Buoy Vs. LMNT: A Head-To-Head Hydration Showdown

I’m always on the hunt for the best way to stay hydrated, whether I’m powering through a sweaty workout or just trying to keep my energy up during a busy day. Electrolyte drinks like Buoy and LMNT have caught my attention for their promise of clean, effective hydration. In this article, I’ll compare these two popular options, breaking down their pros, cons, and key features to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle. From taste to ingredients, I’ve got you covered with a real-user perspective.

Comparison Table: Buoy Vs. LMNT At A Glance

Why Electrolytes Matter To Me (And You)

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are the unsung heroes of hydration. They keep your muscles firing, your nerves signaling, and your body balanced. I learned this the hard way after a long run left me feeling like a wilted plant, despite chugging water. Plain water isn’t always enough, especially when you’re sweating buckets or pushing your body hard. That’s where Buoy and LMNT come in—both promise to replenish what you lose, but they do it in wildly different ways.

Buoy: The Subtle Hydration Sidekick

I first stumbled across Buoy while browsing for a low-key electrolyte option. It’s a liquid drop you add to any drink—water, coffee, even a cocktail if you’re feeling fancy. The idea intrigued me: hydration that blends into my routine without forcing me to chug a flavored sports drink.

Key Features of Buoy

• Liquid Drop Format: Each 2 mL squeeze (about half a dropper) delivers 250 mg sodium, 130 mg potassium, and 25 mg magnesium. You can add it to any beverage without changing its taste.
• Trace Minerals: Buoy includes 87 trace minerals from seawater, which they claim supports overall wellness. I’m no scientist, but the idea of mimicking ocean water’s mineral profile sounds cool.
• Flexible Dosing: You control how much you add. I usually go for one squeeze in my 16-ounce water bottle, but you can double up if you’re sweating hard.
• Unflavored and Flavored Options: The unflavored drops are tasteless, while flavored ones (like Citrus or Berry) add a subtle kick. I love the unflavored for my morning coffee.
• Clean Ingredients: No artificial sweeteners, just a touch of organic cane sugar (less than 1 g per serving) and stevia. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Read More: My Thoughts on LMNT Vs. WaterBoy.

Pros of Buoy

• Versatility: I can add Buoy to literally anything—smoothies, tea, even soup. It’s a game-changer for someone like me who hates drinking the same thing all day.
• Low Sodium: At 250 mg per serving, it’s perfect for everyday hydration without overloading on salt. I don’t always need a sodium bomb, especially on rest days.
• Travel-Friendly: The 1.9-ounce bottle fits in my purse or gym bag. One bottle lasts about a month if you stick to one serving daily.
• Subtle Taste: The unflavored drops don’t mess with my drink’s flavor. I’ve tried adding them to almond milk, and it’s like nothing’s there.
• Affordable: At around $25 for 48 servings, it’s roughly $0.83 per serving. My wallet appreciates that.

Cons of Buoy

• Lower Electrolyte Content: If I’m training for a half-marathon or hiking in the heat, 250 mg sodium feels light. I’d need multiple servings to match LMNT’s punch.
• Dropper Learning Curve: The first few times, I over-squeezed and wasted drops. It takes practice to get the dosing right.
• Limited Flavor Impact: The flavored drops are mild, which is great for some but disappointing if you want a bold taste. I expected more from the Berry flavor.
• Stevia Sensitivity: Stevia doesn’t sit well with everyone. I’m fine with it, but my friend Lindsay gets a weird aftertaste.
• Not for High-Intensity Needs: Buoy’s great for casual hydration, but it’s not designed for elite athletes or heavy sweaters. I felt this during a 90-minute hot yoga session.

Lmnt: The Salty Hydration Heavyweight

LMNT entered my radar through a podcast where the host raved about its high-sodium formula. Founded by Robb Wolf, a keto diet guru, LMNT is all about delivering a serious electrolyte hit without sugar or junk. It’s a powder you mix into water, and it’s unapologetically salty.

Key Features of LMNT

• High Sodium Formula: Each packet packs 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium. It’s built for people who lose tons of electrolytes, like athletes or keto dieters.
• Zero Sugar: No carbs, no sugar, just stevia for sweetness. It’s keto, paleo, and vegan-friendly.
• Bold Flavors: From Citrus Salt to Chocolate Mint, the flavors are punchy. I’m obsessed with Watermelon Salt, but Citrus Salt is a close second.
• Convenient Packets: Each box has 30 single-serve packets, perfect for tossing in your gym bag or desk drawer.
• Science-Backed Ratios: LMNT claims their 1000:200:60 ratio mimics what you lose in sweat. I can’t verify the math, but it feels effective after a run.

