Are you trying to decide between Prime Hydration sticks and Liquid IV for your hydration needs? Look no further!
In this blog post, we’ll compare these two powdered packet options to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways:
Prime Hydration sticks and Liquid IV are powder-based hydration drink mixes. However, Prime is more of a general-purpose sports beverage, whereas Liquid IV’s 500 mg of sodium in its electrolyte stack, makes it ideal for recovery after an intense workout.
| Hydration Drinks: | Prime Hydration Sticks: | Liquid IV: |
| Founders | Logan Paul, KSI, & Congo Brands | Brandin Cohen |
| Founded | 2022 | 2012 |
| Calories | 20 per serving | 45 per serving |
| Total Sugar | 2 g | 11 g |
| Added Sugar | 0 g | 11 g |
| Sweetener type | Synthetic | Natural |
| Sweetener source | Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium | Stevia Extract |
| Sodium | 40 mg | 510 mg |
| Potassium | 700 mg | 380 mg |
| Total Carb | 6 g | 12 g |
While Liquid IV is a well-known player in the hydration game, Prime Hydration (another popular hydration drink brand) has recently introduced the stick version as a new product. Keep reading to find out how they stack up against each other.
Prime Hydration Sticks – A Brief Overview
Since its launch, KSI and Logan Paul’s hydration brand, Prime, has achieved great success in the hydration drink market. The company is now introducing its powder hydration drink in single-serving stick packs – Prime Hydration Sticks – for even more convenience.
Fans of the original Prime drink will be happy to know that the same key ingredients and amounts have been carried over to the new product.
What’s In Prime Hydration Sticks?
- L-Isoleucine
- L-Leucine
- L-Valine
- Natural Flavor
- Citric Acid
- Coconut Water from Concentrate
- Dipotassium Phosphate
- Magnesium Citrate
- Sucralose (Synthetic Sweetener)
- Sea Salt
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12)
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Zinc Aspartate
- d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6)
- Acesulfame Potassium (Synthetic Sweetener)
- Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
Check out our detailed review of Prime Hydration here.
Prime Hydration Sticks: Pros
Many natural ingredients:
Prime Hydration sticks offer several advantages as a hydration beverage. One of the main benefits is that it is made with all-natural ingredients, including coconut water, which is a good source of electrolytes but does not contain any added sugars.
Contains BCAAs:
In addition to coconut water, Prime Hydration also contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which have been shown to help prevent muscle breakdown and support muscle protein synthesis.
BCAAs are a group of amino acids that includes valine, leucine, and isoleucine, and they are known for their efficient fuel source properties.
Highly Recommended Read:
Lately, BCAAs seem to be on every label as a selling point, but are they essential for the body? You’re in luck because we wrote an excellent resource demystifying BCAAs. When you’re done reading this article, check out our article on What Are BCAAs, & Are They Worth the Hype? (8-minute read).
No added sugar:
Another advantage of Prime Hydration is that it has no added sugars, making it a healthier choice than many commercially available hydration beverages that may contain high sugar levels.
Overall, all-natural ingredients and the absence of added sugars make Prime Hydration a superior choice for hydration and recovery.
Prime Hydration Sticks: Cons
Synthetic Sweetener
Although Prime Hydration sticks offer several benefits as a hydration beverage, there is still one drawback.
It contains synthetic sweeteners and preservatives, which some people may prefer to avoid in their hydration products.
The sweetener used in Prime Hydration is a no-calorie sweetener called acesulfame potassium and Sucralose, which is commonly used as a sugar substitute in food and drinks.
Liquid IV – A Brief Overview
Liquid IV is a hydration drink that aims to provide faster and more efficient hydration than plain water. This is made possible through the use of Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which allows water and other vital nutrients to be absorbed into circulation more quickly.
It contains a blend of electrolytes and nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that are designed to support overall health and well-being.
Liquid IV is available in convenient sachets and can be easily mixed with water to create a nutritious hydration drink.
What’s In Liquid IV?
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin B5 (D-Calcium Pantothenate)
- Salt
- Pure Cane Sugar
- Dextrose
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Potassium Citrate
- Dipotassium Phosphate
- Natural Flavors
- Rebaudioside-a (Stevia Leaf Extract)
- Silicon Dioxide
Liquid IV: Pros
Faster rehydration:
The advanced Cellular Transport Technology in Liquid IV helps optimize the hydration delivery to your body’s cells, allowing for faster absorption into the bloodstream and more efficient rehydration.
This can be especially beneficial if you’re dehydrated due to illness, exercise, or other activities that cause fluid loss.
Nutrients:
Liquid IV is formulated with a blend of essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. These include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and a variety of B vitamins, as well as magnesium, potassium, and more.
Liquid IV can help support immune function, bone health, energy metabolism, and more by providing your body with these nutrients.
Travel fatigue:
If you frequently travel, you may be all too familiar with the feeling of jet lag and other types of travel-related fatigue. Liquid IV can help to alleviate these symptoms by providing your body with the hydration and nutrients it needs to function at its best.
Performance:
Many people who use Liquid IV report improved performance, whether it be during physical activity or everyday tasks. The added hydration and nutrients may help to increase energy levels, improve mental clarity, and support overall health and well-being.
Variety:
Liquid IV is available in various types and flavors, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. There are several flavor options to choose from, including Lemon-Lime, Acai Berry, and Watermelon.
Allergen-free:
Liquid IV is dairy-, gluten-, and soy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. It is also vegan and non-GMO.
Liquid IV: Cons
High sugar content:
Some people may be concerned about the high sugar content in Liquid IV. This can be especially concerning for those trying to limit their sugar intake or sensitive to the effects of added sugars.
High sodium levels:
Liquid IV contains high sodium levels, which can benefit hydration purposes but may also contribute to excess sodium intake if not monitored. It’s important to pay attention to your overall sodium intake.
Prime Hydration Sticks vs. Liquid IV: User Consensus
People have had mixed reactions to the Prime Hydration Sticks. Some say they didn’t live up to the hype, while others say they tasted just like the Prime liquid drink and some even preferred the taste to the bottled version. Despite this, the overall response to the sticks has been positive.
Liquid IV is a well-known drink in the hydration industry and has received positive responses from its users. Many people enjoy the flavor, but the only complaint is that it is a bit pricey.
Prime Hydration Sticks vs. Liquid IV – Final Verdict
In short, both Prime Hydration sticks and Liquid IV offer quick rehydration options in a convenient powdered form.
However, if you are looking for a product that you can use more frequently, Prime Hydration may be the better choice due to its lower sugar content and lack of added sugars.
On the other hand, if you need a more potent rehydration boost with higher levels of sodium and calories, Liquid IV may be the way to go. Ultimately, your best choice will depend on your needs and preferences.
