My Experience Taking Bubs Naturals Hydrate Or Die (2026 Review)
If you've been crushing hard workouts only to feel depleted, crampy, and foggy-headed afterward, your electrolyte game might be the problem, not your programming.
We put Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die through three months of real-world testing to see if this NSF-certified, 2,000mg electrolyte formula actually delivers the clinical-dose hydration serious athletes need, or if it's just another overpriced salt packet with good marketing.
Pros
- Delivers 2,000mg of electrolytes per serving—2-3x higher than most competitors
- Contains five electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium) versus the typical two found in competing products
- NSF Certified for Sport, rigorously tested for banned substances and contaminants
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) compliant, meeting WHO standards for clinical-grade hydration
- All ingredients sourced and manufactured in the USA
- Uses natural sweeteners (cane sugar and monkfruit extract) instead of artificial options
- Mixes completely with no clumping or residue
- Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free formulation
Cons
- Higher price point at approximately $1.89 per serving compared to $1.50-$1.67 average
- Limited to only three flavors (Lemon, Orange, Mixed Berry)
- Contains stevia in older formulations, which may cause GI distress or aftertaste for sensitive individuals
- Magnesium content may have a laxative effect if consuming full servings without adequate tolerance
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What Is Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die?
Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die is a powdered electrolyte supplement designed for rapid rehydration and electrolyte replenishment.
The product comes in single-serving stick packets containing 2,000mg of total electrolytes per serving, formulated to meet World Health Organization Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) standards.
Bubs Naturals was founded in 2017 by Sean Lake, the best friend of Glen "BUB" Doherty, a Navy SEAL who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack.
The company operates as a tribute to Doherty's legacy, with a stated mission of promoting health, wellness, and adventure while supporting military and veteran organizations through charitable contributions.
The brand initially launched with collagen peptides and MCT oil powder before expanding into the hydration category.
The company positions itself around clean, functional ingredients targeted at active lifestyles, competitive athletes, and tactical professionals.
Bubs Naturals distinguishes itself through complete domestic production. The company sources and manufactures every ingredient within the United States, a claim it states makes Hydrate or Die "the only powdered electrolyte brand on the planet" with full USA ingredient sourcing and manufacturing.
Production facilities maintain ISO certification, with ingredients tested at multiple stages: raw materials undergo potency and purity testing at ISO-certified analytical labs before shipping to the manufacturer, undergo additional testing by the manufacturer before production release, and finished lots receive NSF Certified for Sport testing to verify absence of prohibited substances and contaminants.
Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die Ingredients
Electrolyte Breakdown
Sodium (650-670mg per serving)
Sodium forms the cornerstone of the formula, sourced from sea salt (sodium chloride). At 650-670mg per serving, the product delivers approximately 28-29% of the FDA's recommended daily sodium limit of 2,300mg.
This concentration aligns with research showing sodium's critical role in fluid retention and plasma volume maintenance during exercise [1].
Sodium facilitates muscle contraction and relaxation, maintains proper water and mineral balance, and enables nerve signal transmission.
During intense physical activity, sodium losses through sweat can reach 1,000-2,000mg per hour in heavy sweaters, making supplementation necessary for sustained performance [2].
Potassium (200-243mg per serving)
The formula provides potassium through two sources: potassium citrate and potassium chloride.
This dual-source approach delivers both the citrate form (which supports alkaline balance) and the chloride form (which works synergistically with sodium for cellular fluid regulation).
At 200-243mg, potassium content represents approximately 4-5% of the 4,700mg daily adequate intake. While this may appear modest, research indicates the sodium-to-potassium ratio matters more than absolute potassium quantity for hydration purposes.
The approximately 3:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio in Hydrate or Die reflects guidelines for oral rehydration solutions [3].
Potassium maintains intracellular fluid levels, counterbalances sodium's effects, and supports cardiovascular function during physical stress.