Pros of LMNT

• Electrolyte Powerhouse: That 1,000 mg sodium is a lifesaver during intense workouts. I used it during a 10K race and felt zero cramps.
• No Junk: No sugar, artificial flavors, or fillers. I appreciate the clean ingredient list, especially compared to Gatorade’s neon-colored chaos.
• Taste Satisfaction: The flavors are bold and refreshing. Watermelon Salt tastes like a salty summer treat, which keeps me sipping.
• Keto-Friendly: If you’re on a low-carb diet, LMNT’s zero-sugar formula is a dream. My keto friend swears by it for avoiding the “keto flu.”
• Community Buzz: LMNT has a cult following among athletes and health nuts. I trust products with real user love, and LMNT delivers.

Cons of LMNT

• Salty Overload: The high sodium can be a shock. My first sip of Citrus Salt made me wince—it’s not for the faint of palate.
• Pricey: At $45 for 30 servings ($1.50 each), it’s a splurge. I can’t justify using it daily unless I’m training hard.
• Stevia Again: Like Buoy, LMNT uses stevia, which some people (like Lindsay) can’t stomach.
• Not for Everyone: The high sodium isn’t ideal if you’re sedentary or have health issues like high blood pressure. My dad’s doctor nixed it for him.
• Powder Mess: Mixing the powder can get messy if you’re clumsy like me. I’ve spilled it on my counter more than once.

Head-To-Head Analysis: Buoy Vs. LMNT

Now that I’ve laid out the basics, let’s break down how Buoy and LMNT stack up in real-world scenarios. I’ve tested both during workouts, daily life, and even a brutal summer heatwave, so I’m sharing what worked (and what didn’t).

• Electrolyte Content

LMNT’s 1,000 mg sodium dwarfs Buoy’s 250 mg, making it the go-to for high-sweat situations. During a 90-minute spin class, LMNT kept me energized while Buoy left me craving more. But for casual hydration—like sipping at my desk—Buoy’s lighter dose feels balanced. LMNT’s high sodium can feel excessive on rest days, and I worry about overdoing it. Buoy’s trace minerals are a nice touch, but I’m skeptical about their impact since the amounts are tiny.

• Taste and Drinkability

Taste is subjective, but I lean toward LMNT’s bold flavors for a refreshing kick. Watermelon Salt is my jam after a run. Buoy’s unflavored drops win for versatility, though—I love adding them to my iced tea without altering the flavor. LMNT’s saltiness takes getting used to; my husband called it “ocean water” and bailed after one sip. Buoy’s flavored drops are too subtle for me, but they’re great if you hate strong tastes.

• Price and Value

Buoy’s $0.83 per serving beats LMNT’s $1.50 hands-down. If you’re using electrolytes daily, Buoy’s cost-effectiveness shines. LMNT’s price stings unless you’re an athlete or keto devotee who needs the high sodium. I stretch my LMNT box by using half-packets on lighter days, but Buoy’s bottle lasts longer overall.

• Portability and Convenience

Both are travel-friendly, but Buoy’s dropper bottle is sleeker for on-the-go. I’ve tossed it in my carry-on without issue. LMNT’s packets are bulkier, and I’ve had one rip in my gym bag, leaving a salty mess. Buoy’s dropper can leak if not closed tightly, though, so I wrap it in a plastic bag just in case.

• Target Audience

LMNT is built for heavy sweaters, athletes, and low-carb dieters. I felt its benefits most during a half-marathon training cycle. Buoy, on the other hand, is perfect for everyday folks like me who want hydration without fuss. It’s also great for kids or older adults who need a gentle electrolyte boost. My mom, who’s not a fan of flavored drinks, loves Buoy in her water.

• Health Considerations

LMNT’s high sodium (43% of the daily 2,300 mg limit) raises red flags for people with hypertension or heart issues. Buoy’s lower sodium is safer for most, but neither is a one-size-fits-all. Both use stevia, which is a bummer for those sensitive to it. I’d love a stevia-free option, but that’s a niche gripe.

Also read: My Thoughts on Nectar Vs. Liquid IV.

My Real-World Experience

Last summer, I put both to the test during a heatwave. I used Buoy in my morning coffee and water throughout the day, loving how it didn’t change the taste. It kept me hydrated during errands, but I felt sluggish after a 5-mile hike. Switching to LMNT for the hike was a game-changer—no cramps, no fatigue. But when I tried LMNT daily, the saltiness got old, and I worried about my sodium intake. Buoy became my default for workdays, with LMNT reserved for workouts.

Which One Wins For Me?

I can’t pick a clear winner because it depends on the day. Buoy’s my go-to for its affordability and flexibility—I love sneaking it into random drinks. LMNT shines when I’m pushing my body hard; that sodium punch is unmatched. If you’re like me, you might end up using both: Buoy for chill days, LMNT for sweat sessions. Your lifestyle will tip the scales.

Faq: Your Burning Questions Answered

Conclusion: Your Hydration, Your Choice

I’ve spilled my thoughts on Buoy and LMNT, and now it’s your turn to decide. Whether you’re a gym rat craving LMNT’s salty kick or a busy bee like me who loves Buoy’s sneaky hydration, both can level up your water game. Try them out, listen to your body, and find what keeps you feeling your best. Hydration’s personal, so pick what vibes with you.