# Liquid IV: what people say on TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, X

Read 347 posts and comments on 2026-11-14; 277 were about Liquid IV. Full report with links: https://sociallisteningai.com/samples/brand-liquid-iv/

Liquid IV's biggest strength is that it visibly works for people who sweat hard or live with POTS, dysautonomia and similar conditions, and fans genuinely love the taste, especially strawberry, blood orange and the sugar-free lines. The loudest problems are price, sweetness and sugar content, plus a widespread feeling that influencer marketing pushes daily use on people who don't need it. Health worries about B6 toxicity, sodium and kidney strain come up repeatedly, and skeptics argue the science is just glucose plus salt. A striking amount of the conversation is really about cheaper rivals and DIY mixes, and limited-edition drops reliably convert curiosity into purchase intent.

**How it feels** (277 on-topic): 49% positive, 21% negative, 9% mixed, 21% neutral.
- YouTube: 59 (25% positive, 27% negative)
- X: 14 (57% positive, 36% negative)
- Reddit: 75 (24% positive, 19% negative)
- TikTok: 129 (74% positive, 18% negative)

Not included this time: Instagram (the source did not answer).

## What people like

- **Taste is a major draw: strawberry, lemon, blood orange and sugar-free flavors get strong love** (30 mentions)
  - "Gosh i have a new fave!! Blood orange!! I just tried a blood orange cayman jack and if i added this???? Omg" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999
  - "just in time for spooky season 🧛🩸" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999
- **Go-to fix for POTS, dysautonomia, EDS, Addison's and hormonal symptoms; helps people function day to day** (12 mentions)
  - "Something about these “Liquid IV” and other type of products really do the trick the day after my period. They are the only thing that help me function during a hormonal imbalance/hormonal swing. I’m not a drinker so I c…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/oigd7gq/
  - "They’re great if you have POTS." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/oihhw4o/
- **Handy for travel, festivals, labor and medical situations (chemo, lithium, altitude); sachets are convenient on the go** (10 mentions)
  - "Clothes for you and baby to go home in. If you have time to get one, a portable fan. Lollipops. Extra long phone charger—think 10-15 feet. I liked having my own pillow and blanket, but I am real persnickety about my slee…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/pregnant/comments/1xrcs79/what_the_f_do_i_actually_need/
  - "Get fluids during infusions in addition to drinking at least 2L liquid IV (or any electrolyte drink) and take capsulated psyllium husk 2x daily Those basics will carry you through most of what you can expect ✨️ ETA: Blow…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TNBC/comments/1xrvdtp/ill_be_starting_ac_any_recommendations/
- **Limited-edition drops like blood orange and new apple berry create excitement and purchase intent** (7 mentions)
  - "Oh my gosh I need this 🥰😅😳" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999
  - "Blood orange???!!!!!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999
- **Works fast to restore energy and stop cramps after heavy sweating, hard outdoor work or exercise** (6 mentions)
  - "I'm an electrician and I was working on a brutal job in the summer where my sweat evaporating on my shirt all day turned it white. After only a few days I felt drained of energy. I was a little worried about the degradat…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=UgwYlmTXZvDxVgIBcsB4AaABAg
  - "Drinking LMNT stopped the leg cramps that I used to get during the night." YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=Ugw55x69VSM92Ru3s-d4AaABAg
- **Loyal repeat users call it their favorite and keep buying it** (6 mentions)
  - "Love these xxx" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sophrrichards/video/7705853982765272342
  - "The best always" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sophrrichards/video/7705853982765272342
- **Brand is praised for supporting the disabled and POTS community, and its 'daily ritual' branding is seen as smart** (3 mentions)
  - "you put so much heart into this account, i’m so proud of you for making these connections!! thank you @Liquid I.V. for supporting the disabled community!!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@torrieg333/video/7701457826023099662
  - "@Liquid I.V. Thank you so so much for all these goodies my potsie heart is so happy and full of electolytes now! #pots #potsawarenessmonth💙🎗 #liquidiv #prunbo…" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@torrieg333/video/7701457826023099662

