The 2024 Class-Action Lawsuit: 'Gut Healthy' Claims Under Fire
The central issue in the Poppi controversy is a class-action lawsuit filed in May 2024, challenging the brand's marketing claims of promoting gut health. The lawsuit alleged that the amount of prebiotic fiber in each can—2 grams of agave inulin—was insufficient to provide any meaningful benefits and that consuming enough to see an effect would mean also consuming excessive sugar. Although Poppi denied the allegations, they agreed to an $8.9 million settlement in July 2025 to resolve the case, allowing consumers who purchased the product during a specific period to seek a refund.
The Influencer Marketing Backlash
Poppi also faced public criticism for its influencer marketing campaign, particularly around the 2025 Super Bowl, where they sent expensive branded vending machines to influencers. This move was widely seen as wasteful and out-of-touch, leading to negative social media reactions and comparisons with competitors. Poppi's co-founder later apologized for the backlash.
Scientific Scrutiny: Are Prebiotic Sodas a Myth?
The effectiveness of prebiotic sodas like Poppi in promoting gut health is a subject of debate among nutrition experts. While prebiotics are beneficial fibers that feed gut bacteria, the 2 grams of agave inulin in Poppi may not be enough to provide significant benefits, and experts often recommend obtaining prebiotics from whole foods. Additionally, agave inulin can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
Comparing Poppi to Competitors
The market for prebiotic sodas includes brands like Olipop and Culture Pop. These brands differ from Poppi in their key prebiotic ingredients, fiber content, flavor profiles, and calorie counts, offering consumers various alternatives in the functional beverage space.
| Feature | Poppi | Olipop | Culture Pop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Prebiotic | Agave Inulin, Cassava Root Fiber | Chicory Root Fiber, Jerusalem Artichoke, Cassava Root Fiber | Live Probiotics, Prebiotic Fiber |
| Primary Health Claim | Gut health from prebiotics and apple cider vinegar | Comprehensive gut health from fiber-rich plant botanicals | Live probiotics and naturally fermented flavor |
| Fiber Content | Lower (approx. 2g per can) | Higher (approx. 9g per can) | Contains prebiotics and fermented ingredients |
| Flavor Profile | Fruit-forward, tangy taste from apple cider vinegar | Richer, more classic soda flavors | Variety of unique, fruit-based flavors |
| Calorie Count | Lower (approx. 20-25 calories per can) | Higher (approx. 35-50 calories per can) | Lower (approx. 45 calories per can) |
Navigating Wellness Claims: What Consumers Should Know
The Poppi controversy underscores the importance of consumer awareness regarding wellness product claims. It is advisable to carefully read labels, prioritize whole foods for fiber and nutrients, be cautious about relying on supplements for significant health benefits, and maintain skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims.
Conclusion
The controversies surrounding Poppi, including the lawsuit over its gut health claims and the influencer marketing backlash, highlight the scrutiny faced by functional beverages. While positioned as a 'gut healthy' option, the scientific consensus suggests the prebiotic benefits from a single can of Poppi are minimal. Poppi may serve as a lower-sugar alternative to traditional sodas, but it is not a substitute for a balanced diet rich in whole foods, which remains the most effective approach to supporting gut health.
