Choosing between Skratch and Cure comes down to what you want from an electrolyte drink. Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix provides more carbohydrates and sodium per serving, while Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix offers a lower-calorie option without added sugar.
Both products provide electrolytes, but their nutritional profiles and intended uses differ. Comparing their sodium, sugar, calories, ingredients, taste, and suitability for exercise can help you decide which mix better matches your needs.
Skratch vs Cure: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix | Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per serving | 80 | 25 |
| Sodium | 400 mg | 240 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g | 6 g |
| Sugar | 19 g | 4 g total sugar |
| Added sugar | Yes | 0 g |
| Sweeteners | Cane sugar and dextrose | Stevia and monk fruit |
| Potassium | 50 mg | 350 mg in the Lime flavor |
| Main difference | More carbohydrates for exercise | Lower calories and no added sugar |
Figures are from the supplied Skratch vs Cure comparison. Cure’s nutrition figures can vary by flavor, so check the label for the specific product you purchase.
1. Sodium: Skratch vs Cure
Sodium is one of the main differences between these electrolyte mixes.
Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix provides 400 mg of sodium per serving. Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix provides 240 mg per packet in the comparison above.
This means Skratch provides 160 mg more sodium per serving than Cure in these listed formulations.
Skratch’s sodium content is one reason it is featured in recommendations for people who sweat heavily during exercise. NBC Select also discusses Skratch as an option for active people, including those with physically demanding jobs and people who sweat a lot during shorter exercise sessions.
Cure provides a lower amount of sodium per packet. NBC Select describes its 240 mg sodium concentration as relatively low and highlights it as an option for people trying electrolyte powders for the first time.
The difference is straightforward: Skratch provides more sodium per serving, while Cure offers a lower-sodium alternative.
2. Sugar and Carbohydrates
Sugar is another important difference when comparing Skratch vs Cure.
Skratch provides 19 g of carbohydrates per serving, including 19 g of sugar according to the supplied comparison. Its ingredient list includes cane sugar and dextrose.
These carbohydrates distinguish Skratch from electrolyte mixes designed to keep sugar intake lower. The product is positioned for use during exercise and sweating, when its carbohydrate content can be part of the drink’s intended role.
Cure contains 6 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of total sugar per packet in the listed Lime formulation. It contains no added sugar and uses stevia and monk fruit as sweeteners.
However, no added sugar does not mean sugar-free. Cure’s nutrition information still lists naturally occurring total sugar.
The choice depends on your preference. Skratch is the more carbohydrate-rich option, while Cure provides fewer carbohydrates and no added sugar.
3. Calories: Which Mix Is Lower?
If calories are a deciding factor, Cure has the lower figure in the supplied comparison.
Skratch provides 80 calories per serving, compared with 25 calories per packet for Cure. That is a difference of 55 calories per serving.
The difference follows the products’ nutritional profiles. Skratch contains more carbohydrates and sugar, while Cure contains fewer carbohydrates and no added sugar.
For someone comparing electrolyte powders primarily by calorie content, Cure has the advantage in these listed formulations. Someone looking for an electrolyte drink that also supplies more carbohydrates may prefer Skratch.
Neither number tells the whole story on its own. The amount of sodium, carbohydrate content, and intended use should also be considered when comparing the products.
4. Ingredients and Sweeteners
Skratch and Cure take different approaches to sweetening their electrolyte drinks.
Skratch Labs
Skratch Hydration Sport Drink Mix uses cane sugar and dextrose. According to the supplied product reviews, the standard mix does not contain artificial or alternative sweeteners.
The Real Food Dietitians report that the sports drink mix contains 400 mg of sodium, along with 50 mg each of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It also contains 19 g of total and added sugar.
Skratch offers an everyday hydration mix as well. That version has a similar amount of electrolytes but comes unsweetened, with no total sugar or added sweeteners, including stevia.
Cure Hydration
Cure’s ingredient list includes coconut water powder, salt, stevia, and monk fruit. The product contains coconut.