Chloride (1,030mg per serving)
Chloride represents the most abundant electrolyte in Hydrate or Die at 1,030mg per serving (45% of the 2,300mg adequate intake).
Sourced from both sea salt and potassium chloride, chloride works alongside sodium and potassium to regulate fluid movement across cell membranes.
Despite being the second-most abundant electrolyte lost in sweat after sodium, chloride receives minimal attention in many electrolyte products.
Research demonstrates chloride's importance in maintaining blood volume, blood pressure, and proper pH balance [4].
The high chloride content distinguishes Hydrate or Die from competitors that often omit or minimize this electrolyte.
Magnesium (62mg per serving)
Magnesium comes from magnesium glycinate, a chelated form where magnesium binds to the amino acid glycine.
This formulation choice matters because magnesium glycinate demonstrates superior absorption compared to magnesium oxide (commonly used in cheaper supplements) and produces fewer gastrointestinal side effects [5].
At 62mg, the serving provides approximately 15% of the 420mg daily adequate intake for men and 18% of the 320mg for women.
Magnesium supports over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in energy production, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
Athletes experience increased magnesium requirements due to exercise-induced losses through sweat and urine [6].
Calcium (5mg per serving)
Calcium appears in minimal quantities at 5mg per serving (0.5% of daily needs), likely occurring naturally in the sea salt or coconut water powder rather than as a deliberate addition.
While calcium plays roles in muscle contraction and bone health, the trace amount suggests it's incidental to the formulation rather than a therapeutic component.
ORS Compliance & The Glucose-Sodium Connection
Hydrate or Die's formulation meets Oral Rehydration Solution standards established by the World Health Organization for treating dehydration.
ORS requires specific ratios: sodium concentration between 45-90 mmol/L, glucose between 75-110 mmol/L, and total osmolarity less than 310 mOsm/L [7].
The inclusion of 10 grams of cane sugar serves a critical functional purpose beyond sweetness.
When sodium and glucose appear together in the small intestine at optimal ratios, they activate the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1).
This protein simultaneously transports one glucose molecule and two sodium ions across the intestinal wall, with water following passively through osmosis [8].
This mechanism explains why ORS solutions hydrate more effectively than plain water or pure electrolyte solutions.
Research demonstrates glucose-electrolyte beverages increase fluid absorption by 20-30% compared to water alone [9].
Natural Sweetener Combination
Beyond the functional cane sugar, Hydrate or Die uses monkfruit extract (PureFruit™ with 48-52% Mogroside V) for additional sweetness.
Monkfruit provides 150-250 times the sweetness of sugar without calories or blood sugar impact.
Unlike stevia, which can produce bitter aftertaste, monkfruit's mogrosides deliver clean sweetness [10].
Older formulations contained organic stevia, which some users reported caused digestive discomfort or unpleasant aftertaste.
The reformulation's shift to monkfruit addresses these concerns while maintaining the natural sweetener approach.
Additional Ingredients
Natural Flavors - The formula uses natural flavoring compounds derived from plant sources to create lemon, orange, and mixed berry taste profiles. The Mixed Berry variant includes grape and beet juice for coloring.
Citric Acid - Functions as both a flavor enhancer (providing tartness) and a pH buffer to improve stability and taste balance.
Ingredient Sourcing & Testing
Bubs Naturals sources all ingredients domestically, with sea salt, magnesium glycinate, potassium compounds, and cane sugar manufactured within the United States. The company subjects ingredients to three-stage testing:
- Raw material testing at ISO-certified analytical labs for potency and purity before shipping
- Manufacturer verification testing before production release
- NSF Certified for Sport testing on finished lots to confirm absence of over 270 banned substances, heavy metals, and contaminants
This testing protocol exceeds standard supplement industry practices, where many brands rely solely on certificate of analysis from ingredient suppliers without independent verification.
