Sometimes, water just won’t cut it. When you’re training at your hardest, you need some extra fuel to keep your body hydrated and functioning properly. The best electrolyte powders can provide beneficial minerals to your system, helping maintain proper fluid balances for effective muscle function, blood pressure regulation, and more, according to studies1. For athletes wanting a natural, third-party approved powder to elevate their performance, BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die should be on your radar.
While the name may be intimidating, this electrolyte drink mix is more friend than foe, thanks to its robust formulation of multiple key electrolytes including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. Plus, Hydrate Or Die is NSF-Certified for Sport, making it a safe supplement option for competitive athletes needing to abide by strict regulations. That said, though, the cost is somewhat high compared to other powders, which begs the question — are these packets really worth your hard-earned cash? We answer that inquiry and more in this BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die review.
Powerful Powders, Personally Tested
Our roster of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and competitive athletes have tested over 36 different electrolyte powders and drink mixes, closely examining each product’s formulation, solubility, and taste, among other factors. We applied those same tactics, in conjunction with our supplement testing methodology, to critique BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die for this review. Ratings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) were also given in categories including:
- Electrolyte makeup: Are there sufficient dosages of each vital mineral? Where were the included electrolytes sourced from?
- Sweeteners used: Does the electrolyte drink mix use natural or artificial sweeteners? How do these compounds affect the overall taste?
- Available flavors: Is there enough variety across the flavor roster, or are you siloed to just a handful of tastes?
- Mixability: Does the powder blend easily in a shaker bottle or glass? Is there any separation or noticeable clumps?
- Value: Does the cost per serving align with the performance? Would it be reasonable to have these drink powders as a daily supplement?
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
Product Highlights
- Hydration supplement with 2,000 mg electrolytes and 10 g of carbs
- Would be effective for endurance athletes
- Available in 3 flavors
- $1.86 per serving
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Electrolyte and carb mix good for athletes
- Available in 3 flavors
- No artificial sweeteners
- Third-party tested
Cons
- Expensive
- Tastes salty, which may be off-putting to some
Bottom Line
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die hydration supplement is an electrolyte powder that contains 2,000 milligrams of electrolytes plus 10 grams of carbs to keep you fueled during high-intensity activity. There's no artificial sweeteners in the formula, plus it's available in three flavors. Beware, though—it's salty.
A Quick Look at BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die
Founded in 2017 by Sean Lake and TJ Ferrara, BUBS Naturals is, as the brand puts it, “A nature-derived product line for athletes, adventure seekers, and adrenaline junkies.” In addition to Hydrate Or Die as well as BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein, the product lineup includes apple cider vinegar gummies and coffee-oriented goods such as MCT oil coffee creamer and USDA organic ground coffee.
Hydrate Or Die carries on the BUBS Naturals philosophies with a formulation consisting of all-natural ingredients like coconut water powder, Himalayan salt, an ocean plankton-sourced magnesium citrate. There are no added sugars, either, and no presence of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or flavor additives.
RELATED: Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder
Thanks to these ingredients, you can expect a range of essential electrolytes in each serving, whereas other electrolyte mixes prioritize just sodium and potassium. Granted, sodium is the predominant mineral across the Orange, Lemon, and Organic Coconut flavor options at 670 milligrams—still within the recommended 2,300 milligrams or less threshold, per the FDA2—but you also get 243 milligrams of potassium, 1,030 milligrams of chloride, 62 milligrams of magnesium, and 5 milligrams of calcium per dose.
Price-wise, Hydrate Or Die is on the more expensive side of the electrolyte supplement category with a listed cost per serving of roughly $1.89. Thankfully, though, the brand does offer a “Subscribe & Save” service that can help with a discounted rate for repeat orders. BUBS Naturals also offers this electrolyte powder in 18-, 36-, and 54-serving order sizes, which can be beneficial for athletes that prefer to buy their nutritional supplements in bulk.
