Skratch vs. Cure: Which Electrolyte Drink Is Better for Your Workout?

Quick answer: Choose Skratch Hydration Sport Drink Mix if you want more sodium and carbohydrate during exercise. Choose Cure if you want less sugar, no added sugar, and a lower-calorie drink. They’re both electrolyte mixes, but they serve different preferences.

At a glance

	Skratch Hydration Sport Drink Mix	Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix*
Sodium	400 mg per serving	240 mg per packet
Carbohydrate	19 g, including 18 g sugar	6 g, including 4 g total sugar
Added sugar	Contains cane sugar and dextrose	0 g
Calories	80	25
Best fit	Workouts when you want electrolytes plus some carbohydrate	Lower-sugar hydration for everyday use or lighter activity

*Cure figures are for its Lime flavor; nutrition can vary by flavor. Skratch figures are for its standard, non-caffeinated Hydration Sport Drink Mix.

The main difference: workout fuel versus less sugar

Skratch is the more carbohydrate-rich option. Its standard mix has 19 g of carbohydrate per serving, including 18 g of sugar, along with 400 mg of sodium. Skratch recommends mixing a serving with 12–16 fl oz of water and positions the drink for use during exercise and sweating.

Cure is lower in calories and has no added sugar. Its Lime packet lists 240 mg sodium, 350 mg potassium, 6 g carbohydrate and 4 g total sugar. “No added sugar” doesn’t mean sugar-free: Cure’s label still lists naturally occurring total sugars. Its ingredient list includes coconut water powder, salt, stevia and monk fruit, and the product contains coconut.

Which one should you choose?

• Choose Skratch if you want more carbohydrate with your electrolytes for a workout.
• Choose Cure if you prefer a lower-calorie drink with no added sugar.
• Check the flavor label if you’re comparing Cure’s electrolyte amounts; its published nutrition facts differ by flavor.

For many people, water is enough for short, easy exercise. An American Heart Association article cites expert guidance that low-intensity workouts under about 75 minutes generally don’t require electrolyte supplements.

Bottom line: Skratch gives you more sodium and sugar for a sports-drink-style workout option. Cure gives you a lighter, no-added-sugar mix—but still has some naturally occurring sugar. Choose based on the workout, your taste and ingredient preferences, rather than assuming one is universally better.