A Sour Trend: Pickle Juice

Pickle juice is trending for 2018. If you think I’m joking, I’m not! Pickle-flavored foods are hitting the market too, including chips, beer, candy canes, soup and sodas. Places like Sonic Drive-In are hoping to make pickle slushies the “it” drink this summer, as this sweet and sour drink will be added to the menu.

Before you go rushing off to buy your pickle-flavored something, remember to look at the ingredients and how much sugar, salt and other potential unwanted ingredients are featured in these products.

The concept of drinking pickle juice for health isn’t entirely unfounded. Over the years some Rebooters have shared about drinking pickle juice while doing a juice-only reboot. They say that drinking the juice from their jar of pickles has helped their energy stay up and their appetite down.

This juice is perfectly fine to consume, in small quantities. In fact, it’s an easy way to up your sodium, which helps to keep the water in the cells. It offers electrolytes and the strong flavor can help keep the appetite at bay.

While doing a juice-only Reboot, your sodium intake can decline. Adding in extra sodium via broth or pickle juice can be an easy way to naturally increase your levels.

Here’s what to look for in your pickle juice.

The Pros

• If the ingredient list doesn’t contain added sugar or very little then it’s certainly a salty drink that you can enjoy if you have been exercising intensely and/or profusely sweating.
• If you enjoy a low calorie drink that is sugar free, then it’s fine, especially if you feel the need to rehydrate.
• This drink will offer digestive support due to the vinegar content, check out the benefits of apple cider vinegar.
• The sodium, vitamin and minerals can offer benefit both pre- and post-exercise.

The Cons

• Some juices and sodas can contain up to 40g of sugar, which is not something anyone is in need of, so in this case avoid.
• Many of the new pickle trend products are still processed junk foods and full of nasties that are best avoided.
• The expense is certainly a con when you evaluate what you’re getting, mostly water with a smidge of vinegar, salt, dill flavor (not even the real thing), and a low dose of extra vitamins and minerals.
• Watch out for artificial additives and aim for natural ingredients only.
• Be mindful that soda will include loads of sugar while the juice is likely to not contain any, so be sure to read the labels.

Want to make your own healthy pickle-based drink? Try this recipe.

Homemade Pickle Juice
It’s easy to make up your own pickle drink with some dill pickle juice, apple cider vinegar, sea salt and a little honey to enjoy the benefits of pickle juice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water or coconut water (for extra potassium and electrolytes)
• 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (from the dill pickle jar)
• 1-½ teaspoon honey (optional)
• ½ tsp of salt

Directions
Mix all ingredients and enjoy!