Cheaper LMNT alternatives: electrolyte cost per 500 mg sodium (and DIY)
· 3 min read · By Value Servings
Compare the sodium
Electrolyte mixes vary more than any other supplement on our site. Some are mostly sugar with a little salt; some are mostly salt. The table sums up the well-known ones by their labels:
| Product | Sodium per serving | Potassium | Sugar | Price per 500 mg sodium (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMNT | 1,000 mg | 200 mg | 0 g | $0.65–0.75 |
| Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier | 500 mg | about 380 mg | 11 g | $1.40–1.60 |
| Table salt, 1/4 teaspoon | about 575 mg | 0 | 0 | under $0.01 |
Label figures and list prices can change; check the current panel. Prices are rough US ranges.
Our list ranks mixes by price per 500 mg of sodium, starting from Liquid I.V.:
| Product | Store | Per 500 mg sodium | vs Liquid I.V. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutricost High-Salt Electrolytes Powder · Strawberry Lemonade | Nutricost | $0.22 | 86% less |
| Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder · Lemon Lime | Redmond | $0.47 | 70% less |
| Transparent Labs Hydrate · 40sv Tub · Raspberry Lemonade | Transparent Labs | $0.75 | 52% less |
| Waterboy Daily Hydration · Watermelon | Waterboy | $1.51 | 3% less |
| Liquid I.V. Lemon Lime Hydration Multiplier · 16PK popular brand | Liquid I.V. | $1.56 | — |
Prices checked September 23, 2026. Store prices change; the price at checkout is final. See the full electrolytes list
How much sodium do you need?
- The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise most adults to keep sodium under 2,300 mg a day. Most Americans already eat more than that.
- People who sweat heavily for hours (endurance training, hot jobs, saunas), people on very low-carb diets, and some people with conditions such as POTS may need more, often on a doctor's advice.
- Sweat sodium varies a lot between people. An often-cited average is roughly 1 g of sodium per liter of sweat, with a wide range.
If you sit at a desk and eat a normal diet, a high-sodium drink mix every day is probably adding to an intake that is already high. People with high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease should ask a doctor before adding sodium.
DIY electrolytes
The "DIY LMNT" recipes online mostly come down to salt plus a little potassium:
- Sodium: 1/4 teaspoon of table salt (about 575 mg sodium) or 1/2 teaspoon for about 1,150 mg.
- Potassium (optional): a pinch of potassium chloride salt substitute. Measure carefully: 1/4 teaspoon can hold several hundred milligrams of potassium.
- Flavor: a squeeze of lemon or lime, or a sugar-free drink enhancer.
- Water: 500 mL to 1 L.
Be careful with potassium. People with kidney disease, and people taking ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium-sparing diuretics, can develop dangerous potassium levels. Ask a doctor before using potassium chloride.
A pre-made mix costs more, but it is measured, flavored, portable and dissolves easily. That convenience is what you pay LMNT for.
When sugar helps
Sugar is not always bad in a drink mix. For long endurance sessions, carbohydrate fuels the effort, and oral rehydration solutions use a specific sugar-to-salt ratio because glucose helps the gut absorb sodium and water during diarrhea. For everyday sipping, a sugar-free mix or salted water makes more sense.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cheaper alternative to LMNT?
Look for a sugar-free mix with a similar sodium amount and compare price per 500 mg of sodium. Our list does this daily. The cheapest option is table salt in water.
How much does LMNT cost per serving?
About $1.50 per stick at the 30-count list price, or less with subscriptions and bulk bundles. Each stick has 1,000 mg of sodium.
Can I just use salt instead of electrolytes?
For sodium, yes. 1/4 teaspoon of table salt has about 575 mg sodium. Mixes add potassium, magnesium and flavor, which you can add yourself or skip.
Is Liquid I.V. worth it?
It has about 500 mg of sodium and about 11 g of sugar per stick. It is convenient but one of the more expensive ways to buy sodium.
Is it bad to drink electrolytes every day?
It depends on your diet and activity. Most Americans already eat more sodium than recommended. Daily high-sodium mixes make most sense for heavy sweaters or on a doctor's advice.
Sources
Compare electrolytes per 500 mg sodiumEvery price on the list is worked out the same way, and checked daily.
This is general information about prices and labels, not medical advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, take medication, or have a health condition. We don't sell the products; how we make money.