Side by Side Comparison of: Trace Minerals Research vs Nuun Active Hydration

Ok, I am NOT a fan of these power paks because they do not agree with my stomach. HOWEVER, I order these for my mom and dad when they need them and my rating and review is based on their love for these.

Per their review, these are awesome! They keep us healthy through cold and flu season and give us plenty of energy all day long. We drink them in our water first thing every morning.

Another good product that I add to my smoothie to give me my vitamins and it taste so good too! I am so glad I found these online as it takes out all the work for me trying to add different vitamins etc to my smoothie every day. Now all I have to do is open this envelope....add ice, fruit and almond milk and I have a great tasting smoothie that is good for me too!

2017 They have updated the taste so I am updating my review. Since my last review, they substituted some elements with tumerivnand the taste is now more organic (although not as fizzy as the original recipient).

Now that the strange tangerine taste is out, I consider it a full 5 as it is an excellent pre-workout hydrating drink and a great post work out restorative drink.

About me/the reviewer: hot yoga 4 times a week/long distance biker during the summer.

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Had I rated this before my June order, I would have given it a full 5 stars. The taste was subtle-not sweet and very light/citrusy. Just as important, it was effective at countering rehydration.

Since my June 2016 purchase, I am very disappointed that they changed the flavor. It is sweeter and has a synthetic almost tangerine taste. They should have rolled omit out as a different flavor and not ruined a perfectly good flavor.

I'm a little disgtuntlef because I had a big supply already and bought th last round in anticipation of summer and now that I am using the new one-I'm just discovering the change which the seller/manufacturer did not disclose. Bottom line I am stuck with it.

I am now hunting for an alternative- Makers of Power Pak let me know if you ever bring the original flavor back.

I tried this product in the hopes that it would help my body better absorb the water I drink. It's better than I had hoped for, and it actually tastes good too!

For the last several years, I've been trying to find an effective electrolyte/vitamin C product. I've tried every mix and supplement I could find, ranging from the cheap to the very expensive, but none of them worked (a few of them would have a slight effect for 2 weeks, but then stop working). I've always had severely dry skin, despite having a very clean vegan diet, and everything I drink tends to rush through my system without actually hydrating me. It was typical for me to wake up 3 times a night just to use the bathroom, each time also feeling very thirsty. My diet is naturally low in sodium, and further reducing my sodium intake had no effect other than making me crave salt.

In October of 2013, I saw this product on the shelf of my local Whole Foods and decided to try it. I was immediately impressed with the taste - it's satisfyingly tart and sweet. Mind you, I put 1 packet in 16-20oz of water, not the 6-8oz recommended (I find it just as effective, and 1 packet per cup of water is just too strong of a flavor for me). During the rest of that day, I noticed I didn't feel as thirsty as I usually do, and didn't have to run to the bathroom every 2 hours. I continued to use it, adding a packet to my water bottle every time I filled it up. In addition to fewer bathroom visits, I also noticed some other very positive effects:

- I could finally exercise outside in the sun without getting a headache. Before discovering the Trace Minerals electrolyte drink mix, I would get horrible headaches after spending more than 30 minutes walking or running in the sun. Nothing would get rid of them, and I'd just have to wait for them to fade away on their own. Now, I drink some before my run and add it to the water I drink during my run. I haven't gotten a headache since.

- My skin is much smoother and looks better. The last time my mom saw me, she exclaimed "Your skin looks AMAZING!" The only change I had made since our previous visit was drinking the Trace Minerals mix regularly.

- I have less of a sweet tooth, and I don't crave salt anymore. Sometimes when I want something sweet after a meal, just drinking some water with the electrolyte mix in it will satisfy my craving. That's helped me a lot as I try to lose a couple vanity pounds. Also, I've always craved salt. Although my diet is low sodium, I would sprinkle RealSalt on every meal I had. I felt like I couldn't get enough salt. However, after drinking the electrolyte mix my cravings have greatly reduced. Now I add very little, if any, salt to my food and I don't constantly crave it.

