DripDrop ORS Hydration is promoted as a life-saving solution designed with two standards:
- It should work fast
- It should taste great
You may be more eager to find out if this electrolyte solution meets those benchmarks. First, I’ll share a quick story time about the brand and then address the questions you anxiously await. But, spoiler alert, it landed on our best electrolyte drink round-up, so you know it’s got something working for it.
In this DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution Review, join me—a registered dietitian—as I examine the product details and reveal insights from our expert tester, GGR senior staff writer Lauren Strong, CPT. Let’s dive in!
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Sip, Sweat, Share: 20+ Electrolyte Powders Analyzed By Fitness Leaders
The GGR team of expert testers—personal trainers, nutritionists, dietitians, CrossFit trainers, and coaches—understands how electrolytes can be beneficial. They’ve tested 20+ electrolyte powders, rating each from 1 to 5 using the custom GGR supplement testing methodology and looking at factors like:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
Then, nutritionists like myself compile this data into a comprehensive, transparent review so you can decide if a product like DripDrop Hydration is the best fit for you.
DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution
DripDrop ORS
Product Highlights
- Developed by a doctor
- Precise ratios of sodium and electrolytes
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- DripDrop is a Public Benefit Company
- Free of gluten, soy, and dairy
- Non-GMO, vegan, and kosher
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Delivers hydration fast
- Zero-sugar option available
- Formulated by a doctor
- Money-back guarantee
- Lots of flavor option
Cons
- Very sweet taste
- Contains artificial sweetener
- 16 oz packets only available in 80-count box
Bottom Line
DripDrop has a doctor-formulated electrolyte mix to hydrate you fast. With plenty of flavors, some that are even sugar free, and sticks that come for 8 or 16 ounces of water, it is a customizable option for anyone.
A Quick Look at DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution
In response to the devastating impact of dehydration in Guatemala, Dr. Eduardo Dolhun developed DripDrop. This innovation led to a patented oral rehydration therapy that meets medical standards and is accessible to all.
Oral rehydration solution1 (ORS), the basis of DripDrop, is a precise ratio of glucose and electrolytes developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for dehydration relief in developing countries. ORS is based on the sodium-glucose co-transport system, allowing fluids to be absorbed rapidly.
While initially for medical use, DripDrop targets broader hydration needs related to travel, heat, wellness, and sports performance. Additionally, 2020 research2 supports that oral rehydration solutions like DripDrop are more effective at rehydrating individuals than traditional sports drinks after exercise.
Before You Buy
- Third-party testing: DripDrop offers 16-ounce sticks that are NSF Content and Sports Certified. Please refer to the “Third-Party Testing” section for more details, especially if you’re an athlete.
- Free sample pack: Before committing to a box, sample two packets of its Fruit Punch, Lemon Lime, or Watermelon flavors for (almost) free—you’ll just need to pay the $1.12 shipping fee and create an account.
Is DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution Worth It?
Costing $1.19 per serving before tax, DripDrop is an economical electrolyte option. While only offering maximum benefit to some, specific groups might find DripDrop a worthwhile investment.
Great for:
- Enhancing electrolyte intake during endurance exercises, heat exposure, or illness-induced fluid loss
- Anyone seeking flavor variety and electrolyte drink mixes in bulk
- Various dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and Kosher
Not recommended for:
- Those seeking zero-sugar electrolyte powder (although DripDrop offers such alternatives)
- Individuals needing to monitor or limit sodium intake due to conditions like heart or kidney disease
DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution Specs
| Price per serving | $1.12-$1.19 |
| Serving size | 1 stick (10 g) |
| Flavors | Berry, Concord Grape, Fruit Punch, Lemon, Lemon Lime, Orange, Watermelon |
| Sodium dosage | 330 mg (14% DV) |
| Potassium dosage | 185 mg (4% DV) |
| Magnesium dosage | 39 mg (10% DV) |
| Chloride dosage | Unspecified |
| Other notable ingredients | Sugar, Fructose, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Citrate, Dextrose, Salt, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Zinc Aspartate |
| Third-party tested? | Only the 16-ounce sticks |
Experience Using DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution
GGR senior staff writer Lauren Strong, CPT, tested DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution and says, “I love this stuff! I thought this actually helped with hydration and didn’t make my mouth feel coated with sugar afterward.”
Price Per Serving
A 32-count box costs $35.99, or $1.12 per serving, as a one-time purchase. Subscribing lowers the price to $26.99, or $0.84 per serving.
Variety packs are available in 16-count options for $18.99, equating to $1.19 per serving, but they are ineligible for the subscription discount. Exclusively, the Bold variety pack offers an 80-count option with 16-ounce sticks at $159.99, or $2.00 per serving.
The subscription cost is particularly economical compared to competitors. However, the variability in cost for one-time purchases and variety packs might not accommodate the budgets of average consumers, resulting in a 3 out of 5 rating.