Before You Buy
- This BUBS Naturals hydration formula is NSF Sport-Certified, making it an ideal oral rehydration solution for competitive athletes looking to avoid banned substances.
- Hydrate Or Die electrolyte drink mix is only available in three flavors, which may be too sparse of a taste roster for athletes wanting more variety.
- This dietary supplement uses organic stevia as a sweetening agent, which may create an unpleasant aftertaste and GI distress for some, according to reports3.
Is BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die Worth It?
Of course, BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die isn’t the lone electrolyte solution on the market today, and the formulation, price, and flavor profile isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (err, best sports drink). Below are a handful of camps we think could benefit from this travel-friendly drink mix, as well as a few that may be better off with a different electrolyte powder.
Great for:
- Individuals wanting a gluten-free, non-GMO electrolyte powder that’s free of any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives
- Competitive athletes needing third-party-approved supplements
- Travel-minded individuals looking for a powder in convenient, single-serving packets
Not recommended for:
- Those wanting more flavor variety than just three offered tastes
- Budget-minded buyers not willing to spend over $1.75 per serving
- Athletes averse to stevia as a sweetener
BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die Specs
| Price Per Serving | $1.89 |
| Calories Per Serving | 40 |
| Sugar Per Serving | 7 g |
| Sodium Per Serving | 670 mg |
| Carbs Per Serving | 10 g |
| Sweeteners Used | Organic stevia |
| Additional Electrolytes | Potassium (243 mg), magnesium (62 mg), chloride (1,030 mg), calcium (5 mg) |
| Available Flavors | Organic Coconut, Lemon, Orange |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (NSF-Certified for Sport) |
Experience Using BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die
GGR expert reviewers Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 and Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC tested BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die for multiple days, critiquing its formulation, taste, solubility, and more. I, myself, have also taken Hydrate Or Die on multiple occasions, primarily as an intra-workout solution during longer training bouts. All of our findings were scored on a 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) scale to provide scalable insight on this drink mix’s performance.
Price Per Serving
You can purchase an 18-pack package of BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die for $34, which equates to roughly $1.89 per serving. This price tag is elevated beyond the average electrolyte drink powder, which routinely costs between $1.50 and $1.67 per serving. You can even find cheaper alternatives, too, that resemble some of the best cheap pre-workouts with costs below $1 per scoop.
We rate the value at 2 out of 5, though, since there are bulk order options as well as a “Subscribe & Save” service that can help you save 15% on repeat orders. This subscription platform also comes with free domestic shipping, saving you even more dough in the process.
Formulation
While the cost may leave some athletes scoffing, we do believe the formulation makes up for it, thanks to a robust offering of electrolytes sourced from natural ingredients. As a certified nutrition coach, I appreciate the inclusion of multiple minerals with BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die, and I do enjoy that the brand stays true to its natural roots with real-world sources like Himalayan salt, coconut water, and plankton.
We score the formulation at 4 out of 5, too, since the primary electrolyte within the makeup is sodium. “Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte lost in sweat4, so it’s pivotal that you replenish these stores if you’re training intensity for long durations,” states Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. The 670 milligrams per serving may be high when compared to other electrolyte options—more on this when it comes to taste—but it is within the upper limit of the FDA-recommended2 2,300 milligrams or less per day.
In my opinion, it may be best to reserve these BUBS Naturals packets for workouts where you know you’ll be in for a sweat, such as a hot summer day when you’re in the thick of a marathon training plan. Otherwise, you may not be perspiring enough to warrant the heavy sodium intake.
I’ll also point out that this electrolyte mixture uses organic stevia as its main sweetening agent. This can be viewed as a positive for those looking to abstain from artificial sugars, but stevia can lead to an unpleasant aftertaste for some. Studies3 also show that stevia consumption can disrupt your gut microbiome leading to potential GI distress, so it may be wise to take your personal sensitivities into consideration before purchasing a package.
