Is OLIPOP Soda or Carbonated Water?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the OLIPOP website, the company was founded to create a 'new kind of soda' that tastes delicious while supporting digestive health. This mission clarifies that OLIPOP is not plain carbonated water but a hybrid functional beverage designed to be a healthier alternative to sugary traditional sodas.

Quick Summary

OLIPOP is a prebiotic soda, a functional carbonated beverage formulated with fiber and botanicals to support gut health, distinguishing it from both sugary traditional sodas and unflavored sparkling water.

Key Points

Functional Beverage: OLIPOP is categorized as a functional beverage, not a traditional soda or plain sparkling water, due to its purposeful blend of ingredients for health benefits.
Prebiotic Fiber: It contains a proprietary OLISMART blend of prebiotic fibers and botanicals that feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health.
Low Sugar: Unlike traditional sodas loaded with sugar, OLIPOP contains only 2-5 grams per can, using natural sweeteners like stevia and allulose instead.
Supports Gut Health: The primary goal is to support the microbiome, setting it apart from empty-calorie soft drinks and simple hydration.
Hybrid Drink: It provides the familiar fizzy taste of soda but is nutritionally superior, offering a healthier way to enjoy a sweet, carbonated beverage.
Better Alternative: It serves as an excellent replacement for sugary sodas but should be consumed in moderation and not be the sole source of dietary fiber.

What Defines OLIPOP?

OLIPOP is a functional beverage, a category that blurs the line between a traditional soda and a health-conscious drink. While it contains the essential ingredient of all fizzy drinks—carbonated water—it is the blend of other unique, beneficial ingredients that sets it apart and disqualifies it from being classified as simple carbonated water. The product uses a proprietary blend of botanicals and prebiotic fibers called OLISMART to deliver on its promise of promoting gut and digestive health.

The Role of Ingredients

To understand what OLIPOP is, you must look beyond the bubbles and examine the unique ingredients that are included in every can. Its formulation is built around the concept of a healthier alternative to conventional soda, offering flavor and fizz but with tangible, research-backed nutritional content.

Here is a list of the key ingredients found in OLIPOP:

Carbonated Water: The base of the drink, providing the satisfying fizz.
OLISMART Blend: The proprietary mix of prebiotic fibers and botanicals. The exact blend can vary slightly between the refrigerated and pantry-stable versions, but it generally includes:
- Cassava Root Fiber
- Chicory Root Inulin
- Jerusalem Artichoke Inulin
- Marshmallow Root Extract
- Nopal Cactus Extract
- Calendula Flower Extract
- Kudzu Root Extract
Natural Sweeteners: Low-calorie, natural options like stevia, monk fruit, and allulose are used to provide sweetness without relying on high fructose corn syrup.
Real Fruit Juice Concentrates: A small amount of juice from fruits like grape, pineapple, or apple is added for flavor.
Himalayan Pink Salt: Included for flavor enhancement.

OLIPOP vs. Traditional Soda vs. Carbonated Water

To fully grasp what OLIPOP is, comparing it to the other drinks it resembles is helpful. While it has the taste profile of a soda, its nutritional makeup is closer to a wellness beverage. Simple carbonated water, in contrast, serves a very different purpose.


Feature	OLIPOP (Prebiotic Soda)	Traditional Soda (e.g., Coca-Cola)	Plain Carbonated Water (e.g., Seltzer)
Primary Goal	Gut health and digestive support.	Sweet flavor and refreshment.	Simple hydration and fizz.
Key Ingredients	Carbonated water, prebiotic fibers, botanicals, natural sweeteners, fruit juice.	Carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, caramel coloring, artificial flavors.	Carbonated water, sometimes added minerals.
Sugar Content	Very low (2-5g per can).	Very high (30-40g+ per can).	0g.
Nutritional Benefit	High in fiber (6-9g), prebiotics, and botanicals for gut health.	None; often considered "empty calories".	None; provides hydration.
Health Impact	Can be a beneficial part of a balanced diet; potential for digestive support.	Linked to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues.	Generally healthy and hydrating.

Is OLIPOP Good for You? Addressing the "Healthy" Claim

While OLIPOP is a significant improvement over sugary traditional sodas, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective on its health benefits. The beverage contains prebiotic fiber, which nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. This is a definite advantage over traditional soda, which offers no such benefits and is high in refined sugar. However, some nutritionists caution against relying solely on prebiotic drinks for fiber intake, emphasizing that whole foods remain the best source.

Potential Benefits

Reduced Sugar Intake: With only 2-5 grams of sugar per can, OLIPOP is a great way to satisfy a soda craving without the sugar crash associated with high-fructose corn syrup.
Digestive Support: The added fiber and botanicals are intended to support gut health and feed the microbiome. For some individuals, this can aid digestion and promote regularity.
Flavor Variety: For those seeking a healthier alternative, the wide range of classic soda-inspired flavors can make the transition away from conventional sodas easier and more enjoyable.

Considerations and Moderation

Fiber Tolerance: The high fiber content may cause bloating or gas for some individuals, especially those with pre-existing digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Start with one can and monitor your body's reaction.
Health Claims: While research-backed, the extent of the health benefits from one prebiotic soda per day is debated by some experts who advocate for whole food sources of fiber.
Cost: OLIPOP is more expensive than traditional sodas or sparkling water due to its higher quality, functional ingredients.

The Final Verdict: Neither, But a Better Alternative

In conclusion, OLIPOP is neither a traditional soda nor plain carbonated water. It occupies a unique, "functional beverage" space by combining the carbonated fizz of a soda with a research-backed prebiotic and botanical blend designed for digestive health. It is a delicious, low-sugar alternative for those who enjoy fizzy drinks but want to avoid the negative health impacts of conventional soda. While it's not a magical cure-all for gut health, it can certainly be a step in the right direction for replacing less healthy choices. By offering a similar flavor profile with added fiber and fewer processed ingredients, OLIPOP provides a truly modern take on a classic beverage. As always, moderation and a diverse diet remain key to overall wellness, but for a fizzy treat, OLIPOP offers a compelling, health-conscious choice.

OLIPOP Website - Our Ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

No, OLIPOP is not the same as sparkling water. While both are carbonated, plain sparkling water is simply water with added carbonation, whereas OLIPOP is a functional beverage with added prebiotic fibers, botanicals, natural sweeteners, and fruit juice.

The main difference lies in the ingredients and nutritional content. Regular sodas are typically high in added sugar, while OLIPOP uses natural, low-calorie sweeteners and includes prebiotic fiber and botanicals to support gut health.

Yes, OLIPOP contains a small amount of sugar, typically 2-5 grams per can, which often comes from fruit juice concentrate and other natural sources like cassava root syrup. It does not use high-fructose corn syrup.

Yes, OLIPOP is generally considered suitable for a keto diet, as it is low in sugar and net carbs. Some of its natural sweeteners, like allulose and stevia, do not impact blood sugar levels significantly.

It is considered healthier because it contains significantly less sugar and calories than traditional sodas. It also provides functional benefits through its prebiotic fibers and botanicals, which support digestive health.

For some individuals, especially those not accustomed to a high-fiber diet, excessive consumption of OLIPOP may cause gas, bloating, or other digestive discomfort. It's recommended to start with one can and consume it in moderation.

OLIPOP is widely available in many major retailers, including health food stores and larger supermarkets. It can often be found in the refrigerated section near other functional beverages like kombucha, or in the soda aisle for pantry-friendly packs.