Formulation
DripDrop adheres to WHO dehydration guidelines3 by supplying essential electrolytes and 7 grams of added sugar, which may not benefit everyone fully. Despite claims to offer triple the electrolytes and half the sugar of traditional sports drinks, competitors such as Transparent Labs Hydrate (see below) provide more electrolytes without added sugars.
All considered, we rate its formulation 2 out of 5. Here are the full breakdown:
- Sugar, fructose, and dextrose (7 g of added sugar): Activates the sodium-glucose cotransport system for optimal fluid absorption.
- Sodium citrate and salt (330 mg of sodium): Plays a critical role in the sodium-glucose cotransport system and for fluid balance, blood pressure regulation, and normal nerve and muscle function. It becomes even more crucial during heat exposure, high altitudes4, illness, or prolonged activities like endurance and ultra-endurance sports.5
- Potassium citrate (185 mg of potassium6): Works with sodium to support fluid balance, promote muscle contractions, and regulate blood pressure.
- Magnesium citrate (39 mg of magnesium7): Aids muscle and nerve function, maintains healthy heart rhythms, and regulates blood glucose levels.
- Ascorbic acid (70 mg vitamin C8) and zinc aspartate (1.5 mg zinc): Supports immune health.
Beyond essential electrolytes, DripDrop contains ingredients like citric acid, natural flavor, silicon dioxide, sucralose, beta carotene, and turmeric to enhance taste, sweetness, and color.
Taste and Solubility
Lauren shared her experience about the variety of flavors she has tried, saying, “I got the variety pack and was able to test lemon, orange, watermelon, and berry. They all tasted great, and I didn’t think any of them were too overwhelming with flavor or too sweet. The pack I bought was meant to be mixed with 8 ounces, but they do sell packets for 16 ounces. I’d say the 8-ounce packets are perfect for a small glass of water or shaker. The flavor gets too watered down if you try to mix it in a pint glass or tall shaker.”
Lauren notes the product’s solubility, “Mixes well in a shaker or a glass stirred with a spoon. No issues there!”
Considering diverse yet primarily positive customer feedback on flavors (noted below), DripDrop receives a 4 out of 5 rating for taste but a perfect 5 for its seamless solubility.
Side Effects
Lauren did not experience any negative side effects, giving it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in this category.
However, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or those taking specific medications, such as diuretics.
Third-Party Testing
DripDrop offers 16-ounce sticks that are NSF Content Certified and NSF Sports Certified, a critical factor for athletes. However, these 16-ounce packets are only sold in an 80-count Bold Variety box with Watermelon, Lemon, Orange, and Berry flavors. Yet, the NSF Certified Sport website lists approved flavors like Fruit Punch and Orange.
Due to the potential for confusion and limited availability, we rate DripDrop a 2 out of 5 in this category.
DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution vs Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate
Transparent Labs Hydrate V3
Product Highlights
- Includes taurine to help performance
- Naturally sweetened
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Contains SenactivTM for recovery
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low cost per serving
- Easily absorbed electrolytes
- Aides in muscle recovery
- Subscribe & Save available
Cons
- Contains the allergen tree nuts
Bottom Line
At an extremely low per serving cost, Transparent Labs Hydrate V3 is a great option for anyone looking to try out electrolytes or anyone looking for clean ingredients without the hefty price tag.
Transparent Labs Hydrate is another popular electrolyte product like DripDrop, yet it stands out in many ways.
Pros:
- Electrolyte content: Contains more sodium (500 mg), potassium (250 mg), and magnesium (50 mg) and adds calcium (85 mg) to the mix.
- Added ingredients: Supplies taurine9 and Senactiv to enhance exercise performance, recovery, and overall health.
- Carbohydrates: Lacks carbs and added sugars.
- Informed Choice-Certified: Meets purity standards and is free from banned substances.
- Flavors: Offers six flavors without variety pack options.
- Cost: About $0.40 cheaper per serving.
- Dietary restrictions and preferences: Is non-GMO and gluten-free but contains the tree nut coconut.
Cons:
- Form: Comes in a tub container you’ll need to ration vs. individually portioned packets.
If you’re searching for a third-party-tested electrolyte mix with a more robust formula and affordable price point, Transparent Labs Hydrate could be your ideal pick. Plus, it might be an even better fit if you prefer a tub container over individual stick packets.
For a detailed comparison, refer to the table below. Also, be sure to check out our in-depth Transparent Labs Hydrate review.
| DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution | Transparent Labs Hydrate | |
| Price per serving | $1.12 | $0.75 |
| Serving size | 1 stick (10 g) | 1 scoop (8.3 g) |
| Flavors | 7 | 6 |
| Sodium dosage | 330 mg (14% DV) | 500 (22% DV) |
| Potassium dosage | 185 mg (4% DV) | 250 mg (5% DV) |
| Magnesium dosage | 39 mg (10% DV) | 50 mg (12% DV) |
| Chloride dosage | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Other notable ingredients | Sugar, Fructose, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Citrate, Dextrose, Salt, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Zinc Aspartate | Taurine, Senactiv |
| Third-party tested? | Only the 16-ounce sticks | Yes |
Customer Experience
DripDrop enhances customer satisfaction with its comprehensive FAQ section and various support options, achieving a perfect score of 5 for customer experience. Other reasons for this high rating include:
- 25% discount and guaranteed routine shipping with a subscription.
