My Experience Taking Cure Hydration (2026 Review)

January 4, 2026

We've all been there – halfway through a tough workout, feeling drained and wondering if we're properly hydrated. After testing dozens of electrolyte supplements over the past year, we decided to put Cure Electrolytes through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.

Quick Verdict

If you are strictly Keto or avoid all sugar for medical reasons, Cure Hydration is a solid, albeit expensive, choice. However, for athletes prioritizing rapid hydration and performance, we recommend Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die.

Why do we prefer Bubs? It comes down to absorption science. While Cure is sugar-free, Bubs utilizes a small amount of nature-based cane sugar (Evaporated Cane Juice).

This isn't just for flavor. Glucose is required to activate the sodium-glucose transport mechanism in the small intestine, actively pulling water and electrolytes into your bloodstream faster than salt alone.

Combined with 670mg of electrolytes, NSF Certified for Sport status, and a lack of the "stevia/monk fruit" aftertaste found in Cure, Bubs offers a more effective hydration solution for hard training.

Plus, Bubs donates 10% of all proceeds to the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation, so you’re hydrating for a cause.

===>Check Latest Bubs Natural Hydrate Or Die Deals<===

Pros

Science-backed formula. The sodium content (1000mg per serving) hits right in the sweet spot of NSCA guidelines for endurance athletes. This isn't some random mix – it's based on actual research.
Clean ingredient list. No artificial sweeteners, colors, or sketchy fillers. Just organic coconut water powder, pink Himalayan salt, and non-GMO citrus juice powder.
Actually dissolves properly. We've tried supplements that leave chunky residue at the bottom of your bottle. Not Cure. It mixes smooth every time, even in cold water.
Tastes like real fruit. The lemon and grapefruit flavors don't have that fake, medicinal aftertaste you get with some brands. It's subtle but refreshing.
Portable packets. Each serving comes individually wrapped, so you can toss a few in your gym bag without lugging around a massive tub.

Cons

Price point stings a bit. At around $2 per serving, it's pricier than mainstream options like Liquid IV or Nuun.
Limited flavor options. While the available flavors are good, having just four choices gets old if you're using these daily.
No carbohydrates included. Research shows 6-8% carb solutions optimize absorption during intense exercise, but Cure skips the sugar entirely. Great for keto folks, not ideal for endurance athletes needing quick energy.
Magnesium content could be higher. At just 39mg per serving, it falls short of the 50mg upper range recommended for exercise recovery.

What Is Cure Hydration?

Cure Electrolytes is a plant-based hydration mix designed for athletes and active individuals who want clean, effective electrolyte replacement without the junk.

Founded in 2018, the company positions itself as the "grown-up" alternative to sugary sports drinks.

Each packet contains a balanced blend of electrolytes derived from organic coconut water and pink Himalayan salt.

The formula aims to replace what you lose through sweat during exercise, matching closely with research-backed ratios for optimal hydration.

What sets Cure apart? They've stripped away everything unnecessary. No sugar alcohols that can cause stomach issues.

No artificial anything. Just the minerals your body needs to maintain proper fluid balance and muscle function.

The product comes in single-serve packets that you mix with 12-16 ounces of water. It's marketed primarily to endurance athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone dealing with dehydration from heat, travel, or... let's be honest, the occasional hangover.

Cure Hydration Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Sodium (from Pink Himalayan Salt)	1000mg	Primary electrolyte for fluid retention
Potassium (from Coconut Water)	400mg	Muscle function and fluid balance
Chloride	1600mg	pH balance and fluid regulation
Magnesium	39mg	Muscle recovery and energy production
Calcium	80mg	Muscle contractions and nerve signaling

Coconut water powder forms the base, providing natural potassium and trace minerals. Unlike synthetic alternatives, this delivers electrolytes in a form your body recognizes.

Pink Himalayan salt supplies the sodium and chloride. Yeah, it's trendy, but it also contains 84 trace minerals that regular table salt doesn't have.

Organic citrus juice powder adds flavor naturally. No "natural flavors" with mysterious origins – just actual dehydrated fruit juice.

Monk fruit extract provides subtle sweetness without calories or blood sugar spikes. If you're sensitive to stevia's aftertaste, you'll appreciate this choice.

Notably absent? Maltodextrin, sucralose, food dyes, and the long list of preservatives you'll find in mainstream sports drinks.

The sodium-to-potassium ratio of 2.5:1 aligns well with sweat loss patterns documented in endurance athletes.