## Complaints and problems

- **Most people don't need electrolytes; marketing drives unnecessary daily use and plain water works fine** (13 mentions)
  - "I need electrolytes since I work outside so hard but 95 percent of people are drinking them for no reason" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=UgycEd98TCwZImbezl54AaABAg
  - "The real frugal saving is this: >90% of people don’t have an electrolyte imbalance. Unless you’re doing a high intensity sport for hours on end, save the money. You get enough salt from your diet already." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/oig0n2j/
- **Health worries: B6 toxicity from over-100% B-vitamin doses, kidney strain, kidney stones from high sodium, diarrhea from overuse** (9 mentions)
  - "No. That’s how you get vitamin b6 toxicity." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/dysautonomia/comments/1uoi4d8/does_anyone_else_drink_liquid_iv_all_day_and_night/ovsexl1/
  - "As someone who had too high of B6 recently, be careful with the amount in liquid I V s. B6 toxicity feels like POTS on steroids" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/dysautonomia/comments/1uoi4d8/does_anyone_else_drink_liquid_iv_all_day_and_night/ovsm75w/
- **Heavily pushed via influencer/YouTube sponsorships, which reads as a scam or grift** (7 mentions)
  - "I've come to conclusion: every time something is heavily marketed by YouTube sponsorships it is a scam of some variety." YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=UgzhGhBQPQG6ug7FK9N4AaABAg
  - "Moral of the story… if Chris Williamson or Andrew Huberman run ads on it, it’s probably a scam." YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=UgyBaCF87NKS6Guun4Z4AaABAg
- **Too expensive at roughly $1-2 per stick; seen as a luxury purchase** (5 mentions)
  - "Aldi has their version of "Liquid IV" for a fraction of the price of the name brand stuff.. It's like $2.37 for a 6 pack. It's pretty much the same as all the other hydration sticks, some salt and some flavoring. Liquid …" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/
  - "Why is LiquidIV so expensive?." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TooAfraidToAsk/comments/1r89qva/why_is_liquidiv_so_expensive/
- **Sickeningly sweet: sugar (sometimes the first ingredient) plus stevia makes daily drinking hard** (5 mentions)
  - "Why I stopped taking Liquid IV. Been using Liquid IV for like 3 months? maybe longer. every yt channel I follow recommended it so I finally bought in. stopped yesterday and honestly feel better already which is... weird.…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/
  - "11g sugar thing bothers me too but whats worse is they market it as cellular transport technology when its literally just glucose sodium cotransport.. basic biochem that happens with any sugar + salt combo. Gatorade does…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz494lk/
- **Sugar-free version's sweeteners cause GI upset, and one box didn't disclose it was sugar-free** (3 mentions)
  - "The sugar is in it because it’s needed to help the hydration process, it’s not just included arbitrarily. Stevia is known to cause GI upset (nausea, gas, bloating, diarrhea), so if you were drinking the sugar free versio…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz47vet/
  - "What electrolytes does everyone like? Liquid iv works for me but I hate the idea of consuming so much sugar but the non sugar version has so many weird sweeteners. Are there any good unflavored ones? …." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/migraine/comments/1u2kir9/what_electrolytes_does_everyone_like_liquid_iv/
- **Claims like 'cellular transport technology' are just basic glucose-sodium science, and high sodium is questioned as dehydrating** (2 mentions)
  - "11g sugar thing bothers me too but whats worse is they market it as cellular transport technology when its literally just glucose sodium cotransport.. basic biochem that happens with any sugar + salt combo. Gatorade does…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz494lk/
  - "Oof. Yet states it’s high in sodium which dehydrates you. So while you’re over here thinking you’re hydrating yourself you’re actually dehydrating yourself instead. Just pick up cup of water or a bottle of water and star…" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407

