WASHINGTON — Poppi is facing a lawsuit alleging that the popular prebiotic soda has falsely mislead consumers about its health claims.
Manufacturers VNGR Beverage LLC. were named in a class action lawsuit filed last week in San Francisco by a woman named Kristin Cobbs. The suit alleges Poppi has two grams of prebiotic fiber per can, deeming it too low to "cause meaningful gut health benefits for the consumer."
According to the lawsuit, a person would need to drink four or more cans of Poppi in order "receive any health benefits from its prebiotic fiber." Doing so, however, would immediately offset the benefits due to the soda's "high sugar content."
"Although Poppi’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its enticing flavors and clever marketing, the core of Poppi’s success is primarily owed to a particular ingredient: agave inulin, the Products’ so-called 'Prebiotic,'" the lawsuit alleges. "But, despite Poppi’s 'prebiotic' marketing claims, which assure consumers, on the can, that they can “Be Gut Happy [and] Be Gut Healthy,” as one nutritionist bluntly explained: the Products “are basically sugared water."
Poppi's popularity has risen over the years after being featured on "Shark Tank." This year, the brand even aired a Super Bowl commercial.
The drink, made up of apple cider vinegar, fruit juice and agave inulin, only has five grams of sugar or less per can, according to Poppi's website. At 25 calories or less per can, the drink advertises itself as a "modern soda."
Cobbs also alleges Poppi has failed to warn consumers about the health risk related to consuming agave inulin, a soluble fiber derived from the agave plant. Citing several medical studies, the complaint alleges that agave inulin intake over a long period of time can lead to "inflammation and even liver damage."
Other negative impacts alleged are abdominal discomfort due to build up of gas as well as diarrhea with higher doses of the fiber.
Cobbs is seeking monetary relief for herself and similar customers.
Austin, Texas-based Poppi said in a statement Monday that it stands behind its products.
“We are on a mission to revolutionize soda for the next generation of soda drinkers, and we have diligently innovated to provide a tasting experience that millions of people have come to enjoy,” the company said. “We believe the lawsuit is baseless, and we will vigorously defend against these allegations.”
Dozens of prebiotics sodas and other functional beverages have entered the market in the last few years as brands vie for consumer's attention with increasingly exotic ingredients and wellness-focused marketing. Prebiotic and probiotic drinks sales in the U.S. more than tripled last year, according to data compiled by consulting firm AlixPartners.
Poppi sells for $2.49 a can and a 12-pack can cost nearly $30. According to the suit, the company's sales surpassed $100 million as of 2024.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