- Special discounts for medical professionals, military, first responders, and educators.
- 100% money-back guarantee for purchases from DripDrop.com within 60 days.
- Free sample packs and shipping on all orders (excluding free packs).
Ordering DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution
Ordering DripDrop is straightforward, whether you use its main website or third-party sites like Amazon: Simply add your selection to your cart and follow the checkout prompts.
You don’t need an account for one-time purchases, but you’ll need to create one if you use DripDrop’s subscription service for a 25% discount and to make adjustments to future orders. Also note if you purchase through Amazon, prices often fluctuate, and you’re subject to their policies.
Customer Reviews
Lauren had a great experience using DripDrop ORS, as evidenced by its 4.6-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon from over 8,500 reviews. Most customers praise its great taste, convenience, and hydration benefits. However, some caution against its lemon flavor, diluted taste in standard 16.9-ounce water bottles, and added sugars.
Final Verdict of Our DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution Review
DripDrop meets WHO’s standards for oral rehydration solutions, containing 7 grams of sugar, 330 milligrams of sodium, 185 milligrams of potassium, and 39 milligrams of magnesium. If you’re considering DripDrop for your supplement stack, here are some final considerations:
- Ideal for: Endurance exercises, prolonged exposure to hot environments, or periods of sickness with significant fluid loss.
- Caution advised: Individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, or conditions that require electrolyte and fluid monitoring.
- Customer satisfaction: Offers free sample packs, a 100% money-back guarantee, subscription savings, and more.
- Third-party testing: NSF Content and Sports Certifications are exclusive to the 16-ounce packets.
Full Rating
DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution
DripDrop has a doctor-formulated electrolyte mix to hydrate you fast. With plenty of flavors, some that are even sugar free, and sticks that come for 8 or 16 ounces of water, it is a customizable option for anyone.
Product Brand: DripDrop
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 35.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.8
DripDrop ORS Hydration Solution: FAQs
Does DripDrop actually hydrate you?
DripDrop ORS adheres to WHO dehydration guidelines and is based on the sodium-glucose cotransport system, allowing rapid fluid absorption. Such solutions benefit individuals experiencing fluid loss the most, though many consumers also report positive hydration benefits.
Can I drink DripDrop everyday?
DripDrop promotes itself as safe for daily use. However, consult a doctor before using it for children under 12 months, individuals with heart or kidney disease, or those with specific electrolyte or fluid restrictions.
What are the side effects of DripDrop?
DripDrop is generally well-tolerated, with few experiencing side effects from the electrolyte powder. Nonetheless, adhering to usage instructions and consulting a doctor if you have conditions like heart or kidney disease is vital. Additionally, its added sugar could raise blood sugar levels, especially in those with diabetes.
Is DripDrop better than Pedialyte?
Whether DripDrop is better than Pedialyte depends on the user’s needs, as both offer oral rehydration solutions. However, Pedialyte provides more options, including mixes for sports and immune support, powder packs, pre-mixed full or half-liter bottles, and freezer pops.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Oral Rehydration Solution. Oral Rehydration Solution – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/oral-rehydration-solution
- Fan PW, Burns SF, Lee JKW. Efficacy of Ingesting an Oral Rehydration Solution after Exercise on Fluid Balance and Endurance Performance. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 15;12(12):3826. doi: 10.3390/nu12123826. Erratum in: Nutrients. 2021 Oct 28;13(11): PMID: 33333771; PMCID: PMC7765193.
- Aghsaeifard Z, Heidari G, Alizadeh R. Understanding the use of oral rehydration therapy: A narrative review from clinical practice to main recommendations. Health Sci Rep. 2022 Sep 11;5(5):e827. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.827. PMID: 36110343; PMCID: PMC9464461.
- Khan DA, Aslam M, Khan ZU. Changes in plasma electrolytes during acclimatization at high altitude. J Pak Med Assoc. 1996 Jun;46(6):128-31. PMID: 8991369.
- Veniamakis E, Kaplanis G, Voulgaris P, et al. Effects of Sodium Intake on Health and Performance in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Sports. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 19;19(6):3651. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19063651. PMID: 35329337; PMCID: PMC8955583.
- National Institutes of Health (2023). Potassium – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
- Harvard School of Public Health. Magnesium. The Nutrition Source. Published October 21, 2019. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/magnesium/
- National Institutes of Health (2023). Vitamin C – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- Kurtz JA, VanDusseldorp TA, Doyle JA, et al. Taurine in sports and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 May 26;18(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s12970-021-00438-0. PMID: 34039357; PMCID: PMC8152067.
