DripDrop Review: A Dietitian’s Honest Take on the Hydration Mix

DripDrop is one of the big players in the hydration space; read on to find out if it’s a formula that meets your hydration needs.

By Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

— On Oct 14, 2025

DripDrop Review: A Dietitian’s Honest Take on the Hydration Mix

In this article:

DripDrop has been available to consumers for 15 years, but only recently has pushed to compete with the exploding hydration market. While DripDrop positions their electrolyte formula as an oral rehydration solution, which are typically used in more significant cases of dehydration, they’ve changed their target audience to athletes and everyday consumers.

What sets this formula apart from all the choices available, and does it meet your daily hydration needs? This article will review whether DripDrop’s health claims are scientifically backed, a review of their ingredients, cost, and any potential drawbacks.

Learn about DripDrop and why I think you should consider Vital Minerals instead:

Is DripDrop Hydration Worth a Try?
What Is DripDrop?
Purported Health Benefits
Ingredient Breakdown
Quality and Safety
Cost Analysis
Taste Review
Why I Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals

DripDrop Hydration Quick Facts

Key ingredients:
- Electrolytes: Sodium (330mg), potassium (180mg), magnesium (40mg)
- Sweeteners: Sugar, fructose, sucralose, dextrose
- Additional ingredients: Citric acid, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin
Flavors: 18!
Who should use DripDrop Hydration? Best for athletes, firefighters, military, everyday hydration, and for use in developing countries and natural disasters as oral rehydration therapy
Claimed benefits: Fast hydration, fatigue relief, brain fog, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, fluid balance, extreme thirst, dry skin, dry mouth, and performance
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 35
- Total carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Added sugar: 7 grams
Warnings: DripDrop recommends speaking to your healthcare provider before taking this supplement if you have underlying health conditions or specific electrolyte or fluid restrictions
Cost: $35.99 for 32 packets or $26.99 with a subscription
Shipping: Free for orders over $25

Bottom Line: Is DripDrop Hydration Worth a Try?

DripDrop’s primary focus is quick hydration for those with mild to moderate dehydration, and the formula is used throughout the world as part of disaster relief. I’m pleased to see DripDrop has nearly a 2:1 ratio of sodium to potassium, which means it can help you with daily hydration. Still, other parts of the formula give me pause.

Since it’s formulated with 7g added sugars for more intense rehydration needs plus the fillers silicon dioxide and maltodextrin, I do not believe DripDrop is as good for daily use as clean electrolyte formulas like Live it Up Vital Minerals.

What Is DripDrop?

A Variety Pack of DripDrop Dehydration Relief Sits on a Kitchen Counter Next to a Water Bottle of the Drink

DripDrop is a public benefit company developed by doctor Eduardo Dolhun in response to his experience treating malnutrition, diarrhea, and life-threatening dehydration in developing countries. The formula was finalized in 2010 for use in disaster relief, but wasn’t marketed for consumers until 2015.

The formula, categorized as an “oral rehydration solution,” specifically contains glucose for better absorption of sodium and water, and is advertised as having triple the electrolytes and half the sugar compared to the leading sports drink.

It comes in both a regular and sugar-free version, which includes B vitamins and zinc for immune support, making it potentially more suitable for everyday use.

Product Details

Both the regular and sugar-free versions of DripDrop have the same quantities for core electrolytes, though there are a few distinctions I highlighted in the table below.

Sodium: 330mg
Potassium: 180mg
Vitamin C: 70mg
Magnesium: 40mg
Zinc: 1.5mg

	DripDrop Regular	DripDrop Sugar Free
Calories	35	0
Added sugar	7g	0g
Niacin	N/A	11.8mg
Vitamin B6	N/A	1.3mg
Vitamin B12	N/A	3.51mg
Pantothenic Acid	N/A	6.9mg

DripDrop Pros

Not an exorbitant amount of sodium like LMNT
Adequate potassium
Includes vitamin C (from ascorbic acid and citric acid) and additional electrolyte zinc
Natural colors and natural flavors
Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan
NSF certified (third party certified)
Every purchase helps with donations of DripDrop around the world for disaster relief

DripDrop Cons

Not sugar-free: 7 grams of added sugar from glucose and fructose
Not artificial sweetener free: Both the original and sugar free versions contain sucralose
Not filler-free: Contains silicon dioxide and maltodextrin
Some customers find the mixes too sweet and a little artificial tasting

DripDrop Purported Benefits

Since DripDrop was developed to play a critical role in disaster relief, it comes from a background of research. Since then, they've altered their marketing to reflect daily hydration. Let’s take a closer look at their current purported benefits and whether they stand up.