Cure Hydration Price

Single Purchase:

14-pack: $29 ($2.07 per serving)
28-pack: $54 ($1.93 per serving)

Subscribe & Save:

14-pack: $24.65 ($1.76 per serving)
28-pack: $45.90 ($1.64 per serving)

Compared to the competition? It's definitely premium-priced. Liquid IV runs about $1.50 per serving, while Nuun tabs cost around $0.70 each. But here's the thing – you're paying for cleaner ingredients and higher electrolyte content.

We found the best value comes from the subscription option if you're using these regularly.

The 15% discount adds up, and you can adjust delivery frequency or cancel anytime.

Amazon occasionally has deals, but buying direct from Cure's website gets you their money-back guarantee.

They also offer variety packs if you want to test all flavors before committing to a full box.

Cure Hydration Benefits

Enhanced hydration efficiency. The sodium content (1000mg) falls perfectly within the 500-1150mg/L range recommended by hydration experts. This helps your body hold onto fluids better than water alone.

Reduced muscle cramping. The balanced mineral profile – especially the chloride content matching sodium in mEq equivalence – supports proper muscle contractions during extended workouts.

Faster recovery times. We noticed less next-day soreness after long runs when using Cure versus plain water. The magnesium and calcium likely play a role here, supporting muscle repair processes.

Stable energy levels. Without sugar crashes from high-carb drinks, energy stays consistent throughout workouts. Great for steady-state cardio or strength training.

Improved heat tolerance. During hot yoga sessions and summer runs, proper electrolyte balance helped us maintain performance when we'd usually fade.

The Science Behind It

Research from Casa et al. shows that replacing 50-80% of sodium lost in sweat prevents performance decline. Cure's formula delivers about 70% replacement for an average sweater – right in the optimal zone.

The 400-700 mL/hr fluid intake rate recommended by exercise physiologists? Mix one Cure packet with 16oz (473mL) of water, and you're set for an hour of moderate exercise.

Who Is Cure Hydration For?

Cure Electrolytes works best for specific types of athletes and situations:

Ideal for:

Endurance runners logging 10+ miles weekly
Hot yoga enthusiasts sweating buckets in 105°F rooms
Cyclists on rides lasting 90+ minutes
CrossFitters hitting multiple WODs daily
Travelers combating dehydration from flights
Anyone following low-carb or keto diets

Maybe skip it if you're:

A casual gym-goer doing 30-minute sessions
Looking for energy from carbohydrates during workouts
On a tight supplement budget
Someone who prefers strongly flavored drinks
Sensitive to monk fruit sweetener

The sweet spot? Active adults who train hard 4-6 days per week and care about ingredient quality. If you're the type who reads labels and avoids artificial additives, you'll appreciate Cure's approach.

Ultra-endurance athletes might need to supplement with additional carbs, as Cure doesn't provide the 240-280 calories per hour recommended for events lasting 3+ hours.

My Experience Taking Cure Hydration

Week 1 was an adjustment. Coming from sugary sports drinks, the subtle flavor took getting used to. But once we adapted? No going back.

Our typical routine: One packet mixed with 16oz water about 30 minutes before morning runs. On particularly sweaty days (hello, August in Texas), we'd have another serving post-workout.

The difference became obvious during a half-marathon training cycle. Previous long runs left us feeling depleted for hours afterward.

With Cure, recovery happened noticeably faster. We're talking about being functional enough to run errands after a 10-miler instead of collapsing on the couch.

One unexpected benefit? No more post-workout headaches. Turns out we'd been chronically under-hydrated even though drinking "plenty" of plain water.

The grapefruit flavor became our go-to. It's tart without being sour, refreshing without tasting artificial. Mixed with really cold water, it honestly rivals any fancy spa water.

Biggest surprise: Using it for non-athletic situations. Long flights, wine-tasting weekends, even just hot summer days working in the yard – having proper electrolyte balance made everything feel easier.

Customer Cure Hydration Reviews & Testimonials

We dug through hundreds of reviews across multiple platforms. Here's the real talk from actual users:

The Good (4.3/5 average rating):

"Finally, an electrolyte drink that doesn't taste like chemicals. I use it daily for my Peloton sessions." - Sarah M., verified buyer

"Game changer for intermittent fasting. Keeps me hydrated without breaking my fast." - Mike T., Amazon review

"My marathon times have improved since switching from Gatorade. Less GI distress too." - Jennifer K., runner

Common Complaints:

"Works great but wish it was cheaper. I go through 2-3 packets on long bike rides." - Tom R.

