Pickle Juice Review

About a year ago, I was sent a box of pickle juice shots to try out for a post. I loved them, and I ended up buying more. Why? Well, I love pickles. If you're like me, this might just be your go-to pick-me-up on your next long run. I'd heard from runners over the years that they used things like mustard packets while running to get the sodium they needed. While I also love mustard, it just seemed like that would be too ... sticky and gummy when your mouth is already dry from dehydration. (Sorry. I know that's gross, but we're runners. We're used to gross stuff.)

The idea of pickle juice was something I'd heard about before, but honestly, what was I supposed to do? Fill a running bottle with the juice out of a can of pickles? Carry a wet pickle in a baggie? (I just know you're thinking of a dozen jokes. I've definitely said them all out loud while typing.)

These pickle juice shots come in a little shot container, and boom! Problem solved. They've got vinegar, salt, dill oil, potassium, Vitamins C and E, and zinc. I tried them after a short run and I loved them because, again, pickle fanatic. However, I sort of forgot about them until I ran my last marathon. I usually hydrate more than usual the day before, but due to a series of unfortunate events (including the creepiest hotel I've ever stayed in), I didn't do so and completely forgot that I hadn't. About 16 miles in, I started to feel a bit off. It was two miles to the next hydration station, and I remembered that I'd put one in my fanny pack. I gave it a shot. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

What really surprised me was how fast it worked. I'm not saying a small shot of liquid is enough, and of course, I grabbed cups at stations, but what it did do was shut my tired legs up very quickly. It also stopped the dizzy feeling I had in my head. I'd clearly depleted my electrolytes, and this put some of them back. 

It's not a very strong taste, unlike actual pickle juice, which, yes, I've sipped from the jar. It's oddly pretty refreshing. If pickles are your thing, this is a must-try. I just looked at the website (and they only sell pickle juice), and they have a chili-lime flavor I want to try.