Taste and Solubility
As you can expect, the higher sodium counts do influence the taste of this electrolyte supplement. “It is one salty beverage,” states Kate, who rates the taste at 3.75 out of 5. “You also get a chalky aftertaste at times, which may be due to the savory sensations.” If you’re someone that’s averse to that cheek-quenching experience, like when you down a bag of the best protein chips, this may be a no-go for your hydration needs.
Saltiness aside, though, I do like the offered flavors. They are slightly masked by the sodium, but the lemon, orange, and coconut notes do come through toward the end. I’ve had associates snag a packet or two from me, as well, and they agree that the flavors are pleasant.
In terms of solubility, we give BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die a perfect 5 out of 5. Mixing the powder in my best shaker bottle resulted in zero clumps or residue, and I’ve even dumped servings in a regular water bottle with no complaints. Anthony adds, “It’s a simple powder to blend together; mixes just fine without any worries.”
Side Effects
After consuming these electrolyte packets, our testers reported no unwanted side effects. In my experience, I haven’t had any issues, either. That said, though, I do reserve these powders for intense training rather than a regular hydration supplement, so the included sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride aren’t taken in excess when I’m not drenching my best workout shorts and tops with salty sweat.
We do score the potential side effects at 4 out of 5, though, since there is organic stevia within the formulation. While this can be an excellent natural substitute for artificial sweeteners, studies3 do report that stevia can lead to GI in some athletes. Always listen to your body (and gut) before trying out a new supplement.
Third-Party Testing
Another major perk, especially for competitive athletes, is BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die’s third-party testing. This electrolyte drink mix is NSF-Certified for Sport, meaning the label is transparent and there are no hidden ingredients or banned substances across the makeup. It can be difficult to find electrolyte powders with third-party approval, and we’ve only found six examples during our testing protocols thus far. Accordingly, we rate Hydrate Or Die at 5 out of 5 for the category.
BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die vs Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Product Highlights
- Cellular Transport Technology for rapid absorption
- Three times the electrolytes of a sports drink
- Contains 5 essential vitamins
- Non-GMO and free of artificial ingredients
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hydrates faster than water
- Travel-friendly
- Contains essential vitamins
- Charity donations made with every purchase
Cons
- Can be too sweet for some
- Stevia can cause GI distress for some people
Bottom Line
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is a great product to help boost your hydration quickly, especially for people who prefer a less-salty electrolyte drink.
As with any supplement category—from the top-rated protein powders to creatine, BCAAs, and beyond—athletes have options when it comes to electrolyte powders. One popular pick for many is Liquid I.V. thanks to its array of available flavors and travel-friendly packaging.
In comparing the two hydration mixes, Liquid I.V. is more affordable than Hydrate Or Die at $1.56 per serving. However, the BUBS Naturals offering wins out on formulation with five listed electrolytes as opposed to Liquid I.V.’s two (sodium and potassium). It’s also important to read your chosen flavor’s supplement facts prior to purchase, since ingredient values can fluctuate between tastes. For more information, be sure to check out our full Liquid I.V. review.
| BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die | Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier | |
| Price Per Serving | $1.89 | $1.56 |
| Calories Per Serving | 40 | 40-50 |
| Sugar Per Serving | 7 g | 11 g |
| Sodium Per Serving | 670 mg | 490-630 mg |
| Carbs Per Serving | 10 g | 11-13 g |
| Sweeteners Used | Organic stevia | Cane sugar, stevia leaf extract |
| Additional Electrolytes | Potassium (243 mg), magnesium (62 mg), chloride (1,030 mg), calcium (5 mg) | Potassium (370-390 mg) |
| Available Flavors | Organic Coconut, Lemon, Orange | Acai Berry, Concord Grape, Cotton Candy, Golden Cherry, Grapefruit, Guava, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Pear, Piña Colada, Popsicle® Firecracker, Seaberry, Strawberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Watermelon |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (NSF-Certified for Sport) | No |
Customer Experience
According to the brand, BUBS Naturals will refund your first order in full if you’re unsatisfied with your experience, no questions asked. BUBS Naturals also accepts returns on unopened products for up to 15 days from purchase. Returns should have your original order number attached, and a refund can be expected within two weeks of the brand receiving the returned goods. A receipt or proof of purchase will be necessary to complete your return. For more information, be sure to check out the ‘Refund Policy’ tab at the bottom of the brand’s retail site.
