Who Owns Poppi?

Poppi operates within PepsiCo's corporate sustainability framework. PepsiCo has committed to net zero emissions by 2040 (updated from its original 2050 target) and maintains goals for sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and packaging innovation across its portfolio. These commitments extend to Poppi as part of PepsiCo's PBNA segment.

PepsiCo has set targets for making all packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable. Poppi's aluminum cans are recyclable, though the brand does not publish separate sustainability metrics. Poppi's ingredients, including apple cider vinegar and fruit juices, are sourced through PepsiCo's agricultural supply chain following the company's responsible sourcing standards.

Poppi is not certified organic, non-GMO, or B Corporation certified. The brand does not publish separate sustainability reports. Sustainability performance is reported at the PepsiCo corporate level in the company's annual ESG disclosures.

The brand's core positioning as a "healthier" soda alternative has been subject to legal challenge. In May 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against VNGR Beverage, LLC (Poppi's legal entity) alleging that the brand's "gut healthy" marketing claims were not scientifically supported. The lawsuit argued that each can contains only 2 grams of prebiotic fiber, which is insufficient to provide meaningful gut health benefits if consumed in typical quantities. In March 2025, the parties reached an $8.9 million settlement agreement, which is pending final court approval. The settlement covers consumers who purchased Poppi products between January 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025. A final approval hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2025. Poppi denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Poppi's appearance on Shark Tank in 2018 was a significant early milestone, providing national television exposure and investment capital. The brand's subsequent growth from a kitchen startup to over $100 million in annual sales attracted significant industry attention.

The $1.95 billion acquisition by PepsiCo, announced March 17, 2025, and completed May 19, 2025, was widely covered by major business media including Bloomberg, Reuters, and the Wall Street Journal. The acquisition was one of the largest in the functional beverage category and was frequently cited as evidence of major beverage companies' interest in better-for-you brands.

Poppi has been featured in numerous food and beverage industry publications for its role in popularizing the prebiotic soda category. The brand has been covered by Food Navigator, Beverage Daily, and other trade publications as a key player in the functional beverage trend.

Poppi has not experienced any product recalls as of August 2025. However, the brand faced a significant legal challenge related to its health claims marketing.

In May 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against VNGR Beverage, LLC (doing business as Poppi) by plaintiff Kristin Cobbs. The lawsuit alleged false advertising and improper labeling, claiming that Poppi's marketing slogans "Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy" and "For a Healthy Gut" were not scientifically supported. The complaint argued that each can contains only 2 grams of prebiotic fiber, which is "too low to cause meaningful gut health benefits" if consumers drink one can per day. The lawsuit further alleged that consumers would need to drink more than four Poppi sodas daily to realize potential benefits, but that the sugar content would offset those benefits.

In March 2025, the parties reached an $8.9 million settlement agreement. The settlement fund covers consumers who purchased Poppi products between January 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025, for household use in the United States. Consumers with proof of purchase can claim 75 cents per single can, $3 per four-pack, $6 per eight-pack, and $9 per 12-pack or 15-pack. Consumers without proof of purchase can receive a maximum of $16 per household. The minimum payment for approved claims is $5 per household. Claims must be submitted by September 2025, and a final approval hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2025. Poppi denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement.

The lawsuit and settlement highlighted broader regulatory scrutiny facing functional beverage brands that make health claims. The case underscored the importance of scientific substantiation for health benefit marketing in the rapidly growing functional beverage market.