## Questions people ask

- **Flavor and recipe specifics: is blood orange bitter, has anyone tried hot cocoa, sweetness and dilution in recipes** (7 mentions)
  - "is it bitter" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999
  - "Hot coco Liquid IV. Has anyone tried the hot coco liquid IV? Very much so debating getting it since I always struggle to get me water in the winter without the heat reminding me to drink much less getting my electrolytes…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/POTS/comments/1wzi93m/hot_coco_liquid_iv/
- **Is it safe to drink multiple packets all day and night, or during a long fast?** (5 mentions)
  - "Liquid IV Alternative?. I’m kind of addicted to Liquid IV, managed to kick energy drinks with it, but I’m forcing myself to one packet a day because I heard it’s not super safe to drink copious amounts of Liquid IV. Are …" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HydroHomies/comments/1xlmld6/liquid_iv_alternative/
  - "Does anyone else drink Liquid IV all day and night?. I’m up to drinking them all day everyday and wake up at night to drink more. I was putting salt in my water and having a plain water in between, but that stopped cutti…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/dysautonomia/comments/1uoi4d8/does_anyone_else_drink_liquid_iv_all_day_and_night/
- **Is there a sugar-free version, and is it suitable for diabetics?** (3 mentions)
  - "Try non sugar liquid iv" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7jvSSs036w&lc=UgwalsUSzBeBCivcpaJ4AaABAg
  - "Use the low/no sugar version." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz4pv9v/
- **Where to buy it, how to get the advertised free samples, and does the flavor actually taste good?** (3 mentions)
  - "Link, which store do you buy it?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407
  - "how do you get free samples." TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407
- **How much sodium is in a serving?** (2 mentions)
  - "How much sodium?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407
  - "How much sodium?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407
- **What are good unflavored or low-sugar electrolyte alternatives?** (2 mentions)
  - "What electrolytes does everyone like? Liquid iv works for me but I hate the idea of consuming so much sugar but the non sugar version has so many weird sweeteners. Are there any good unflavored ones? …." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/migraine/comments/1u2kir9/what_electrolytes_does_everyone_like_liquid_iv/
  - "What do you recommend? I’m struggling trying to find those with the best ratios. So much conflicting info" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz4az4p/
- **Why is Liquid IV so expensive?** (1 mention)
  - "Why is LiquidIV so expensive?." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TooAfraidToAsk/comments/1r89qva/why_is_liquidiv_so_expensive/

## Buying signals

- **Commenters say they need to try it or want a whole box after seeing it** (14 mentions)
  - "I need to try!!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sophrrichards/video/7705853982765272342
  - "I could use this right now" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sophrrichards/video/7705853982765272342
- **People plan to buy or order after hearing good things** (5 mentions)
  - "I ordered some liquid IV from canada i heard good things" X https://x.com/Dubrava17/status/2089105372166377981
  - "I need to try this!!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999
- **Limited-edition drops like blood orange trigger immediate purchase intent** (3 mentions)
  - "Erm I will be getting immediately!!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999
  - "It’s given Vamp!🧛🏻🍊🩸 New Liquid IV hydration Multiplier Blood Orange Electrolyte Drink Mix. 🛒Spotted at Target. (News/Image::Liquid IV, Thanks @rockgirlmaxim84 for the first in-store find!👍🏻) Thoughts👇🏻 https://…" X https://x.com/markie_devo/status/2097125555908886953
- **Bought packets as a beginner-gym recovery drink, or switched from energy drinks to one packet a day** (2 mentions)
  - "are electrolyte drinks a scam or worth it? (specifically liquid IV packets). so i am new to the workout space i just started going to the gym 4 weeks ago. Up until two days ago i was doing 1 hour of cardio (2.4mph 7% inc…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/beginnerfitness/comments/1s3tzf3/are_electrolyte_drinks_a_scam_or_worth_it/
  - "Liquid IV Alternative?. I’m kind of addicted to Liquid IV, managed to kick energy drinks with it, but I’m forcing myself to one packet a day because I heard it’s not super safe to drink copious amounts of Liquid IV. Are …" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HydroHomies/comments/1xlmld6/liquid_iv_alternative/
- **Considering DIY powder or hot cocoa flavor instead of repurchasing** (2 mentions)
  - "They’re a bit of a luxury purchase for me, so I’m considering making my own powder. I’ve definitely had days where I’ve practically gone through a whole box in a day though." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/oip8zvv/
  - "Hot coco Liquid IV. Has anyone tried the hot coco liquid IV? Very much so debating getting it since I always struggle to get me water in the winter without the heat reminding me to drink much less getting my electrolytes…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/POTS/comments/1wzi93m/hot_coco_liquid_iv/
- **Stocking up during 20% off website sales** (1 mention)
  - "When they on sale on their main website for 20% I stock up! Their new apple berry flavor is sooo good!" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/migraine/comments/1u2kir9/what_electrolytes_does_everyone_like_liquid_iv/or0gjq3/
- **Bought after YouTube recommendations, then quit within weeks** (1 mention)
  - "Why I stopped taking Liquid IV. Been using Liquid IV for like 3 months? maybe longer. every yt channel I follow recommended it so I finally bought in. stopped yesterday and honestly feel better already which is... weird.…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/

