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

SLF Electrolyte Comparison · 2026

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 ↗
VS
Podium Salt + Electrolytes

Podium Salt + Electrolytes

★★★★★4.6/5

Heavy & Salty Sweaters · Hot-Weather Endurance · Endurance Athletes

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.

Explore Both Brands

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

🏆Overall WinnerLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
💧Highest SodiumTie
Lowest SugarTie
🏷Best ValueLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
🏃Best for EndurancePodium Salt + Electrolytes
Top RatedPodium Salt + Electrolytes

At a Glance

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

FeatureLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-FreePodium Salt + Electrolytes🏆 Edge
💧Sodium500 mg500 mgTie
🌿Potassium370 mg250 mgLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
MgMagnesium85 mg50 mgLiquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
Sugar0.0 g0.0 gTie
🔥Calories205Podium Salt + Electrolytes
🍃SweetenerAllulose, stevia leaf extractSucralosePreference
🏷Cost per serving$1.78$3.33Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free
SLF rating★★★★☆4.0/5★★★★★4.6/5Podium Salt + Electrolytes
🌿

Functional Ingredients

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

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…

Podium Salt + Electrolytes

  • Taurine (1000 mg)

Highly recommended for performance hydration.

Key Differences

The most meaningful data-backed differences in this matchup.

Better ValueMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

$1.78−$1.55$3.33

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

More PotassiumModerate difference

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

370 mg+120 mg250 mg

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

Broader Functional ProfileMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Energy Sugar-Free

8 listed+7 ingredients1 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. 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.

Choose Podium Salt + Electrolytes if…

  • Heavy & Salty Sweaters
  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Endurance Athletes
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Keto & Low-Carb
  • Crossfit
  • Hyrox
  • Cycling

Highly recommended for performance hydration.

Pros and Considerations

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

Podium Salt + Electrolytes

✓ Strengths

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration
  • Sugar-free formula
  • Provides meaningful potassium
  • Includes a useful amount of magnesium
  • Third-party sport certification is reported

● 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 Podium Salt + Electrolytes instead if you:

  • Heavy & Salty Sweaters
  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Endurance Athletes
  • Exercise & Workouts
Ready to Buy?

Choose Your Electrolyte

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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?

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 $3.33. Pricing can change by retailer and package size.

What functional ingredients does each product include?

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. Podium Salt + Electrolytes lists Taurine (1000 mg). 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. Podium Salt + Electrolytes 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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