BUBS Naturals can be reached for any inquiries at (760)-456-2631, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm PST. The brand also offers a ‘Live Chat’ plugin tool, which can be found on the BUBS Naturals site.
Ordering BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die
Hydrate Or Die is available for purchase on the BUBS Naturals retail site and can be found at select third-party retailers like the Shop app and The Feed. Costs are consistent across all platforms, based on our research, so choose whichever retailer you’re most comfortable with. If you’re interested in the “Subscribe & Save” service—or using your HSA or FSA funds to buy this drink mix—we do recommend opting for bubsnaturals.com for easier subscription management.
Customer Reviews
Hydrate Or Die holds relatively positive reviews online. Currently, the electrolyte drink mix has earned a 4.8-out-of-5 rating based on 68 customer responses. “The best hydration supplement I’ve ever had. No dyes, fillers, or junk,” states one positive customer response.
Of the negative reviews, many of them referred to the flavor profile, particularly in regards to the Orange offering. “I can tell it’s good, but the taste is like a sweaty sock from a long run,” states one less-than-pleased purchaser. As such, it may be best to choose a Lemon Lime or Organic Coconut flavor package with your first order in an effort to avoid similar taste tests.
Final Verdict of Our BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or DieReview
If you’re regularly partaking in high-intensity training or routinely find yourself in sweat-inducing environments, BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die can be a great hydration solution to help replenish fluids and maintain performance. We appreciate the travel-ready, single-serve packaging that makes on-the-go supplementation more achievable, and the NSF Sport certification lends itself to added trust with the brand.
Of course, a high sodium count can result in salty tastes, and the cost may be too rich for certain individuals. If you’ve got the stomach (and bankroll) for it, though, these packs can be a fun, effective way to jazz up your mid-workout sips.
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die electrolyte powder is available in three flavors and composed of natural ingredients. Each travel-friendly serving is packed with 2,000 milligrams of essential electrolytes, and the formulation is NSF-Certified for Sport.
Product Brand: BUBS Naturals
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 34
Product In-Stock: InStock
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BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die: FAQs
Is it OK to drink electrolyte powder every day?
In theory, yes. Electrolytes can be consumed daily if you’re in need of hydration support. For example, if you routinely exercise at high intensities or regularly expose yourself to hot temperatures, an electrolyte powder can be beneficial for maintaining fluid balance and muscle function1. However, excessive electrolyte consumption can lead to issues like nausea, vomiting, and other negative side effects1. If you need more detailed information regarding your electrolyte intake, it’s best to speak to your personal healthcare professional.
What is the most effective electrolyte?
From a brand perspective, classifying the most effective electrolyte can be subjective. In terms of the actual nutrients themselves, sodium is one of the most important electrolytes to replace since it is the predominant mineral lost during perspiration4.
How much do BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die electrolyte packets cost?
BUBS Naturals Hydrate Or Die packets can be purchased online for roughly $1.89 per serving. The brand does offer a “Subscribe & Save” service, though, that offers discounted order totals and free domestic shipping for repeat orders.
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
- Shrinmanker, I., & Bhattarai, S. (2023, July 24). Electrolytes. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082167/
- Program, H. F. (2024, March 5). Sodium in your diet. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- Kasti, A., Nikolaki, M., Synodinou, K., Katsas, K., Petsis, K., Lambrinou, S., Pyrousis, I., & Triantafyllou, K. (2022). The effects of stevia consumption on gut bacteria: Friend or foe? Microorganisms, 10(4), 744. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9028423/
- National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. (1989, January 1). Water and Electrolytes. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/
