When you’re pushing through a tough workout or logging miles in the heat, few things can throw you off more than a cramp. As temps rise and sweat sessions get more intense, cramps are just a straight-up buzzkill. While there are plenty of remedies floating around out there, one of the more surprising ones to gain traction in recent years is… pickle juice.
Yep, we first talked about this quirky recovery method a few years back, and now we’re checking in again—this time with a look at SuckerPunch Pickles.
Read all our Test Kitchen Features here!
To be honest, I’ve never been big on the idea of downing straight pickle juice (even though I do love pickles), so I passed on trying their pickle shots myself. But plenty of more hardcore athletes are all in—including Olympian Shari Hawkins, who swears by them. These hydration shots are designed to work fast, delivering a hit of natural electrolytes straight from pickle brine to help prevent cramps and support muscle recovery. They’re packed with essentials like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
You can grab a 12-count box in either classic or spicy for $23.99.
Now, while I skipped the hydration shots, I definitely didn’t pass on the pickle snack packs. I’m always on the lookout for healthier snack options (success rate: about 60%, give or take), and these single-serve packs are a great option. With four different flavor varieties and fewer than 40 calories per pack, they’re perfect for quick snacking.
If you’re a pickle fan, they’re super convenient for on-the-go munching, tossing on a sandwich, or—my personal favorite—adding to a bowl of cottage cheese for a high-protein, flavor-packed snack.
- Kosher Dill
- Bread & Butter
- Spicy Dill
- Three Pepper
Since they come in individual pouches, they’re way more portable than your typical pickle jar. A six-pack runs about $15, or you can stock up with a 12-pack for $25.




