Introduction
Electrolyte drink mixes are often grouped as **sugar-free** or **sugar-containing** based on Nutrition Facts and
ingredient lists. This guide explains label differences between those categories at a high level. It does not recommend
one category for diabetes, weight loss, keto, fasting, blood sugar management, or any medical condition.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical nutrition questions. SuppCheckr compares label facts — not
personal health outcomes.
Sugar, carbs, and calories on labels
Read **total sugars (g)**, **carbohydrates**, and **calories** per serving on Nutrition Facts panels.
Phase 14C draft research examples (locked SKUs):
| Product | Total sugars | Calories | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| LMNT Citrus Salt | 0 g | 0 | Sugar-free stick |
| Ultima Replenisher Lemonade | 0 g | 0 | Sugar-free stick |
| Nuun Sport Lemon Lime | 1 g | 15 | Low-sugar tablet |
| Thorne Catalyte Lemon Lime | <1 g | 30 | Low-sugar scoop powder |
| Liquid I.V. HM Lemon Lime | 11 g | 45 | Sugar-containing stick |
These are label snapshots for comparison literacy — not rankings. Formulas and labels can change; verify the current
panel before purchase.
Sweeteners
**Sugar-free** products in the shortlist use non-nutritive sweeteners such as stevia leaf extract (LMNT, Ultima,
Thorne) without added sugars on cited panels.
**Sugar-containing** products list cane sugar, dextrose, or similar carbohydrates (Liquid I.V. lists cane sugar and
dextrose; Nuun Sport lists 1 g sugar with dextrose in ingredients).
Sweetener and sugar profiles affect taste and label reading — not medical superiority. SuppCheckr does not claim sugar
is always worse or always better for any individual.
Sodium often differs between categories
Sugar content and sodium content are **independent** label fields. Among Phase 14C shortlist products:
- **High-sodium, sugar-free:** LMNT lists 1,000 mg sodium and 0 g sugar
- **Lower-sodium, sugar-free:** Ultima lists 55 mg sodium and 0 g sugar
- **Moderate-sodium, sugar-containing:** Liquid I.V. lists 500 mg sodium and 11 g sugar
A sugar-free label does not mean low sodium — and a sugar-containing label does not mean high sodium. Compare each
mineral and sugar line separately.
Price per serving differences
Sugar profile does not determine price. Phase 14C observed price per serving (2026-07-15):
- Nuun Sport (1 g sugar): **$0.75**
- Ultima (0 g sugar): **$1.05**
- Thorne Catalyte (<1 g sugar): **$1.13**
- LMNT (0 g sugar): **$1.50**
- Liquid I.V. (11 g sugar): **$1.56**
Compare dated manual price per serving alongside sugar and sodium disclosure. Retail prices change.
Taste and serving-format considerations
Sugar-containing mixes may taste sweeter due to cane sugar or dextrose. Sugar-free mixes often use stevia or other
non-nutritive sweeteners with different taste profiles.
Format also varies: stick packs (LMNT, Liquid I.V., Ultima), scoop tubs (Thorne), and tablets (Nuun). Serving
practicality is a separate comparison field from sugar content.
Claim-risk considerations
Sugar-free products sometimes carry keto, fasting, or "clean label" marketing. Sugar-containing products sometimes
carry hydration-multiplier or faster-absorption marketing. SuppCheckr mirrors brand positioning as context only — it
does not endorse medical keto, fasting protocols, or hydration outcome claims.
Liquid I.V. **Hydration Multiplier** is a product name, not SuppCheckr-verified evidence. LMNT keto-friendly copy is
brand positioning — not medical keto advice.
No medical recommendations here
This guide does not rank sugar-free or sugar-containing electrolytes for diabetes, weight loss, athletic performance,
illness recovery, or any medical use case. People managing medical conditions should consult a qualified healthcare
professional before choosing electrolyte drink mixes.
How SuppCheckr compares sugar profiles
The electrolytes scoring profile weights sugar and sweetener disclosure, alongside sodium/potassium/magnesium
transparency, testing documentation, and dated price per serving. See the draft
electrolyte supplements comparison for side-by-side shortlist products.
Frequently asked questions
**Are sugar-free electrolytes always lower in calories?**
Often, but read the panel. Ultima and LMNT list 0 calories; Thorne lists 30 calories with <1 g sugar.
**Does sugar help hydration medically?**
SuppCheckr does not describe retail drink mixes as clinical rehydration therapy. Compare label facts for your own
shopping priorities.
**Is LMNT sugar-free?**
Cited LMNT Citrus Salt materials list 0 g total sugars per stick. Confirm flavor and SKU.
**Does Liquid I.V. have sugar?**
Cited Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime Nutrition Facts list 11 g total sugars per stick.