- In addition to looking better, my skin is much more hydrated. I used to have to apply lotion after every shower, and to my hands every time after washing them. Otherwise, my hands would feel horribly dry, and the skin on my arms and legs would feel so dry it would itch. I had to have a little bottle of lotion in every purse and backpack I own, even during the summer. Since using the electrolyte mix, I almost never use lotion. My skin never feels dry/itchy anymore and I only have to apply lotion to my hands a couple of times a month during the cold months.

Overall, this product has become a lifesaver for me. I'm incredibly impressed with it, and I'll continue to take it every day.

In case you didn't know, Alacer sold out to Pfizer, who now puts aspartame in Emergen-C. This isn't the place for a debate on whether, in fact, aspartame is toxic and kills brain cells. I'm convinced, so I decided to look for an alternative product, and I tried a number of them. I found the taste of this brand the most like Emergen-C (and the most pleasant to me), with the same basic pre-Pfizer ingredients (plus an additional 200 mg of C), at a decent price.

My chiropractor recommended I try this to help prevent hangovers. One before drinking and one afterwards.

As I've gotten older, the hangovers happen easier and easier — without even needing to get drunk, I'll get a hangover.

I was skeptical but so far it's been great. The lime flavor is my favorite, kind of like sprite.

My girlfriend was super skeptical. I always buy "miracle" items like this that never really lives up to expectation. There was one night we were having wine night, as she was coming down from her buzz, she began getting a headache. I immediately thought this would be a good time to test this thing out. She had a glass of Nuun and within 15-30 minutes, her headache and weariness faded — she described it, "it's like I never drank any alcohol." She became a believer. She now refers to this as the "miracle water", rightfully so I guess.

My massage therapist suggested I try Nuun. Surprise! The stuff really worked. After dissolving in 16 oz water, I refrigerate overnight or longer. On the day I want to use the drink I pour into an 18 oz Thermos, add 3 ice cubes and head out. I was amazed that shortly after my first drink any muscle soreness ended.
Today, I went out on a 30 mile ride taking 2 Thermos filled with Original Citrus flavored and the results were as good as with my first ride using Nuun. Again, this review only applies to the Original Nuun. Can't say anything about the, "New and Improved".

Nuun is a well know electrolyte. It can be used when hiking in altitude, when you are in a very hot and dry area, when you dehydrate due to hiking, swimming, vomiting etc. Easy to put in your luggage and your pocket...you just need to add water.

Do I run? No. Do I work out? Let's be honest: no. But I'll tell you what I do almost every weekend with friends. I go get drinks out at some bar in the city. I don't drink heavily at all but holy hell does getting old remove your ability to tolerate any level of alcohol. Hangovers are now the norm and, rather than lasting halfway through breakfast like they did when I was 18, they linger for the entire day. But then I found Nuun.

I AM FREEEEEEEEE!!!!

It is the single greatest hangover remedy known to mankind. I drink one before I go out. Bam. Pre-hydrated. I drink one when I wake up. Boom. Post-hydrated. Do I still get hungover? YES. But now, instead of lurking in the corner of my throbbing vision like a sexy mistake from last night that just wants to hang out and talk after stealing my pillow for the whole evening, the hangover leaves after showering and a quick breakfast. C'est magnifique.

I buy the Nuun Active Hydration in this 4-pack every month or two. I have to drink something with sodium in it to retain salt. I have no adrenal glands. Gatorade is expensive and too high in calories. I only like one flavor it, also. I love all 4 flavors of this 4-pack, although I really love the Citrus flavor the most. Nuun is low-calorie and all-natural, unlike most drinks mixes. It is easy and convenient when traveling or to keep handy in my purse. Most of all, it works for my needs.

For those who don't know the difference between the 3 types of Nuun, you may be giving an inappropriate review. There are 3 major types:

1) This one, Active hydration. Each tube has 12 tablets, each making a 16 oz serving. They are easily split if necessary. The ingredients and nutrition are as follows:

Active Ingredients
Sodium (carbonates) 360.0 mg
Potassium (bicarbonate) 100.0 mg
Magnesium (sulfate) 25.0 mg
Calcium (carbonate) 12.5 mg
Vitamin C 19.0 mg
Vitamin B2 500 mcg
Other ingredients: citric acid, sorbitol, sodium carbonate, natural colors flavors, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, polyethylene glycol, magnesium sulfate, sodium benzoate, calcium carbonate, acesulfame potassium, riboflavin-5-phosphate.

