Hydration showdown: How Protekt stacks up against Gatorade, Buoy, LMNT, and Liquid IV

Staying hydrated is crucial for performing at your best, whether in the gym, on the trail, or simply getting through a busy day. While hydration drinks and mixes used to be primarily for elite athletes, more products have become available for the general public in recent years. While this expansion of useful tools for hydration is certainly appreciated, it has resulted in quite a flood of available options. Because of all those options, knowing which product is right for you and your lifestyle can be challenging. 

That's where Protekt comes in—a liquid hydration solution designed to provide optimal electrolyte balance, high-quality ingredients, and fast absorption. In this post, we'll compare Protekt to some of the biggest names in hydration, including Gatorade, Bouy, LMNT, and Liquid IV, and show you why Protekt might just be your new go-to for staying hydrated and feeling your best.

Protekt's unique liquid format

One key factor that makes Protekt stand out from the crowd is its concentrated liquid format. Protekt comes in single-serve 0.4-ounce packets, which is much more convenient to travel with than a premixed hydration supplement like Gatorade. Simply toss a few packets in your bag, and as long as you have a bottle or cup and some water, you’ll be able to get your favorite hydration mix in no matter where you are.

The liquid format also has benefits over the alternative. Products like Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier and LMNT come in powder form, which, although they transport just as easily, have some downsides. If you’ve ever tried to pour a powder mix in a bottle outside on a windy day, you know one of the challenges. Portions of your precious electrolytes get whisked away by the wind, leaving you with less than you were likely banking on. Likewise, the puff of dust that plumes up when opening a powder packet is never very pleasant to breathe in. 

Powder mixes also need to be mixed just so. If you add the powder to a wet but empty bottle, portions end up clumped at the bottom. Or, if you add the mix to something you can’t shake, things don’t turn out well, either. It’s also prone to clogging up hoses in hydration bladders, and there’s the time waiting for the powder to dissolve. When you’re competing in events, every second is precious, and waiting for your hydration mix to combine or fussing with a clogged hose is not time well spent. 

The liquid format of Protekt is a much more convenient way to make a hydration drink. There’s no risk of the mix blowing away in the wind and no puff of dust going directly into your lungs when opening a packet. It also mixes instantly, no matter the situation, even if you don’t have time or a vessel to shake it in. The ingredients are already pre-dissolved, “so the electrolytes and other nutrients are already in solution, which means they’re readily available for absorption as soon as you drink them,” says Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director of Medical Cert UK. “This can be so helpful if you’re in a situation where rapid rehydration is necessary, like after a particularly intense workout or if you’re severely dehydrated.”

While Bouy is also a liquid hydration mix, it is not in a single-serve package, so getting the right concentration is much more difficult. You’re more or less guessing each time you squeeze the container into your water. On the other hand, Protekt’s pre-measured single-serve packets give you precise and consistent levels every time. Consistency is key for athletes so that you can know what exactly you are getting in critical moments. 

Electrolyte balance

When you sweat, your body is losing key electrolytes. “What we lose when we sweat is sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium,” says Angel Luk, a Sports Nutrition Dietitian who holds a Diploma in Sports Nutrition from the International Olympic Committee. Those electrolytes must be replenished for our bodies to perform at their best and simply to stay healthy. So, having a proper ratio of electrolytes in a drink is crucial, especially if it is used to rehydrate after high activity levels. You may notice the absence of calcium in Prokekt Hydration, though. That’s because “studies show higher calcium to magnesium ratios being associated with increased inflammation,” says Luk, so to prevent any negative health impacts, Protekt leaves calcium out of the mix in its hydration products. Plus, Luk explains that calcium is lost in such small amounts and is easier to supplement with food. 

Protekt uses a 10:2:1 ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which is balanced to support sustained energy and recovery. Other brands of electrolyte mixes don’t prioritize that balance as much, which may make them less effective for some people and situations. For example, LMNT has double the sodium content than Protekt. While this may work well for some, “the sodium level might be too high for people who are not sweating a lot or who are sensitive to salt,” explains Dr. Knobel. “For these individuals, excessive sodium intake could lead to issues like increased blood pressure or bloating”

I find myself only using partial packets of LMNT in most situations due to the high sodium content (and overly salty taste), which leaves me guessing as to how much hydration mix I’m actually getting. Protekt’s more balanced sodium levels mean I can use an entire packet, allowing me to get consistent levels of electrolytes each time. That’s far more ideal when I’m in hydration-critical situations like long bike rides on hot days. 

On the flip side, Buoy only offers 50mg of sodium in one serving compared to Protekt’s 500mg. While that lower sodium content is better for people who aren’t very active or sweating much, it’s not nearly enough during physical activity. Protekt’s balanced sodium levels are ideal for athletes pushing their physical limits and seeking higher levels of performance. There’s a reason why Protekt has worked with professional athletes, coaches, human performance experts, nutritionists, doctors, and Navy SEALs. 

Ingredient comparison

If you’re concerned about getting the right hydration level, you’re likely diligent about ingredients entering your body as well. Protekt prioritizes high-quality, natural ingredients in its mixes, so you can trust that what you are putting in your body is safe. Part of Protekt’s philosophy is to not add anything that your body can’t use just to pad the statistics and marketing. That means that the ingredients in Protekt Hydration are all worthwhile and useful. 

One significant difference between Gatorade, Liquid IV, and Protekt is the sugar content and overall sweetness. Gatorade and most of Liquid IV’s offerings are very sweet, with quite a bit of added sugars and sweeteners. Protekt adds Stevia to its mixes, but at lower levels, with no other added sugars or sweeteners. As a result, Protekt offers a barely noticeable level of sweetness.

Our bodies do need carbohydrates during exercise, and glucose is a fast-acting carb ideal for athletes. However, overly sweet drinks can have serious downsides for many. “Sugar can be a drawback for those who are trying to limit their sugar intake, such as people managing diabetes or those following a low-carb diet,” explains Dr. Knobel. Some are also very sensitive to sweet items, and an upset stomach is the last thing you want while working out.

Additionally, ”too many carbs can slow digestion down,” says Luk, which can negatively affect both hydration and performance. Drinks loaded with carbs can also be hard on the gut for some, causing digestion problems during activities. Protekt gives you the flexibility to add glucose to your ideal level with your preferred method of fueling during exercise while still getting the electrolytes you need. That gives you great control and helps ensure you aren’t overdoing carbs. Plus, there may be times when you don’t need or want the carbohydrates from glucose but still need the hydration benefits of an electrolyte mix.

One of the things that makes Gatorade so memorable is its vibrant colors and punchy flavors. However, those colors are the product of food dyes, and the flavors are artificial. Protekt, on the other hand, uses a flavor house that was given strict requirements to only use oil and essence of fruits, which keeps the ingredients natural. Plus, there’s no added color. The result is a much more natural product with no additives solely for appearance. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, hydration is highly personal, but there are general things to consider that apply to every individual. A hydration mix doesn’t do you any good if you don’t want to drink it or don’t have it when you need it. Protekt’s three flavors are delicious, so you can enjoy getting your hydration in. Also, since the ingredient list is so small, with only natural ingredients, you can trust that it is safe and healthy. 

For those focused on performance and recovery, it’s also critical to consider the electrolyte balance to ensure you replenish what you’re sweating. Protekt’s focus on an ideal blend of electrolytes will keep you feeling your best even during your most intense training session. Plus, you’ll have the ability to add glucose and carbohydrates to your ideal level without complicating your hydration plan.