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Ghost Hydration vs Powerade Zero at CVS: Which Electrolyte Is Better?

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SLF Electrolyte Comparison · 2026

GHOST Hydration

GHOST Hydration

★★★★☆4.4/5

Hot-Weather Endurance · Everyday Hydration · Exercise & Workouts

Check Price at CVSRead full review ↗
VS
Powerade Zero

Powerade Zero

★★★★☆4.2/5

Hot-Weather Endurance · Everyday Hydration · Exercise & Workouts

Check Price at CVSRead full review ↗
🏆 Overall Winner

Powerade Zero

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

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Explore Both Brands

Continue to the full Brand Hubs for products, flavors, buying guides, and every published comparison.

🏆Overall WinnerPowerade Zero
💧Highest SodiumPowerade Zero
◆Lowest SugarTie
🏷Best ValuePowerade Zero
🏃Best for EndurancePowerade Zero
★Top RatedGHOST Hydration
▤

At a Glance

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

FeatureGHOST HydrationPowerade Zero🏆 Edge
💧Sodium40 mg400 mgPowerade Zero
🌿Potassium700 mg130 mgGHOST Hydration
MgMagnesium126 mgNot listedGHOST Hydration
◆Sugar0.0 g0.0 gTie
🔥Calories150GHOST Hydration
🍃SweetenerSucralose and Acesulfame PotassiumSucralose and Acesulfame PotassiumPreference
🏷Cost per serving$2.50$1.99Powerade Zero
★SLF rating★★★★☆4.4/5★★★★☆4.2/5GHOST Hydration
🌿

Functional Ingredients

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

GHOST Hydration

  • Vitamin C (90 mg)
  • Vitamin B6 (1.7 mg)
  • Vitamin B12 (2.4 mcg)
  • 996 mg total electrolytes

Best for high-potassium daily hydration and light activity.

Powerade Zero

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B12

Best as a convenient budget sports drink, not as a premium or clean-label electrolyte.

Key Differences

The most meaningful data-backed differences in this matchup.

Higher SodiumMajor difference

Powerade Zero

40 mg+360 mg400 mg

Why it matters: Higher sodium can better replace larger sweat losses during prolonged exercise or heat.

Better ValueModerate difference

Powerade Zero

$2.50−$0.51$1.99

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

More PotassiumMajor difference

GHOST Hydration

700 mg+570 mg130 mg

Why it matters: Potassium supports fluid balance and normal muscle function.

Broader Functional ProfileModerate difference

GHOST Hydration

4 listed+2 ingredients2 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 GHOST Hydration if…

  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Travel
  • Heat & Outdoor Work
  • Keto & Low-Carb
  • Fasting
  • Daily Hydration

Best for high-potassium daily hydration and light activity.

Choose Powerade Zero if…

  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Travel
  • Heat & Outdoor Work
  • Keto & Low-Carb
  • Budget Hydration
  • Gym Workouts

Best as a convenient budget sports drink, not as a premium or clean-label electrolyte.

Pros and Considerations

GHOST Hydration

✓ Strengths

  • Moderate sodium level suits everyday hydration needs
  • Sugar-free formula
  • Provides meaningful potassium
  • Includes a useful amount of magnesium
  • Fits keto and low-carbohydrate lifestyles

● Keep in Mind

  • Premium cost per serving

Powerade Zero

✓ Strengths

  • Moderate sodium level suits everyday hydration needs
  • Sugar-free formula
  • Fits keto and low-carbohydrate lifestyles

● Keep in Mind

  • Magnesium amount is not disclosed in the current SLF record
  • Premium cost per serving
🎯 SLF Recommendation
Overall Winner

Powerade Zero

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

Why it earns the edge

  • Moderate sodium level suits everyday hydration needs
  • Sugar-free formula
  • Fits keto and low-carbohydrate lifestyles

Choose GHOST Hydration instead if you:

  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Travel
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Choose Your Electrolyte

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which has more sodium?

Powerade Zero contains 400 mg of sodium per serving, compared with 40 mg. Higher sodium may be more useful when replacing larger sweat losses during prolonged exercise or hot conditions.

Which has less sugar?

Tie has less sugar at 0.0 g per serving, versus 0.0 g. This may matter for people limiting added sugar.

Which is less expensive per serving?

Powerade Zero is currently less expensive at $1.99 per serving, compared with $2.50. Pricing can change by retailer and package size.

What functional ingredients does each product include?

GHOST Hydration lists Vitamin C (90 mg), Vitamin B6 (1.7 mg), Vitamin B12 (2.4 mcg), 996 mg total electrolytes. Powerade Zero lists Vitamin C, Vitamin B12. Functional ingredients supplement the core electrolyte profile but do not automatically make one product better for every use.

Which product is better overall?

Powerade Zero earns the higher SLF comparison score based on the available formula, value, rating, and intended-use data. GHOST Hydration 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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