| LMNT | Liquid I.V. | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Founded | 2019 | 2012 |
| Format | Single-serve sachets | Single-serve sachets |
| Notable | Higher sodium per serve than most | Chemist Warehouse, online, select grocery |
Format and Origin
LMNT launched in 2019, co-founded by former research biochemist Robb Wolf, with explicit positioning around higher sodium for low-carb, fasting, and heavy-sweat use. Liquid I.V. launched in 2012 in Los Angeles and grew through DTC; it's now owned by Unilever and is available through Chemist Warehouse in Australia. Both are single-serve sachet brands.
Sodium Load
LMNT carries 1,000 mg sodium per sachet. Liquid I.V.'s original formulation carries around 500 mg sodium per sachet (varies slightly by SKU), and the Sugar-Free variant is in a similar band. So LMNT is about double Liquid I.V. on the sodium dial.
Carbohydrate and Sweetener
LMNT is sugar-free, stevia-sweetened, no carbohydrate. Liquid I.V.'s original Hydration Multiplier contains cane sugar - the formulation is built around the sodium-glucose co-transport principle that oral-rehydration solutions use, so the sugar isn't there for fuel, it's there for fluid uptake mechanism. The Sugar-Free Liquid I.V. line uses allulose and stevia instead.
Flavour Strategy
LMNT runs noticeably salty flavours - Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt, Mango Chili - that match the high-sodium formulation. Liquid I.V. runs traditional sweet-drink flavours - Passionfruit, Strawberry, Acai Berry, Tropical Punch - closer to the daily-hydration aesthetic.
The Side-by-Side Takeaway
LMNT suits very heavy sweaters, hot conditions, fasted training, and low-carb dietary patterns. Liquid I.V. suits more general daily-hydration use with a sodium load that's notably above sports-drink baseline but well under LMNT. If you're not sure, the lower-sodium option is usually the right starting point - add salt before adding salt.
When to Reach for Each
Both products earn shelf space for genuine reasons. The summary below identifies fit rather than a winner - either is the right pick for the right reader.
Reach for LMNT when:
- 1,000 mg sodium per sachet for very heavy sweat
- Fasted training and low-carb dietary patterns
- Sugar-free single-serve with savoury flavour palette
Reach for Liquid I.V. when:
- Higher-sodium daily hydration without going full LMNT dose
- Sweet flavour palette closer to traditional hydration drinks
- Wider Australian pharmacy availability
Frequently Asked
Which has more sodium, LMNT or Liquid I.V.?
LMNT has roughly double - 1,000 mg sodium per sachet vs Liquid I.V.'s ~500 mg per sachet. LMNT is positioned for heavy-sweat and fasted-training use; Liquid I.V. for higher-than-supermarket-sports-drink daily use without going to LMNT's dosing.
Is Liquid I.V. the same as LMNT?
No - same sachet format, different sodium dose, different sweetener strategy. LMNT is sugar-free (stevia). Liquid I.V.'s original formulation uses cane sugar as part of the oral-rehydration-solution absorption mechanism; the Sugar-Free Liquid I.V. line uses allulose and stevia.
Which tastes better, LMNT or Liquid I.V.?
Taste is genuinely personal. LMNT runs savoury flavours (Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt) that match the high-sodium formulation. Liquid I.V. runs sweet, traditional drink flavours (Passionfruit, Strawberry, Tropical Punch). Try single sachets of each before committing to a multi-pack.
