When it comes to replenishing fluids and electrolytes, two popular products that often get compared are Liquid IV and Pedialyte. While they are both designed to combat dehydration, there are some key differences between them.
In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at Liquid IV and Pedialyte to help you decide which one is right for your hydration needs. We‘ll cover their background, ingredients, effectiveness, taste, cost, and more. Consider this your ultimate guide to these two hydration powerhouses!
The Basics: Liquid IV and Pedialyte Origins
Before we jump into comparing them, let‘s start with an overview of each brand‘s history and mission.
Liquid IV: Hydration with a Cause
Liquid IV was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Brandin Cohen. His goal was to create a hydration product that not only optimized health and wellness but also gave back to the community.
The company is guided by three core principles:
- Make the most effective hydration drinks using cutting-edge science to improve health and performance
- Use a portion of profits to provide clean drinking water to people in need around the world
- Implement eco-friendly business practices in sourcing, packaging, and shipping
So far, Liquid IV has donated over 16 million servings to communities in need globally through their giveback program. They use Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) in their products which they say enhances the absorption of water and nutrients into the bloodstream.
Pedialyte: Trusted by Parents and Pediatricians
Pedialyte was developed over 50 years ago by Abbott Laboratories and Dr. Gary Cohen as an oral electrolyte solution for treating childhood dehydration. It was designed to help sick kids recover from diarrhea and vomiting by quickly restoring fluids and electrolytes.
While it was originally marketed for dehydrated children, Pedialyte has gained popularity among adults and athletes as a recovery drink. It contains 2-3 times the sodium and potassium of traditional sports drinks, with less sugar.
Pedialyte is widely considered the go-to remedy for illness-related dehydration in children. Many pediatricians recommend it to prevent hospitalizations for dehydration. It‘s even been used by the World Health Organization to fight deadly diseases in developing countries.
Ingredients and Nutrition Facts Face-Off
Now that we know the background of each brand, let‘s take a closer look at what‘s actually in these products. We‘ll compare the ingredients, electrolytes, vitamins, and sugar content.
What‘s in Liquid IV?
Liquid IV‘s flagship product is their Hydration Multiplier, which comes in powder stick packs that you mix with water. It contains:
– 500 mg sodium
– 370 mg potassium
– 35 calories
– 11g carbs
– 11g sugar
– Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and C
– Zinc
– A "Healthier Ratio of Glucose & Electrolytes"
Their products are notably free of GMOs, gluten, dairy, and soy. The glucose and electrolytes are meant to speed up the absorption process.
They offer the Hydration Multiplier in a variety of flavors like Lemon Lime, Strawberry, Passion Fruit, and limited-edition flavors like Apple Pie. They also have "Immune Support" versions with extra vitamin C and zinc, as well as an Energy Multiplier with matcha and guayusa for caffeine.
Pedialyte Ingredients
The ingredients can vary slightly between different Pedialyte products, but the key components tend to be:
– Water
– Dextrose
– Potassium citrate
– Salt
– Sodium citrate
– Zinc gluconate
– Sucralose (artificial sweetener)
– Natural flavors
– Artificial colorings
A 12 fl oz serving of classic Pedialyte contains:
- 370mg sodium
- 280mg potassium
- 25 calories
- 6g carbs
- 6g sugar
- 3% Daily Value zinc
- No artificial colors
So as you can see, Pedialyte delivers quite a punch of sodium and potassium – more than double what‘s in popular sports drinks. But it keeps the calories and sugar content relatively low by using sucralose as a sweetener.
Pedialyte comes in a range of flavors like Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Grape. They also offer "Organic" options, "AdvancedCare Plus" with PreActiv Prebiotics for immune and digestive support, and freezer pops.
Effectiveness and Benefits
Alright, so we know what‘s in them – but do Liquid IV and Pedialyte actually work to hydrate you better than plain water or other drinks? Let‘s look at the potential benefits and some scientific evidence.
Liquid IV‘s Hydration Amplification
Liquid IV heavily promotes their use of "Cellular Transport Technology" to enhance rapid absorption of water and nutrients into the bloodstream. Their website states that one serving of Liquid IV can provide the same hydration as drinking 2-3 bottles of water.
