Hydration is one of those things we often take for granted — until we’re parched after a long workout, a hot summer day, or a rough night out. That’s where hydration mixes like Liquid I.V. and Waterboy come in. Both promise to help you rehydrate faster than plain water, but they go about it in slightly different ways.
Liquid I.V. has been around for years, known for its proven formula and fruity flavors, while Waterboy is the newer kid on the block, offering a sugar-free, high-electrolyte approach with a focus on hangover recovery. In this guide, we’ll break down their nutrition, ingredients, flavors, and more — so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
What is Liquid I.V.?
Liquid I.V. is one of the most popular electrolyte drink mixes out there — you just pour a stick into water, shake, and it’s ready to hydrate you faster than plain water. The idea behind it is something called Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®), which helps your body absorb electrolytes and fluids more efficiently.
The brand was founded in 2012 by Brandin Cohen, who wanted to create a product that could fight dehydration more effectively than regular sports drinks. His bigger goal was simple: make hydration easier and more accessible for everyone, from athletes to everyday people. Over time, the company also leaned into giving back — they’ve partnered with global organizations to donate millions of servings to communities in need.
Each stick of Liquid I.V. comes with electrolytes, B vitamins, vitamin C, and a bit of sugar (about 11g), which helps speed up absorption. It’s not sugar-free, but the balance is what makes it work. Today, you’ll find it everywhere — at the gym, in travel bags, and even as a hangover fix.
What is Waterboy?
Waterboy is a newer hydration mix that’s quickly making a name for itself, especially with people looking for sugar-free options. Like Liquid I.V., it comes in stick packs you mix with water, but its formula is a bit different. Instead of relying on sugar, Waterboy uses electrolytes, vitamins, and amino acids to support hydration and recovery.
The brand was founded in 2021 by Connor Saeli (a former Bachelorette contestant turned entrepreneur). His goal was to create a hydration drink that actually worked for hangovers and intense workouts, without loading people up with sugar or extra calories. That’s why Waterboy focuses on being zero-sugar, low-calorie, and keto-friendly, while still delivering a strong dose of electrolytes and B-vitamins.
One unique part of Waterboy is its use of L-Cysteine, an amino acid often linked to reducing hangover symptoms. So while it works well for everyday hydration, it’s also heavily marketed as a hangover recovery drink.
In short, Waterboy feels like the modern, health-conscious alternative to traditional hydration mixes — built for people who want fast hydration, but without the sugar spike.
Nutrition comparison (per stick/serving)
| Nutrient | Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier | Waterboy Daily Hydration | Waterboy Weekend Recovery | Waterboy Workout Hydration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 45 | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Sugar | 11g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 500mg | 550mg | 1,120mg | 1,000mg |
| Potassium | 370mg | 140mg | 350mg | 400mg |
| Vitamin C | ~62-76mg (70–80% DV) | 0mg (0% DV) | 450mg (500% DV) | 90mg (100% DV) |
| B-Vitamins | B3, B5, B6, B12 | No B-vitamins | 12mcg B12 (500% DV) | 24mcg B12 (1000% DV) |
| Unique Additives | Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®) | N/A | Ginger Extract, L-theanine | L-Glutamine |
| Gluten/Dairy Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keto-Friendly | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ingredients comparison
Liquid I.V.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier uses a formula of electrolytes and vitamins that relies on a small amount of sugar to speed up hydration.
- Cane sugar and dextrose: These sugars help the body absorb electrolytes and water faster.
- Vitamins: The mix provides B vitamins (B3, B5, B6, and B12) and Vitamin C.
- Electrolytes: It contains key electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
- Other ingredients: This includes citric acid for tartness and stevia leaf extract for natural sweetness.
Waterboy
Waterboy offers different formulas with unique ingredient profiles, all featuring sugar-free hydration with specific functional benefits.
- Daily Hydration: Focused on daily needs, this formula provides electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Weekend Recovery: Marketed for hangover support, this mix includes ginger extract, L-theanine, and a high dose of B and C vitamins.
- Workout Hydration: For athletes, this formula adds the amino acid L-Glutamine for muscle recovery, along with a higher concentration of electrolytes.
- Sweeteners: All formulas use natural sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia to provide flavor without added sugar.
Flavors
Liquid I.V. Flavors
Liquid I.V. offers a large and consistently updated variety of flavors across its different product types, including its Hydration Multiplier, Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier, and other lines.
- Common flavors: Acai Berry, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, and Golden Cherry.
- Seasonal/Newer flavors: Recent additions include Cotton Candy, Arctic Raspberry, Popsicle Firecracker, and Rainbow Sherbet.
- Sugar-Free flavors: The sugar-free line includes flavors like Raspberry Lemonade and Mango Pineapple.
Waterboy Flavors
Waterboy has a diverse range of flavors available across its Daily, Weekend Recovery, and Workout formulas, not just the limited list mentioned previously.
- Daily Hydration: Flavors include Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Cucumber Citrus.
- Weekend Recovery: This line features flavors like Grape, Fruit Punch, Blue Raspberry, and Strawberry Lemonade.
- Workout Hydration: Available flavors include Lemon Lime and Strawberry Lemonade.
- Overall flavor profile: The flavors are designed to be smooth and refreshing, aligning with the brand’s sugar-free, health-conscious approach.
Conclusion
when choosing between Liquid I.V. and Waterboy, your decision rests on your hydration goals and dietary preferences.
Choose Liquid I.V. if:
- You prioritize quick, general-purpose hydration.
- You prefer a wide variety of flavor options.
- You don’t mind the sugar in the original formula, which helps accelerate absorption.
Choose Waterboy if:
- You need a sugar-free, keto-friendly option.
- You want a potent, tailored electrolyte boost, especially for workouts or hangover recovery.
- You are sensitive to flavor and prefer a smoother, less sweet taste.