#1: Fast Hydration

Research is relatively plentiful for oral hydration solutions (ORS). Studies have shown that including a specific amount of glucose in an ORS helps both sodium and water be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. This is due to the sodium glucose cotransport system.

This type of oral rehydration therapy is helpful for people suffering from dehydration and for athletes who lose larger volumes of water and electrolytes through sweat. However, for daily hydration needs, the addition of glucose may not be warranted and simply provides unnecessary added sugars.

#2: Fatigue Relief

According to the DripDrop website, “a drop in blood volume causes your heart to work harder, zapping energy.” Does research back this up?

Hypohydration, or a “body water deficit,” is usually a result of prolonged exercise, heat stress, use of diuretics, water restriction, or severe illness such as diarrhea or vomiting. This can lead to lower blood volume, which then triggers a higher heart rate to help get enough oxygen and nutrients pumped through the body.

While it makes sense to theorize that a higher heart rate would result in fatigue, there isn’t much research linking these. This is especially true for mild dehydration, which is most common for us humans simply walking around, not drinking enough water. In fact, the mild hypohydration that many of us experience may not impact heart rate very much.

#3: Brain Fog

For this one, DripDrop ORS states that “without fluid, brain cells shrink, impairing mental clarity.” While this statement sounds pretty chilling, there does seem to be a link between even mild dehydration and mental performance. Research points to just 1 to 2% dehydration leading to impaired memory, focus, and cognition. Consequently, DripDrop Hydration may help with brain fog.

Did You Know? Some of our total water needs are met by the metabolic processes that happen in our cells. When energy is produced, the biochemical reactions end with the production of water, helping to contribute about 300mL (1 cup) of fluid to our daily hydration. This is called metabolic water.

DripDrop Ingredients

Ingredients make or break a supplement, this section will dive deeper into which ingredients DripDrop ORS includes.

Sugar and Fructose. These simple sugars are the primary ingredients in DripDrop. While they make work to help increase hydration in moderately dehydrated individuals, they may not be necessary for daily hydration.
Sodium citrate. DripDrop uses sodium citrate because older research indicates it may be a better hydrator than bicarbonate-based ORS when it comes to cholera-induced diarrhea.
Dextrose. In the original formula, dextrose adds about 2 extra grams of carbohydrates to the formula.
Potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, and zinc aspartate. These provide DripDrop’s electrolyte balance beyond sodium.
Sucralose. To add additional sweetness, DripDrop relies on this artificial sweetener.
Silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide is a food additive that helps prevent clumping. I consider it a filler.
Maltodextrin. In the sugar-free formula, maltodextrin is used likely as a filler or flavor carrier.
Flavors. Unknown

DripDrop Quality and Safety

Because DripDrop ORS is used internationally for disaster relief, it seems they work to meet high quality standards, including being NSF content certified (and NSF Sport Certified for their 16oz stick packs).

Due to DripDrop’s nutrition facts panel, which markets their products as foods rather than supplements, we can assume they are held to FDA regulations in manufacturing, and I was able to find an Expo product sell sheet affirming GMP-C status. Unfortunately, information about where the product is manufactured is not public. With that said, the company does not ship internationally, which might indicate it is made in the United States.

DripDrop Cost Analysis

DripDrop ORS is a moderately priced hydration product, certainly not as expensive as Instant Hydration and LMNT, but more expensive than Liquid IV.

One-time purchase (32 servings): $35.99 ($1.12 per serving)
Monthly subscription: $26.99 ($0.84 per serving)
Shipping: Free for orders over $25
- Option to overnight or 2-day ship for an additional cost
Discounts: Available for medical professionals, military personnel, first responders, and educators.
Returns: 60-day money-back guarantee if purchased from the website or authorized resellers
Replacements: Defective or damaged goods can be replaced within a 60-day window. Must include proof of purchase and a picture of the damaged product.

DropDrop Taste Review

Dietitian Rachel Gargano Sips the Berry Flavor of DripDrop's Electrolyte Powder

Most customer reviews say they truly enjoy the flavors DripDrop has to offer, though some aren’t as smitten. The flavors available are vast, including berry, cherry, fruit punch, and lemon. You can also choose a mix of flavors in the Bold Variety Pack.

Primary positive call-outs include:

Good dissolvability
Delicious flavors
Feels hydrating

“Rapid rehydration with delicious flavors and NOT overly salty. Convenient on-the-go single packs. Not gritty, they mix well, and work fast.”

