LMNT vs Nuun Electrolytes
Two popular electrolyte supplements with very different philosophies. Here is how they compare.
Quick answer
LMNT vs Nuun Electrolytes
| Per official labels, LMNT Recharge has 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium and 0 g sugar per stick; Nuun Sport has 300 mg sodium, 150 mg potassium and 1 g sugar per tablet. Since sweat can carry roughly 0.2-2.1 g sodium per liter (Baker 2017), heavy sweaters and keto dieters favor LMNT, while Nuun suits lighter daily use. |
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LMNT and Nuun are two of the most popular electrolyte supplements on the market, but they take fundamentally different approaches to hydration. LMNT is a high-sodium, zero-sugar powder designed for people following low-carb or ketogenic diets, athletes in extreme conditions, and anyone who sweats heavily. Nuun is a low-calorie effervescent tablet with a more moderate electrolyte profile aimed at everyday athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The right choice depends on your sodium needs, dietary preferences, and how intensely you exercise.
Key Differences
Sodium Content
LMNT contains 1000 mg sodium per packet, nearly 3x more than Nuun's 300 mg per tablet. This matters for heavy sweaters and keto dieters who lose more sodium.
Sugar Content
Both are effectively zero-sugar. LMNT uses no sweeteners or stevia depending on flavor. Nuun uses stevia leaf extract for a mildly sweet taste.
Format
LMNT comes as a powder stick packet you mix into water. Nuun comes as an effervescent tablet you drop into water and let dissolve.
Price Per Serving
LMNT costs roughly $1.50-2.00 per serving. Nuun is more budget-friendly at approximately $0.70-1.00 per tablet.
Potassium and Magnesium
LMNT has 200 mg potassium and 60 mg magnesium. Nuun has 150 mg potassium and 25 mg magnesium. LMNT wins on supporting minerals.
Taste Profile
LMNT has a noticeably salty taste, which some love and others find overwhelming. Nuun is lightly carbonated and tastes more like a mild sports drink.
LMNT vs Nuun Side by Side
| Feature | Lmnt | Nuun |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium per serving | LMNT: 1000 mg | Nuun: 300 mg |
| Potassium per serving | LMNT: 200 mg | Nuun: 150 mg |
| Magnesium per serving | LMNT: 60 mg | Nuun: 25 mg |
| Calories | LMNT: 0-10 cal | Nuun: 10-15 cal |
| Sugar | 0g | 1g (stevia sweetened) |
| Format | Powder stick packet | Effervescent tablet |
| Price per serving | ~$1.50-2.00 | ~$0.70-1.00 |
| Best for | Heavy sweaters, keto, fasting | Everyday fitness, casual hydration |
Choosing the Right Electrolyte Supplement
- Choose LMNT if you follow a keto or low-carb diet, since these diets increase sodium excretion through the kidneys.
- Choose Nuun if you want a convenient, budget-friendly daily electrolyte boost for moderate exercise.
- If you sweat heavily (visible salt stains on clothes), you likely need LMNT's higher sodium content.
- For long endurance events (marathons, ultrarunning), LMNT's 1000 mg sodium matches sports science sodium replacement recommendations.
- Start with Nuun if you are new to electrolyte supplements. The milder taste is easier to adjust to.
- Track your electrolyte drink consumption in Vari alongside plain water for a complete hydration picture.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. People with hypertension or kidney disease should consult their doctor before using high-sodium electrolyte supplements like LMNT. Vari is not affiliated with either LMNT or Nuun.
Sources & Citations
- 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, 60 mg magnesium, 0 g sugar per stick — LMNT Recharge delivers 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, 60 mg magnesium and 0 g sugar per stick pack.[1]
- 300 mg sodium, 150 mg potassium, 25 mg magnesium, 1 g sugar, 15 kcal per tablet — Nuun Sport delivers 300 mg sodium, 150 mg potassium, 25 mg magnesium, 1 g sugar and 15 kcal per tablet.[2]
- ~10-90 mmol/L sweat sodium (~0.2-2.1 g Na/L); sweat rate ~0.5-2.0 L/h — Whole-body sweat sodium concentration typically ranges from about 10 to 90 mmol/L (roughly 0.2-2.1 g sodium per liter of sweat, ~1 g/L typical), with sweat rates usually 0.5-2.0 L/h during exercise.[3]
- Individualized sodium replacement; <2% body-mass loss target — Authoritative sports-medicine guidance recommends individualized sweat-rate assessment with sufficient-but-not-excessive sodium replacement, targeting under 2% body-mass loss.[4]
- [1]LMNT Recharge — drinklmnt.com official ingredients page — LMNT Recharge official ingredients page (drinklmnt.com). Per stick: 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, 60 mg magnesium, 0 g sugar.
- [2]Nuun Sport — nuunlife.com official product page — Nuun Sport official product page (nuunlife.com). Per tablet (5 g in 16 fl oz): 300 mg sodium, 150 mg potassium, 25 mg magnesium, 13 mg calcium, 1 g sugar, 15 kcal.
- [3]Baker 2017 — Sweating Rate and Sweat Sodium Concentration in Athletes — Baker LB. Sweating Rate and Sweat Sodium Concentration in Athletes: A Review of Methodology and Intra/Interindividual Variability. Sports Med. 2017;47(Suppl 1):111-128.PMID: 28332116DOI: 10.1007/s40279-017-0691-5
- [4]McDermott et al. 2017 — NATA Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for the Physically Active — McDermott BP, Anderson SA, Armstrong LE, Casa DJ, Cheuvront SN, Cooper L, Kenney WL, O'Connor FG, Roberts WO. National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for the Physically Active. J Athl Train. 2017;52(9):877-895.PMID: 28985128DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-52.9.02
Last reviewed: 2026-06-21. Every figure on this page is sourced to the named primary references above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1000 mg of sodium per serving too much?
Not necessarily. The average person loses 500-1500 mg of sodium per hour of intense exercise through sweat. For heavy sweaters, athletes, and people on keto diets, 1000 mg can be appropriate. However, sedentary individuals or those with high blood pressure should consult a doctor first.
Can I use both LMNT and Nuun?
Yes. Some athletes use LMNT during intense training days and Nuun for lighter activity or rest days. This approach tailors your sodium intake to your actual needs.
Do electrolyte supplements replace water?
No. Electrolyte supplements are mixed into water, so they supplement your water intake. You still need to drink adequate plain water throughout the day. Think of electrolytes as an addition, not a replacement.
Which tastes better?
Taste is subjective. Nuun has a milder, slightly carbonated flavor that most people find pleasant immediately. LMNT has a noticeably salty taste that fans describe as addictive but newcomers may find strong. LMNT's citrus and watermelon flavors are often recommended for first-timers.
Are there any artificial ingredients in either?
Both brands emphasize clean ingredients. LMNT has no sugar, artificial sweeteners, or fillers. Nuun uses stevia for sweetness and contains no artificial colors or flavors. Always check the specific flavor label for details.
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