Series: Value Swaps · 8 min read
I distinctly remember staring at my credit card statement last month. I used to spend $45 every month on LMNT without thinking twice. Then one afternoon I actually did the math—and realized I had quietly spent over $540 in a single year on flavored salt water.
That was the moment I started actually looking for smarter alternatives.
If you have been anywhere in the fitness, keto, or fasting communities recently, you know LMNT. It is praised for its science-backed, high-sodium ratio that actually cures hydration headaches. But at $1.50 per packet, it is an expensive daily habit.
Is LMNT great? Yes. But is it worth that price tag? Not when there are brilliant value swaps available. Here is the ultimate breakdown of the best cheaper alternatives to LMNT—including a DIY hack that will save you nearly 90%.
The Ultimate Electrolyte Comparison
Before we dive into the details, here is how the top value swaps stack up against LMNT in terms of price and core ingredients per packet:
| Product | Price/Packet | Sodium | Potassium | Magnesium | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMNT | $1.50 | 1,000mg | 200mg | 60mg | 0g |
| SALTT | $1.20 | 1,000mg | 400mg | 180mg | 0g |
| Cure | $1.17 | 500mg | 150mg | 0mg | 4g |
| DIY Hack | $0.17 | 1,000mg | 200mg | 60mg | 0g |
Value Swap #1: The DIY Recipe (Save 89%)
Here is the biggest secret in the hydration industry: LMNT is incredibly transparent. They actually publish their official base recipe online for anyone to make at home. If you are willing to mix powders yourself, this is the ultimate value swap.
To make the exact unflavored LMNT base at home, buy these bulk ingredients and mix the following ratio per serving:
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure salt (provides ~1,000 mg sodium)
- 400 mg of Potassium Chloride (provides ~200 mg potassium)
- 1/4 teaspoon of Magnesium Malate (provides ~60 mg magnesium)
Value Swap #2: SALTT (More Minerals, Milder Taste)
If you love the convenience of grab-and-go stick packs but hate the aggressive saltiness of LMNT, SALTT is your best ready-made alternative.
At around $1.20 per packet, it is 20% cheaper than LMNT. But look at the table above—it actually provides double the potassium and triple the magnesium compared to LMNT, while still delivering that crucial 1,000 mg of sodium. Their flavor profiles are also generally considered much smoother.
Value Swap #3: Cure Electrolytes (The Natural Choice)
If you prefer plant-based hydration, Cure Electrolytes is a fantastic swap coming in at roughly $1.17 per packet.
Instead of hitting you with 1,000mg of sodium, Cure uses organic coconut water powder and pink Himalayan salt to deliver a milder 500mg of sodium and 150mg of potassium. It does contain about 4 grams of natural sugar. However, according to World Health Organization standards, a small amount of glucose actually acts as a carrier, helping your cells absorb sodium and water much faster during intense sweating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DIY version safe to drink daily?
Yes, as long as you strictly follow the measurements. The DIY recipe is chemically identical to the unflavored LMNT packets. However, if you have high blood pressure or kidney issues, always consult your doctor before consuming high-sodium drinks daily.
Where can I buy Potassium Chloride (NoSalt) in the US?
You don't need to go to a specialty supplement store. You can find Potassium Chloride sold under the brand name "NoSalt" or "Nu-Salt" in the baking and spice aisle of almost any Walmart, Target, or standard grocery store.
Does Cure actually work as well as LMNT for keto or fasting?
If you are doing a strict zero-calorie fast, Cure will break your fast because it contains 4g of sugar (from the coconut water). However, for standard keto diets, 4g of carbohydrates is easily manageable within your daily limit, and it works excellently for workout recovery.
Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location. This comparison is based on independent research and is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the retailers mentioned.