Luluwan

“Absolutely love these. They don't taste over sugary like other drink mixes. Keep you hydrated, give you a little flavor.”

Negative call-outs include:

Tastes too much like Gatorade
Too sweet
Too much sugar
Not enough flavor when mixed with more than 8 ounces

“Popular product but if you are truly health conscious, be sure to read the ingredient label carefully. This one contains sweeteners that are less healthful than glucose or fructose. There are better alternatives but if this is all you can find, it will do.”

C. Crow

“These were a little sweet for me personally. The watermelon flavor tasted very artificial.”

Nava F.

Personal opinion: While the flavors are pretty good, the sucralose really makes this product taste more artificial than I prefer. I agree that the concentration of flavor in a large water bottle is rather faint, so you may enjoy it better in 12 ounces or less. I would prefer a canister for less waste, but absolutely understand why people enjoy the convenience of stick packs.

Did You Know? Even though about 80% of our hydration needs come from beverages, the rest comes from water-rich vegetables and fruits. In fact, not eating enough produce may impact your hydration status, making your water needs even higher.

Why I Choose Live it Up Vital Minerals

DripDrop ORS is a well-researched hydration product with real-world verification that it works well for specific dehydration instances. I like that it has moderate sodium and a good 2:1 ratio of sodium to potassium. However, I’m less keen on the addition of sugar, dextrose, and fructose when it comes to meeting daily hydration needs (7g added sugar). As a dietitian, the use of sucralose, maltodextrin, and silicon dioxide are also a turn-off, and I likely would not purchase this product for that primary reason.

From a nutrition perspective, Live it Up Vital Minerals surpasses DripDrop on several levels, and is the one I recommend the most to clients. This non-GMO, clean formula offers an appropriate ratio of sodium to potassium, plus calcium and vitamin C. I love that it has coconut water as its base. While the major selling point for me is the absence of artificial sweeteners, added sugar, food additives, and filler ingredients, I also love the two flavors: Lemon Lime and Mango Pomegranate.

At the end of the day, everyone has different needs and goals, which means their hydration needs also vary. It’s important to find the formula that works best for you. Ultimately, Live it Up Vital Minerals is a great way for everyday humans to meet their daily hydration needs without all the extras.

Frequently Asked Questions about DripDrop

Before diving into a hydration formula, here are some quick questions and answers to guide your decision.

Does DripDrop actually work?

DripDrop ORS has been shown in research to help hydrate better during endurance exercise when compared to regular water. In most cases, both ORS and hydration formulas will hydrate better than plain water. DripDrop dietary supplement may help with: muscle cramps, oral rehydration, and increasing essential electrolytes such as magnesium citrate and zinc aspartate.

However, when it comes to daily hydration needs, the extra sugar and fructose may not be necessary. Most people need less sugar for overall health. Always chat with your healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplements.

What are the side effects of DripDrop?

DripDrop is typically safe for most healthy individuals. Side effects of DripDrop ORS, as with most other electrolyte powders, are a result of having too much sodium without enough water. These are rare but may include: vomiting, high heart rate, dizziness, and irritability.

Can I drink DripDrop every day?

The company states that DripDrop ORS is “absolutely safe” for daily use, and that even if you are not exercising or sweating, you can have more than one serving per day “for extra benefits.”

While on the DripDrop website they do not state how many an adult can have, on Amazon, DripDrop Hydration has responded to inquiries saying that adults can have up to sixteen 8oz servings per day, but that most adults do well with just 1 to 3 servings.

Is DripDrop sold in stores?

Yes, DripDrop is sold in many retail locations, such as CVS, Walgreens, Costco, Walmart, and Target. You can also purchase it on their website as well as on Amazon.

Is DripDrop better than Gatorade?

DripDrop can be better than Gatorade depending on your hydration needs. An athlete who is exercising for longer periods of time may need Gatorade because it has a higher sugar content to help fuel their muscles. However, if you are in a hot location, are sweating without exercise, or are suffering from dehydration, DripDrop may be the better choice as it is an oral rehydration therapy. According to Business Insider's review, DripDrop is generally “healthier than a sports drink.”

References

About the author:

Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

Rachel is a registered dietitian based in Contra Costa County, California, with over 15 years experience. She specializes in whole-body wellness and plant-based nutrition, helping people understand the dynamic interplay between food and health so they can live life to the fullest. When not helping others, she enjoys spending time with her kids, being physically active, and tending to her abundant household plants.

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