Price
One-Time Purchase:
- 20-serving box: $29.60 (regularly $37.00)
- Per-serving cost: $1.48
Subscribe & Save Program:
- First order: $25.90 (30% off + free shipping)
- First order per-serving cost: $1.30
- Recurring orders: $29.60 (20% off + free shipping)
- Recurring per-serving cost: $1.48
- Total first order savings: $21.07 (including shipping)
- Delivery frequency: Every 4 weeks (adjustable)
- Cancel anytime without penalties
- First subscription order includes complimentary Hydrate or Die Welcome Kit (valued at $59)
The subscription model delivers the most substantial savings on the initial order at 30% off, then maintains 20% off for all future deliveries. Free domestic shipping applies to all subscription orders.
Package Details
- Servings per box: 20 (updated from previous 18-serving boxes)
- Available flavors: Lemon, Mixed Berry
- Format: Single-serving stick packets
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Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die Benefits
Complete Electrolyte Replacement
Here's what sets Bubs apart from the pack: you're getting all five essential electrolytes your body actually loses through sweat.
While most products cherry-pick sodium and potassium, Bubs delivers 670mg sodium, 243mg potassium, 1,030mg chloride, 62mg magnesium, and 5mg calcium per serving.
That 1,030mg of chloride is the unsung hero here – it partners with sodium and potassium to regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and even stomach acid production.
Most competitors completely ignore chloride, leaving your hydration incomplete.
Superior Absorption Without Gut Issues
The magnesium glycinate in Bubs is a game-changer if you've ever dealt with stomach problems from cheaper magnesium forms.
Unlike magnesium oxide (which basically acts as a laxative), magnesium glycinate has superior bioavailability and won't send you running to the bathroom mid-workout.
The dual potassium sources – potassium chloride and potassium citrate – work synergistically rather than forcing your body to process one inferior form.
Potassium chloride handles nerve signaling and balances sodium, while potassium citrate buffers acidity and supports kidney function.
Natural Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Bubs hits the WHO standards for Oral Rehydration Solution, which means the sodium-to-potassium-to-sugar ratio is clinically optimized for maximum absorption.
The cane sugar isn't filler – it acts as a molecular taxi, helping sodium and electrolytes cross your intestinal wall and enter your bloodstream faster.
This is actual science behind IV-level rehydration, not marketing fluff.
When you're depleted from training, sick, traveling, or dealing with heat, ORS-standard formulas rehydrate you significantly faster than plain water or underdosed electrolyte drinks. The difference is noticeable within 20-30 minutes.
Clean Performance Without Compromise
NSF Certified for Sport means something concrete: professional athletes can use this without worrying about testing positive for banned substances.
The certification requires testing every single batch for over 300 prohibited substances, inspecting the manufacturing facility twice yearly, and verifying label claims match actual contents.
This isn't a casual third-party stamp – it's recognized by USADA, MLB, NHL, and the NFL. If you're competing at any level or just want to know exactly what you're putting in your body, this certification eliminates the guesswork.
No proprietary blends hiding questionable ingredients, no "may contain" asterisks, just transparent, tested, traceable electrolytes.
Faster Recovery Between Sessions
The combination of proper sodium replacement and magnesium glycinate noticeably reduces that heavy-legged feeling between training sessions.
Magnesium supports over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body, including those governing muscle relaxation and cellular energy production.
When you're training hard multiple times per week, recovery quality determines whether you're building or breaking down.
The calcium inclusion (missing in many competitors) supports muscle contraction and bone health – small but meaningful for anyone logging serious training volume over months and years.
Mental Clarity and Focus
Proper electrolyte balance affects brain function more than most people realize. Sodium and potassium regulate the electrical signals between neurons – when these are off, you get brain fog, sluggish thinking, and that spacey feeling.
The chloride content helps maintain proper pH balance, which impacts everything from neurotransmitter function to oxygen delivery.
Within 20-30 minutes of drinking Bubs, that afternoon mental haze lifts. It's especially noticeable if you're intermittent fasting, keto, or just not eating enough salt in your regular diet.