## Compared with other brands

- **Alternatives recommended: Buoy, Ultima, Skratch, Redmond Re-Lyte, Pedialyte, Trioral, coconut water, Isopure, Ballerina, Transparent Labs** (11 mentions)
  - "Buoy tastes salty, but i just drink it quick. It’s a little bottle and you squirt it in your beverage. They have a discount for migraine sufferers, too." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/migraine/comments/1u2kir9/what_electrolytes_does_everyone_like_liquid_iv/oqy9en7/
  - "Ultima" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/migraine/comments/1u2kir9/what_electrolytes_does_everyone_like_liquid_iv/oqyajca/
- **DIY homemade electrolyte mix pitched as a cheaper alternative at about $0.15 per serving** (6 mentions)
  - "Strange I was looking for this 15 minutes after it was uploaded, thanks, I'll give it a go! The expensive electrolytes are starting to get out of hand while training for an ultra." YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YINdwzwPwHc&lc=UgxDVjgLVAiBFhDvygt4AaABAg
  - "You can make your own and drink in the morning. A glass of warm water and a pinch of sea salt." TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407
- **LMNT praised for taste/results but too pricey, and criticized over undisclosed maltodextrin; DIY salt water used instead** (4 mentions)
  - "I do triathlon as a hobby and so I spend around 10 hours each weak doing cardio or weight-lifting.. Lots of sweating. I used to just drink plain water, and was constantly experiencing symptoms of hyponatremia. I got some…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=Ugx1uefkO0EdxVZsl2l4AaABAg
  - "I use and love LMNT. As a runner, it really helps with recovery on those hot summer days when I'm on a 1.5 to 2 hour run and it's 80+ degrees. As the weather cools in the fall into the winter, I start backing off on taki…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=Ugz0Psa0C-R3hr1bn1p4AaABAg
- **Aldi's store-brand sticks are far cheaper and taste better** (2 mentions)
  - "Aldi has their version of "Liquid IV" for a fraction of the price of the name brand stuff.. It's like $2.37 for a 6 pack. It's pretty much the same as all the other hydration sticks, some salt and some flavoring. Liquid …" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/
  - "Oh yes please. How often do you drink them and how much has it helped?" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/oip6bsc/
- **Compared against LMNT and other zero-sugar electrolyte brands** (2 mentions)
  - "Liquid IV, LMNT, and the "Dehydrated Soda" Business Model" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw
  - "Liquid IV vs Zero Sugar Electrolytes" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12MlpDk-fDE
- **Gatorade delivers the same sugar-salt science for about $0.30 a serving** (1 mention)
  - "11g sugar thing bothers me too but whats worse is they market it as cellular transport technology when its literally just glucose sodium cotransport.. basic biochem that happens with any sugar + salt combo. Gatorade does…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz494lk/