While "Cellular Transport Technology" is not a scientifically-defined term, the general principle does have some merit. The World Health Organization has used oral rehydration solutions with a precise ratio of glucose and electrolytes for decades to speed up fluid absorption in the small intestine.
Additionally, several studies have shown that consuming a beverage with sodium improves fluid retention compared to just drinking plain water, especially after exercise (see references 1-2). Anecdotally, many athletes and other users report feeling hydrated faster when using Liquid IV compared to water or other sports drinks.
Pedialyte: Proven to Prevent and Treat Dehydration
Pedialyte is considered the gold standard for quickly reversing dehydration in children and adults. It was carefully formulated to replenish the key electrolytes lost from diarrhea and vomiting. Numerous scientific studies over the past 50+ years have demonstrated its effectiveness.
For example, a Cochrane review analyzed the results of 18 clinical trials and concluded that Pedialyte oral rehydration solution is a high-quality treatment for children with acute diarrhea (see reference 3). The studies found it to be more effective than other remedies for preventing dehydration and reducing the need for IV therapy.
Pedialyte is so well-established as an evidence-based treatment that the World Health Organization includes the same formulation in its List of Essential Medicines. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend oral electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte for managing diarrhea.
Taste Test: How Do They Stack Up?
For some people, the taste can make or break whether they‘re willing to drink these products consistently. So let‘s see how Liquid IV and Pedialyte compare in the flavor department.
Liquid IV: Refreshing and Flavorful
Liquid IV stands out for its wide variety of taste options that go beyond the typical fruit flavors. Their Hydration Multiplier comes in refreshing combos like Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, and Guava. They even have an Apple Pie flavor for the fall season.
Most people describe Liquid IV as tasting very good for an electrolyte drink mix. The flavors are usually sweet and fruity but not overpoweringly sugary. Some even say it reminds them of lightly flavored water or a less intense Gatorade.
However, a few reviewers find certain flavors to be too artificial-tasting or salty. The texture can also be slightly chalky if not thoroughly mixed with enough water.
Pedialyte: Mild and Inoffensive
Pedialyte flavors tend to be more muted and less sweet compared to Liquid IV and other sports drinks. This is likely because it‘s lower in sugar and intended to be gentle on sensitive stomachs. Common options include Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, Grape, and Unflavored.
Many people find Pedialyte to be quite palatable, especially considering it‘s meant for medical use. Parents often have no trouble getting their kids to drink it. Adult users tend to describe the taste as very mild and easy to drink quickly.
However, some find the flavors to be a bit bland, salty, or medicinal. The unflavored version can have a slightly strange taste. And while the sweetness level is great for those who don‘t want a sugar bomb, it may be a downside for others.
Price Comparison
Now for the important question – how much do these hydration helpers cost? We‘ll compare the prices of Liquid IV and Pedialyte per serving size.
Liquid IV Cost
On the Liquid IV website, a pack of 16 Hydration Multiplier sticks (16 servings) costs $24.47. This comes out to about $1.53 per serving/stick. They offer a 10-30% discount if you subscribe for monthly deliveries.
Liquid IV can also be purchased at retailers like Costco, Target, Walgreens, and Amazon. Prices can vary, but they tend to stay in the $1.25 – $1.75 range per serving.
Pedialyte Prices
Pedialyte is sold at most major grocery stores, drugstores, and retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Since it‘s not sold directly by the Abbott company, costs can differ quite a bit by retailer and product size.
On average, a 1L bottle (about 4 servings) is $5 – $9, or $1.50 – $2.25 per serving. Powder packs tend to be the most economical option at about $1 or less per serving. The AdvancedCare Plus and Organic varieties can be pricier at over $2.50 per serving.
Overall, Liquid IV and Pedialyte are pretty comparable in price, with Pedialyte powder packs being slightly cheaper per serving. Liquid IV offers more opportunities for subscribing and saving. Both are more expensive than a sports drink like Gatorade, but still relatively affordable.
Accessibility and Convenience
Lastly, let‘s consider how easy it is to purchase and use Liquid IV and Pedialyte based on their availability and product forms.
