Popular soda brand Poppi is currently facing a class-action lawsuit filed by a consumer who claims that its products do not improve gut health as much as their marketing suggests. In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Kristin Cobbs stated that she purchased Poppi drinks multiple times based on their labels’ claims of being prebiotic sodas and promoting gut health. The labels also feature the slogan, “Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy.” However, Cobbs discovered that Poppi drinks only contain around 2 grams of prebiotic agave inulin fiber, which she believes is not enough to provide real benefits. Research cited in the lawsuit indicates that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks is insufficient to confer any meaningful prebiotic benefit.
Cobbs claims that if consumers drink more Poppi, any prebiotic benefits would be negated by the increased sugar consumption from the drinks. Seeking monetary relief for herself and other similar customers, Cobbs filed the class-action lawsuit against Poppi. In response, Poppi, based in Austin, Texas, reaffirmed its support for its products. The company stated that they are dedicated to revolutionizing soda for the next generation of drinkers and have worked hard to create a taste experience that millions of people enjoy. Poppi believes the lawsuit is without merit and has vowed to vigorously defend against the allegations.
Poppi is just one of many brands in the rapidly-growing category of functional beverages, which claim to offer health and wellness benefits. The demand for prebiotic and probiotic drinks in the U.S. has skyrocketed, with sales more than tripling last year, according to data from consulting firm AlixPartners. The lawsuit against Poppi highlights the increasing scrutiny on health claims made by food and beverage companies, as consumers seek transparency and authenticity in the products they consume.