‘Amazing’ 83c hangover cure lands on Chemist Warehouse shelves

Two “pretty social guys” have created a new product that helps ease the suffering after a big night out – and it costs less than $1.

There’s nothing worse than a hangover, but for these two Aussie mates, finding a fix for the all-too familiar struggle that follows a big night sparked their new business.

Austin Xenos and Madison Verrocchi have just landed a huge deal with an idea that came to them while struggling with a common health issue: dehydration.

The pair, both 24 and from Melbourne, describe themselves as “pretty social guys”, also enjoy playing sport and getting outside when there’s hot weather, but admitted “all those activities left us dehydrated and fatigued”.

Like many of us, the buddies turned to electrolyte supplements, which commonly contain sodium and potassium – essential electrolytes commonly lost when exercising and consuming alcohol.

But the pair said they were frustrated by the lack of options available in Australia.

Austin Xenos and Madison Verrocchi have just landed a huge deal with Chemist Warehouse with their hangover cure. Picture: Supplied

“We were sick of taking the same old supplements and hydration drinks and thought there must be something better we can do within the space,” Austin told news.com.au.

“So we started analysing the market and found that 4 in every 5 people suffer from signs of dehydration.

“At this point we knew there was a massive problem in society, so we thought, how we can fix it?”

To combat the issue, the pair created LVL UP, a hydration supplement that helps relieve symptoms of dehydration while delivering an uncharted taste experience.

“Most electrolyte products currently in the market are very medicinal looking and not the most appealing, whereas we wanted to be bold and vibrant – really shake up the category,” Madison explained.

“It was a long process developing the product and getting the flavour palette correct, but after about two years we think it is perfect.”

The electrolyte powder mixes into water and comes in three flavours shoppers have described as ‘delicious’. Picture: Supplied

The final result was a loose powder that can be mixed into water, a strikingly different product to LVL UP’s competitors, which are predominantly effervescent tablets.

“A big difference with the flavour is that our product is non-carbonated, so it doesn’t give you that fizzy taste in your mouth which is a big point of emphasis for us,” Madison continued.

In addition to this, each serving is packaged in a “convenient stick” that “makes it very easy to bring your pocket, handbag, gym bag”.

“LVL UP is a product that is extremely convenient, which we think will have a profound impact on the hydration market,” Austin added.

Chemist Warehouse was quick to get on board with the recent university graduates’ idea, exclusively stocking the brand’s three flavours – Lemon & Lime, Mixed Berry and Orange – in stores across the country since December.

When purchased in $24.99 pack of 30, the product costs just 83c per serving. Picture: Supplied

“We had been fortunate in the past to deal with some key buyers at Chemist Warehouse through our past work and when I mentioned we were thinking of launching our brand in the hydration space, they were super interested to hear us out,” Austin, who had some experience working for a cosmetics and sun care brand before starting his own venture, said.

“We then presented our whole brand, market strategy and key messaging to them, and they were on board to support us with whatever we needed.

“They could see the opportunity within the category and knew we could add value as well as bring in new and additional customers into their stores across the nation.”

While its early days for the Aussie start-up, reaction to the product – which retails at $12.99 for a 10 pack and $24.99 for 30 – has been extremely positive.

“Our 30 packs have been very popular across all three flavours because of our competitive pricing, which works out at just 0.83c a serve,” Madison shared.

“But the Mixed Berry flavour has been the biggest favourite so far.”

On social media, shoppers have also been sharing their thoughts, declaring the drink “tasty AF”.

“These are so yummy! Mixed Berry is my fave flavour,” one wrote on Instagram.

“This stuff is genuinely delicious! It’s just like a Powerade or Gatorade but better,” another agreed.

Always read the label and follow directions for use.

Originally published as ‘Amazing’ 83c hangover cure lands on Chemist Warehouse shelves