Poppi vs. Spindrift: What is the Better Healthier Drink?

According to dietitians, both Poppi and Spindrift are healthier than sugary sodas, but they have different health purposes. This article will break down the key differences to help decide what is better, Poppi or Spindrift.

Quick Summary

A detailed comparison of Poppi prebiotic soda and Spindrift sparkling water, highlighting differences in ingredients, sugar, flavor, and health benefits.

Key Points

• Poppi is a prebiotic soda: It contains apple cider vinegar and inulin fiber, offering a sweeter, soda-like experience with added gut-health claims.

• Spindrift is a sparkling water: It is flavored with real squeezed fruit juice, providing a cleaner, crisper taste with no added sugars.

• Poppi uses added sweeteners: Poppi contains organic cane sugar and stevia, while Spindrift relies only on the naturally occurring sugar from real fruit.

• Spindrift has fewer calories: Most Spindrift sparkling waters contain less than 15 calories, typically fewer than the under-25 calories in Poppi.

• Choose based on priority: Pick Poppi if you want a sweeter taste and potential gut health benefits; choose Spindrift for a purer ingredient list and authentic fruit flavor.

• Poppi's health claims are debated: The actual effectiveness of the small amount of prebiotics in Poppi for gut health has been questioned by dietitians and challenged by a lawsuit.

Understanding the Core Offerings

To determine what is better, Poppi or Spindrift, it's essential to understand their core identities. Poppi is a 'functional soda' marketed for its gut health benefits, incorporating prebiotics from agave inulin and apple cider vinegar. Spindrift is a simpler, fruit-flavored sparkling water that uses only real squeezed fruit and no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Personal preference will hinge on whether you prioritize functional gut health benefits and a sweeter taste or a pure, fruit-forward sparkling water experience.

Poppi: The Gut-Healthy Functional Soda

Poppi's appeal lies in its positioning as a healthier soda alternative. Each can contains prebiotics from agave inulin and apple cider vinegar, a combination intended to support digestive health. Co-founder Allison Ellsworth developed the drink after finding relief from her own gut issues with apple cider vinegar. The flavor profile is designed to mimic traditional soda, with a sweeter taste achieved using a combination of organic cane sugar and stevia.

While the concept is popular, some experts question the effectiveness of the small amount of prebiotics found in each can, with one dietitian noting most studies use at least 4 grams daily, while Poppi contains only around 2 grams. A class-action lawsuit also challenged the extent of its gut health benefits. Still, for consumers seeking a bubbly drink with fewer calories and less sugar than conventional soda, Poppi remains a flavorful option.

Pros of Poppi

• Gut Health Focus: Contains prebiotics and ACV for potential digestive benefits.
• Sweeter Taste: Designed to satisfy soda cravings with a sweeter profile.
• Low Sugar and Calories: With 5g or less of sugar and under 25 calories per can, it's a lighter alternative to traditional soda.
• Wide Flavor Variety: Offers a range of flavors, including soda-inspired options like Classic Cola and Root Beer.

Cons of Poppi

• Potential Aftertaste: Some consumers report a noticeable stevia or artificial-tasting aftertaste.
• Questionable Efficacy: The prebiotic content is lower than what is often used in research, and its health claims have been challenged.
• Contains Added Sugar: Uses organic cane sugar, unlike Spindrift which has no added sugar.

Spindrift: The Real Fruit Sparkling Water

Spindrift stands out for its simplicity and commitment to real ingredients. It is a sparkling water flavored exclusively with real squeezed fruit juice, containing no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or natural flavorings. This results in a cleaner, crisper flavor profile that is more subtle and less sweet than Poppi. The calorie and sugar content are extremely low, derived naturally from the fruit itself.

Spindrift's positioning is about pure, authentic refreshment. It appeals to those who prefer the taste of genuine fruit over sweetened soda-like drinks. While it doesn't offer the functional gut health benefits marketed by Poppi, its clean ingredient list makes it an excellent choice for straightforward, guilt-free hydration.

Pros of Spindrift

• Real Ingredients Only: Made with just sparkling water and real fruit juice; no added sugars or sweeteners.
• Pure Flavor: Offers an authentic, clean fruit taste.
• Extremely Low Calorie/Sugar: Often has single-digit calories and minimal sugar per can.
• Great Mixer: The simple flavor profile makes it a versatile mixer for cocktails and mocktails.

