Pedialyte and Liquid IV are perhaps two of the electrolyte world’s most recognized names. The former is the original hydration supplement that’s been around since the 1960s! While the initial formula was intended for kids recovering from gastrointestinal issues, Pedialyte has improved on it and even updated its branding. Today, it’s evolved into a “feel good” supplement for people of all ages. So, why did the brand vs brand debate of Pedialyte versus Liquid IV for hydration even come up? It came about with the entry of relative newcomer Liquid IV, which debuted in 2012. It was branded a “hydration multiplier” and has since gained a cult following. Whether you’re dealing with muscle cramps, headache, or fatigue, Liquid IV helps with it – and then some. It’s no wonder why Liquid IV has become so popular.
So the question of which one is better for hydration, Pedialyte vs. Liquid IV, remains. That’s why we’ve compared the two brands and their products across categories that will be most helpful to buyers. So, read on to know everything you need to know about Pedialyte versus Liquid IV.
Ingredients
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The first factor in the Pedialyte versus Liquid IV debate is the ingredients. Liquid IV products are free of soy, dairy, gluten, and GMOs. They also have a high electrolyte content due to potassium, sugar, and sodium, which make the drinks quickly dissolvable. Moreover, they also have pure cane sugar and dextrose (simple sugar), both of which the body can easily digest. Finally, Liquid IV’s products also have sodium citrate for balancing out the mined salt and sweet flavors. Hence, it augments your body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Pedialyte, on the other hand, has a higher potassium and sodium count as compared to other sports drinks. It also has elevated electrolyte levels which help you absorb more necessary nutrients, while the ample zinc keeps your immune system in ship shape. Instead of sugar, it uses sucralose, which means that it’s perfect for people training for triathlons.
Are you also training for a triathlon? Check out the best triathlon watches with GPS.
Price and value
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The second point in the Pedialyte vs. Liquid IV hydration debate is the price and value. Pedialyte sells its products through Walmart, Amazon, and other third-party websites and not on its own website. Meanwhile, Liquid IV sells them on its website and in other places, such as Amazon and Walmart. So, travelers have the choice of places to buy from when it comes to the latter.
Coming to the price and value, a 16-stick pack of Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier costs 25 USD on both their website and Amazon. That comes to around 1.56 USD per stick. Meanwhile, Pedialyte’s Electrolyte Water (33 fl. oz.) sells for 20 USD on Amazon. Since 1 Liquid IV stick goes into 16 oz. of water, you get more liquid in this case as compared to Pedialyte.
The value stays even if you’re buying by the bundle. The Liquid IV 360 Support Bundle costs 90 USD, while the PedialyteAdvancedCare Plus Powder Pack costs 72 USD. However, the former has 14-16 servings of each included product, while Pedialyte has only 6 packets of 17g each. Hence, the Liquid IV 360 Support Bundle has more bang for its buck.
Hydration
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Hydration is one of the most important factors when working on the Pedialyte vs. Liquid IV debate. Both brands work well in both everyday situations and long-haul travel. Whether taken in the morning or afternoon, both products have positive effects and keep you balanced, focused, energized, and alert. Perhaps the only difference was that a majority of travelers preferred the taste of Liquid IV over Pedialyte. So, when it comes to everyday hydration during travels, especially when you’re taking all those walking tours, Liquid IV will work wonders for you versus Pedialyte.
Check out the list of the best Liquid IV flavors to figure out which one works best for you.
Light Workouts
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When your heart rate increases, it also increases the rate of cellular respiration, which results in lesser hydration levels in the body. So, even if you don’t see the sweat, your body is perspiring, thus reducing hydration levels. After light workouts, you need to keep up your fluid intake. When we compare Pedialyte and Liquid IV for the same, Liquid IV came out on top. While reviewers noted that the flavors of both could be slightly overpowering, Liquid IV has options such as Lemon Lime which are more neutral. Moreover, adding a little bit more water did the trick for the taste. Additionally, they saw a slight improvement in energy levels too, which could be due to the cocktail of C and B vitamins.
Promotions and Discounts
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If you travel a lot, then promotions and discounts play a huge role in the Pedialyte versus Liquid IV debate. Unfortunately, Pedialyte has no secret menus, insider trades, deals, or promotions available, which is a bummer. On the other hand, Liquid I.V. offers a subscription service, which you can modify, skip, or even quit at any time. You’ll get a monthly supply of any Liquid IV product for a reduced price. In fact, the brand even has Black Friday sales. So, the competition isn’t much here as Liquid IV’s customer-friendly subscription service seems always available.
Varieties, Flavors, and Taste Comparison
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Finally, we come to the topmost contending factor in the Pedialyte versus Liquid IV debate – the varieties, flavors, and tastes. Liquid I.V. comes only in ready-to-mix packets, while Pedialyte comes in both liquid forms and powder packs. What’s more, both come in a variety of formulas for different needs, including immune support, energy, and sports. While Pedialyte’s flavor is excellent, it’s too sweet to drink up directly, so you need to mix it with a good amount of water. Liquid I.V., on the other hand, comes in various flavors too, but they’re milder than the former. These include Acai Berry, Tropical Punch, Pina Colada, Concord Grape, Guava, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Watermelon, Strawberry, and more. Liquid I.V. is better because it dissolves quickly, is a more portable and lighter version of Pedialyte, and is balanced due to its saltiness.
Is It Okay To Drink Liquid IV Or Pedialyte Every Day?
Unless a medical professional instructs you so, there’s no need to drink Liquid IV or Pedialyte. Drink them only if you need a boost of hydration after a big night out, being sick, playing sports, or exercising.
Which Is Better For The Day After Having Too Many Drinks?
While Pedialyte is a good option, it might be a bit too sweet for after a big night out. So, Liquid I.V. might be a better choice, after all.
Which Is Better For Post-Workouts?
While both drinks are great for a post-workout rehydration boost, Liquid is better than Pedialyte. It has the optimal ratio of nutrients that deliver hydra speedily.
If you want more information, check out the best time to drink Liquid IV.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Liquid I.V.