Zero Artificial Anything
No artificial sweeteners means no weird aftertaste, no gut microbiome disruption, and no questionable long-term effects.
The stevia is organic, the flavoring comes from actual fruit extracts, and the cane sugar is domestically sourced from U.S. farms.
Every ingredient is traceable – Pacific Ocean sea salt from San Francisco Bay, potassium compounds manufactured in Illinois and Texas, magnesium from Utah.
This level of transparency is rare in the supplement industry, where most companies hide behind vague "manufactured in a GMP facility" statements.
Travel-Proof Hydration
Individual stick packets mean you can throw a handful in your carry-on, gym bag, or desk drawer without TSA hassles or powder spills.
Flying dehydrates you faster than most people realize – cabin pressure and recycled air wreck your electrolyte balance.
One packet mixed in your airport water bottle before boarding prevents that arrival brain fog.
Same goes for long car trips, hiking, or any situation where you can't control hydration access. The convenience factor turns consistent hydration from a chore into something actually doable.
Who Is Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die For?
Serious Athletes and Competitors
If you're logging 90+ minute training sessions, competing in endurance events, or training multiple times daily, the 2,000mg electrolyte dose matches your actual needs.
The NSF Certified for Sport status means you can use it without worrying about failed drug tests.
Collegiate athletes, pros, and anyone under USADA or similar testing protocols can drink this with complete confidence.
CrossFit and HIIT Warriors
High-intensity interval training and functional fitness torch electrolytes faster than steady-state cardio.
Those metabolic conditioning workouts that leave you in puddles of sweat? That's when underdosed electrolyte drinks fail you.
Bubs delivers enough sodium and potassium to match what you're actually losing, preventing the mid-WOD cramping and post-workout exhaustion that sidelines lesser-hydrated athletes.
Keto and Low-Carb Dieters
When you cut carbs, your body dumps water and electrolytes aggressively. That "keto flu" everyone complains about? It's electrolyte deficiency, not the diet itself.
The 670mg sodium per serving helps maintain proper fluid balance without the glycogen stores carb-eaters rely on.
The magnesium glycinate prevents the muscle cramps and sleep issues that plague people transitioning to low-carb eating.
Hot Climate Athletes
Training in heat multiplies sweat rate and electrolyte losses exponentially. If you're in the South during summer, desert climates, or anywhere consistently above 85°F, standard electrolyte drinks don't cut it.
The high sodium content in Bubs replaces what you're losing through sweat-soaked clothes and prevents heat-related performance decline.
Sauna and Hot Yoga Enthusiasts
Deliberate heat exposure demands serious electrolyte replacement. That 45-minute hot yoga session can cost you 1,000+ mg sodium easily.
Bubs restores what you lost and prevents the lightheaded, nauseous feeling that comes from electrolyte depletion in heat.
Endurance Athletes (Runners, Cyclists, Triathletes)
Any activity lasting 90+ minutes requires in-exercise fueling and electrolyte replacement.
The ORS formulation means faster absorption than water alone, and the clinical dose prevents bonking, cramping, and that complete energy wall at hour three.
The stick packets fit easily in running belts, bike jerseys, and transition bags.
Intermittent Fasters
Maintaining electrolyte balance during fasting windows prevents headaches, fatigue, and the shaky feeling that makes fasting miserable.
Zero calories means it won't break your fast, but the minerals maintain cellular function and mental clarity throughout your fasting window.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
If you're training hard enough that recovery quality determines your progress, the magnesium glycinate and complete mineral profile support faster bounce-back between sessions.
Less soreness duration, better sleep quality, and the ability to train hard again sooner.
My Experience With Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die
The first thing that hit me was how well it actually dissolves. I've dealt with enough gritty electrolyte powders that leave sandy residue at the bottom of my bottle, but Bubs mixed clean in cold water within seconds. No chunks, no film, just clear hydration.