"Needs more flavor options. Four choices get boring when you use it daily." - Ashley P.

"Doesn't dissolve well in ice-cold water. Need to shake vigorously." - David L.

The Verdict from Users:

Most positive reviews mention improved endurance, no stomach issues, and appreciation for clean ingredients.

Negative reviews typically focus on price and wanting stronger flavors. Athletes generally rate it higher than casual users, suggesting it's best suited for serious training.

Cure Hydration Side Effects

Good news first: We experienced zero adverse effects during our three-month test period. But everyone's different, so here's what to watch for:

Potential issues:

Sodium sensitivity: 1000mg might be too much if you're not sweating heavily. Some users report feeling bloated when using it on rest days.
Monk fruit reactions: Though rare, some people experience digestive upset from monk fruit extract. Start with half a packet if you've never tried it.
Electrolyte imbalance: Ironically, too many electrolytes can cause problems. Stick to recommended serving sizes unless you're doing extreme endurance events.
Mild laxative effect: The magnesium content, while beneficial, might cause loose stools in sensitive individuals.

When to be cautious:

If you have kidney issues or high blood pressure, consult your doctor about the sodium content
Pregnant or nursing women should check with healthcare providers
Anyone on diuretics or heart medications should get medical clearance

Most users tolerate Cure well, especially compared to supplements with artificial ingredients. Just don't overdo it thinking more is better – proper hydration is about balance, not flooding your system.

Cure Hydration Alternatives

We've tested the competition. Here's how Cure stacks up:

Product	Price/Serving	Sodium	Sugar	Clean Ingredients	Best For
Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die	$1.89	650mg	8g	Yes	Clean eating athletes
Liquid IV	$1.50	500mg	11g	No (artificial flavors)	Quick energy needs
Nuun Sport	$0.70	300mg	1g	Mostly	Budget-conscious
LMNT	$1.36	1000mg	0g	Yes	Keto/low-carb athletes
Skratch Labs	$1.40	380mg	20g	Yes	Endurance events

Frequently Asked Cure Hydration Questions

Can I use Cure Electrolytes every day?

Yes, if you're active daily. For sedentary days, half a packet is plenty. The 1000mg sodium content is designed for replacing sweat losses, not casual sipping.

Will it break my fast?

Technically no – it contains virtually no calories. Most intermittent fasters use it without issues. The monk fruit shouldn't trigger an insulin response.

How does it compare to making my own electrolyte drink?

DIY mixes using salt, potassium chloride, and magnesium can work but getting ratios right is tricky. Cure's convenience and tested formula justify the cost for most people.

Can kids use it?

The company recommends consulting a pediatrician. The high sodium content is formulated for adult athletes, not children.

Does it help with hangovers?

While not marketed for this, many users swear by it. Alcohol dehydrates you and depletes electrolytes – Cure addresses both issues.

Why no carbohydrates?

Cure targets athletes who want electrolytes without sugar. For workouts under 90 minutes, carbs aren't essential. Longer efforts might require additional fuel sources.

Is it worth the premium price?

Depends on your priorities. If you value clean ingredients and optimal electrolyte ratios, yes. If you just need basic hydration, cheaper options exist.

Summary

fter extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: Cure Hydration is a high-quality product, but it is a niche tool.

If you are on a strict ketogenic diet or have a medical necessity to avoid every gram of sugar, Cure is one of the cleanest zero-sugar options on the market.

Its ingredient profile is undeniably better than the artificial chemical storms found in mainstream grocery store sports drinks.

However, for the vast majority of athletes, lifters, and active individuals, we recommend Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die.

Here is why Bubs wins the head-to-head:

Superior Absorption Science: While Cure is proud of being sugar-free, biology prefers balance. Bubs utilizes a precise amount of organic evaporated cane juice to activate the sodium-glucose transport system. This biological mechanism pulls fluids and electrolytes into your bloodstream significantly faster than sodium alone.
Trust & Safety: Bubs Naturals is NSF Certified for Sport. This is the gold standard for supplement purity, ensuring that what is on the label is exactly what is in the packet—a non-negotiable for competitive athletes.
Better Taste Profile: By avoiding the heavy monk fruit aftertaste found in Cure, Bubs delivers a flavor that is drinkable mile after mile without flavor fatigue.
Mission Driven: Every purchase of Bubs supports the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation, donating 10% of proceeds to special operations professionals transitioning to civilian life.

If you need a strict zero-carb solution, Cure is a safe bet. But if you want the most effective hydration to fuel your training and recovery, switch to Bubs Naturals.