Poppi's Rise to Fame: Celebrity Endorsements and Funding Rounds
If you have a youngster on TikTok, you've likely heard them raving about Poppi, the so-called 'healthy' soft drink championed by influencers such as Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez. With near-endless celebrity endorsements, this brand has become a major sensation in America. Launched in 2018 as a 'gut-friendly' alternative, Poppi has aggressively pursued publicity from the outset.
Original founders Stephen and Allison Ellsworth secured a £300,000 investment on the reality series Shark Tank, akin to the UK's Dragon's Den. This was followed by substantial funding rounds of £10 million in 2021 and £20 million in 2022. The capital appears to have been strategically used to finance brand deals with celebrities, who are often seen posing with the vibrant cans, perhaps without delving too deeply into the health assertions.
Extravagant Marketing and Major Acquisition
Poppi seems determined to maintain its headline presence, even through what some deem ridiculous stunts. Ahead of the 2025 Superbowl, the company dispatched vending machines stocked with the fizzy drink to 32 influencers, with estimates suggesting a cost of around £20,000 per machine. Poppi's management disputes this figure but has not provided alternative numbers. Vice magazine labelled the campaign 'absurdly extravagant'.
Despite such negative press, Poppi's owners are reaping significant financial rewards. In 2025, PepsiCo acquired the brand for a staggering £1.46 billion. Reports indicate that Poppi generates approximately £400 million in annual turnover, underscoring its commercial success.
Scientific Scrutiny of Poppi's Health Claims
Each can of Poppi contains about 30 calories and between 4g and 5g of sugar, varying by flavour. This compares favourably to the recommended daily sugar allowance of 30g, with a standard Coca-Cola boasting 39g. Poppi Sodas include an added 3g of fibre derived from cassava root and agave inulin.
On the Yuka app, which assesses products for health impact, Poppi's Raspberry Rose flavour scores 58/100, while Strawberry Lemon receives 47/100 due to additives. In contrast, a standard Coca-Cola rates 0/100. However, the health benefits are contentious.
Legal Challenges and Expert Opinions
In 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Poppi in California, alleging that the company misled consumers with false claims about gut benefits. The suit argued that the 2 grams of fibre per drink are insufficient to meaningfully affect gut health. By July 2025, Poppi agreed to a £7 million settlement.
Dietitian Rebecca Russell explained to Healthline that Poppi's fibre content is too low, noting that 3-10 grams of prebiotic fibres daily are typically needed to alter the gut microbiome. She also highlighted that Poppi lacks fibre diversity, which is crucial for gut health.
Nutritionist Tiffany Ma added that the inclusion of agave inulin can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating and cramping, especially since liquids like Poppi undergo minimal digestion, potentially exacerbating these effects.
Rob Hobson, author of The Low Appetite Cookbook, echoed these concerns, stating that the fibre does not provide the broader nutritional profile found in beans, vegetables, and grains. He also pointed out that while sugar content is low, the sodas still rely on a mix of sugar and sweeteners like stevia.
Essentially, Poppi is more akin to a flavoured soft drink than a health product. Hobson advises, 'There are healthier options you could choose from,' suggesting fizzy water as a better alternative for those seeking bubbles.
Taste Test and Personal Experience
As a Gen Z individual who frequently uses TikTok as a news source, I succumbed to the Poppi hype. I replaced my Diet Coke with a £3.75 can from Pret, finding it delicious—similar to a lemon and lime seltzer without alcohol, and without the sugary residue on teeth associated with full-sugar sodas.
However, in terms of gut health, I noticed no benefits. The carbonation actually caused bloating, and it did not aid digestion, unlike other gut-health formulas like Symprove, which had an immediate debloating effect. My verdict is that Poppi is tasty but excessively priced and not healthy enough to justify regular consumption. It appears to be a hype bubble poised to burst.
Our Rating
Rating: While Poppi offers a low-sugar, celebrity-backed alternative to traditional soft drinks, its gut health claims are questionable due to low fibre content and legal settlements. It may appeal for taste, but health-conscious consumers should seek more substantiated options.
