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Liquid IV vs Open Fuel Ultra Fuel (2026): Which Is Better?

SLF Electrolyte Comparison · 2026

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

★★★★★4.6/5

Hot-Weather Endurance · Everyday Hydration · Exercise & Workouts

Check Current PriceRead full review ↗
VS
Open Fuel Ultra Fuel

Open Fuel Ultra Fuel

★★★★☆4.0/5

Endurance Athletes · Exercise & Workouts · Long Distance Runners

Check Current PriceRead full review ↗
🏆 Overall Winner

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Best overall data score for this matchup based on formula, value, rating, and intended use.

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Watch this product overview before reading the detailed side-by-side comparison.

Liquid IV
Product overview

Liquid IV

Watch this quick overview before reading the detailed side-by-side comparison.

🏆Overall WinnerLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
💧Highest SodiumTie
Lowest SugarLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🏷Best ValueLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🏃Best for EnduranceOpen Fuel Ultra Fuel
Top RatedLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

At a Glance

A quick side-by-side look at nutrition, value, and overall performance.

FeatureLiquid I.V. Hydration MultiplierOpen Fuel Ultra Fuel🏆 Edge
💧Sodium500 mg500 mgTie
🌿Potassium350 mgNot listedLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
MgMagnesiumNot listedNot listedTie
Sugar11.0 g22.0 gLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🔥Calories45248Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🍃SweetenerCane SugarMaltodextrin and fructose; no non-nutritive sweeteners listedPreference
🏷Cost per serving$0.96$2.08Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
SLF rating★★★★★4.6/5★★★★☆4.0/5Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🌿

Functional Ingredients

Additional active or performance-oriented ingredients recorded in the SLF database.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

  • Cellular Transport Technology® (CTT®)DextroseVitamin CB VitaminsAllantoin

Liquid IV is a strong performance-ready, clean-label choice for travel, exercise, heat, general hydration, but it is less compelling for strict keto diets or…

Open Fuel Ultra Fuel

  • Maltodextrin
  • fructose
  • sodium citrate
  • pectin
  • and citric acid

Open Fuel Ultra Fuel is one of the more compelling value-focused endurance mixes for athletes who want meaningful carbohydrate and sodium in the same…

Key Differences

The most meaningful data-backed differences in this matchup.

Lower SugarMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

11.0 g−11.0 g22.0 g

Why it matters: Lower sugar may suit people prioritizing reduced-sugar hydration.

Better ValueMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

$0.96−$1.12$2.08

Why it matters: A lower cost per serving can make frequent use more practical.

Broader Functional ProfileMajor difference

Open Fuel Ultra Fuel

1 listed+4 ingredients5 listed

Why it matters: A broader functional-ingredient profile may appeal to users seeking vitamins or carbohydrate-assisted hydration.

Who Should Choose Each Product?

Use these guidelines to find the best fit for your hydration needs and lifestyle.

Choose Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier if…

  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Recovery
  • Travel
  • Heat & Outdoor Work

Liquid IV is a strong performance-ready, clean-label choice for travel, exercise, heat, general hydration, but it is less compelling for strict keto diets or those avoiding added sugar.

Choose Open Fuel Ultra Fuel if…

  • Endurance Athletes
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Long Distance Runners
  • Cyclists
  • Triathletes
  • Ultrarunners
  • Sessions Lasting 90 Minutes Or Longer
  • Athletes Targeting 60 G Carbohydrate Per Hour

Open Fuel Ultra Fuel is one of the more compelling value-focused endurance mixes for athletes who want meaningful carbohydrate and sodium in the same bottle. Its simple formula and bulk packaging are strengths, though shoppers should note the lack of potassium, magnesium, and sport certification.

Pros and Considerations

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

✓ Strengths

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration
  • Provides meaningful potassium
  • Competitive cost per serving

● Keep in Mind

  • Contains 11.0 g sugar per serving
  • Magnesium amount is not disclosed in the current SLF record

Open Fuel Ultra Fuel

✓ Strengths

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration

● Keep in Mind

  • Contains 22.0 g sugar per serving
  • Mineral amounts beyond sodium are not disclosed in the current SLF record
  • Premium cost per serving
🎯 SLF Recommendation
Overall Winner

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

SLF scoring considers nutrition, formula, price, certifications, intended use, and value.

Why it earns the edge

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration
  • Provides meaningful potassium
  • Competitive cost per serving

Choose Open Fuel Ultra Fuel instead if you:

  • Endurance Athletes
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Long Distance Runners
  • Cyclists
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Frequently Asked Questions

Data-backed answers based on the current SLF product records.

Which has more sodium?

Tie contains 500 mg of sodium per serving, compared with 500 mg. Higher sodium may be more useful when replacing larger sweat losses during prolonged exercise or hot conditions.

Which has less sugar?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier has less sugar at 11.0 g per serving, versus 22.0 g. This may matter for people limiting added sugar.

Which is less expensive per serving?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is currently less expensive at $0.96 per serving, compared with $2.08. Pricing can change by retailer and package size.

What functional ingredients does each product include?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier lists Cellular Transport Technology® (CTT®)DextroseVitamin CB VitaminsAllantoin. Open Fuel Ultra Fuel lists Maltodextrin, fructose, sodium citrate, pectin, and citric acid. Functional ingredients supplement the core electrolyte profile but do not automatically make one product better for every use.

Which product is better overall?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier earns the higher SLF comparison score based on the available formula, value, rating, and intended-use data. Open Fuel Ultra Fuel may still be the better fit when its specific use cases align more closely with your needs.

Nutrition facts, pricing, and availability can change. Verify the current label before purchasing. This comparison is informational and is not medical advice.

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