As consumers increasingly seek healthier alternatives to traditional sodas, the scrutiny surrounding health claims in the beverage industry intensifies. In May 2024, Poppi soda became the focus of a class-action lawsuit, raising concerns about the health claims made by the popular prebiotic soda brand. Here, Ethen Ostroff Law breaks down what this Poppi soda lawsuit means, the allegations against Poppi, and how it could impact consumers like you.
Poppi, created by VNGR Beverage LLC, hit the market in 2016 as a healthier alternative to traditional sodas. The brand gained significant attention after appearing on the television show “Shark Tank,” which helped boost its popularity. Poppi markets itself as a “prebiotic soda” that promotes gut health, featuring slogans like “Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy.”
Poppi soda offers a delightful array of flavors that aim to blend refreshing taste with gut health benefits. Here’s what you can find on the menu:
Prebiotics are a unique kind of dietary fiber that act as food for the friendly bacteria in our gut. These good bacteria are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can boost our overall gut health. However, not all prebiotic sources are the same. Many common foods—like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—are naturally rich in prebiotics. When it comes to products like Poppi soda, the level of prebiotics they contain can drastically affect their health benefits, so it’s worth keeping an eye on what we’re putting into our bodies.
Poppi has positioned itself as a go-to option for those looking to enhance their gut health through flavorful beverages. The brand emphasizes various claims about its prebiotic sodas that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
On May 29, 2024, Kristin Cobbs filed a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, taking aim at Poppi soda’s claims about its prebiotic benefits. The lawsuit focuses on how the brand promotes its drinks as gut health boosters while noting the surprisingly low amount of prebiotic fiber in each can.
Research has since cast doubt on the effectiveness of the 2 grams of prebiotic agave inulin found in Poppi sodas. Experts argue that this small amount is unlikely to deliver any real gut health benefits, particularly when it’s part of a typical diet. The Poppi soda class action lawsuit references studies showing that most adults can easily meet their prebiotic needs through common foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This raises concerns that relying on Poppi soda as a primary source of prebiotics might not provide any meaningful support for digestive health.
In May 2024, Kristin Cobbs, a consumer from San Francisco, filed a class action lawsuit against Poppi soda in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lawsuit claims that Poppi’s marketing misleads consumers into thinking their sodas provide significant gut health benefits.
The lawsuit argues that each can of Poppi contains only about 2 grams of prebiotic fiber, which isn’t enough to offer any real gut health benefits. According to the complaint, you’d need to drink four or more cans daily to notice any difference, which most people wouldn’t do. This raises doubts about Poppi’s claims that their sodas support gut health.
The lawsuit also points out that drinking too much Poppi could lead to health issues like cramps, liver damage, and diarrhea because of the sugar content. While Poppi is marketed as a healthier option, the lawsuit argues that having multiple cans a day could actually be harmful.
Cobbs claims Poppi’s marketing violates California’s False Advertising Law, the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and the Unfair Competition Law. The Poppi class action lawsuit accuses Poppi of leading consumers to believe they’re buying a product that promotes health, when in reality, the benefits are minimal.
While Poppi soda is marketed as a fun and healthy drink option, it’s worth taking a moment to consider some potential health effects that come with regular consumption. The lawsuit surrounding Poppi has raised a few important concerns we should keep in mind.
The legal actions against Poppi center around a series of alleged violations tied to its marketing and product claims. Here are the primary causes of action in the Poppi prebiotic soda lawsuit:
In the lawsuit against Poppi, the plaintiffs are asking for several forms of relief, including:
In light of the recent Poppi soda class-action lawsuit challenging its marketing claims about gut health, Poppi Soda has stepped forward to address the concerns. The company emphasizes its commitment to providing quality products, proudly declaring that they’re on a mission to change the soda game for the next generation of drinkers.
Poppi highlights the unique taste experience they’ve created, which has resonated with many consumers. They firmly believe that the lawsuit is without merit and plan to stand their ground, defending themselves against these allegations. This response shows that Poppi is serious about contesting the claims made by the plaintiffs regarding misleading health benefits.