2) U Natural Hydration (A Nuun Product)

Active Ingredients
Vitamin A 1375 IU
Vitamin C 10.0 mg
Thiamin 330 mcg
Riboflavin 460 mcg
Niacin 5.5 mg
Vitamin B-6 550 mcg
Folate 110 mcg
Vitamin B-12 1 mcg
Biotin 66 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 2.0 mg
Magnesium 20.0 mg
Zinc 2.0 mg
Sodium (carbonates) 180 mg
Potassium (bicarbonate) 77 mg
Choline (bitartrate) 110 mg
Stevia Leaf Extract Level 41 mg
Other ingredients: dextrose, citric acid, natural flavors, vegetable juice color, sesame oil.

3) Nuun All Day Hydration

Vitamin A 750 IU
Vitamin C 60 mg
Vitamin D 200 IU
Vitamin E 15 IU
Thiamin 750 mcg
Riboflavin 850 mcg
Niacin 10 mg
Vitamin B-6 1 mg
Vitamin B-1 23 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 5 mg
Magnesium 20 mg
Zinc 750 mcg
Selenium 3.5 mcg
Manganese 100 mcg
Chromium 6 mcg
Sodium 60 mg
Potassium 200 mg
Other ingredients: citric acid, sorbitol, natural flavors, stevia leaf extract, natural color, wheat germ oil.

UPDATE: I've also tried a new (to me) product called "Fizz" recently. I like it. It is not as sweet as Nuun, but very good. I've only used the grapefruit flavor. It doesn't dissolve quite as well as Nuun, so have to mix/shake/stire it at some point. http://smile.amazon.com/Hammer-Endurolyte-Fizz-Grapefruit-Tablets-54-6g/dp/B004UELJNO/ref=pd_sim_hpc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0QRV97YF08TV4B8VN8QS

I have POTS syndrome and need extra hydration and this is the best solution I have found so far and the flavor is tasty!

My family uses this all the time.

I bought this product to replace my husbands Gatorade, he works in the heat. He has been very happy with it. I began drinking it during workouts and I've been very pleased with it's effectiveness. I gave it 4 stars because of the vitamin aftertaste. I will continue to by this product and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Solid flavor. I definitely like the taste of the Trace Minerals Green Pak better. But it does work, especially on a hangover. when i get home after a night out ill chug one of these before i got to sleep and one first thing in the morning. life changer.

I purchased this product for a sister who needed extra nutritional help. The packets dissolve easily in water, making them convenient to take and much easier to swallow than a pill or tablet. There are several flavors to choose from. and I think I’ve tried them all. My sister loved the orange, but I think raspberry is my favorite.

I used to get leg cramps after playing a round of golf. I started using one pack of this during my round and no longer have a problem with my legs cramping. The taste is not great, but I am happy with the results. This is the only flavor I have tried.

So I found these at a pretty good price and I thought I would give them a try. I had heard a lot about them and I wanted to try them out for a while. I had heard some things both good and bad and I figured I'd find out for myself. OK, so I didn't experience the slaushy stomach that a lot of people talk about after consuming these. I didn't experience any kind of cramping or any problems at all after taking these. Actually, I didn't really feel much of anything. They tasted OK, and I know you're supposed to get from one tablet pretty much what you would get from a bottle of Gatorade or propel without the added chemicals which is nice, but I don't know whether or not I would continue to buy these. I didn't want to give them a bad Star rating, because it's not a bad product all in all, just maybe not for me.

Seems to work in terms of rehydrating very well. Doesn't taste like chemicals like mio, and has a good flavor unlike other sports drinks like Heed (from my experience). Basically transforms your bottle of water into a slightly carbonated-ish gatorade. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because if you throw the tablet in your bottle and keep it capped, the pressure of the dissolving tablet can cause water to leak out. Make sure you leave the bottle upright until its fully dissolved so that it doesn't leak!

