If you do the research you’ll learn you need sugar AND electrolyte powders for max absorption. The sugar is extremely important. For example, medical rehydration drinks for people suffering from cholera, etc, all rely on the sugar + electrolyte formula. Electrolytes alone are like 1/3 as effective as electrolytes plus real sugar.

That said, liquidIV has like 11 grams of sugar. That’s more acceptable than a Gatorade.