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Ghost Hydration vs Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free at CVS: Which Electrolyte Is Better?

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
Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

★★★★☆4.0/5

Everyday Hydration · Exercise & Workouts · Travel

Check Price at CVSRead full review ↗
🏆 Overall Winner

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

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

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

🏆Overall WinnerLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
💧Highest SodiumLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
Lowest SugarTie
🏷Best ValueLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
🏃Best for EnduranceLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
Top RatedGHOST Hydration

At a Glance

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

FeatureGHOST HydrationLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free🏆 Edge
💧Sodium40 mg500 mgLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
🌿Potassium700 mg370 mgGHOST Hydration
MgMagnesium126 mg85 mgGHOST Hydration
Sugar0.0 g0.0 gTie
🔥Calories1520GHOST Hydration
🍃SweetenerSucralose and Acesulfame PotassiumAllulose, stevia leaf extractPreference
🏷Cost per serving$2.50$1.78Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
SLF rating★★★★☆4.4/5★★★★☆4.0/5GHOST 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.

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

  • 200 mg L-theanine
  • Coffeeberry Energy coffee fruit extract
  • CognatiQ coffee fruit extract
  • vitamin C
  • vitamins B3
  • B5
  • B6 and B12
  • amino acids L-glutamine and L-alanine

A compelling hydration-plus-energy formula with considerably more hydration emphasis than a conventional energy drink and a moderate 100 mg caffeine dose balanced by 200…

Key Differences

The most meaningful data-backed differences in this matchup.

Higher SodiumMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

40 mg+460 mg500 mg

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

Better ValueModerate difference

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

$2.50−$0.72$1.78

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

More PotassiumMajor difference

GHOST Hydration

700 mg+330 mg370 mg

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

Broader Functional ProfileMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

4 listed+4 ingredients8 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 Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free if…

  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Travel
  • Keto & Low-Carb
  • Adults Seeking Balanced Energy For Work
  • Social Occasions Or Afternoon Slumps While Also Getting Substantial Electrolyte Support
  • Energy
  • Hydration

A compelling hydration-plus-energy formula with considerably more hydration emphasis than a conventional energy drink and a moderate 100 mg caffeine dose balanced by 200 mg L-theanine.

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

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

✓ Strengths

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration
  • 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
🎯 SLF Recommendation
Overall Winner

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

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

Why it earns the edge

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration
  • Sugar-free formula
  • Provides meaningful potassium
  • Includes a useful amount of magnesium

Choose GHOST Hydration instead if you:

  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Travel
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which has more sodium?

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free contains 500 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?

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free is currently less expensive at $1.78 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. Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free lists 200 mg L-theanine, Coffeeberry Energy coffee fruit extract, CognatiQ coffee fruit extract, vitamin C, vitamins B3, B5. 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. Energy Sugar-Free 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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