I’ve tried a lot of electrolyte drinks over the years. Some tasted like salty regret, others felt more like candy than hydration. After bouncing between options, I kept seeing the same two names come up over and over: Ultima and LMNT. Both are popular. Both promise better hydration. And both have very different vibes.
So I decided to actually spend time with them. I drank Ultima during regular workdays and workouts. I used LMNT on harder training days and when I was feeling run down. This isn’t a lab test or a sponsored breakdown. It’s just my real experience using both and noticing how they taste, how they make me feel, and which situations they actually work best for.
If you’re stuck trying to decide between Ultima vs LMNT and don’t want a sales pitch, this is the comparison I wish I had before buying them both.
What Is Ultima?
Ultima Replenisher is a zero-sugar electrolyte powder you mix with water. It’s designed for everyday hydration rather than intense athletic performance. It contains electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium, and it’s sweetened with stevia instead of sugar.
Simple, light, and meant to make water more hydrating without tasting like a traditional sports drink.
What Is LMNT?
LMNT is a zero-sugar electrolyte powder made for heavy electrolyte replacement. You mix it with water.
Each packet contains about 1,000 mg of sodium, plus potassium and magnesium. There’s no sugar, no fillers, and it’s intentionally salty.
LMNT is built for intense workouts, heavy sweating, and low-carb or keto diets.
Key Electrolytes (Exact Amounts per Serving)
Ultima
Ultima Replenisher
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Potassium: 250 mg
- Magnesium: 100 mg
- Calcium: 65 mg
LMNT
LMNT
- Sodium: 1,000 mg
- Potassium: 200 mg
- Magnesium: 60 mg
Key Ingredients
Ultima Replenisher key ingredients:
- Magnesium (as magnesium citrate)
- Potassium (as potassium citrate)
- Calcium (as calcium citrate)
- Sodium
- Vitamin C
- Stevia (natural sweetener)
- Natural flavors and colors (from fruits and vegetables)
LMNT key ingredients:
- Sodium (as sodium chloride)
- Potassium (as potassium chloride)
- Magnesium (as magnesium malate)
- Natural flavors (varies by flavor)
Which One Helps With Fast Hydration?
For fast hydration, LMNT works better.
LMNT has a very high sodium content (1,000 mg per packet). Sodium is the main driver of rapid fluid absorption, especially after heavy sweating, intense workouts, or dehydration. When I need to feel rehydrated quickly, LMNT kicks in faster.
Ultima Replenisher hydrates more gently. It’s fine for steady, all-day hydration, but the low sodium means it doesn’t replace fluids as aggressively or as fast.
Sugar Content
Both Ultima Replenisher and LMNT contain zero sugar.
- Ultima: 0 g sugar, sweetened with stevia
- LMNT: 0 g sugar, no sweeteners at all
Vitamins
Ultima Replenisher includes added vitamins.
- Vitamin C (for immune support and antioxidant benefits)
LMNT includes no added vitamins.
- Electrolytes only. Nothing extra
How Does It Taste?
Ultima Replenisher tastes light and fruity. It’s mildly sweet, closer to flavored water than a sports drink. Easy to sip all day and hard to overdo.
LMNT tastes salty. Very salty. Some flavors have a slight citrus or spice note, but the salt is front and center. It’s not something I casually sip. I drink it when I need it.
Artificial vs Natural Color
Ultima Replenisher uses natural colors.
- Colors come from fruit and vegetable sources.
- No artificial dyes.
LMNT uses no added colors at all.
- No artificial colors.
- No natural color additives either.
Convenience
Both are easy to use, but they’re convenient in different ways.
Ultima Replenisher is more convenient for everyday use.
- Light flavor
- Easy to drink anytime
- Works well in a regular water bottle
LMNT is convenient for specific situations.
- Single-stick packets
- Best when you actually need heavy electrolytes
- Not something I drink casually
Price
Prices vary by pack size, but here’s the typical cost per serving.
Ultima Replenisher
- About $0.60–$0.80 per serving
LMNT
- About $1.25–$1.50 per packet
Is It Worth It?
Yes, both are worth it. Just for different people.
Ultima Replenisher is worth it if you want:
- Everyday hydration
- Light electrolytes
- Better-tasting water
- Lower cost per serving
LMNT is worth it if you need:
- Fast hydration
- Heavy sodium replacement
- Intense workouts or heavy sweating
- Keto or low-carb support
Are They Healthy?
Yes, both are healthy. It just depends on how you use them.
Ultima Replenisher is healthy for everyday use.
- Zero sugar
- Low sodium
- Includes magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin C
- Easy on the body for daily hydration
LMNT is healthy when used intentionally.
- Zero sugar
- Very high sodium
- No fillers or additives
- Best for heavy sweating, workouts, or low-carb diets
Use Cases
Ultima Replenisher works best for:
- Everyday hydration
- Office or home use
- Light workouts like yoga or walking
- Hot days when you want better-tasting water
LMNT works best for:
- Intense workouts
- Heavy sweating
- Endurance training
- Keto or low-carb diets
- Fast rehydration after dehydration
Final Thoughts
After using both, the difference is clear.
Ultima Replenisher fits into my normal day. It’s light, easy to drink, and helps me stay hydrated without thinking about it. I reach for it when I just want better water.
LMNT is more of a tool. I don’t drink it casually. I use it when I’ve sweat a lot, trained hard, or feel depleted and need results fast.