What is Dry Scooping Pre Workout, Works? Is It Safe?

Updated on  February 26, 2023
William Toro

Published By:  William Toro

Fact Checked by: Bridget MacDonald, RDN


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''Dry Scooping'': Why This TikTok Trend is not safe

Nowadays, a large group of people are engaging in workouts, and some of them, if not the majority, rely on protein powders and pre workouts. However, people often resort to a quick fix and are ready to take the short road to fitness, which should never be the case. In this case, you are consuming the product, so much diligence has to go into decision-making.

With information and misinformation alike becoming easily accessible every second, it is better to stay vigilant of what you come across on the internet. Recently, dry scooping is among the many TikTok (a social media app) trends that have been going viral among users. Before further exploring how dangerous this trend is, let us briefly touch upon what dry scooping refers to.

What Does Dry Scooping Mean?

Dry Scooping

Simply put, dry scooping is when you take gym powder or supplements in their raw form, without any water as a pre workout. Most pre workout supplements or powders contain caffeine and multiple other stimulants. (1)

The primary purpose of this sort of powder is to energize and supercharge your system to enhance your exercise performance and complete your workout with more zest. (2)

Before this trend went viral, the previous practice was to add the pre workout powder in water and consume roughly thirty minutes before a workout.

There was a reason behind this act of diluting the powder. It made the drink easier on the stomach and gave enough bandwidth to the body for absorption.

However, that is not the case now. Nowadays, teenagers fill up scoops and ingest them directly without diluting. To get rid of its chalky taste, they gulp water right after. According to them, they notice some boost in energy by doing so.

The fact is that this act of dry scooping is hazardous, and it is not backed by science. Let us dive into the reasons why this is not healthy for you. (3)

Why Are People Engaging In Dry Scooping?

Although we have not come across any solid rationale behind this dangerous trend, we can highlight some possibilities after observing some followers of this trend:

  • One fellow TikToker responded that he engaged in this trend because it was convenient. But the real question here is: Is it more convenient to swallow powder or a couple of ounces of water?

  • Most folks dry scoop their supplements just a couple of minutes before entering the gym. They believe that it gives them an instant boost of energy. Moreover, they love completing their workout routine with the high that the dry scoop gives them.

  • People, especially youngsters, are engaging in this activity because it is a viral trend among gym enthusiasts, so they feel inclined to do it. No matter how dangerous the consequences might be. It is not wise to indulge in such trends just for likes and thrills. Your safety should always come first.

Why Is Dry Scooping Not Safe?

When swallowing it in one go, the powder is like a kick to your system. Since it contains caffeine, it leads to high blood pressure and heart rate levels. Some reports claim that this jolt of caffeine is equivalent to three or more cups of coffee. It is not healthy for you, and that instant rush could result in palpitations. (4)

There was also an incident where a TikToker was rushed to the hospital after she tried dry scooping. She was under treatment for high blood pressure at the hospital. The immense popularity of this unsafe trend calls for immediate concern and action. Other than raised heartbeat and palpitations, other risks are involved, which we will discuss in this article.

What Are The Components Of Pre Workout Powder?

Pre workouts or protein powder can be categorized as dietary supplements designed to help you get more out of your workout by giving some additional advantages.

Boosting energy and attention, enhancing training capacity, improving blood flow, and preventing exhaustion are just a few benefits. Research suggests the following are some of the most common components that are found in a protein powder: (5)

Simply put, dry scooping is when you take gym powder or supplements in their raw form, without any water as a pre workout. Most pre workout supplements or powders contain caffeine and multiple other stimulants. (1)

The primary purpose of this sort of powder is to energize and supercharge your system to enhance your exercise performance and complete your workout with more zest. (2)

Before this trend went viral, the previous practice was to add the pre workout powder in water and consume roughly thirty minutes before a workout.

There was a reason behind this act of diluting the powder. It made the drink easier on the stomach and gave enough bandwidth to the body for absorption.