I love Nuun tablets. I have dysautonomia, which makes it difficult for me to stay hydrated. Nuun tablets have helped me tremendously with hydration, and I love that they don't have a lot of artificial ingredients like other sports drinks. The only reason that I'm giving these four stars is the strawberry lemonade flavor - it's not as good as some of the other flavors that I have tried (lemon lime is definitely the best).

Everyone is different, but I like Nuun Tablet enhanced water before a long run. I drink a good bit of this on the way to run to load up on electrolytes. I find this is critical in warm weather. I then use GU and/or half strength Gatorade to get Carbs and some more electrolytes during the run. The Nuun flavors are good and the drink is also good after a run to aid in replenishing electrolytes. This four pack is one of the least expensive way to buy this product. It is worth noting that the tablets are effervescent, so don't seal them up in a closed water bottle. You will also need to allow some time to be certain that the tablet completely dissolves before you consume the beverage. This is good, low calorie alternative to other sports drinks.

The price on amazon is nice. I've only tried the tri-berry flavor so far. Can't say that I really enjoy it, but its not horrible.
I've typically used gatorade on my long runs, and I've not had enough longer term use of Nuun to form a solid opinion.

Pros:
- having tablets is easy and convenient. Easy to carry more for refilling later
- overall package size is nice. Not saving giant plastic bottles of other powdered electrolytes

Cons:
- I dont mind carbonation in my liquids during exercise, but at least the tri-berry causes me to belch a bit more than I care for. I typically mix it 30+ minutes before needing it, to allow some of the fix to dissipate.

For training I think the ease of use and convenience is 5 stars. Since I dont plan to carry my own water during running events, there is a drawback to not using what the race will use (typically gatorade). I have not decided if it works better/worse/the same as gatorade endurance for me. Will come back to update later when I've formed that view. For the price, I took a chance, I am not disappointed, and would recommend others to give it a chance. It certainly hasnt hurt anything. The ease and convenience are very nice.

I am a nearly 70-year old swimmer, being the member of a Masters swim team. Our workouts caused me to get leg cramps until I started adding a packet of this product to the water I keep pool side and ingest during workouts. It stopped the cramping, so I like the product very much and continue to use it. You may ask why I gave 3 stars out of a possible 5, if it is doing its job? The reason is that many, many of the packets have leaked, with the granules being attacked by humidity. As a result of the attack, instead of being fine granules that easily mix with water, the contents of the packets a hardened, stuck-together "wafers" that (1) stick to the packets, (2) won't dissolve easily, and (3) taste stale.

Great product, but not a great flavor. Tastes fake, unlike the orange burst (which was out of stock when I ordered). It has sugar, but also stevia, which may account for the fake taste. I'd rather things be less sweet than contain sugar substitutes.

However, still works. I feel a lot better after working out in the heat if i drink one of these.

This is a great source of electrolytes AND energy. However, I simply do not like the MIXED BERRY.

My nutritionist recommended these to help with my blood sodium levels, which tend to be low. The powder mixes into your water and tastes very similar to something like Emergen-C (but healthier.) I have started taking these after my runs and I believe that they help me rehydrate and keep my sodium levels regulated. Would love to try some of the other flavors, but this one tastes just fine if you like a classic, fizzy orange medicinal drink.

This has been my go to for Vitamin C and electrolyte replenishment for a few years. Before and after drinking, after working out... it's been a lifesaver. I always loved the flavor. I would give this 5 stars, but I'm so sad it's made with sugar (and stevia... why both?). I'm now using the Ultima Replenisher, which doesn't taste nearly as good, but has no sugar (no kidding). Electro Mix would be my second choice. Stay hydrated guys, anxiety is directly linked to dehydration!

I've learned the Nuun is not for me. I know some people love it, but I haven't found a flavor I like. But the tubes and tablets were in fine condition. Nothing wrong with the product - just not for me.

Original Nuun, not the new formula, is super helpful for anyone following a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet such as keto. People in ketosis can easily become depleted of electrolytes, and original Nuun is fantastic for creating a low-carb, healthy, tasty sports drink on-the-go, from regular water. I passed one to a cramping hiker on a trail, and he was able to resume his hike after chugging it down. The new, "improved" formula is much higher in carbs. Stock up on the old formula while you can get it!!

