Liquid I.V. is the category’s most visible product — and one of its more expensive per milligram of the mineral you’re buying. We pulled its published pricing, checked July 2026, and converted it into cost per serving and cost per year, with the detail its ads skip: the 11 g of added sugar riding along.
Every price tier, in one table
Liquid I.V. sells in multiple pack sizes at a one-time price and a lower subscription price. Figures from brand and major-retail listings, checked July 2026.
| 16-stick carton (one-time) | ~$24–$25 | ~$1.50/serving |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | — | ~$1.09/serving |
| Cost per year (one-time, daily) | ~$548 | 11 g sugar/serving |
| Cost per year (subscription, daily) | ~$398 | 11 g sugar/serving |
The number the sticker hides
Liquid I.V. delivers roughly 510 mg of sodium per stick, so at ~$1.50 it’s about 29¢ per 100 mg of sodium — the steepest zero-ish rate among the majors in our comparison, and that’s before you weigh the sugar. Its glucose-based design (the “Cellular Transport Technology” is glucose-sodium co-transport, the mechanism behind oral rehydration solutions) genuinely needs that sugar — which is exactly why sugar-conscious buyers pay less, per milligram, at a zero-sugar rival. The alternatives page ranks them.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Liquid I.V. cost per stick?
About $1.50 a serving buying a 16-stick carton one-time (~$24–$25), dropping to about $1.09 a serving on subscription, checked July 2026 — roughly $400–$550 a year for daily use.
Is Liquid I.V. worth the price?
It’s a legitimate glucose-based rehydration product for illness, travel or serious dehydration. As an everyday drink it’s pricey per milligram of sodium (~29¢/100 mg) and carries 11 g of added sugar — which is why many daily users prefer a zero-sugar option.
How much sugar is in Liquid I.V.?
About 11 g of added sugar per stick — near half the American Heart Association’s daily added-sugar guidance for women, in one serving. The sugar is part of the design, not an accident.
Sources
- Liquid I.V. — brand and major-retail pricing and Supplement/Nutrition facts (~$24–$25/16, ~$1.09/serving subscription, ~510 mg sodium, 11 g added sugar). Checked July 2026.
- The Ingredient Report — Liquid I.V. review (51/100) and the electrolyte comparison. Checked July 2026.
Update history
- July 17, 2026 — Page first published. Facts checked this date. Next check: August 2026.
Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical or financial advice. Medical disclaimer.