Poppi (drink)
American prebiotic soda brand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Poppi (stylized in all-lowercase as poppi) is an American brand of prebiotic soda known for its "gut healthy" approach to the carbonated-beverage market. Launched in 2018, Poppi offers a variety of low-sugar flavors, each with 35 calories or less.[2] As of 2023, the company's sales have surpassed $100 million with the sodas being available in over 120 retailers. In 2025, PepsiCo announced that they would acquire the brand. The acquisition was completed on May 19, 2025.[3]
History
Background
Poppi was initially founded as Mother Beverage by couple Stephen and Allison Ellsworth. The pair appeared on Shark Tank under the name Mother Beverage in 2018.[4] The name 'Mother Beverage' was a nod to the raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar used in the soda. Allison had previously worked in the oil and gas industry and initially sold apple cider vinegar-based health drinks at local farmer's markets. After they were married, she and her husband decided to start Mother Beverage in their hometown of Houston, Texas.[5] The company received a $400,000 investment on Shark Tank from Rohan Oza, which was used to rebrand Mother Beverage. In 2020, they renamed the soda "Poppi" to attract a more youthful and modern audience.[4]
The company raised a $13.5 million series A funding round in 2021 and a $25 million Series B round in 2022.[6]
In 2023, Poppi launched its Soda's Back ad campaign, which boosted brand visibility and in-store sales at over 120 stores, causing their revenue to surpass $100 million as of 2023.[7] As of 2024, the brand has had partnerships with celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx, Russell Westbrook, Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Munn, & Lucas Cruikshank.[8][9]
In 2024, the company began to distribute some of their products in Canada.[10]
Lawsuit
In 2024, a class-action lawsuit in California was filed against Poppi.[11] The suit alleged that the company misled consumers with false claims about the soda's gut benefits that were not backed by scientific evidence.[11][12] Though the soda does contain inulin, a naturally soluble fiber, the plaintiffs claimed that the 2 grams of fiber within the drink are too low to create a meaningful effect for gut health.[13] This lawsuit claims that the company violates California law with false and misleading advertising.[14][5] In July 2025, the company agreed to settle the suit for $8.9 million.[15] A final hearing for the lawsuit was scheduled for November 20, 2025.[11]
Acquisition by PepsiCo
In March 2025, PepsiCo announced it would acquire Poppi for $1.95 billion.[16] The deal was completed on May 19, 2025.[3]
In 2026, Poppi was launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland by PepsiCo's British bottler Carlsberg Britvic, it began being sold in Tesco and Pret a Manger. Unlike the US version, it is not marketed as a prebiotic soda due to not having enough fibre.[17]
Marketing
Poppi Soda's brand advertising includes music and sports as brand pillars. In 2023, Poppi Soda featured music by electronic pop artist Jane & The Boy in a TV Spot.[18] In 2024, Poppi announced a brand partnership with American rapper and singer Post Malone,[19] in the wake of his public announcement that he would cut traditional soda from his diet,[20] as well as a sponsorship with the Los Angeles Lakers.[21] In 2025, Poppi Soda ran a second consecutive Super Bowl ad featuring Jake Shane and Alix Earle.[22] In 2026, an ad starring Charli XCX and Rachel Sennott premiered during the Super Bowl. [23]
Flavors
Poppi offers a variety of low-sugar flavors, each with 35 calories or less.[14] Available flavors include:
- Classic Cola
- Root Beer
- Watermelon
- Cherry Limeade
- Grape
- Raspberry Rose
- Ginger Lime
- Lemon Lime
- Wild Berry
- Orange Cream
- Cherry Cola
- Strawberry Lemon
- Orange
- Doc Pop
- Shirley Temple
- Cream Soda
- Alpine Blast (citrus)
- Cranberry Fizz (seasonal)
- Punch Pop (seasonal)
- Berries & Cream
In June 2025, Poppi announced that they had reformulated their Root Beer flavour following complaints regarding the drink's weaker taste.[24]