EDIT 9/23/2016: My second order was the REFORMULATED Nuun--NOT the original Nuun. The original has 1g carb per tablet. The one this seller is now shipping has 4g carb and 1g sugar. :(

This is an interesting product in the fact that it fills a niche (sugar free) in a growing market (sports drinks). It is also interesting how this product’s positives are also its negatives.

First here are the positives:

1) You get a lot of tablets for the price you pay. You get 48 tablets in total, which averages out to about $0.36 for a drink. Even if you use 2 at a time they will last you almost a month at a fraction of the cost of regularly buying sports drinks.
2) They are indeed sugar free. Propylene glycol is used to sweeten them, and according to reports this compound breaks down into direct energy that can be used for the body.

Negatives:

1) There are a lot of tablets and to me all of the flavors taste horrible. I hate the taste of Alka-Seltzer and all of the flavors have that type of taste due to the way that they dissolve. Also the flavors are weak, so to me it is like taste like if you were to put 1/8 of a teaspoon of cool-aide in 16 oz of water.
2) They are sugar free. This ties in to problem 1, creating a very nasty tasting product. I would normally put 2 tabs in about a 4th of a cup of water and add sweetened juice mix (which defeats the point of being sugar free), and down it as fast as I can.

Oddly enough though I like the taste of drinking fresh water as soon as I gulp down the flavored concoction that I made, due to the lingering aftertaste from the concoction flavoring the fresh water. This reinforces in my mind that this would be a great product if they would take away the Alka-Seltzer like taste and sweeten it with stevia.

I THOUGHT that I "needed" this product. I don't... but not because of anything wrong with the product. It just turns out that what I needed is more readily believable than I realized.

I believe in electrolyte replenishment during activity. But I DON'T believe in overpriced sugar-water with a big capital G on the side of it. I accidentally stumbled onto some "electrolyte-enhanced water" at Trader Joe's a few years ago and have been buying that by the case. It was recently discontinued. (so sad)

Here's the part that makes me seem like a dumb-dumb. I didn't realize that pretty much every grocery or drug store in the country sells it. I didn't realize the the popular brand Smart Water was electrolyte-enhanced and, as a result, everybody makes a "generic version" of it. So, when Trader Joe's quit selling theirs I thought "Amazon will have some powder/pill/tablet/magic I can drop into my water to electrolyte-ize it."

That's when I discovered Nuun. Seems to work fine. (I feel electrolyte-ized when using it.) Not any more expensive than what I was paying at Trader Joe's. Easy, portable, cool because I can "make" my e-lyte water at work or anywhere. But I could frankly do without the flavors and without the Sorbitol. Sorbitol produces MILD gastric distress for my lame body. Just a dull stomach pain. But I don't need the flavor or fake sweetness.

I hope I shared enough... but not too much.

These are useful to have on hand, rather than having to bring a lot of sports drinks.
I think they taste awful. I mix them with some crystal light lemonade to try to improve it, but it's still quite disgusting to me. I don't understand why it tastes so much worse than sugar-free bottled sports drinks.

I still prefer to just have these in my bike bag than to carry sports drinks. It is easy to get water refills, so just dropping these in is a great convenience.
I'll try another brand if I ever run out of these, and hope they taste better. I tried all 4 flavors, so it's probably not the flavor itself ... I assume its to do with the electrolytes. But sugar free sports drinks have that also and they dont taste so bad (not that I'm a big fan of those either).

I LOVE Power Pak liquimins, and I depend on them to get me through my sweaty life in 105-degree heat. However, I am giving this flavor only 2 stars because whatever the "Better Taste!" improvement is, they have gone the wrong way. I find the flavor disgusting compared with the previous product. Guys, if you want to improve it, don't add vanilla-flavored perfume! If anything, it needs more sharp lemony taste. I add lime juice to all the flavors, and it is SO much better. IMO, of course. But the product is fantastic, if a bit over-priced.

not the taste I hoped for.

taste horrible

Taste is not the same as a previous Raspberry 0.24oz. Acai berry 0.33oz was ok. The Concord grape I had to return 0.22oz.
We used to be able to drink these in water. Now we have to disguise it in heavy flavors.
Better choice- get the plain stuff and do away with the unnecessary additives like fructose flavor etc.

