When it comes to hydration and recovery drinks, we’ve all seen the shelves lined with colorful packets promising everything from rapid hydration to supercharged energy. But if you’ve tried any of them, you know that not all hydration aids are created equal.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a dedicated athlete, or just trying to stay energized and healthy during your daily grind and also get some restful sleep at night, picking the right hydration supplement can make a big difference in how you feel and perform on a day to day basis.
Two big contenders in the hydration game? Matcha Aid and Liquid I.V. So, which one should you reach for when you’re gearing up for a workout or trying to recover after one? Let’s dive in and see how these two stack up against each other.
What is Matcha Aid?
Matcha Aid isn’t your average hydration drink. It’s an adaptogenic electrolyte blend that goes beyond just replacing lost fluids. Powered by premium Japanese matcha, this blend combines electrolytes, adaptogens, and antioxidants to support hydration, energy, and recovery - all without the sugar crash you get from traditional sports drinks. Plus, with matcha green tea as the main ingredient, you get tons of additional health benefits like skin health, heart health, gut health, brain health and more!
Key ingredients in Matcha aid include:
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Matcha Green Tea: A natural source of clean, sustained energy thanks to its mix of caffeine and L-theanine. There are approximately 35-50mg of caffeine per Matcha Aid serving.
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Coconut Water Powder: Packed with natural electrolytes to help replenish what you lose through sweat.
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Adaptogens (like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola): To help your body manage stress and recover faster.
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Vitamin C & Antioxidants: To reduce inflammation and support immune health.
With no artificial flavors, and a refreshing citrus zing, Matcha Aid is designed to hydrate and energize without the crash or jitters. Plus, it’s loved by pro athletes, college athletes, and fitness enthusiasts for its ability to boost endurance and focus naturally.
What is Liquid I.V.?
Liquid I.V. is a popular hydration multiplier that uses a Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®) formula designed to enhance water absorption in your bloodstream. It’s basically a supercharged electrolyte drink that claims to help you hydrate faster than water alone.
Liquid I.V. has 6 different product offerings, with slightly differ in their ingredients and targeted use. There is the original Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier, Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier (with approximately 100mg of caffeine), Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier + Immune Support, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Probiotic Kombucha, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar Free, and Liquid I.V. Sleep Multiplier.
To prepare Liquid I.V., you are recommended to pour one packet into 16 ounces of water and shake well.
Key ingredients in the original blend of Liquid I.V. include:
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Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium): To replenish what you lose through sweat.
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Vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B12, and Vitamin C): To support energy production and immune health.
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Sugar (10-11g per serving): To assist with faster absorption - though this can be a downside for some. (This is only not the case for their sugar-free variation, which uses stevia as a sweetener)
Liquid I.V. is a solid choice for quick hydration, especially after intense workouts, long flights, or a night out. However, the added sugar content might be a turn off if you’re trying to keep things clean and low carb.
Head-to-head: Matcha aid vs. Liquid I.V. original comparison
1. Hydration Power
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Liquid I.V. is great for rapid hydration thanks to its CTT® formula and sugar-sodium combo.
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Matcha Aid offers hydration with a twist. Providing electrolytes from coconut water powder but also supporting long term energy and recovery through its adaptogenic blend.
Winner: If you need quick hydration, Liquid I.V. does the job. But if you’re looking for hydration plus sustained energy, Matcha Aid takes the lead.
2. Energy Boost
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Liquid I.V. relies on B vitamins for a mild energy lift, but it doesn’t have caffeine.
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Matcha Aid delivers a natural energy boost from matcha’s caffeine + L-theanine combo, giving you focus without the jitters.
Winner: Matcha Aid wins for anyone looking for clean, sustained energy during workouts or throughout the day.
3. Sugar Content
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Liquid I.V. contains 11g of sugar per serving ( that’s almost the same amount as chocolate milk!), which helps with hydration but can lead to a sugar crash.
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Matcha Aid has 5g of total sugar per serving, making it a cleaner option with half the amount of sugar of Liquid I.V. (original formulation) for those conscious of their sugar intake.
Winner: Matcha Aid is the clear choice for lower sugar, cleaner hydration.
4. Recovery Support
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Liquid I.V. helps with hydration and basic recovery, but lacks ingredients that specifically target stress or inflammation.
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Matcha Aid includes adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, which help your body manage physical stress and speed up recovery after tough workouts.
Winner: Matcha Aid offers more comprehensive recovery support.
Who should choose Matcha Aid?
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Athletes looking for a natural, sustained energy boost without an unnecessary amount of added sugars.
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Anyone trying to reduce sugar but still wants effective hydration and focus.
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Those who want to support both hydration and recovery with adaptogens and antioxidants.
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People looking for a healthier alternative to Gatorade, Liquid I.V., or sugary energy drinks.
Who should choose Liquid I.V.?
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If you need quick hydration after intense sweating, long flights, or illness.
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People who don’t mind a little extra sugar and want fast absorption.
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Those who prefer sugar-assisted hydration for quick recovery from hangovers or dehydration.
The bottom line
The pre-packaged single serving electrolyte powders that are Liquid I.V. come in convenient on-the-go packets, have a variety of different flavors, have a sugar-free and caffeinated option, and do seem to be helpful for rehydration across the board.
However, just one packet of matcha aid manages to check all the boxes of the 6 different formulations of liquid I.V. Matcha aid offers a fast-acting hydrating boost, immune and gut health support, a natural energy boost with caffeine content, low total sugar, sleep support, and recovery support.
If you’re looking for quick hydration, Liquid I.V. will do the trick. But, if you want a hydration drink that goes the extra mile and checks all the boxes - Matcha Aid is the clear winner. It’s perfect for athletes, busy professionals, and anyone who wants to stay hydrated, energized without the sugar crash, and support their sleep health. Plus, with the antioxidant power of matcha and the stress reducing benefits of adaptogens, you’ll feel good knowing you’re fueling your body with the best.
EXTRA RESOURCES
Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