Liquid IV: Online and In-Store
Liquid IV is available directly from their website, with the option for subscribing or making one-time purchases. They currently only ship within the US, with free standard 3-6 day shipping or paid expedited options.
In recent years, Liquid IV has also expanded to physical retail locations, including stores like Costco, CVS, Albertsons, Dick‘s Sporting Goods, and The Vitamin Shoppe. It can also be delivered from Amazon and Instacart.
Liquid IV comes in powder sticks and some bottled forms, although the powder seems to be more common. The powder is nice because you can easily pack it in a gym bag, purse, or luggage for on-the-go use. However, you always need access to a water source to mix it.
Pedialyte: The Drugstore Staple
A key advantage of Pedialyte is that it‘s incredibly widely available in-store at places like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, Kroger, and other major retailers. You can find it at pretty much any grocery store or drugstore – and often at gas stations too.
It‘s also easy to order Pedialyte online for delivery from sites like Amazon, Walgreens, and Walmart. It‘s not sold directly from the Abbott website, though they do have a tool to search for retailers based on your zipcode.
Pedialyte comes in a versatile array of product forms that make it very convenient in different situations:
- Large bottles for mixing big batches
- Small bottles for immediate consumption
- Individual powder packs to mix on-the-go
- Freezer pops for a cooling treat
- "Sports" drink bottles to take to the gym or field
The small bottles seem to be the most popular, as they don‘t require any mixing and can be drank straight from the fridge. The freezer pops are also a big hit with kids. The powder packs are handy but the small bottles are even more convenient.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
So after our in-depth review and comparison, which product comes out on top – Liquid IV or Pedialyte?
Honestly, both are high-quality options that can effectively combat dehydration when used as directed. The "best" one mostly depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here are some of the key differences to consider:
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Type of dehydration: Pedialyte is proven to prevent and treat severe dehydration from acute diarrhea, vomiting, illness etc. Liquid IV is designed more for everyday or exercise-induced dehydration, but evidence for its CTT technology is not as strong.
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Nutrition: Pedialyte delivers higher sodium and potassium with fewer calories and carbs than Liquid IV. Liquid IV has more glucose (potentially better for fast absorption) as well as some vitamins and zinc. Both are wise choices for replenishing electrolytes.
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Flavors: Liquid IV gives a wider and more unique flavor variety, while Pedialyte goes for tamer, less sweet options. This comes down to personal preference.
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Brand values: Liquid IV‘s social initiatives and eco-conscious efforts may be a selling point for those looking to support ethical companies. Pedialyte‘s scientific background and proven medical uses may be key for others.
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Availability: Pedialyte is clearly the king of convenience thanks to its widespread stocking in local stores and plethora of product forms like individual bottles. Liquid IV‘s direct online sales and growing retail presence still make it fairly easy to find, though.
Overall, I would recommend Pedialyte if you are trying to prevent or treat severe dehydration symptoms like those from the flu, food poisoning, morning sickness, or excessive heat exposure. It‘s well-studied and commonly recommended by doctors, so you can feel confident it will work quickly and safely. The small bottles and pops are great for urgent situations.
I would suggest Liquid IV for more everyday hydration and milder dehydration from things like jetlag, workouts, hangovers, or not drinking enough fluids in general. Their extensive flavors, subscription options, and mission-driven mentality may make staying hydrated fun for those who don‘t like plain water.
Ultimately, you can‘t really go wrong with either one as your hydration hero. I even like to keep both on hand – Pedialyte for more serious scenarios and Liquid IV for a tasty treat after hot yoga or a long flight. Just be sure to follow the usage directions, continue to drink plenty of water, and consult your doctor if you have a medical condition.
Happy hydrating!
References
1. Maughan RJ, et al. Hydration and performance during exercise in the heat: a comparison of different drink formulations. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2018;50(12):2489-2497.
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James LJ, et al. Effect of electrolyte addition to rehydration drinks consumed after severe fluid and energy restriction. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2014;28(8):2276-83.
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Gregorio GV, et al. Polymer‐based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;(2):CD006519.
