Poppi (drink)
Poppi is an American brand of prebiotic soda known for its "gut healthy" approach to the carbonated-beverage market. Launched in 2018, Poppi offers a variety of low-sugar flavors, each with 35 calories or less. As of 2023, the company's sales have surpassed $100 million with the sodas being available in over 120 retailers. In 2025, PepsiCo announced that they would acquire the brand. The acquisition was completed on May 19, 2025.
History
Background
Poppi was initially founded as Mother Beverage by couple Stephen and Allison Ellsworth. The pair appeared on Shark Tank under the name Mother Beverage in 2018. The name 'Mother Beverage' was a nod to the raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar used in the soda. Allison had previously worked in the oil and gas industry and initially sold apple cider vinegar-based health drinks at local farmer's markets. After they were married, she and her husband decided to start Mother Beverage in their hometown of Houston, Texas. The company received a $400,000 investment on Shark Tank from Rohan Oza, which was used to rebrand Mother Beverage. In 2020, they renamed the soda "Poppi" to attract a more youthful and modern audience.The company raised a $13.5 million series A funding round in 2021 and a $25 million Series B round in 2022.
In 2023, Poppi launched its Soda's Back ad campaign, which boosted brand visibility and in-store sales at over 120 stores, causing their revenue to surpass $100 million as of 2023. As of 2024, the brand has had partnerships with celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, Billie Eilish, Russell Westbrook, Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Munn, & Lucas Cruikshank.
In 2024, the company began to distribute some of their products in Canada.
Lawsuit
In 2024, a class-action lawsuit in California was filed against Poppi. The suit alleged that the company misled consumers with false claims about the soda's gut benefits that were not backed by scientific evidence. Though the soda does contain inulin, a naturally soluble fiber, the plaintiffs claimed that the 2 grams of fiber within the drink are too low to create a meaningful effect for gut health. This lawsuit claims that the company violates California law with false and misleading advertising. In July 2025, the company agreed to settle the suit for $8.9 million. A final hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for November 20, 2025.Acquisition by PepsiCo
In March 2025, PepsiCo announced it would acquire Poppi for $1.95 billion. The deal was completed on May 19, 2025.Marketing
Poppi Soda's brand advertising includes music and sports as brand pillars. In 2023 Poppi Soda featured music by electronic pop artist Jane & The Boy in a TV Spot. In 2024, Poppi announced a brand partnership with American rapper and singer Post Malone in the wake of his public announcement that he would cut traditional soda from his diet. Also in 2024 the brand debuted a sponsorship of the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2025, Poppi Soda ran a second consecutive Super Bowl ad featuring Jake Shane and Alix Earle.Flavors
Poppi offers a variety of low-sugar flavors, each with 35 calories or less. Available flavors include:- Classic Cola
- Root Beer
- Watermelon
- Cherry Limeade
- Grape
- Raspberry Rose
- Ginger Lime
- Lemon Lime
- Wild Berry
- Orange Cream
- Cherry Cola
- Strawberry Lemon
- Orange
- Doc Pop
- Shirley Temple
- Cream Soda
- Alpine Blast
- Cranberry Fizz
- Punch Pop