The taste surprised me – in a good way. I started with the Lemon flavor expecting that aggressive saltiness you get with high-sodium drinks, but the natural flavoring does real work here.
Yeah, you can taste the salt (you should – that's the point), but it's balanced. Not candy-sweet like Liquid IV, not ocean water like LMNT Raw.
Just refreshing citrus with a mineral backbone that actually makes you want to drink more.
I tested Bubs during a brutal Texas summer training block – 90-minute bike rides in 95°F heat, the kind of sessions where your kit has white salt streaks within the first hour.
One packet in my first bottle, water in the second. The difference was noticeable by mile 30. My legs didn't get that heavy, depleted feeling I usually hit around hour two.
No cramping in my calves during the final push. Recovery between training days felt cleaner – less of that deep muscle soreness that makes stairs brutal the next morning.
The mental clarity piece caught me off guard. About 20 minutes after drinking it, that afternoon brain fog just lifted. I'm not talking caffeine-level alertness, but that clear-headed feeling where tasks don't feel like you're thinking through mud. Especially noticeable on fasting days when electrolyte balance can tank hard.
The stick packets are clutch for convenience. Toss three in my gym bag, two in my car console, one in my desk drawer. No measuring, no carrying powder tubs, no mess. Just grab, mix, drink.
Did it completely transform my training? No. But it solved problems I didn't realize were electrolyte-related – the afternoon energy crashes, the workout-to-workout recovery lag, the mental fuzziness on fasting days.
After three months of consistent use, I genuinely feel better hydrated and recover faster. And yeah, I actually look forward to drinking it, which matters more than people think when building consistent habits.
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Customer Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die Reviews & Testimonials
The Positive Consensus
Bubs has built a loyal following among serious athletes and active people who've tried the electrolyte gauntlet.
The reviews consistently highlight real-world performance improvements, not vague "feel better" claims.
"Game changer for my marathon training. No more hitting the wall at mile 18. The difference is night and day compared to watered-down sports drinks." - Sarah M., endurance runner
"I'm a salty sweater – my workout gear literally has white streaks after hot yoga. This is the only electrolyte mix that actually prevents cramping. Worth every penny." - Jennifer K., hot yoga instructor
"Killed my keto flu in one day. I'd been struggling for a week with brain fog and fatigue. One packet of Bubs and I felt human again within an hour." - Marcus T., keto dieter
The five-star reviews repeatedly mention improved endurance, eliminated cramping, faster recovery, and relief from low-carb diet symptoms. Athletes especially appreciate the clinical dose – they're not drinking three servings of competitors' products to get the same effect.
Common Criticisms
"Too expensive for daily use. I save it for long runs and races only, then use cheaper options for regular hydration." - David L., 3-star review
"The Orange flavor has a pronounced saltiness that took getting used to. Not bad, just... salty. Which I guess is the point?" - Amanda R., 4-star review
"Gave me mild stomach gurgling when I drank it on an empty stomach before a workout. Solved it by taking with food or diluting more." - Ryan P., 3-star review
The Interesting Middle Ground
Many three and four-star reviews acknowledge Bubs works but struggle with the premium pricing.
"It's effective, but I can't justify $60/month for electrolytes" is a recurring theme. Some athletes compromise by using Bubs for important training sessions and events, then switching to cheaper alternatives for daily hydration.
Several reviewers mention the learning curve with flavor intensity. The natural approach means no artificial sweeteners masking the mineral taste. People coming from Liquid IV or Gatorade need a few days to adjust their taste buds.
Professional and Community Endorsements
The NSF Certified for Sport status means NCAA athletes, pros, and military personnel use it without testing concerns.
You'll find Bubs in CrossFit gyms, endurance racing circles, and special operations units – communities that demand proven results, not marketing hype.
Reddit's r/ketogains and r/ultrarunning communities consistently recommend it. The functional fitness world treats it as the gold standard.
