when you eat less. With such a high sodium content, LMNT does a great job of replenishing the lost reserves.
LMNT also has a good amount of magnesium, a vital mineral in many body processes, including hydration, memory, sleep, and recovery.
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
| Serving Size | 1 Stick pack (3,5g) |
| Calories | 0 |
| Fat | 0 |
| Carbohydrates | 0 |
| Protein | 0 |
| Sodium | 1000mg |
| Calcium | 0 |
| Potassium | 200mg |
| Magnesium | 60mg |
| Zinc | 0 |
Key Ingredients
- Salt (Sodium Chloride)
- Citric Acid
- Magnesium Malate
- Potassium Chloride
- Natural Flavors
- Stevia Leaf Extract.
BioSteel Strengths and Considerations
| Strengths | Considerations |
| Well-rounded sports drink with vitamin B blend, minerals, and amino acids | No energy boost, not a pre-workout drink |
| Low-carb and sugar-free | Can cause stomach upset if taken when consumed in excess or when not sweating or drinking enough water |
| Gluten-free |
First off, BioSteel has more products than LMNT. The companies’ products cater towards hydration and athletic performance, and recovery. These products include ready-made sports drinks, sports powders, protein powders, and specialty nutrition products.
Let’s explore his article BioSteel’s most comparable products– the sports drinks and powders- to better compare with LMNT
Overall, BioSteel products have a longer list of ingredients and more nutrients. This variety can be both good and bad. When you get a more extensive array of nutrients, you are more likely to get the ones you need.
However, lower amounts of specific minerals such as sodium may not be enough to replenish what athletes lose during training. Also, excessive amounts of nutrients in one drink can sometimes cause an upset stomach.
Let’s take a closer look at two of BioSteel’s drinks, the Hydration Mix and the Sports Drink.
BioSteel Hydration Mixed berry
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
| Serving Size: | 7g |
| Calories | 5 |
| Carbohydrate | 1mg |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Calcium | 18mg |
| Magnesium | 5mg |
| Potassium | 33mg |
| Zinc | 0.16mg |
| Biotin | 0.3mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3mcg |
| Folate | 12 mcg DFE, (7 mcg Folic Acid) |
| Niacin | 0.3mg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.27mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.3mg |
| Thiamine | 0.3mg |
| L-Leucine | 1202mg |
| L-Isoleucine | 544mg |
| L-Valine | 544mg |
| Glycine | 460mg |
| L-Glutamine | 973mg |
| Taurine | 135mg |
| Calcium Carbonate from Lithothamnion spp. (AquaminTM) | 36.8mg |
| Magnesium Citrate | 13.6mg |
| Choline (as Choline Bitartrate) | 300mcg |
| Inositol | 300mcg |
Key Ingredients
- Citric Acid
- Stevia (Leaf) Extract
- Natural Flavor
- Sea Salt (Celtic Sea Salt®)
- Malic Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Red Beet Powder (color)
- Sunflower Lecithin.
Product Takeaways
You can see from this long list of nutrition facts that drinking the Hydration Mix has many benefits.
BioSteel’s Hydration Mix includes amino acids which are proteins that help aid in muscle recovery. When your body breaks down protein, it uses amino acids to build new muscle. So when you take the amino acids, you are speeding up the digestive process and giving your muscles the amino acid even faster, which can be helpful when strength training.
This mix also has B vitamins which people often lack. B vitamins help with focus and nervous system, and muscle recovery. They can also help support your metabolism by assisting in the conversion of calories to energy, which may boost your athletic performance.
However, if you aren’t losing enough water or have a slow metabolism, this drink may cause bloating. Due to the high amount of nutrients, you should drink enough water. Consuming too much powder and not enough water can upset your stomach.
Sports Drink- Mixed Berry
| Nutritional Facts | Amount |
| Serving Size | 1 container |
| Calories | 15 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
| Potassium | 230mg |
| Calcium | 50mg |
| Iron | 0.1mg |
| Magnesium | 25mg |
Key Ingredients
- Water
- Electrolyte Blend (Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Sea Salt)
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Stevia Leaf Extract.
Product Takeaways
BioSteel’s Sports Drinks are simpler beverages with fewer ingredients to hydrate during high-intensity exercise. They have a decent amount of potassium but lower sodium than MLNT.
This product could be a good option for those who don’t have a high demand for sodium but simply want a tasty, hydrating beverage with electrolytes.
Final Thoughts
LMNT and BioSteel are both sugar-free, low-carb electrolyte drinks. They are solid options for athletes or people concerned about electrolyte balance.
Overall, I’d recommend LMNT while engaging in endurance activities such as running or cycling, especially if you have low sodium or eat a low-carb diet.
However, BioSteel’s Hydration Mix may be a better option for weight-lifting and strength-based activities because it has ingredients to target muscle recovery.
