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Three popular electrolyte drinks, built for different jobs. Here is how they compare on sodium, carbs and price, and which one fits which run.
Skratch, 20 servings, with code RUNMASTERY
RUNMASTERY
The code applies automatically through this link. If it does not, paste it at checkout. 20% off your first order on the whole Skratch range, one use per customer.
Side by side
| Skratch Hydration | LMNT | Liquid I.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 400 mg | 1,000 mg | About 500 mg |
| Carbs / sugar | About 20 g carbs | No sugar | About 10–11 g sugar |
| Potassium | Contains | 200 mg | About 370 mg |
| Price per serving | $1.20, about $0.96 with our code | $1.50 (30-count box) | Varies by retailer |
| Best for | Drinking during long runs | Heavy, salty sweaters, low-carb | Everyday hydration |
Sources: skratchlabs.com and drinklmnt.com product pages, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier retail labels (values vary slightly by flavor). Checked October 2026.
During a run you want fluid, sodium and a little energy, without upsetting your stomach. Skratch gives 400 mg sodium plus about 20 g carbs in a light drink you can sip for hours. That combination is what makes it the one we use mid-run.
At 1,000 mg sodium per stick, LMNT is the high-sodium option. It suits runners who lose a lot of salt, or who want to pre-load sodium before a hot race. With no carbs, it does nothing for energy, so on long runs you still need fuel.
Liquid I.V. sits between the two on sodium and adds sugar. It is built for everyday hydration more than for fueling a run.
It depends on how much and how salty you sweat. Many runners lose somewhere between 500 and 1,500 mg of sodium an hour, more in heat. Instead of guessing, run our sweat and sodium calculator, then pick the drink that matches your number.
Skratch for drinking during runs, because it combines sodium, a little energy and an easy stomach. If your sweat test shows you are very salty, top up with extra sodium on hot days. Full product review: Skratch Hydration Mix for runners.
Prices with 20% off your first order. Every link applies code RUNMASTERY automatically.
For drinking during long runs, Skratch, because it adds about 20 g of carbs and is easy on the stomach. LMNT has much more sodium (1,000 mg) and no sugar, which suits heavy, salty sweaters or pre-loading before a hot race.
LMNT, with 1,000 mg per stick. Liquid I.V. has about 500 mg and Skratch Hydration 400 mg per serving.
It works for everyday hydration. For long runs, a drink built for exercise, with sodium and carbs that sit well during effort, is usually a better fit.
No. Under an hour in mild weather, water is usually enough. Electrolytes matter on long runs, hot days and if you sweat a lot.
Our runner pick, Skratch Hydration Sport Drink Mix, with 20% off your first order through our link.
RUNMASTERY
The code applies automatically through this link. If it does not, paste it at checkout. 20% off your first order on the whole Skratch range, one use per customer.
Affiliate disclosure: Run Mastery earns a commission when you buy through the Skratch Labs links on this page, at no extra cost to you. The discount is 20% off your first order with code RUNMASTERY. Prices in USD at the time of writing (October 2026), check skratchlabs.com for your region. Run Mastery is not affiliated with LMNT or Liquid I.V.