Tub vs Stick Packs: Which Electrolyte Format Is Actually Worth It?
Stick packs feel premium, but a 30-serving tub beats them on cost, waste, and flexibility. We did the honest math — and explain why 2THIRTY moved to tubs.
The Honest Math
The format debate in electrolytes usually gets framed as "sticks are convenient, tubs are cheap." That's mostly right — but the real numbers are closer than the marketing suggests, and for almost everyone the tub wins on cost, waste, and flexibility. We know because we used to sell sticks. Here's why we stopped.
Cost Per Serving — Tub vs Sticks vs Bottles
| Format | Cost per serving | Sodium per serving | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2THIRTY tub (Club price) | $1.33 | 300 mg | 0g |
| 2THIRTY tub (one-time) | $1.50 | 300 mg | 0g |
| Liquid I.V. sticks | $1.50 | 510 mg | 11g |
| LMNT sticks | $1.50 | 1,000 mg | 0g |
| Pedialyte powder sticks | $1.00 | 245 mg | 9g |
| Bottled sports drink | $2.50 - $4 | 270 mg | 21g |
| Coconut water carton | $3 - $5 | 60 mg | 6-11g |
The old rule of thumb — "tubs are 20-40% cheaper than sticks" — held when sticks were the only zero-sugar functional option. A 30-serving tub at Club pricing now matches or beats the premium stick brands per serving, with zero sugar and five functions in one scoop.
What Sticks Were Actually Good At
Let's be fair to the format:
If you fly every week and live out of a bag, sticks are genuinely convenient. That was the entire case.
Where the Tub Wins
The Hidden Cost of Bottled Drinks
A daily Gatorade habit runs $900-1,400 per year. A daily 2THIRTY tub habit on Club pricing is about $485 — and you're skipping 21g of sugar per serving. The break-even on switching is about two months.
Why 2THIRTY Moved to Tubs
When we ran the numbers and looked at how people actually used the product — daily, at home, mixed into real drinks — the stick premium stopped making sense. The tub is cheaper per serving, creates less waste, doses the way you want, and turns 2THIRTY into the base of the drink instead of a packet you add to water. That's the product we wanted to ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tub cheaper than stick packs?
Yes, in almost every case. One 30-serving tub costs less per serving than a 30-count stick carton, and subscription pricing widens the gap. It's one of the main reasons 2THIRTY moved to the tub format.
Does powder in a tub go bad after opening?
An opened tub stays fresh for 60-90 days if you keep the lid sealed and the scoop dry. At one serving a day, a 30-serving tub is gone well inside that window.
What if I travel a lot?
Scoop a few servings into a small sealed container or zip bag and bring the scoop. You get the same portability as sticks without paying the per-stick premium.
Can I just make my own electrolyte mix?
Yes — sea salt, lite salt (potassium chloride), magnesium glycinate, and a flavor. About $0.30 per serving. Most people try it for two weeks and switch back for the convenience and the full functional formula.
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