Its use of stevia and monk fruit provides sweetness without added sugar. This makes its ingredient and nutritional profile different from Skratch’s standard sports drink mix.
The distinction is not simply about which product has the shorter ingredient list. It is about which sweetening approach and nutritional profile you prefer.
If you want a drink with carbohydrates from cane sugar and dextrose, Skratch fits that preference. If you prefer no added sugar and a mix sweetened with stevia and monk fruit, Cure is the alternative.
5. Taste and Mixing Experience
Taste can influence which electrolyte drink you prefer, especially if you plan to use it during exercise.
How Skratch tastes
The supplied reviews describe Skratch’s flavor as light, mild, and not overwhelmingly sweet. The Real Food Dietitians highlight lemon-lime as a preferred flavor, while Verywell Fit describes the drink as citrusy and refreshing.
Verywell Fit’s testing also found that Skratch dissolved with continuous stirring and left a small amount of powder at the bottom of the glass. Despite that residue, the reviewers found its texture smooth rather than grainy.
Healthline’s review similarly describes the lemon-lime flavor as relatively mild. Its testers preferred lemon-lime and strawberry lemonade over orange and fruit punch, which they found more artificial-tasting.
How Cure tastes
NBC Select’s review reports that the Cure flavors tested tasted good and dissolved quickly when stirred into water.
Cure’s flavor profile differs from Skratch’s because it uses stevia and monk fruit for sweetness rather than the cane sugar and dextrose used in Skratch’s standard sports drink mix.
Individual taste preferences will vary, but the supplied reviews give you two useful points of comparison: Skratch is described as light and mild, while Cure’s reviews highlight its flavors and ease of mixing.
6. Which Is Better for Exercise?
The type and duration of your activity can help determine which product fits your requirements.
Skratch for workouts that require carbohydrates
Skratch is positioned as a sports drink mix for exercise and sweating. Its standard formula provides 400 mg of sodium and 19 g of carbohydrates per serving.
The Real Food Dietitians recommend mixing one scoop or single-serving packet with 12–16 ounces of water for each hour of intense exercise or movement. Their review highlights the combination of electrolytes and glucose for activities such as running, cycling, and other demanding exercise.
Verywell Fit also lists Skratch as its best electrolyte drink with carbohydrates. Its review identifies the product as an option for people who need both workout fuel and electrolytes.
The main consideration is its sugar content. The same carbohydrates that make Skratch useful for fueling exercise may not suit someone who wants a low-sugar electrolyte drink.
Cure for a lower-sugar option
Cure provides fewer carbohydrates and fewer calories per serving than Skratch in the supplied comparison. It also contains no added sugar.
The Real Food Dietitians describe Cure as an electrolyte replacement option for use during or after activity, as well as in situations involving fluid loss from sickness or travel.
Their review lists 240–250 mg of sodium and 300–350 mg of potassium, depending on the formulation. It also identifies coconut water powder, pink Himalayan salt, stevia extract, and monk fruit extract among its ingredients.
Cure may therefore be a better fit for someone who wants an electrolyte mix without added sugar and does not want the higher carbohydrate content of Skratch’s standard sports drink mix.
However, Cure provides less carbohydrate fuel per serving. If your exercise routine requires a drink that supplies carbohydrates as well as electrolytes, that difference matters.
7. Price and Value
Price is another factor to consider when comparing Skratch vs Cure.
The Real Food Dietitians list Skratch’s resealable bag at $22, or approximately $1.10 per serving, and its single-serving packets at $1.80–$2.00 each.
The same source lists Cure’s individual packets at $1.70 each and some canisters at $38, or approximately $1.35 per serving. These figures are the prices reported in that review and may not reflect current prices.
| Product format | Skratch | Cure |
|---|---|---|
| Resealable bag or canister | $22 | $38 |
| Approximate price per serving | $1.10 | $1.35 |
| Single-serving packets | $1.80–$2.00 | $1.70 |
These figures are not a perfect like-for-like comparison because the packages contain different numbers of servings.
