The Verdict

Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier® +Kids - Crisp Red Apple Review

The Short Version

Liquid I.V. has built a cult following among adults who need serious hydration recovery. This Kids version strips out the excess sugar, drops the serving size to something a child can actually finish, and keeps the same electrolyte science. The Crisp Red Apple flavor is a legitimately smart choice — it tastes like the inside of a Honeycrisp, not like a Jolly Rancher melted in water.

What’s In the Box

You get 16 individual stick packs per box. Each packet contains 4.5 grams of powder. That’s about half the serving size of the adult version, which matters because most kids won’t finish a full 16-ounce bottle of anything. Each stick mixes into 8-10 ounces of water — a juice-box-sized serving that most elementary-age kids can polish off in one sitting.

The formula includes 380mg of potassium, 170mg of sodium, and 100% of the daily value for vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C. The CTT (Cellular Transport Technology) is the same glucose-electrolyte delivery system used in the adult product — it’s not a watered-down version of the science.

Real-World Performance

I tested this with my own kids, aged 6 and 9, after a long day at a theme park in July heat. Both finished their cups without complaint — which, if you have kids, you know is the highest bar a hydration product can clear. The apple flavor is genuinely pleasant. It’s slightly tart, not overly sweet, and doesn’t have that chalky mineral taste that plagues many electrolyte powders aimed at children.

The mix dissolves quickly with about 15 seconds of stirring. No clumps at the bottom. The slight viscosity — that slightly thicker mouthfeel you get with all Liquid I.V. products — is present but less pronounced than the adult version.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Amazon reviewers with 229 total ratings averaging 4.6 stars echo my experience. One parent wrote: “My son is autistic and refuses most flavored drinks. He drank this without prompting, which has never happened before.” Another noted: “Finally a kids’ electrolyte that doesn’t taste like a melted Popsicle.” The taste and the reduced sugar content (4g per packet versus 11g in the adult version) come up repeatedly as deciding factors.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs.

Price: At roughly $1 per stick pack, this is not a budget-friendly everyday drink. If your kid drinks one a day, that’s over $30 a month. Generic Pedialyte powder is significantly cheaper per serving, though you’re trading electrolyte concentration and taste quality.

Stevia aftertaste: Some people — kids included — are sensitive to stevia’s lingering bitterness. It’s subtle here, but it’s present. If your child has rejected other stevia-sweetened products, this may not convert them.

Serving size confusion: The stick packs look almost identical to the adult version. If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to grab the wrong one and accidentally give your child a double dose of caffeine-free electrolytes. Not dangerous, but wasteful and potentially upsetting to a sensitive stomach.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You have a child who’s active in sports, prone to dehydration during summer heat or travel, or recovering from an illness that caused fluid loss. It’s also an excellent choice for picky drinkers who refuse standard pediatric electrolyte drinks.

Skip it if: Your child is under 4 (the packaging recommends age 4+), you’re on a tight budget, or your kid is fine drinking plain water and you’re looking for a daily hydration supplement rather than a targeted recovery tool.

FAQ

Q: How much water do I mix with one packet? A: 8-10 ounces. Less than 8 ounces and it becomes too sweet; more than 10 and the flavor thins out noticeably. Cold water works best.

Q: Is this safe for daily use? A: Yes, for healthy children age 4 and up. The electrolyte levels are designed for routine use, not just illness or sports recovery. But if you’re using it daily, watch total sodium intake from other sources.

Q: Does it expire quickly? A: The box carries a typical 12-18 month shelf life. Once opened, use the stick immediately — the powder clumps if exposed to humidity.

The Verdict

4.6/5 — Buy it if you need effective, kid-friendly hydration that actually tastes good. Skip it if you’re price-sensitive or your child rejects stevia aftertaste.

The Crisp Red Apple flavor is the best-tasting kids’ electrolyte I’ve tried in five years of reviewing hydration products. The electrolyte science is legit, the serving size is practical, and the taste is good enough that you won’t be bribing anyone to finish their cup. The only real downsides are cost and the stevia note. For parents dealing with an active kid, a sick kid, or a picky drinker, this is a solid investment in peace of mind.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.