Prime vs Liquid I.V. – Which Hydration Drink is Better?
If you’re trying to decide between Prime Hydration and Liquid I.V. for your hydration needs, you’ve come to the right place. Both drinks are great for replenishing electrolytes, but they each have their own unique benefits. In this post, we’ll break down their nutritional value, taste, and effectiveness to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re after an affordable daily hydrator or something to power your intense workouts, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
What is Prime Hydration?
Prime Hydration is a sports drink created by YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI. It was launched in 2022 as a competitor to traditional sports drinks like Gatorade. Prime is marketed as a low-calorie, electrolyte-rich hydration drink, designed for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday hydration.
What is Liquid I.V.?
Liquid I.V. is a hydration powder mix designed to rapidly replenish fluids and electrolytes. It uses a science-backed formula called Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®) to help the body absorb water and nutrients more efficiently than regular water alone.
Prime vs Liquid I.V.: Nutrition Comparison
Prime nutrition facts (1)
Servings Per Container: 1
Serving Size: 16.9 fl oz (500mL)
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 20 | – |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| – Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| – Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 10mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g | 2% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| – Sugar | 2g | 0% |
| – Added Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
| Calcium | 0mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 124mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 700mg | 15% |
| Vitamin A | 900mcg | 100% |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 15mg | 100% |
liquid iv nutrition (2)
Supplemented Food Facts
Per 1 Stick (16g)
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 0g (0%)
- Carbohydrate: 13g
- Sugars: 11g (11%)
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 530mg (23%)
Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, fiber, cholesterol, calcium, or iron.
Supplemented with:
- Potassium: 380mg (11%)
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): 23mg (144%)
- Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): 11mg (220%)
- Vitamin B6: 2mg (118%)
- Vitamin B12: 7mcg (292%)
- Vitamin C: 73mg (81%)
Key Differences:
- Calories: Prime has 20 calories, while Liquid I.V. contains 50 calories per serving.
- Sodium: Liquid I.V. has a much higher sodium content (530mg vs Prime’s 10mg), which may be more suitable for heavy exercisers needing rapid electrolyte replenishment.
- Potassium: Prime has 700mg of potassium, whereas Liquid I.V. has 380mg.
- Sugar Content: Prime contains 2g of sugar, while Liquid I.V. has 11g of sugar, making Prime a lower-sugar option.
- Vitamins: Liquid I.V. provides more vitamins, including B3, B5, B6, B12, and C, which could support energy and immune function.
- Magnesium & Potassium: Prime has a significant amount of magnesium (124mg), while Liquid I.V. has less potassium but still notable electrolytes like sodium.
Ingredients Breakdown: Which One is Healthier?
Prime ingredients list (3)
- Filtered Water
- Coconut Water from Concentrate
- Citric Acid
- Dipotassium Phosphate
- Trimagnesium Citrate
- Natural Flavor
- Sucralose
- Beta Carotene for Color
- L-Isoleucine
- L-Leucine
- L-Valine
- D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6)
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12)
liquid iv Ingredients: (4)
- Sugars (pure cane sugar, dextrose)
- Citric acid
- Salt
- Potassium citrate
- Sodium citrate
- Natural flavors
- Potassium phosphate, dibasic
- Silicon dioxide
- Rebiana (Stevia leaf extract)
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B₃)
- Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B₅)
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B₆)
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B₁₂)
Which One is Healthier?
- Prime: Contains synthetic sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium), which may be a concern for some consumers. It also includes BCAAs, which can be helpful for muscle recovery but might not be necessary for casual hydration.
- Liquid I.V.: Uses natural sugars (Cane Sugar, Dextrose) and Stevia for sweetness, which might be a better option for those preferring natural ingredients. However, it still contains sugar, which may be an issue for people watching their sugar intake. The inclusion of Vitamin C and other B vitamins may offer added health benefits, especially for immune support and energy.
Taste & Flavor
Prime Hydration
- Flavors: Prime offers a variety of fruity flavors such as Ice Pop, Tropical Punch, Orange, Lemonade, Lemon Lime, Blue Raspberry, Grape, Strawberry Watermelon, Meta Moon, Orange and Mango, Glow berry (Sour Apple), Goal berry (Berry), Cherry Freeze, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Lemonade, Citrus Kiwi berry and Dragon Fruit Acai.
- Taste: Generally, Prime has a sweet and fruity taste, with a more natural sweetness from coconut water and the addition of sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The taste is refreshing and light, with no strong aftertaste from artificial sweeteners.
- Texture: The texture is smooth, with a light, crisp mouthfeel. The added coconut water helps provide a slightly creamier consistency compared to other sports drinks.
Liquid I.V.
- Flavors: Liquid I.V. comes in a wide array of flavors including Tropical Punch, Rainbow Sherbet, Golden Cherry, Passion Fruit, Cotton Candy, Firecracker, White Peach, Lemon Lime, Guava, and Pineapple.
- Taste: Liquid I.V. has a slightly sweeter taste compared to Prime, primarily due to the inclusion of cane sugar and dextrose, and a natural sweetness from stevia. The flavor is often described as more intense and a bit more sugary than Prime.
- Texture: The texture is smooth and easy to drink, though some users report it feels a little heavier due to the higher sugar content. The drink has a clean, refreshing feel but may leave a slight aftertaste from the stevia and sugar.
