Popular soda brand Poppi is facing a class-action accusation from a purchaser claiming its products do not improve gut health as much as announced.
Lawsuit Filed Against Poppi Claiming Products Don't Improve Gut Health
Kristin Cobbs filed the lawsuit last week in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, stating she bought Poppi drinks multiple times because of their labels promoting them as prebiotic sodas with the slogan, "Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy."
According to Cobbs, Poppi drinks contain only 2 grams of prebiotic agave inulin fiber, which she asserts is inadequate for providing any meaningful benefits. Her lawsuit references research indicating that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks failed to offer significant prebiotic benefits.
The lawsuit also argues that any potential prebiotic benefits from consuming more Poppi would be negated by the increased sugar intake. Cobbs is seeking financial compensation for herself and other affected customers.
Poppi, based in Austin, Texas, defended its products in a statement on Monday.
"We are committed to revolutionizing soda for the next generation of drinkers and have worked hard to create a product enjoyed by millions," the company said. "We believe the lawsuit is without merit, and we will vigorously contest these claims."
Poppi is among many brands in the swiftly developing functional beverage market, which advocates health and wellness advantages. AlixPartners' data reveals that prebiotic and probiotic drinks sales in the U.S. increased by more than three times last year.
Poppi Soda Claims Health Gut Benefits
The manufacturers of Poppi soda are being sued for claims that their drinks lack sufficient prebiotic fiber to offer "meaningful gut health benefits from just one can."
Kristin Cobbs, from San Francisco, California, filed the class action lawsuit against Texas-based VNGR Beverage LLC, which produces and sells Poppi sodas.
The lawsuit alleges that Poppi sodas contain only two grams of prebiotic fiber, requiring consumers to drink more than four cans daily to gain any potential health benefits.
However, the suit claims this would lead to consuming harmful levels of cane sugar, negating any gut health benefits and potentially harming gut health.
The lawsuit criticizes Poppi's marketing claims, stating that despite assurances on the cans that consumers can "Be Gut Happy (and) Be Gut Healthy," a nutritionist described the products as "basically sugared water."
Poppi responded to the lawsuit in a statement defending their brand and asserting that they will vigorously contest the allegations.
According to Poppi's website, their drinks combine agave inulin, apple cider vinegar, and fruit juice, containing 25 calories or less, 5 grams of sugar or less, and prebiotics. The agave inulin, extracted from the agave tequilana plant, is promoted as a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health by fueling good bacteria.
Poppi's founders, Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, gained popularity for their drink after appearing on ABC's "Shark Tank," leading to placement in Whole Foods Market stores. The complaint notes that Poppi's sales surpassed $100 million by 2024, capturing 19% of the U.S. market share.
Cobbs, who last bought Poppi sodas in March 2024, claims she believed the drinks contained prebiotics beneficial for gut health based on their labeling. Had she known the true content and potential negative effects of excessive consumption, she would not have purchased the drinks.
The lawsuit seeks restitution and other equitable monetary relief for Cobbs and others who bought Poppi sodas under similar assumptions.
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