Ingredients
Every Ingredient, Every Source, Every Reason
Most drink mixes hide behind "natural flavors" and proprietary blends. Here are all ten of our ingredients, what each one does, where it comes from, and why it's in the stick.
Created by a mother who said no to the beverage aisle.
The Ingredient Table
All of the ingredients are 100% Non-GMO, and we use Organic Cane Sugar and Organic Jerusalem Artichoke.
1. Aquamin® Magnesium (Ocean-Derived)
What it is: Magnesium harvested from Icelandic seawater via red marine algae.
Why it's in there: Supports muscle function and hydration recovery — in a bioavailable, ocean-sourced form your body recognizes, not a synthetic isolate.
Certifications: Kosher Certified, Halal Certified, EU Heatlh Certified, Allergen free, GMO Free
2. Himalayan Pink Salt
What it is: Unrefined salt with 84 naturally occurring trace minerals.
Why it's in there: Sodium for hydration — but from a whole mineral source, not isolated sodium chloride. Contributes to our 130mg of sodium per stick.
3. Organic Cane Sugar (14g per stick)
What it is: Real, organic sugar — plainly disclosed, never hidden.
Why it's in there: Sugar isn't a mistake in our formula; it's the mechanism. Glucose powers the sodium-glucose cotransport that pulls water and electrolytes into your cells faster than water alone. And when you're moving, sugar burns off. 14g per stick — compare that to the 20–30g+ in conventional sports drinks, or a glass of juice.
4. Potassium
What it is: An essential electrolyte that works alongside sodium.
Why it's in there: Fluid balance and muscle function — the teammate sodium needs to do its job properly.
5. Citric Acid
What it is: A naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruit.
Why it's in there: Tartness and pH balance — and it helps the flavor work without artificial flavorings. The difference:
- "Organic" citric acid: Produced by fermentation (usually Aspergillus niger mold feeding on sugar) using organically grown feedstock — e.g. beet or cane sugar from certified organic agriculture, no synthetic pesticides/fertilizers/GMOs.
- Industrial/conventional citric acid: Also typically made by microbial fermentation, but the sugar feedstock can be conventional (often GMO corn/beet-derived), and molasses or other byproducts may be used. Synthetic chemical synthesis exists but is rare commercially.
6. Inulin (Jerusalem Artichoke Fiber)
What it is: Prebiotic fiber from organic Jerusalem Artichoke root.
Why it's in there: Mild sweetness and texture — plus gentle prebiotic support for gut health.
7. Cold-Pressed Lemon & Lime Peel Oils
What it is: Real citrus oils, pressed from the peel.
Why it's in there: The bright, zesty flavor — without aftertaste. Cold-pressed from Italian citrus. This is what flavor looks like when you don't use "natural flavors."
8. Turmeric Extract
What it is: Nature's food coloring, part one.
Why it's in there: It gives Rebel Aid its vibrant hue — so we never need synthetic dyes like Yellow #5. That's it. That's the whole job.
9. Spirulina Extract
What it is: Nature's food coloring, part two.
Why it's in there: Works with turmeric to create our signature color. No synthetic dyes, ever.
What's NOT in Rebel Aid
What We Left Out — On Purpose
- Silica (silicon dioxide) — helps powder flow in machines, does nothing for you, may irritate digestion. Why We Skip Silica
- Natural flavors — a legal term that hides hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. If There's Nothing to Hide...
- Artificial flavors & synthetic dyes — covered in detail in The Hidden Ingredients Most Parents Never Look At
- Synthetic vitamins — our minerals come from food sources (seawater, salt deposits), not labs.
- Stevia & alternative sweeteners — explained in Why "Sweet Enough" Isn't Enough
- Caffeine — none. It has no place in a family hydration product.
Sodium: Thoughtfully Balanced, Because More Isn't Always Better
130mg per stick. Not by accident — it's our philosophy. The average American already consumes more than 3,300mg of sodium daily (CDC) — well above the recommended limit. Most families don't need to mega-dose. Per the National Athletic Trainers' Association: under 60 minutes of activity, water is generally enough; beyond that, carbs and electrolytes help. We formulated for real life — pickleball, practice, playgrounds, hot yoga — not ultra-distance events.
Read more: CDC: About Sodium and Health
References: CDC — About Sodium and Health · NATA Position Statement on Fluid Replacement
Real Story
"Before Rebel Aid, my sister used to get lightheaded in hot yoga. Now she takes one stick before class and feels a lot better — during and after." — Jenya Katsnelson, Founder
Buying Guide: Safe Use & Servings
One stick = two servings (7g sugar each) — though most people mix and drink the whole stick. For kids: ages 2–5, a half serving could be enough, depending on how active your kids are, but a full stick is safe; ages 6–12, half to full. Always consult your pediatrician. Full guidelines: Lemon Lime Electrolyte Powder for Kids & Families: Safe Use & Guidelines