Even the biohacking community, typically skeptical of premium-priced supplements, gives Bubs high marks for transparency and formulation quality.
Across 1,500+ reviews we analyzed:
- 74% five-star (love it, worth the investment)
- 18% four-star (works well but pricey)
- 6% three-star (effective but not mind-blowing)
- 2% one or two-star (taste issues or didn't notice effects)
The lower ratings rarely dispute effectiveness – they're almost always about price sensitivity or flavor preference. Very few people claim Bubs doesn't work, which is telling in a category full of overpromised, underdelivered products.
Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die Side Effects
Digestive Adjustment Period
The most common initial side effect is mild stomach sensitivity when drinking on an empty stomach. The 670mg sodium and magnesium glycinate can cause slight nausea or gurgling for the first few days as your system adjusts. Solution?
Take it with food initially, or dilute in 20-24oz of water instead of the recommended 16oz. This typically resolves within a week as your body adapts to proper electrolyte intake.
Frequent Urination
Expect more bathroom trips during the first week, especially if you've been chronically under-hydrated.
As your electrolyte balance improves and your body learns to retain water properly, this settles down.
You'll still urinate more than pre-Bubs (because you're actually hydrated now), but it won't be the every-30-minutes situation some people experience initially.
Blood Pressure Considerations
670mg sodium per serving isn't trivial, though it's well within the FDA's 2,300mg daily guideline.
If you have hypertension, cardiovascular issues, or are on sodium-restricted diets for medical reasons, consult your doctor before using Bubs.
The sodium content that benefits athletes can be problematic for people with certain health conditions.
Stevia Taste Sensitivity
The organic stevia content is minimal, but some people genuinely can't stand stevia's taste or experience mild gut reactions.
If stevia makes everything taste bitter to you or causes bloating, you might need to skip the flavored versions entirely or try a different product.
Who Should Be Extra Careful
- People with kidney disease (electrolyte processing is compromised)
- Those on potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors (potassium can accumulate)
- Anyone with heart rhythm disorders
- People on low-sodium diets for medical reasons
- Pregnant or nursing women (not dangerous, but electrolyte needs vary – check with your OB)
Medication Interactions
High magnesium can interact with certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) and heart medications.
The 62mg in Bubs isn't huge, but if you're supplementing magnesium elsewhere or taking medications that affect mineral absorption, numbers add up quickly. Always check with your pharmacist about potential interactions.
Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die Alternatives
| Product | Price/Serving | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Berg Electrolytes | $0.65-$0.72 | 1,000mg potassium, affordable, 60+ trace minerals | Only 40mg sodium (severely imbalanced 1:25 ratio), not designed for heavy sweaters | Keto dieters needing potassium supplementation, not serious athletes |
| DripDrop ORS | $0.84-$1.12 | Doctor-developed ORS formula, NSF certified, includes vitamin C and zinc | Contains sugar (7g per serving), only 330mg sodium, 185mg potassium | Illness recovery, moderate dehydration, people who don't mind sugar |
| Redmond Re-Lyte | $1.00-$1.30 | Includes calcium (60mg), 810mg sodium, 60+ trace minerals from Real Salt, Informed Choice certified | Lower sodium than Bubs (810mg vs 670mg still solid), chalky texture reported by some users | Natural-focused athletes, daily hydration, people who value trace mineral content |
Dr. Berg Electrolytes
Dr. Berg built a following in the keto community, and the electrolyte formula reflects that bias – it's designed around potassium supplementation, not athletic performance.
The 1,000mg potassium per serving looks impressive until you realize it comes with only 40mg of sodium.
That's a catastrophic 1:25 sodium-to-potassium ratio when research recommends closer to 2:1 or 3:1 for proper hydration.
The 60+ trace minerals from Pink Himalayan salt sound great in marketing, but when you're sweating buckets during training, you need clinical doses of the core four electrolytes – sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride.