If you care more about Non-GMO than you do about taste go for this one. If you want to like what you're drinking without an artificial aftertaste, stick with the acai berry version it's MUCH better.

Okay but I'll not buy again. Rather pay more and get a taster product

Love the Original Nuun flavor, and have purchased tons of this stuff over the past few years but unfortunately they've raised their pricing and shipping costs through the roof. I think they confused the new flavor with horse pee, and I just can't stand it (lots of others seem to share the same view). I'll have to seek out another brand that's more economical. Super bummed...

This is the original Nuun and it just tastes weird. I didn't realize what I was ordering and was unpleasantly surprised when I tasted it. I'm sure its just as good at hydrating, but after tasting it I looked at the ingredients and realized it was the wrong item and returned it. I was first introduced to Nuun just a few months ago, to the new and improved version which is really good (for me anyway).

Original Nuun is great, 5 star. This was not original even though that's what the title said, original is 12 tabs, new is only 10, and blander formula. I did let the seller know it was titled wrong. To lazy to send back, was an ok price and I was going to need some anyway. Original just not available any longer, going to have to settle for the new formulation or find something else.

i really don't recommend this to anyone with any sort of stomach issues. it uses the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and maltitol, which are both known to cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea and are just... really painful. not helpful if you're trying to avoid pain from dehydration and instead all you get is horrible gas pains.

obviously this isn't a problem for everyone, but it seems to have these sweeteners in very high quantities because i can have them in gums and stuff with no issues but even a sip of nuun in water is awful for me.

This is a great product, I have been using it for many years. The last shipment from Drakes Discounts however has been sub standard quality. I ordered two boxes. I worked my way through the first one in spite of the fact that many of the pouches the granules were all clumped together like they had been moist. I had hoped the second box would be better but after using a few pouches discovered a fair number are the same way.

I was very disappointed in that I cannot use it. Did not see on the description that it contain shell fish.

I was very disappointed in this product. I wanted a flavor add for my BCAA drinks. This is just like emergen-c but less stuff in it.

For at least 10 years Trace minerals has had the same mixture and flavorings with respect to the Orange packet. Recently, they changed the flavor and added a "small amount" of sugar. The taste is now AWFUL. It actually smells bad when you open the package up (smells like some kind of bad medicine). Trace Minerals why fix something that wasn't previously broke??

I've used this product for years, and it's been great: nice tangy, effervescent powder that mixed well with my morning protein drink. But the manufacturer has recently changed it, and my recent purchase from AMAZON was mustard yellow, only 30 packs to the box, and had no zip at all to it.
I'd be grateful to anyone who could help me locate the original Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak product. HELP.

The product description said that this was the original formula and not the new formula which has a completely different taste. I received the new formula and am very disappointed.

The pictures lies. These are not the original NUUN (12 per tube) but the new ACTIVE NUUN (10 per tube). The ACTIVE are supposedly more healthy, but I don't like the taste. or maybe it is the after taste. I returned the ones I bought, and got a refund (minus the shipping charges). I will not buy them again. I have determined that the original NUUN (12 tablet) is not available -- no matter what the picture shows.

Years ago, my kidney doctor said she would prescribe them for me if she could. They helped my hydration immensely. I don't know what I will do now.

Tastes different from the last box I got. Has a celery aftertaste now. Ugh

I am drinking the Nuun active as I write this and I can't say how much I miss the original nuun and how disappointed I can't get it anymore. Here are three reasons I give this "Active" version 1 star, and why I gave the original Nuun 4 stars.
- Original Nuun dissolved clear. There is something about drinking clear liquid that is refreshing. This Nuun active dissolves and leave the water cloudy and murky. Like dirty water. I miss the crystal clear water.
- Original Nuun gave a sparkly fizz to the water. This Nuun active is just flat. Murky flat water.
- Original Nuun had just the right sweetness. This Nuun active is sickeningly sweet. It's not even sweet really, but bittersweet. Its just wrong. Bittersweet, flat, murky water.

They have changed the formula and the new "active" Tri berry flavor does not taste good at all.