It’s hot. When I come back inside after my daily run, I’m drenched. I can feel all the hydration in my body seeping out of my skin.
With a new focus on staying hydrated this summer, I’ve been cycling through many of the most popular hydration packets to see how they perform (and how I feel). Blume SuperBelly hydration powder packets blend the benefits of gut health prebiotics with hydration power.
A healthy gut is a pivotal part of our health, impacting more things than you might expect, like our immune system, digestion and serotonin production. It removes toxins from the body and absorbs nutrients from our food. Signs of an unhealthy gut microbiome include bloating, gas, mood changes, digestive issues and skin rashes.
Your hydration levels influence the balance and health of your microbiome and digestion. SuperBelly powders check both boxes at once.
What are Blume SuperBelly powders?
Many people are focused on their guts to eliminate bloating and discomfort. Healing your gut at home might involve eating gut-friendly foods, prioritizing sleep, exercising and taking probiotic supplements.
Blume SuperBelly hydration pouches combine prebiotics sourced from Jerusalem artichoke, probiotic live cultures, apple cider vinegar and electrolytes. These powders aim to strengthen your gut and keep you hydrated by using BC30, a common probiotic ingredient in many foods and beverages. SuperBelly is also well-researched, with over 45 published papers confirming its safety and stability. It is also GRAS certificated, non-GMO project verified and organic compliant.
Blume
To make a glass of SuperBelly water, pour the packet into cold water, shake or stir it with ice and go. If you don’t have a water bottle or tumbler to shake, don’t sweat it. I was able to mix it up with a fork just fine. The packaging warns that a little bit of sediment at the bottom of your glass is normal, which I noticed. I could look past that pretty easily, but it could be a blocker for some people. I recommend drinking it with ice or when it’s cold. (I didn’t like it as much when it was warm.)
Taylor Leamey/CNETTurns out they’re surprisingly good
I’m not a massive fan of packets that you mix in water. Most of them taste funky or have a gritty feel in my mouth. I was cautiously optimistic that the Blume SuperBelly hydration pouches would break the streak. I tried all the flavors — mango passionfruit, strawberry hibiscus, acai pomegranate and lemon ginger — and they were surprisingly tasty. (My favorites were the strawberry hibiscus and the mango passionfruit.) To make the flavor less potent, you can easily add more water.
These packets don’t include sugar but have stevia extract, which is a divisive flavor. The classic stevia aftertaste is a tad bitter, but that’s the trade-off. I don’t think it’s too strong, but if you dislike stevia, you’ll definitely notice it.
Taylor Leamey/CNETThe final verdict
Though I enjoy the flavor of the Blume SuperBelly hydration patches, I have no idea if my gut is doing any better than it was. I haven’t had my microbiome measured, so I can’t say.
But after running, I feel refreshed. Sitting down and enjoying a glass of Blume SuperBelly hydration after my workouts has become a ritual.
SuperBelly powders come in three bundle options: one pack of 15 servings ($32), two packs of 30 servings ($60) and three packs of 45 servings ($84). The pricing is consistent across flavors. You can subscribe and save 20%, knocking a single pack down to only $25.60.
The cost does feel a little inflated to me, especially when I compare others like Ultima, which offers a 14-serving pack for only $22.99. That said, I don’t think SuperBelly is unreasonable for its price. Another popular option, Belliwelli, sells its on-the-go fiber and probiotic packs for $22.99 for 10 packets. That’s roughly $2.30 per packet. SuperBelly is $2.13 per packet.
After a few weeks of testing, I see the appeal of the Blume SuperBelly packets. They’re easy to take on the go, and the flavor is pretty good. Are they something everyone needs? Probably not. You could focus on drinking enough water and packing your diet with gut-friendly foods to skip the cost.
However, if you struggle with staying hydrated in the heat or are working toward healing your gut, SuperBelly powders are a good option.
Specs:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Tariff-free and duty-free pricing
- Available in 15 servings ($32), 30 servings ($60) and 45 servings ($84)
- Option to subscribe and save or place a one-time order
- Sugar free
- Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free