Short answer: All three are zero sugar. Most people should pick Fire Salt Essential Hydration: it has the most magnesium of the three (90 mg), it's the only one with coconut water, and it carries 670 mg sodium, more than Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free's 510 mg. It also comes in 11 flavors plus caffeine and creatine versions on the same formula. If you want maximum sodium per stick, Saltivate has 800 mg. If you want more potassium and added vitamins, Liquid I.V. has them.
Specs and prices are from each brand's own website as of October 8, 2026. Fire Salt publishes this comparison.
Side-by-side specs
| Fire Salt Essential Hydration | Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free | Saltivate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 670 mg | 510 mg (per Liquid I.V.'s FAQ) | 800 mg |
| Potassium | 190 mg | 380 mg (per Liquid I.V.'s FAQ) | 240 mg |
| Magnesium | 90 mg | Not listed | 60 mg |
| Coconut water powder | Yes | No | No |
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Calories | 5 to 10, depending on flavor | Not shown on product page | 10 |
| Sweetener | Stevia | Allulose | Reb M |
| Mix with | 16–32 oz water | 16 oz water | 16–32 oz water |
| Flavors | 11, plus a variety pack | About a dozen, plus a variety pack | Several |
| Box | 32 sticks, $44.99 | 14 sticks, $21.84 | 30 sticks, $39.99 |
| Per stick | ~$1.41 | ~$1.56 | ~$1.33 |
| HSA/FSA | Yes, via Truemed (per Fire Salt) | Not stated on the pages we checked | Yes (per Saltivate) |
Liquid I.V.'s product FAQ says 510 mg sodium and 380 mg potassium. Some retail box listings show 500 mg and 370 mg. Check the box you buy.
Why most people pick Fire Salt
The most magnesium of the three. 90 mg per stick, 50% more than Saltivate's 60 mg. Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free doesn't list magnesium.
The only one with coconut water. Every Fire Salt stick includes coconut water powder.
Real sodium you can drink all day. 670 mg is about a third more than Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free. It's less than Saltivate's 800 mg, which makes Fire Salt the milder drink when you're on your third bottle of the day.
Cheaper than Liquid I.V. About $1.41 a stick vs about $1.56 for a Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free pouch, and you get more sodium and magnesium for it.
One formula, three ways. Hydration + Caffeine adds 100 mg caffeine. Electrolytes + Creatine adds 5 g creatine monohydrate. Same electrolyte base in all of them.
11 flavors. From Lemon Lime and Watermelon to Chocolate and Firecracker Popsicle, plus a variety pack.
Founded by firefighter Brady Johnson. Fire Salt was made for long shifts in heat and heavy gear. See Best Electrolytes for Firefighters.
Made in the USA in NSF-registered, GMP, FDA-registered facilities and tested for heavy metals and contaminants, per Fire Salt. 30-day money-back guarantee. HSA/FSA eligible through Truemed.
The edge cases
- Saltivate has 800 mg sodium and costs about $1.33 a stick. If maximum sodium per dollar is all you care about, it works.
- Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free has 380 mg potassium plus B vitamins and vitamin C, and it's in nearly every store. If potassium or vitamins are your priority, it works.
Which is best for keto or fasting?
All three have zero sugar. Fire Salt adds 90 mg magnesium and coconut water, has 1 g carbs and 5 to 10 calories per stick, and describes itself as keto friendly. If strict fasting matters to you, check each label.
Which is best for working in heat?
For long hot shifts, you want real sodium and magnesium and something you'll keep drinking. That's what Fire Salt was built for. See Best Electrolytes for Hot Jobs and Best Electrolytes for Sauna.
What about LMNT?
LMNT has 1,000 mg sodium per stick. Fire Salt has 50% more magnesium, coconut water, and a lower single-box price. Full breakdown: Fire Salt vs LMNT.
The bottom line
If you want a zero-sugar electrolyte with real sodium, the most magnesium of the three, coconut water, and flavors you won't get tired of, Fire Salt is the pick. It also comes in caffeine and creatine versions on the same formula.
Shop Fire Salt Essential Hydration, or start with the 6-stick sampler for $11.99.
Product details for Liquid I.V. and Saltivate come from liquid-iv.com, shop.liquid-iv.com and saltivate.com as of October 8, 2026, and may change. Liquid I.V. and Saltivate are trademarks of their owners. Fire Salt is not affiliated with them. Fire Salt is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Fire Salt, Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free or Saltivate?
For most people, Fire Salt. It has the most magnesium of the three (90 mg), it's the only one with coconut water, and it has 670 mg sodium with zero sugar. Saltivate has more sodium (800 mg) and Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free has more potassium (380 mg).
Which has the most magnesium?
Fire Salt, with 90 mg per stick. Saltivate has 60 mg. Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free doesn't list magnesium.
Which has more sodium: Fire Salt, Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free or Saltivate?
Saltivate has 800 mg per stick, Fire Salt 670 mg and Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free 510 mg, per Liquid I.V.'s product FAQ.
Is Fire Salt cheaper than Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free?
Yes, on a single box. As of October 8, 2026, Fire Salt is about $1.41 per stick (32 for $44.99) and Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free is about $1.56 (14 for $21.84). Saltivate is about $1.33 (30 for $39.99).
What's a good Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free alternative?
Fire Salt Essential Hydration. It has more sodium (670 mg vs 510 mg), 90 mg magnesium, coconut water and zero sugar, at a lower price per stick.
What's a good Saltivate alternative?
Fire Salt is a good Saltivate alternative if you want more magnesium (90 mg vs 60 mg), coconut water, 11 flavors, or caffeine and creatine versions of the same formula.
Are these HSA/FSA eligible?
Fire Salt says it's HSA/FSA eligible through Truemed. Saltivate says it's HSA/FSA eligible at checkout. Check your plan's rules.