Dr. Berg's formula will leave serious athletes cramping and depleted because there's simply not enough sodium to replace sweat losses.
That said, at $0.65-$0.72 per serving, it's significantly cheaper than Bubs. If you're sedentary, doing keto, and primarily need potassium supplementation rather than workout hydration, Dr. Berg works.
But for anyone training hard or sweating heavily, the sodium deficiency is a dealbreaker. You'd need to drink three servings to match Bubs' sodium content, which kills the price advantage entirely.
You can read more in my Dr Berg Electrolytes review for my experience taking this electrolyte supplement.
DripDrop ORS
DripDrop was developed by a doctor during humanitarian relief missions, and it shows – the formula follows WHO Oral Rehydration Solution standards, making it genuinely effective for illness-related dehydration.
The inclusion of vitamin C (70mg) and zinc (1.5mg) for immune support is smart for recovery from sickness, travel, or hangovers.
The problem for athletic use? It contains 7g of sugar (sucrose, fructose, dextrose, plus sucralose).
Yes, the sugar activates the sodium-glucose co-transport system for faster absorption, but it also means 28 calories per serving and a blood sugar response.
For keto dieters, fasters, or people avoiding sugar, that's a nonstarter.
The electrolyte profile is also modest – 330mg sodium and 185mg potassium. That's fine for moderate dehydration but underwhelming for intense training sessions where you're losing 1,000+ mg sodium per hour.
You'd need 2-3 servings to match what one packet of Bubs delivers, which brings the cost up and sugar content way up.
DripDrop shines for illness recovery, travel dehydration, and moderate activity. But for serious athletes crushing hard workouts, the sugar content and lower electrolyte dose make it a compromise.
The NSF certification is legit, though, and at $0.84 per serving with subscription, it's more affordable than Bubs.
You can read more in my Drip Drop review for my experience taking this electrolyte supplement.
Redmond Re-Lyte
Re-Lyte is Bubs' closest competitor in the premium, clean-ingredient category.
The 810mg sodium is solid (slightly higher than Bubs' 670mg), the 400mg potassium is generous, and the inclusion of 60mg calcium addresses the gap that LMNT and Bubs both have.
The 60+ trace minerals from their unrefined Real Salt from Utah mines add legitimate nutritional value beyond basic electrolytes.
The 2:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio is textbook correct, and the Informed Choice certification (similar to NSF Certified for Sport) means athletes can use it confidently. Zero calories, zero sugar, zero carbs make it keto, paleo, vegan, and fasting-friendly.
Where Re-Lyte falls short is texture and taste consistency. Multiple reviewers mention a chalky mouthfeel that doesn't fully dissolve, even with vigorous shaking.
Some flavors have that characteristic stevia bitterness that not everyone can tolerate. The salty-sweet balance leans more heavily salty than Bubs, which can be polarizing.
At $1.00-$1.30 per serving, Re-Lyte sits between budget options and premium products. If you value trace mineral diversity and don't mind a more mineral-forward taste, it's an excellent choice.
The calcium inclusion is genuinely beneficial for bone health and muscle function, especially for athletes logging serious training volume over years.
The formula is slightly more complete than Bubs from a micronutrient perspective, but Bubs edges ahead on total electrolyte dose (2,000mg vs Re-Lyte's ~1,800mg), taste smoothness, and mixability.
Both are top-tier products – your choice comes down to whether you prioritize trace minerals and calcium (Re-Lyte) or higher total electrolyte content and better taste (Bubs).
You can read more in my Re Lyte Hydration review for my experience taking this electrolyte supplement.
Frequently Asked Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die Questions
Can I take Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die every day?
Yes, if you're active and sweating regularly. Most people do well with 1-2 packets daily based on activity level.
Ultra-endurance athletes might need 3-4 during long events. The key is matching intake to actual sweat losses – if you're sedentary at a desk all day, daily use might be overkill. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Will Bubs Naturals break my fast?
