Why do people not like Poppi soda? A deep dive into consumer critiques

Despite a rapid rise in popularity propelled by social media trends and celebrity endorsements, many consumers are questioning if the buzzy beverage truly lives up to its hype. The simple question, 'Why do people not like Poppi soda?', reveals a complex set of criticisms ranging from its taste to its alleged health benefits.

Quick Summary

Consumers cite issues with Poppi's taste, including artificial or medicinal flavors and an unpleasant aftertaste, and a weaker carbonation compared to traditional sodas. The high price and a class-action lawsuit questioning its gut health benefits are also major points of contention among critics.

Key Points

• Questionable Health Claims: Poppi's claim of meaningful gut health benefits is contested, with a lawsuit citing insufficient prebiotic fiber (2g) to be effective.

• Divisive Taste and Aftertaste: Many consumers find Poppi's flavor profiles to be artificial or medicinal, often leaving an unpleasant aftertaste from stevia and apple cider vinegar.

• Weaker Carbonation: Compared to traditional sodas, Poppi often features lighter, less satisfying carbonation, which is a letdown for many fizzy drink enthusiasts.

• High Price Point: As a premium product, Poppi's cost is significantly higher than regular soda, making it feel overpriced for consumers who are not convinced by its health claims or dislike the taste.

• Potential Digestive Issues: The prebiotic fiber (inulin) and carbonation can cause side effects like gas, bloating, and cramping in individuals with sensitive stomachs.

• Marketing vs. Reality: Critics argue that Poppi's reliance on wellness buzzwords and influencer marketing creates a perception of health that isn't fully supported by the product's nutritional profile.

Poppi entered the beverage market presenting itself as a healthier soda alternative with low sugar, low calories, and prebiotics for gut health. Its marketing and colorful packaging quickly attracted health-conscious consumers and influencers. However, consumer reviews and legal challenges indicate that for many, the product doesn't meet expectations, leading to criticism.

Taste and Flavor Expectations

A primary reason for dissatisfaction with Poppi is its taste. While some flavors are well-received, others are criticized. A recurring complaint is an unpleasant aftertaste often attributed to stevia and apple cider vinegar (ACV).

Aftertaste and Flavor Profile

• Stevia Aftertaste: Many consumers sensitive to artificial sweeteners report a distinct stevia aftertaste.
• Vinegar Tang: The ACV, included for its supposed health benefits, can be overpowering, leaving a tart or vinegary taste in some flavors.
• Medicinal or Artificial Flavors: Certain flavors are described as medicinal or similar to cheap candy rather than real fruit.

Carbonation Complaints

Another frequent criticism concerns Poppi's carbonation. Many who are used to traditional sodas find Poppi less fizzy and more watery, resulting in a less satisfying experience.

Questionable Health Claims and Lawsuit

Poppi faced a class-action lawsuit in May 2024, alleging misleading advertising and consumer fraud regarding its gut health claims.

• Insufficient Prebiotic Fiber: The lawsuit claimed that the 2 grams of prebiotic fiber (agave inulin) per can is insufficient to provide significant gut health benefits. Some dietitians agree that this amount is too low for a notable impact.
• Sugar Contradiction: The lawsuit argued that consuming enough Poppi for prebiotic benefits would also mean consuming a counterproductive amount of sugar.
• Misleading Marketing: The legal action highlighted a trend of functional beverages using health buzzwords without strong scientific backing. Poppi has settled the lawsuit while denying wrongdoing and updating its labels.

Potential Side Effects and High Cost

Dislike for Poppi also stems from potential digestive side effects and its premium price point.

Digestive Discomfort

The carbonation and inulin in Poppi can cause digestive upset in some individuals.

Common side effects may include:

• Gas and bloating
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea, especially for those sensitive to high-FODMAPs
• Nausea

The Price vs. Value Equation

Poppi is notably more expensive than traditional sodas. This price is difficult for consumers to justify if they dislike the taste or doubt the health benefits. Many prefer conventional sodas as a treat or cheaper alternatives for daily hydration.

Poppi vs. Other Prebiotic Sodas

Comparing Poppi to other prebiotic sodas reveals differences that influence consumer preference.

Feature	Poppi	Olipop	Pepsi Prebiotic Cola	Other Brands
Prebiotic Fiber Content	Approx. 2g (agave inulin/cassava)	Approx. 9g (chicory, kudzu, etc.)	Approx. 3g (corn fiber)	Varies by brand
Taste Experience	Mixed reviews; some find it artificial, weaker flavor, or detect stevia/ACV aftertaste	Described by some as saccharine or candy-like; others enjoy the flavors	More traditional cola-like taste, closely mimics diet Pepsi	Varies widely
Sweeteners	Organic cane sugar and stevia extract	Cassava root syrup and natural stevia leaf	Cane sugar and stevia extract	Varies widely
Other Notables	Includes Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)	Proprietary OLISmart blend	Closer resemblance to regular soda	Varies

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective

While Poppi can be a lower-sugar soda alternative, significant reasons exist for consumer dissatisfaction. Taste, particularly the stevia and ACV aftertaste, is a major factor. The lawsuit questioning the efficacy of its prebiotic content for gut health has also impacted its reputation. The high cost is often not seen as justified given these criticisms. Poppi might help reduce sugar intake for heavy soda drinkers, but it is not a health panacea and may not meet expectations regarding flavor or gut benefits. Whole foods rich in fiber remain a more effective source for improving gut health.

For further reading on prebiotic soda side effects, resources like the Cleveland Clinic's health blog are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Poppi soda have enough prebiotics to actually help gut health?

According to a class-action lawsuit and opinions from some dietitians, the 2 grams of prebiotic fiber (inulin) per can is likely too low to offer meaningful gut health benefits. Most of the research supporting prebiotic effects uses a higher daily dosage.

What kind of aftertaste do people complain about in Poppi?

Many reviewers report a chemical-like aftertaste caused by the stevia extract used as a sweetener. Others note a prominent tartness or vinegary tang from the apple cider vinegar.

Why does Poppi cost more than regular soda?

As a 'functional beverage' with natural ingredients and health-focused marketing, Poppi is positioned as a premium product. However, for consumers who find the taste lacking or doubt the benefits, the high price point can feel unjustified.

Can drinking Poppi cause stomach issues like bloating?

Yes, some people with sensitive digestive systems may experience side effects like bloating, gas, cramping, or diarrhea from the carbonation and prebiotic fiber (inulin) in Poppi. The effect varies by individual.

Is Poppi's Classic Cola flavor a good substitute for regular cola?

Based on consumer reviews, Poppi's Classic Cola is not a convincing substitute for a traditional cola like Coke or Pepsi. Reviews mention a medicinal taste, less fizz, and a significant difference in flavor profile.

How do Poppi's prebiotics compare to a brand like Olipop?

Olipop generally contains significantly more prebiotic fiber per can (around 9g) than Poppi (2g). However, some prefer Poppi's flavor, while others criticize Olipop's as too sweet or candy-like.

Are Poppi drinks better for you than traditional sodas?

Most dietitians agree that Poppi is a healthier alternative to full-sugar sodas due to its lower calorie and sugar content. However, experts caution against relying on it for significant gut health benefits, which are better sourced from whole foods.