LMNT vs. Ultima: Which Electrolyte Mix Is Right for You?

LMNT and Ultima Replenisher are both sugar-free electrolyte drink mixes, but they’re formulated for different preferences. The biggest difference is sodium: one LMNT serving has 1,000 mg, while one Ultima serving has 55 mg. That makes LMNT a much higher-sodium option—not automatically the better choice for everyone.

This comparison uses the brands’ published product information and independent exercise-hydration guidance. It is not a personal taste test or a medical recommendation.

LMNT vs. Ultima at a glance

Per serving	LMNT	Ultima Replenisher
Sodium	1,000 mg	55 mg
Potassium	200 mg	250 mg
Magnesium	60 mg	100 mg
Other listed nutrients	—	Calcium, phosphorus, chloride, vitamin C, zinc, manganese
Sugar	No sugar	0 g
Price shown on brand site*	$45 for 30 sticks ($1.50 each)	$20.99 for 20 servings ($1.05 each)

*Prices are from the product pages checked on October 1, 2026, and may change. Serving sizes and nutrient amounts are from each brand’s published product information; check the label on the flavor and format you buy, since product details can vary.

The main difference: sodium

LMNT provides about 18 times as much sodium per serving as Ultima. A 1,000 mg serving is roughly 43% of the FDA’s 2,300 mg Daily Value for sodium; Ultima’s 55 mg is about 2%. The FDA recommends checking serving sizes and total sodium intake, especially because sodium adds up across foods and drinks during the day.

That difference matters more than the brands’ flavor choices or marketing language. For someone looking for a drink mix with a substantial amount of sodium, LMNT is the clear match of the two. For someone who wants a lower-sodium mix, Ultima is the more suitable starting point.

What the exercise guidance says

Electrolyte needs depend on the activity, environment, and individual sweat losses. The American College of Sports Medicine notes that most people exercising for less than 60–90 minutes in normal weather are unlikely to need to replace depleted electrolytes. Longer sessions, hot conditions, and heavy sweating can make hydration planning more important.

ACSM’s exercise and fluid-replacement guidance also emphasizes that sweat rates and electrolyte losses vary widely from person to person; there isn’t one ideal drink or dose for every workout. Electrolyte drinks may offer benefits over water alone in some circumstances, but needs should be matched to the activity and the person.

In other words, LMNT’s higher sodium content may be relevant for someone comparing mixes for prolonged, hot, or particularly sweaty activity. It does not show that everyone needs that much sodium—or that LMNT is inherently better for everyday hydration.

What each formula offers

LMNT lists 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium per serving. Its flavors use ingredients such as citric acid, magnesium malate, potassium chloride, natural flavors, and stevia leaf extract. It is designed around a high-sodium formula and has a higher listed price per serving than the Ultima pack compared here.

Ultima Replenisher lists 55 mg sodium, 250 mg potassium, and 100 mg magnesium per serving. Its label also lists calcium, phosphorus, chloride, vitamin C, zinc, and manganese. It contains zero grams of sugar, and the flavor ingredients vary by variety.

Neither label, on its own, establishes which product will taste better to you or meet your individual needs. If flavor is the deciding factor, try a small pack before committing to a larger purchase.

Which one should you choose?

Consider LMNT if you specifically want a high-sodium electrolyte mix and have a reason to account for sodium during prolonged or sweaty activity. Its serving contains substantially more sodium than Ultima’s, so include that amount in your overall daily intake.

Consider Ultima if you prefer a lower-sodium formula, want more potassium and magnesium per serving than LMNT provides, or value its additional listed nutrients. It costs less per serving on the product pages compared here, though prices and pack sizes can change.

Choose neither by default if your workouts are short, the weather is moderate, and you already eat and drink normally. Electrolyte mixes are products to compare against your situation, not a requirement for every workout. If you’ve been told to limit sodium, check with a healthcare professional before choosing a high-sodium product.

Bottom line

LMNT is the higher-sodium option; Ultima is the lower-sodium option with more potassium, magnesium, and additional listed nutrients. The better fit depends on what you need from a drink mix—not on which brand makes the broader claims.