Cons of Spindrift

• Less Sweet: May not satisfy a strong craving for sweetness like Poppi can.
• No Functional Benefits: Does not provide the specific gut health benefits found in Poppi.
• Subtle Flavor: Some flavors can be quite light and may not appeal to those who prefer a bold taste.

Poppi vs. Spindrift: At a Glance

Feature	Poppi	Spindrift	Recommended For
Key Differentiator	Functional Prebiotic Soda with ACV	Sparkling Water with Real Squeezed Fruit Juice	People seeking a gut-health boost or a sweeter, soda-like taste.
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Primary Ingredients	Sparkling water, organic cane sugar, stevia, agave inulin, apple cider vinegar	Sparkling water, real fruit juice/puree	Individuals who prefer a clean label and authentic fruit flavor.
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Sweeteners	Organic cane sugar and stevia	Naturally occurring sugars from real fruit juice only	Anyone sensitive to artificial sweeteners or added sugar.
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Sugar Content	<= 5g added sugar per can	Naturally occurring sugar, often < 5g total	Health-conscious drinkers watching their sugar intake.
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Calories	<= 25 calories per can	Usually under 15 calories per can	Calorie-counters or those seeking the absolute lowest calorie option.
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Flavor Profile	Sweeter, tangy, and soda-like; some report an aftertaste	Crisp, authentic, and sometimes tart or subtle fruit flavor	Drinkers who want a refreshing, pure, and less sweet beverage.
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Key Benefit	Potential gut health support from prebiotics and ACV	Simple, clean hydration with real fruit flavor	Hydration enthusiasts who love true fruit essence.

Making Your Choice

The ultimate choice between Poppi and Spindrift comes down to personal health goals and taste preferences. If you are a former soda drinker looking for a sweet, low-sugar replacement with the added possibility of digestive benefits, Poppi is an excellent candidate. The diverse flavor range and satisfying sweetness can help transition away from traditional sugary drinks.

Conversely, if your priority is a pure, clean-label beverage with minimal calories and no added sugars, Spindrift is the superior choice. Its focus on real fruit juice provides a refreshing and authentic taste that is a clear step up from artificially flavored sparkling waters. For those wary of the effectiveness of Poppi's prebiotic claims, Spindrift represents a transparent and simple option. The choice becomes a trade-off between functional promise and ingredient purity.

Ultimately, neither is 'better' in an absolute sense, but one will likely be a better fit for your lifestyle. Consider trying a few cans of each to see which flavor profile and feel you enjoy most. For some, the ideal solution might be to enjoy both depending on their mood—a Poppi for a sweeter craving and a Spindrift for a crisp, light refreshment. The rise of these healthier beverage options indicates a growing consumer demand for drinks that taste good while contributing positively to one's wellness journey.

To learn more about the scientific basis of prebiotics and their role in gut health, refer to informative resources like this one from the Cleveland Clinic: What Are Prebiotics and What Foods Contain Them?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spindrift have any added sweeteners?

No, Spindrift sparkling water contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. The sweetness comes exclusively from the real squeezed fruit juice used for flavoring.

What is the taste difference between Poppi and Spindrift?

Poppi has a sweeter, more soda-like flavor profile due to added cane sugar and stevia, with some reporting a tangy or artificial aftertaste. Spindrift offers a crisper, more authentic fruit taste that is less sweet and can be tart.

Is the prebiotic content in Poppi effective for gut health?

The effectiveness of the prebiotics in Poppi is debated. Some dietitians note that the amount of prebiotic fiber per can (around 2g) is lower than the doses used in many studies, and the brand has faced legal challenges regarding its health claims.

Which drink has fewer calories, Poppi or Spindrift?

Spindrift generally has fewer calories than Poppi. Most Spindrift sparkling waters are under 15 calories per can, while Poppi has under 25 calories per can.

Is Poppi or Spindrift better for hydration?

Both drinks can contribute to hydration. However, for simple, pure hydration without any added sugars or functional ingredients, Spindrift is arguably the better choice due to its clean and simple composition.

Can I drink Poppi or Spindrift while on a diet?

Both can be suitable for a balanced diet as lower-sugar alternatives to conventional soda. Spindrift, with its minimal calories and lack of added sugar, is often a purer low-calorie option, while Poppi offers a satisfying, sweeter taste with controlled calories and sugar.

Do Spindrift's flavors taste authentic?

Yes, Spindrift is widely praised for its authentic fruit flavors because it uses real squeezed fruit juice, not 'natural flavorings.' This results in a cleaner, more genuine taste.