What Is ‘Stacked Water’—and Is It Really Better Than the Regular Thing?

For such a simple, unassuming beverage, water is bizarrely popular on social media. If you’ve ever been bored to tears by the taste of the plain stuff, an entire community on TikTok dedicated to developing new and exciting variants has your back. Every few months, it seems, a new trend emerges from the niche informally known as WaterTok. Right now, it’s all about brewing “stacked water,” which, like its predecessors, aims to make the simple act of hydration a little more fun (and perhaps, more healthy) by adulterating H₂O with a range of mix-ins.

What is stacked water?

As the name might suggest, the stacked water trend aims to elevate plain water into a more broad-spectrum health drink. Creator @itsjeffreyshouse, who helped popularize stacked water in the first place, probably offers the most apt description in a January 14 video: “It’s basically a super water that is easy to customize with what you need.” Not only will the water itself hydrate, but “boosters” can target specific physical symptoms or performance concerns, flavoring can improve the taste, and added fiber will help increase your overall intake for the day—an increasing priority for many TikTokers thanks to the fibermaxxing craze.

To make stacked water, you start with a normal water base (either still or sparkling is fine), then add boosters like collagen (for a protein boost), creatine (for improved muscle strength and athletic performance), probiotics (for better gut health), electrolytes (for faster workout recovery), and vitamin C (for a stronger immune system); flavoring agents like honey, coconut water, or lemon juice; and a fiber source like flax seeds or chia seeds. (Plus ice for a long-lasting chill!)

For an easy-to-imitate stacked water recipe, look no further than Stackhouse’s own TikTok page. In the January 14 video, he uses two teaspoons of Vital Proteins collagen, strawberry puree, lemon juice, a scoop of Jacked Factory creatine, a Blume SuperBelly acai pomegranate “probiotic hydration powder,” and an elderberry “immunity powder” with vitamins and electrolytes, in that order. In other videos, he substitutes mango pulp and coconut water; frozen mixed berries and strawberry Liquid IV; and black cherry juice, an elderberry Emergen-C, lime juice, chia seeds, and cold brew hibiscus tea. Whatever the blend, you should end up with a colorful liquid that resembles fruit punch.

Is stacked water actually better for you?

While there are many social media fads that make pros roll their eyes or wring their hands, stacked water isn’t necessarily one of them, Ethan Balk, PhD, RDN, associate professor of clinical nutrition and the director of the master’s programs in clinical nutrition at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Development, tells SELF.