Popular soda brand Poppi is currently facing a class-action lawsuit from a consumer who believes their products do not deliver the gut health benefits they advertise. The lawsuit was filed by Kristin Cobbs in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, stating that she purchased Poppi drinks multiple times due to their labels claiming to be prebiotic sodas with the slogan, “Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy.” However, Cobbs later discovered that the drinks only contain around 2 grams of prebiotic agave inulin fiber, which she believes is not enough to make a real difference in gut health. Research cited in the lawsuit showed that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks did not provide significant prebiotic benefits.
According to Cobbs, drinking more Poppi for additional prebiotic benefits would result in increased sugar consumption, outweighing any potential benefits. The lawsuit seeks monetary relief for Cobbs and other customers who may have been misled by Poppi’s marketing claims. In response, Poppi, based in Austin, Texas, defended its products, stating they are committed to revolutionizing soda for the next generation and believe the lawsuit is unfounded.
Poppi is part of the rapidly growing market of functional beverages that claim to improve health and wellness. The popularity of prebiotic and probiotic drinks has surged in the past year, with U.S. sales more than tripling according to data from AlixPartners. Despite the lawsuit, Poppi remains a popular choice for consumers looking for healthier alternatives to traditional sodas.