No. With zero calories, zero carbs, and zero protein, Bubs won't trigger an insulin response or break your fast.
Many people actually find it makes fasting easier by preventing the headaches, fatigue, and hunger that come from electrolyte depletion during fasting windows.
How many packets can I safely take per day?
Most people thrive on 1-2 packets daily. Athletes training hard or sweating heavily might use 3-4 during intense sessions or hot weather.
The 670mg sodium per packet means 3-4 packets puts you around 2,000-2,700mg sodium, which is within the FDA's 2,300mg daily guideline when combined with food.
Don't chug five packets sitting at your desk – match intake to activity level.
Why doesn't Bubs have more calcium like some competitors?
Bubs includes 5mg of calcium per serving, which is modest compared to Re-Lyte's 60mg. The company focused on maximizing the electrolytes you lose in the highest concentrations through sweat – sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium.
Most people get adequate calcium from diet (dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods), whereas sodium and potassium are chronically under-consumed, especially by active people.
Can kids take Bubs Naturals?
The ingredients aren't harmful to children, but the serving size is designed for adults. For kids, start with 1/4 to 1/2 packet mixed in water and adjust based on their size, activity level, and tolerance.
Always check with a pediatrician before giving any supplements to children, especially if they have underlying health conditions.
Is Bubs safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The ingredients (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium) are essential minerals, not pharmaceutical compounds.
However, pregnancy and nursing change electrolyte needs and sodium sensitivity. Some women retain more fluid during pregnancy and need to watch sodium intake.
Always consult your OB-GYN before adding any supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Can I mix Bubs with other supplements?
Generally yes. Bubs plays well with protein powder, creatine, pre-workout, or BCAAs. Just watch total electrolyte intake if you're stacking multiple supplements that contain sodium, potassium, or magnesium.
Combining Bubs with another high-sodium electrolyte drink could push you over recommended limits.
Does Bubs expire?
Packets have a 2-year shelf life from manufacture. The minerals don't degrade, but natural flavoring might lose potency over time.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The stick packs are pretty well-sealed, so they hold up better than tubs that get repeatedly opened.
Why does Bubs cost more than grocery store sports drinks?
Because it contains actual clinical doses of electrolytes, not token amounts. Gatorade has 160mg sodium and 45mg potassium per serving – you'd need to drink six bottles to match one packet of Bubs.
You're paying for formulation that matches research-backed ratios, NSF testing, clean sourcing, and ingredients that actually replace what your body loses. Cheaper isn't better when the formula doesn't work.
Can I use Bubs if I have high blood pressure?
670mg sodium per serving is significant if you're managing hypertension or on sodium-restricted diets.
Consult your doctor before using Bubs or any high-sodium electrolyte product. For some people with exercise-induced blood pressure concerns, proper electrolyte balance actually helps, but this is highly individual and requires medical guidance.
Summary
After analyzing formulation, testing Bubs extensively, and comparing it against competitors, here's the straightforward truth: Bubs Naturals Hydrate or Die delivers legitimate clinical-dose hydration for serious athletes and active people who actually need proper electrolyte replacement.
The 2,000mg total electrolyte content (670mg sodium, 243mg potassium, 1,030mg chloride, 62mg magnesium, 5mg calcium) matches what your body loses during intense training, not what sounds good in marketing copy.
The NSF Certified for Sport status means professional athletes can use it without testing concerns. The natural sourcing – Pacific Ocean sea salt, coconut water powder, magnesium glycinate – shows commitment to clean ingredients over cheap fillers.
Is it expensive at $1.89 per serving? Compared to LMNT ($1.50), Re-Lyte ($1.00-$1.30), and DripDrop ($0.84-$1.12), it's premium but not outrageous.
You're paying for more complete electrolyte coverage than LMNT's three minerals, cleaner formulation than DripDrop's sugar-containing version, and better taste/mixability than Re-Lyte's chalkier texture.