Poppi is likely to employ various legal defenses in response to the lawsuit. Some potential arguments include:
For those who’ve purchased Poppi soda, particularly based on its advertised health benefits, there are several legal avenues to consider in light of the ongoing class-action lawsuit. Here are the main options available:
If you’re considering taking legal action against Poppi for misleading marketing or health claims, here’s a simple breakdown of what you should do:
If Poppi’s marketing claims or the product itself have negatively impacted you, you may be eligible for legal action. Here’s who can file a lawsuit:
In the ongoing Poppi lawsuit, the plaintiffs are seeking several forms of compensation to address their concerns about misleading marketing practices. Here’s what they might be after:
With Poppi sued for misleading consumers about the health benefits of its sodas, the case highlights the need for transparency in the prebiotic beverage market and the importance of consumers making informed choices about health products. As this case unfolds, it could set important precedents for how beverage companies, including those involved in the Olipop soda lawsuit, market their products and health claims. If you’ve experienced any negative effects from drinking Poppi soda or have questions about your rights, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we can help you navigate the legal complexities surrounding these claims and explore your options. Contact us for a free case review
While Poppi soda is marketed as a health drink, consuming it in large amounts might lead to some side effects, such as:
Drinking Poppi soda in moderation is likely fine for most people, but you should be cautious about its high sugar content. Having it daily might lead to too much sugar, which could harm your gut health instead of helping it. It’s best to complement it with whole foods that offer plenty of fiber.
Olipop, which competes with Poppi in the prebiotic soda market, also makes claims about gut health. However, drinking too much Olipop might result in side effects like:
Nicholas began his post-graduate career clerking for the Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. From there, he quickly found his calling in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security disability law—areas where he could directly impact people’s lives in moments of crisis. He’s helped clients navigate complex legal claims, including securing a settlement exceeding $300,000.
Nicholas brings clear communication, genuine empathy, and an unrelenting drive to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. Whether he’s navigating a complex workers’ comp claim or pushing for a major settlement, he brings focus, dedication, and deep legal knowledge to every case.
He’s also a proud member of Pennsylvania Advocates for Justice and remains active in various professional legal organizations. Nicholas is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
When he’s not fighting for the injured, Nicholas is enjoying time with his family, kicking a soccer ball around, hitting the golf course, or cheering on Pittsburgh’s local teams.
Joe Ring heads the workers’ compensation department at Ethen Ostroff Law, where he takes pride in fighting for injured workers.
Joe is a Philadelphia native and maintains deep roots in the area. As the grandson of a Philadelphia Firefighter, son of a Philadelphia public school teacher, and veteran of the United State Marine Corps, he was taught to value service, dedication, and hard work. He applies these values to every case and takes great satisfaction in representing hard-working clients with those same traits.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Vincent College in Western Pennsylvania, he graduated from Villanova Law School in 2012 and, since then, has litigated hundreds of workers’ compensation hearings and trial depositions on behalf of both employers and injured workers. During this time, Mr. Ring has written articles and presented Continuing Legal Education courses on developments in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law. He is active in local professional organizations, and, in 2022, he served a Co-chairperson of the Philadelphia Bar Associations Workers’ Compensation Section.
Since coming to EOL in 2024, he has dedicated his practice entirely to helping injured workers navigate the system and obtain their rightful benefits.
Joe is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
Brandon Zanan heads the personal injury claim department with Ethen Ostroff Law.
Brandon’s education in both law and medicine assist him in expertly representing badly injured victims. Brandon has a Master’s Degree in Forensic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a concentration in anatomy and pathology. With this knowledge, Brandon is skilled at analyzing medical records and understanding injuries that are common in personal injury claims. He uses this expertise in conjunction with listening carefully to each client’s needs, in order to fiercely advocate for clients and tell their stories when they would not otherwise have a voice.
Brandon’s background includes a variety of experience and skills in various areas of civil practice. He is the author and editor of numerous books for the George T. Bisel Publishing Company, including “Pennsylvania Damages” and the “Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Annotated,” two texts that are frequently relied on by lawyers and judges across Pennsylvania as authoritative resources on personal injury law.
Brandon is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations. He is also a member of Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and has served as an executive board member of the Montgomery American Inn of Court.
He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Middle District of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Brandon has represented many clients in motor vehicle, premises liability, animal bite, and products liability cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has obtained outstanding results with millions of dollars recovered for his clients.
He has been named a Pennsylvania Rising Star from 2021 onward. The “Super Lawyers-Rising Star®”, list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state
Brandon currently lives in Malvern with his wife Rachel and their son Max.
Effective Date: July 10, 2024
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