However, that is not the case now. Nowadays, teenagers fill up scoops and ingest them directly without diluting. To get rid of its chalky taste, they gulp water right after. According to them, they notice some boost in energy by doing so.

The fact is that this act of dry scooping is hazardous, and it is not backed by science. Let us dive into the reasons why this is not healthy for you. (3)

Why Are People Engaging In Dry Scooping?

Although we have not come across any solid rationale behind this dangerous trend, we can highlight some possibilities after observing some followers of this trend:

  • One fellow TikToker responded that he engaged in this trend because it was convenient. But the real question here is: Is it more convenient to swallow powder or a couple of ounces of water?

  • Most folks dry scoop their supplements just a couple of minutes before entering the gym. They believe that it gives them an instant boost of energy. Moreover, they love completing their workout routine with the high that the dry scoop gives them.

  • People, especially youngsters, are engaging in this activity because it is a viral trend among gym enthusiasts, so they feel inclined to do it. No matter how dangerous the consequences might be. It is not wise to indulge in such trends just for likes and thrills. Your safety should always come first.

Why Is Dry Scooping Not Safe?

When swallowing it in one go, the powder is like a kick to your system. Since it contains caffeine, it leads to high blood pressure and heart rate levels. Some reports claim that this jolt of caffeine is equivalent to three or more cups of coffee. It is not healthy for you, and that instant rush could result in palpitations. (4)

There was also an incident where a TikToker was rushed to the hospital after she tried dry scooping. She was under treatment for high blood pressure at the hospital. The immense popularity of this unsafe trend calls for immediate concern and action. Other than raised heartbeat and palpitations, other risks are involved, which we will discuss in this article.

What Are The Components Of Pre Workout Powder?

Pre workouts or protein powder can be categorized as dietary supplements designed to help you get more out of your workout by giving some additional advantages.

Boosting energy and attention, enhancing training capacity, improving blood flow, and preventing exhaustion are just a few benefits. Research suggests the following are some of the most common components that are found in a protein powder: (5)

1

Caffeine

It is a strong stimulant that increases energy and attention while reducing weariness.

2

Beta-alanine

This one serves as a lactic acid pH buffer and may improve high-intensity exercise ability.

3

Creatine

It helps users perform better in high-intensity workouts and boost their training responses.

4

L-arginine

It is a body-wide activator of blood circulation and vascularity.

5

L-theanine

It is an amino acid that is commonly used to counteract the restless effects of coffee and enhance attention.

6

Citrulline malate

It is a nitric oxide stimulant that is easily converted to L-arginine

Other than this, numerous other compounds such as amino acids and stimulants are present in pre workout powders, making their use more cautious.

What Are Other Risks Of Dry Scooping?

If dry scooping is not done carefully, you might inhale the pre workout supplement and experience choking. The extra and instant power surge you feel in your body might lead you to believe that you have extra energy and hurt yourself in a gym accident.

A common and highly recommended practice is to take pre workout supplements with water. Taking dry pre workout supplements can be dangerous to one's health.

Furthermore, due to high amounts of caffeine — which may be harmful if taken in large doses — pre workout powders are typically meant for people above 18 years. Pre workout supplements may also include potentially dangerous ingredients.

This stunt is more challenging because more people partaking in it are minors. Here are some of the other risk factors that one should be wary of:

Inhaling Pre Workout Powder Accidentally

You are more likely to inhale the powder when you intake it in dry form without water, which means dry scooping. Due to its chalky nature, pre workout powder may not be easy to swallow directly. You may find yourself gasping for air, drawing the powder into your lungs and nasal passages. In severe cases, it might cause inflammation or infection in the lungs. (6)

Digestive Issues

Dry scooping also has adverse side effects on your stomach and digestive tract. The consumption of pure substances with high pH and concentrations often leads to a couple of symptoms, such as (7, 8):

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhoea


Is Dry Scooping Pre Workout Bad For Heart?

Damage To The Heart

As explained above, pre workout supplements contain a large amount of caffeine, which boosts energy, and when that limit increases, it might result in a heart attack. If immediate action is not taken, a heart attack can be fatal.