Based on the listed prices, Skratch’s resealable bag offers the lower reported cost per serving. Cure’s individual packets are slightly cheaper than Skratch’s individual packets at the lower end of Skratch’s listed range, although the price depends on the pack and seller.
For a fair comparison, check the current package size and cost per serving rather than comparing the upfront price alone.
8. Skratch vs Cure: Pros and Cons
Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix
Pros
- Provides 400 mg of sodium per serving.
- Contains 19 g of carbohydrates for workout fueling.
- Uses cane sugar and dextrose rather than artificial or alternative sweeteners.
- Has a light flavor that reviewers describe as refreshing and not overpowering.
- Offers an unsweetened everyday hydration version.
Cons
- Contains 19 g of sugar per serving in the standard sports drink mix.
- Has more calories and carbohydrates than Cure.
- Some powder may settle at the bottom after mixing.
- Its sugar content may not suit people seeking a lower-sugar hydration option.
Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix
Pros
- Provides a lower-calorie option in the supplied comparison.
- Contains no added sugar.
- Uses coconut water powder, salt, stevia, and monk fruit among its ingredients.
- Provides sodium and potassium.
- Comes in individual packets and a variety of flavors.
Cons
- Provides less carbohydrate fuel than Skratch’s standard sports drink mix.
- Contains naturally occurring total sugar despite having no added sugar.
- Has less sodium per serving than Skratch in the supplied comparison.
- The listed nutritional amounts vary by flavor.
9. Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between Skratch and Cure depends on what you want your electrolyte drink to provide.
Choose Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix if you want more carbohydrates alongside electrolytes during exercise. Its 400 mg of sodium and 19 g of carbohydrates per serving make it the more carbohydrate-rich option in this comparison.
Choose Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix if you prefer fewer calories, lower carbohydrate content, and no added sugar. Its formula includes coconut water powder, salt, stevia, and monk fruit, with naturally occurring sugar still present.
If price matters most, compare the cost per serving for the exact package you plan to buy. The supplied review lists Skratch’s resealable bag at a lower cost per serving than Cure’s canister, but individual packet prices differ.
Neither product is automatically the better choice for everyone. Their different sodium and carbohydrate levels make them suitable for different preferences and uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skratch better than Cure?
Skratch provides more sodium and carbohydrates per serving in the supplied comparison. Cure provides fewer calories and no added sugar. Which is better depends on whether you prioritize carbohydrate intake during exercise or a lower-sugar electrolyte mix.
Does Cure have sugar?
Yes. Cure’s Lime formulation in the supplied comparison contains 4 g of total sugar per packet. It has no added sugar, but that does not mean it is sugar-free.
Does Skratch contain added sugar?
Yes. Skratch’s standard Hydration Sport Drink Mix contains 19 g of total and added sugar per serving, according to the supplied reviews. It uses cane sugar and dextrose.
Which has more sodium, Skratch or Cure?
Skratch provides 400 mg of sodium per serving, compared with 240 mg per packet for Cure in the supplied comparison. Cure’s listed sodium content can vary slightly by formulation.
Which is cheaper, Skratch or Cure?
The Real Food Dietitians list Skratch’s resealable bag at approximately $1.10 per serving and Cure’s canister at approximately $1.35 per serving. Individual packet prices differ, and current prices may vary.
Final Verdict: Skratch vs Cure
Skratch and Cure have different strengths. Skratch is the more carbohydrate-rich sports drink mix, providing 400 mg of sodium and 19 g of carbohydrates per serving. Cure offers a lower-calorie alternative with no added sugar and 240 mg of sodium per packet in the comparison used here.
If you want electrolytes alongside carbohydrates for exercise, Skratch is the more suitable match for that preference. If you want a lower-sugar electrolyte mix without added sugar, Cure is the closer fit.
Before purchasing either product, check the nutrition label for your chosen flavor and package. That is particularly important for Cure because its reported nutritional values vary by flavor.