Hydration & Performance: Which One Works Better?
Prime Hydration
- Hydration Benefits:
- Coconut Water: One of the key ingredients in Prime, coconut water is known for its natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which support hydration and replenish lost minerals during physical activity.
- Magnesium & Potassium: Prime contains Magnesium (124 mg) and Potassium (700 mg), which are essential for maintaining hydration and supporting muscle function. Potassium helps balance fluid levels and prevents cramps, while magnesium supports nerve function and recovery.
- Sodium: Prime contains 10 mg of sodium, which is relatively low compared to other hydration drinks, but still provides some support for fluid retention and muscle function.
- Performance Support:
- Amino Acids (BCAAs): Prime includes BCAAs (L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Valine), which are known for their muscle-recovery benefits. These amino acids help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue after workouts, making Prime a good option for post-workout recovery.
- Electrolyte Balance: The combination of coconut water and added magnesium and potassium supports long-lasting hydration and helps keep energy levels stable during exercise.
Liquid I.V.
- Hydration Benefits:
- Hydration Multiplier Formula: Liquid I.V. uses a Hydration Multiplier formula that is based on the Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) method, which is proven to enhance hydration more effectively by utilizing a mix of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and glucose) to increase water absorption in the body.
- Sodium & Potassium: Liquid I.V. contains 530 mg of sodium (23% DV) and 380 mg of potassium (11% DV), which provides a more concentrated electrolyte blend compared to Prime. The higher sodium content aids in hydration retention, especially during intense physical activity.
- Vitamin C & B-Vitamins: Liquid I.V. also provides Vitamin C and B-Vitamins (such as B3, B5, B6, and B12), which are important for energy production, immune support, and reducing oxidative stress during exercise.
- Performance Support:
- Faster Hydration: The ORS-based formula in Liquid I.V. is designed for rapid hydration by combining glucose with electrolytes to maximize water absorption. This makes it a great choice for extreme hydration needs during sports or intense workouts.
- Electrolyte Boost: The higher sodium content in Liquid I.V. may be more beneficial for individuals doing high-intensity training or endurance activities that result in significant sweat loss.
Hydration & Performance Comparison: Which One Works Better?
- Hydration Effectiveness:
- Liquid I.V.: Due to its ORS formula and higher sodium content, Liquid I.V. may be more effective for rapid hydration and maintaining fluid balance during high-intensity exercise or in hot conditions. Its mix of electrolytes and glucose aids in quicker water absorption, which makes it ideal for those needing immediate rehydration.
- Prime: While Prime offers good hydration with its combination of coconut water, magnesium, and potassium, its lower sodium content might make it less effective for extreme hydration needs compared to Liquid I.V. However, it’s still a solid option for general hydration and recovery after moderate physical activity.
- Performance Support:
- Prime: With the inclusion of BCAAs, Prime provides muscle recovery benefits, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in strength training or need post-workout support. The coconut water helps replenish lost electrolytes, and the BCAAs aid in reducing muscle soreness and fatigue.
- Liquid I.V.: The high sodium and potassium content makes Liquid I.V. a better choice for maintaining energy levels during endurance exercises or intense workouts. It focuses more on hydration and supporting overall energy levels during prolonged activity.
Which One is Better for Hydration and Performance?
- Liquid I.V. may be the better choice for individuals engaging in high-intensity, endurance sports or those who need to replenish electrolytes quickly and effectively during or after intense exercise. Its higher sodium content and hydration multiplier formula make it more suited for rapid hydration and performance during long workouts.
- Prime is a great option for general hydration and recovery, particularly for those who want a drink with lower sugar and fewer synthetic additives. It’s ideal for individuals who want a refreshing, hydrating drink that also supports muscle recovery with the inclusion of BCAAs.
In short, both drinks are excellent for hydration, but the best choice depends on your intensity level and hydration needs during exercise. Liquid I.V. is ideal for extreme hydration needs, while Prime offers a more balanced recovery option for moderate activity.
Price & Availability: Which One is More Affordable?
- Prime Hydration:
- Price: Around $1.50 to $2.00 per bottle (16.9 fl oz).
- Availability: Widely available at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and more.
- Affordability: More affordable for daily hydration.
- Liquid I.V.:
- Price: Around $1.25 to $1.50 per stick (16g) or $2.50 to $3.00 per bottle.
- Availability: Available at Amazon, Walmart, CVS, GNC, and more.
- Affordability: More expensive due to specialized hydration benefits.
Which is More Affordable?
- Prime is the cheaper option for regular hydration.
- Liquid I.V. is pricier but offers specialized hydration for intense activity.
Conclusion: Prime vs Liquid I.V. – Which One Wins?
Both Prime Hydration and Liquid I.V. offer solid hydration benefits, but the best choice depends on your needs.
- If you’re looking for an affordable and refreshing drink for everyday hydration and recovery, Prime is the way to go. It’s budget-friendly and widely available.
- On the other hand, if you’re an athlete or need rapid hydration during intense workouts, Liquid I.V. provides a specialized formula with added electrolytes and vitamins, but at a higher cost.
In short, Prime offers excellent hydration at a lower price, while Liquid I.V. delivers advanced hydration and performance support if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