## What people want next

- **Wants cheaper bulk/DIY electrolyte recipes and ingredient sourcing** (3 mentions)
  - "I bulk buy the individual ingredients for electrolyte powders and compose them myself. LMNT actually posts the recipes for their packets. My girl has special ones that she uses for her POTS and I mix up a whole 3 month s…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=UgxjYhh1TwWkzUHOXHR4AaABAg
  - "I just went down a rabbit hole on how to make my own electrolyte drink because I refuse to pay like $1-2 per day for this stuff… so here is what I found after lots of research on some running subs and also looking at the…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz46i85/
- **Wants a protein-added version and pre-workout/protein recipe videos** (3 mentions)
  - "add protein to it and ill buy it" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407
  - "Can you make a video for pre workouts" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YINdwzwPwHc&lc=UgyFP99VjHR1o0O-o_V4AaABAg
- **Wants an unflavored, low-sugar option without weird sweeteners** (2 mentions)
  - "What electrolytes does everyone like? Liquid iv works for me but I hate the idea of consuming so much sugar but the non sugar version has so many weird sweeteners. Are there any good unflavored ones? …." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/migraine/comments/1u2kir9/what_electrolytes_does_everyone_like_liquid_iv/
  - "Try non sugar liquid iv" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7jvSSs036w&lc=UgwalsUSzBeBCivcpaJ4AaABAg
- **Wants a low-sodium version for kidney stone sufferers** (1 mention)
  - "I can’t drink this product due to the high sodium. I produce too many kidney stones. I hope they produce a low sodium version in the future." TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407
- **Wants a salty-tasting mix to replace Liquid IV without overconsuming** (1 mention)
  - "Liquid IV Alternative?. I’m kind of addicted to Liquid IV, managed to kick energy drinks with it, but I’m forcing myself to one packet a day because I heard it’s not super safe to drink copious amounts of Liquid IV. Are …" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HydroHomies/comments/1xlmld6/liquid_iv_alternative/
- **Wants guidance on best electrolyte ratios amid conflicting info** (1 mention)
  - "What do you recommend? I’m struggling trying to find those with the best ratios. So much conflicting info" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz4az4p/

## Quotes

> I'm an electrician and I was working on a brutal job in the summer where my sweat evaporating on my shirt all day turned it white. After only a few days I felt drained of energy. I was a little worried about the degradation of my situation and how it was getting worse. I drank an electrolyte mix that my employer offered and I felt my energy come back pretty quickly. I wasn't 100% but I went from f…
> -- @Mr.SuperStonks on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tv_22ojbw&lc=UgwYlmTXZvDxVgIBcsB4AaABAg

> Something about these “Liquid IV” and other type of products really do the trick the day after my period. They are the only thing that help me function during a hormonal imbalance/hormonal swing. I’m not a drinker so I can’t speak to hangovers.
> -- u/MouseMouseM on Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1swj8y6/aldi_has_their_version_of_liquid_iv_for_a/oigd7gq/

> Why I stopped taking Liquid IV. Been using Liquid IV for like 3 months? maybe longer. every yt channel I follow recommended it so I finally bought in. stopped yesterday and honestly feel better already which is... weird.. started taking it for gym hydration and just general energy. first week was fine i thought it was working but looking back idk if it actually was or if i just wanted it to work b…
> -- u/WhisperMyName16 on Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/

> 11g sugar thing bothers me too but whats worse is they market it as cellular transport technology when its literally just glucose sodium cotransport.. basic biochem that happens with any sugar + salt combo. Gatorade does the same thing for $0.30 per serving. Wild how much people pay for fancy packaging
> -- u/ricefedyeti on Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1qamgq5/why_i_stopped_taking_liquid_iv/nz494lk/

> First ingredient is sugar!!!!!
> -- @debagrey1 on TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@melissamerk/video/7685950297516166407

> Erm I will be getting immediately!!
> -- @danielaramirez4476 on TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@leahfrzr/video/7684849343890803999