Who Shouldn't Drink Poppi? A Look at Potential Health Concerns

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition experts, people with sensitive digestive systems, like those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), are among the key groups who shouldn't drink Poppi. This prebiotic soda, like others on the market, contains ingredients that can trigger uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects for certain individuals, despite its marketing as a gut-healthy beverage.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines specific health considerations and groups who should avoid or limit Poppi consumption. It covers digestive sensitivities to inulin, risks for those with specific medical conditions like IBS or IBD, concerns for pregnant women and children, and highlights side effects such as bloating and gas.

Key Points

IBS Sufferers: Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive disorders should avoid Poppi, as its prebiotic fiber (agave inulin) can trigger gas, bloating, and other painful symptoms.
Those New to Fiber: People not accustomed to a high-fiber diet should introduce prebiotics slowly, as a sudden increase can lead to digestive distress.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended, as some ingredients could potentially cause stomach upset for the mother or infant.
Individuals with Plant Allergies: The chicory fiber used in some prebiotic sodas may trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family, such as chamomile or sunflowers.
Those Seeking Significant Gut Health Benefits: Due to its minimal prebiotic content, Poppi is an inefficient source of gut-beneficial fiber compared to whole foods and should not be relied upon as a primary gut health booster.
Anyone Avoiding Sugars or Carbonation: Though lower in sugar than traditional sodas, Poppi still contains sweeteners and its carbonation can exacerbate bloating and gas for sensitive individuals.

Understanding the Ingredients and Their Impact

Poppi soda's core formula includes prebiotic agave inulin, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and fruit juices. While marketed for gut health, a recent lawsuit questioned whether the minimal amount of prebiotic fiber—only two grams per can—provides any significant benefit. For some people, these ingredients can do more harm than good, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions or sensitivities. The fermentation of prebiotic fibers like inulin can produce gas, leading to a range of uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

Individuals with Digestive Sensitivities

One of the most important groups who shouldn't drink Poppi are individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or colitis, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). These conditions make the digestive system highly sensitive to fermentable carbohydrates like inulin, which is classified as a high-FODMAP ingredient. Consuming Poppi can trigger or worsen symptoms, including gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Even for people without a diagnosed condition, introducing a high-fiber ingredient like inulin too quickly can cause discomfort.

Pregnant Women and Children

Medical and nutritional experts advise caution for certain vulnerable populations. For pregnant women, consulting a doctor before consuming prebiotic sodas like Poppi is recommended. While Poppi's website states it is generally safe during pregnancy, experts like OB-GYNs still recommend prudence due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset from prebiotic ingredients. The same cautious approach applies to children. While Poppi is not explicitly forbidden, a whole-food diet is a superior source of fiber and nutrients for growing bodies. Inulin may cause unwanted side effects in children and the apple cider vinegar content could be a concern with excessive consumption.

People with Allergies

Those with specific allergies should also be cautious. Poppi and other prebiotic drinks sometimes contain ingredients derived from certain plant families. For example, some prebiotic fiber is derived from chicory root, a plant in the daisy family. People with allergies to related plants, such as daisies, dandelions, sunflowers, or chamomile, may experience an allergic reaction. Always read the label carefully to identify potential allergens.

Potential Side Effects and Why They Happen

Poppi's side effects are primarily linked to its prebiotic fiber and carbonation. The fermentation process in the gut is a natural part of digestion, but an overload of fermentable fibers can result in an overproduction of gas. For those new to high-fiber drinks or with sensitive digestion, this can cause significant discomfort. The carbonation in soda can also contribute to gas and bloating.

Comparison: Poppi vs. Whole Food Prebiotics


Feature	Poppi Prebiotic Soda	Whole Food Prebiotics
Primary Source	Isolated fiber (agave inulin)	Natural plant sources (bananas, garlic, onions)
Fiber Content	2 grams per can	Varies widely, often higher
Scientific Evidence	Limited, claims disputed by lawsuits	Supported by extensive nutritional science
Associated Risks	Bloating, gas, cramps; low efficacy debated	Generally safe; minor adjustment period for some
Nutritional Profile	Low sugar, low calorie; minimal added nutrients	Rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
Best For...	Occasional treat for a healthier soda alternative	Regular, foundational gut health support

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, whether you should drink Poppi depends on your individual health profile and sensitivities. While it's marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional soda, it is not a miracle health tonic. For most people without underlying digestive issues, a can in moderation is likely fine. However, individuals with IBS, IBD, SIBO, or other digestive sensitivities should proceed with caution and may experience significant discomfort. Pregnant women and those with allergies should consult a healthcare provider before consuming. The low prebiotic content and sugar levels mean whole foods remain a far superior source of genuine gut health support. Always read the label and listen to your body.

To learn more about the complexities of functional beverages and their health claims, see this comprehensive guide from a nutrition and wellness perspective: Is Poppi Good For You? The Facts Behind the Trend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Poppi can cause bloating and gas, especially for people with sensitive digestive systems or those who aren't used to a lot of fiber. The prebiotic fiber, inulin, is fermented by gut bacteria, which produces gas as a byproduct.

Poppi's manufacturer claims it is safe during pregnancy, but medical experts suggest caution and recommend consulting a doctor. Some ingredients, including prebiotics and apple cider vinegar, could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Inulin is a type of prebiotic fiber found in Poppi that can be difficult to digest for some people. For individuals with IBS or other gut sensitivities, it can lead to uncomfortable side effects like bloating, gas, and cramping.

Yes. People with allergies to plants in the daisy family, like daisies, dandelions, and chamomile, should be cautious. Some prebiotic fiber is derived from chicory root, which is in the daisy family and could cause a reaction.

No. Poppi contains only 2 grams of prebiotic fiber per can, which is a negligible amount for producing meaningful gut health benefits, as alleged in a recent class-action lawsuit.

Poppi contains significantly less sugar than traditional sodas, making it a potentially healthier alternative for heavy soda drinkers. However, its other ingredients can still cause digestive issues for sensitive individuals, and it shouldn't be mistaken for a true health drink.

While Poppi's website indicates it is safe for children, many health experts advise moderation and suggest whole-food sources are superior for fiber. It's best to consult a pediatrician regarding consumption by children.

Excellent alternatives to Poppi for improving gut health include whole foods rich in natural prebiotics, such as bananas, oats, garlic, onions, and asparagus. Staying properly hydrated with plain water or herbal teas is also beneficial.