There are three main groups of people who use Liquid I.V., a flavored hydration powder that you add to water: People who run marathons, people who are hungover, and people (like my girlfriend) who can’t be bothered to drink regular water for some reason.
Whatever your reason for reaching for a packet of Liquid I.V., we’re here to help! We tried every single flavor on the market to see which ones are worthy of filling your water bottle. And, yes, after this taste test we were all thoroughly hydrated (and really had to pee).
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- Lemon Lime
Lemon Lime Liquid I.V. is, in my opinion, the best overall choice. It tastes like Gatorade, but with more Gatorade flavor, which is perfect because I’ve always felt that Gatorade needed a stronger taste. It’s one of the less salty of the Liquid I.V. flavors we tried, and it is pleasantly limey. Of course you could mix this into water for a great hydration beverage, but our managing editor Gwynedd Stuart said she would “absolutely put tequila in this.”
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Liquid I.V.
- Watermelon
Watermelon and salt are a great combo, so it’s not surprising that the saltiness of the Liquid I.V. pairs great with watermelon flavor. It’s like a watermelon feta salad that you can drink. Watermelon lovers will enjoy the authentic watermelon taste, but non-watermelon lovers like me will appreciate that it’s not too sweet. It’s perfectly pleasant. I think this would be ideal for a run on a hot summer’s day. I would never go on a run on a hot summer’s day, but I can use my imagination.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Liquid I.V.
- Tangerine
As a fan of anything that is even remotely orange-flavored, this was easily my favorite. I know I’m biased, but it’s so wonderfully citrusy and refreshing. It’s also much less salty than the other flavors we tried, which I preferred. To me, this tastes like a melted Popsicle brand orange popsicle. If you’re looking for summer vibes in a glass, grab a tiny packet of Liquid I.V. Tangerine!
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Liquid I.V.
- Tart Green Apple
If flavor is your thing, you’re going to want to go with Tart Green Apple Liquid I.V. It is actually quite nice and tart without being too sour. You can still chug an entire bottle without getting palate fatigue. Despite its intense and pungent appleyness, it’s on the less intense side when it comes to salt. If you want to forget you’re drinking a hydration drink, this is a good flavor to try.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Liquid I.V.
- Pina Colada
Mix this with rum. I’m not joking! Grab a Piña Colada Liquid I.V. and blend it up with some coconut milk, pineapple juice, and rum for a summer cocktail that will (in theory) leave you hangover-free (as long as you imbibe in moderation). This actually tastes like a piña colada on its own so it would be incredible in a cocktail or mocktail. If you’re no fun at all and just want to drink it mixed with regular water, that also tastes good.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Liquid I.V.
- Golden Cherry
I am not a fan of cherry, but everyone at Sporked who likes cherry-flavored things loved this. And as a cherry hater, I have to admit that it wasn’t that bad. It was flavorful, and the tartness paired well with the natural salinity of the Liquid I.V. If you don’t like cherry, however, I don’t think it will make you a cherry convert. I still found it to be a little bitter and medicinal.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Liquid I.V.
Best of the Best
Best Flavor Combo
Best Sweet
Best Tart
Best Surprising
Best for Cherry Fans
Other Flavors We Tasted: Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Lemon Ginger, Blueberry Lavender, Guava, Acai Berry, Concord Grape
Film your own taste test at home and share with us using #SporkedTasteTest for a chance to be featured on our social pages!
How were the other flavors? Like the grape? I love all things grape but it keeps ranking below watermelon…which I hate. 🙁
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