Dry Scooping Pre Workout Vs Mixing With Water

Generally speaking, pre workout powders and supplements are  a great pick for anyone wishing to get that extra boost before workout. However, as some training programs are concerned, these powders play an important role.

Pre workout powders can also provide great assistance to beginners. But, individuals should also concentrate on having a healthy and balanced diet full of nutrients before and after exercise. Moreover, learning proper exercise routines and gradually increasing their strength is best. (9)

We can not emphasize enough how massive the health risk factor is. So kindly refrain from engaging in this life-threatening dry scooping pre workout. All facts considered, for adults who do wish to use pre workout powders, let's go over some safe and healthy ways you can consume these powders without them being a health risk: 

Mix The Powder In Different Drinks

If you are not a fan of consuming protein powder with water, you can also add it to a smoothie. To make it more appealing and refreshing, you can add your favorite fruits. Anyway, whichever method you choose, make sure it is a healthy one. 

Opt For Third Party Approved Pre Workout Powders

Most pre workouts, protein powders, and other dietary supplements are not adequately regulated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it is challenging to pick a reputable brand you can trust.

To ensure your supplement is safe to consume, you should get products tested by a third party to guarantee they are free of toxins or prohibited chemicals. Protein powders that are third-party evaluated for the safety of their substances and the accuracy of their labeling are the best choice.

These protein powders are safe to use. Still, it does not mean you should start consuming them without diluting them first. It would help if you opted for those, but it is still necessary to research their ingredients before committing. 

If you are looking for strong pre workouts you can always check our article on the same.

Read The Instructions Carefully

With any new product you buy, it is important to check the labels and read any additional instructions provided with the product. You should apply the same practice when experimenting with supplements that you consume for energy boosts.

Before using any pre workout product, follow the directions on the package and check the ingredients to make sure it won't have adverse effects on your body. According to most manufacturers, health care professionals, and fitness trainers, pre workout supplements should be mixed with 237 to 473 mL of water and consumed 30 minutes before working out.

Some companies recommend that you follow dose instructions depending on your body weight since this might alter how the powder is digested in your body. You'll be considerably less likely to have serious side effects if you follow the directions on the packaging.

Lastly, it is always advised to get in touch with a professional or fitness trainer before making a significant change in your workout routine. Depending on your goal and physique, they can develop the best course of action for you.

Avoid Fake Labels

When looking for a high-quality supplement or any pre workout products, it is recommended to avoid proprietary mixtures. Stick to protein powder from sincere and trusted companies which are transparent about the components on the label. Pick the products where the ingredients found are safe and do not have any dangerous compounds mixed in so that your health will not suffer.

In A Nutshell

Your health should be your number one priority. Therefore, every new trend should be carefully researched. One should only partake in such trends when they are backed by science and have no serious downsides.

Dry scooping pre workout, which entails the consumption of pre workout powders without water is extremely dangerous for all age groups. Moreover, protein powders and pre workouts are not even recommended for people below 18. Adults who wish to consume pre workout powders must first evaluate and research the ingredients to validate their safety. After that, follow the instructions that are printed on the packaging. (10)

With a balanced diet consisting of healthy foods and all nutrients and wellness advice from a professional, you can quickly achieve your fitness goal. Do not let the supposed benefits of dry scooping sway your mind. Lastly, no matter what, dry scooping pre workout is a dangerous thing with numerous health risks, and you should never try it.

William Toro

William Toro ‧ CPT & Nutritionist


William is a certified personal trainer from NASM, he has also been a rehab physiologist for sports persons. He has more than 15 years of experience training people. And has featured in multiple publications like FoxNews, CNBC, Bustle, and other. 


Scientific Sources:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30196576/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537849/
  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-scooping-pre-workout-heart-attack
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714807/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6083567/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564131/
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538472/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25997181/
  9. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-scoop-on-protein-powder-2020030918986
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6491698/

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