“Dry scooping” refers to ingesting pre-workout supplement powder without any water. Although it’s a popular TikTok trend, it poses many health risks, including dizziness, choking, and heart attack.

Pre-workout supplements are products marketed to help boost energy levels and improve your workouts. They’re usually sold in powder form and contain ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and amino acids.

These powders are meant to be diluted in a certain amount of water before consumption.

However, people on social media platforms like TikTok are promoting “dry scooping.” This involves taking a scoop of pre-workout powder from the container and eating it straight, rather than mixing it with water and drinking it.

Proponents of dry scooping suggest that it could increase energy levels even more and enhance other possible pre-workout benefits.

However, very limited research supports any of these purported benefits. In fact, experts suggest that dry scooping may be dangerous and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Keep reading to learn more about the possible risks of dry scooping and how to properly take pre-workout.

According to a 2022 study, 86% of pre-workout supplementation videos on TikTok didn’t follow the consumption instructions from the packaging labels.

Around 31% of the videos analyzed during the study featured dry scooping, which amassed more than 8.2 million likes.

Although dry scooping is a popular trend, it’s important to note that it’s dangerous, especially for young people, who are more likely to be exposed to and influenced by these videos.

Dry scooping may increase the risk of experiencing negative side effects and possible complications from pre-workout supplements.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, consuming undiluted pre-workout means you’re more likely to get a very high dose of the ingredients at once, rather than more gradually.

Many pre-workout supplements contain high levels of caffeine, which is a stimulant. Dry scooping the supplement means you can consume 2 to 3 times the amount of caffeine in a coffee cup in one shot.

This can increase the risk of experiencing:

Some research suggests that dry scooping may also lead to more severe complications, some of which can be life threatening.

A 2023 case report found that dry scooping caused difficulty and painful swallowing, as well as severe esophageal strictures.

Some research also suggests that dry scooping can increase the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). In rare cases, it may lead to death.

If you’re considering trying pre-workout supplementation, it’s important to follow the packaging label’s instructions. This helps you get the possible pre-workout benefits while minimizing your risk of side effects and complications.

When to get immediate medical attention

Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms after dry scooping pre-workout supplements:

  • severe chest pain
  • sharp pain in your arms, chest, back, neck, or jaw
  • difficulty breathing
  • lightheadedness or dizziness
  • overwheling anxiety
  • sweating

These may be symptoms of a heart attack, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Proponents of dry scooping suggest that it may increase the effectiveness of pre-workout. In other words, it might better help increase athletic performance, energy, and recovery.

However, no studies have compared the effects of dry scooping and taking pre-workout supplements diluted with water. This may be because experts consider dry scooping dangerous.

Most pre-workout supplements are sold in powder form and should be diluted in water before consumption. Make sure to carefully read and follow each product label’s description, as the quantities of powder and water may vary.

In general, pre-workout supplements are to be mixed and consumed 30 to 60 minutes before exercising.

To take pre-workout:

  • Add 1 to 2 scoops of pre-workout into a shaker bottle.
  • Add the recommended amount of water.
  • Shake.

When you start taking pre-workout supplements, consider starting with smaller doses to see how you react. Remember, many pre-workouts contain ingredients like caffeine and beta-alanine.

If you experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, stop drinking pre-workout immediately and connect with a healthcare professional.

Dry scooping is a popular internet trend that consists of eating pre-workout powder without any water, instead of diluting it with water and mixing it.

Some people claim that dry scooping can enhance the effects of pre-workout, but no research supports this.

In fact, experts found that dry scooping is dangerous and may increase the risk of complications like dizziness, a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and a heart attack.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional before taking pre-workout supplements. Also, always read and follow the product packaging label.