If you’re a fellow doom scroller like me, you’ve probably stumbled across the “dry scooping” challenge on TikTok. If you have no idea what language I am speaking, here's the gist: fitness influencers are taking their pre-workout powder straight to the face, no water, no mixing. Just one giant scoop swallowed dry, followed by a chaser of... ego? 😅
While it might look intense (and admittedly kind of hardcore), dry scooping isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a potentially risky one. Let’s unpack what this is all about, what’s actually in your pre-workout, and why you should stick to the directions on the label (seriously).
So, What Is Dry Scooping?
Dry scooping is when someone consumes a scoop of pre-workout powder without mixing it with water, essentially swallowing the raw powder and maybe washing it down with a sip of water. It’s meant to give a faster energy rush before hitting the gym, but it’s definitely not how these products were intended to be used.
This trend picked up steam on social media, particularly TikTok, with some users boasting about a “quick kick” or better performance in the gym. But here’s the thing: it’s not backed by science, and it might even be doing more harm than good.
What's Actually in Pre-Workout?
Pre-workouts are designed to help you train harder, longer, and with more mental focus. While every formula varies, they typically combine several ingredients that support performance, energy, and endurance.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside the new Double Wood Blue Raspberry Pre-Workout, now available at MYDFX:
Key Ingredients per scoop:
- L-Citrulline (3g) – Boosts nitric oxide production for improved blood flow and muscle pump
- Beta-Alanine (1.6g) – Helps buffer acid in muscles, delaying fatigue during high-intensity workouts
- Tyrosine (1g) – Supports mental focus and cognitive performance
- Taurine (500mg) – Aids in hydration, muscle function, and recovery
- L-Theanine (300mg) – Works synergistically with caffeine to improve alertness without the jitters
- Caffeine Anhydrous (175mg) – A moderate dose for energy and endurance
- Theobromine (50mg) – A gentle stimulant often found in dark chocolate
- TeaCrine® (30mg) – Delivers smooth, long-lasting energy without crash
- Dynamine® (30mg) – Fast-acting stimulant that sharpens focus
- Fulvic Acid (20mg) – May enhance nutrient absorption and cellular energy
Other benefits:
- GMP Certified
- Manufactured in the USA
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
How to take it: Mix one scoop with at least 8oz of cold water, stir or shake for 30 seconds, and drink 15–30 minutes before your workout. It tastes great and it's easy on the stomach, no need to dry scoop it to feel the effects.
Why Dry Scooping is Risky - According to Science
Sure, dry scooping might seem like a shortcut to superhuman energy, but here’s what actual research has found:
According to a 2023 study, dry scooping is linked to:
- Higher social media usage
- Muscle dysmorphia symptoms
- Riskier dietary practices
- Greater use of appearance- and performance-enhancing substances (APEDS)
Dry scooping increases the concentration of caffeine absorbed at once, which can shock your system. There are documented cases of chest pain, rapid heart rate, and even heart attacks, especially in people who are caffeine-sensitive or unaware of their tolerance.
Another 2024 study found that 30% of young adults use pre-workouts regularly, and social media platforms often glamorise dry scooping without warning of the side effects (3). This creates a recipe for misinformation, and in worst cases, a trip to the ER.
Final Thoughts
Dry scooping might make for an edgy TikTok, but when it comes to your heart, your health, and your performance, it’s just not worth the risk.
If you’re looking for clean energy, endurance, and better focus, use your pre-workout the way it was meant to be used. Try the new Double Wood Blue Raspberry Pre-Workout — available now at MYDFX — and give your workouts the boost they deserve (without the hospital visit).
