Sorry about the gutting news, Poppi lovers. A new lawsuit alleges that Poppi, a trendy beverage brand with low-sugar content and fibers for gut health, is misleading consumers with their marketing.
What is Poppi?
According to Poppi’s website, “a modern soda that combines agave inulin, apple cider vinegar, and fruit juice to give you all the soda feels with 25 calories or less, 5g sugar or less, and prebiotics.”
Poppi’s founders, Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, went on ABC’s “Shark Tank”. The investment led to the brand being featured at major retailers around the country.
Poppi’s Lawsuit
On May 29, a class-action consumer-fraud lawsuit filed by Kristin Cobbs claims that the brand may not be as healthy as it seems. According to the suit, a consumer would have to drink four cans per day for at least 21 consecutive days to earn the marketed benefits. “Poppi’s high sugar content would offset most, if not all, of these purpoted gut health benefits,” the plantiffs claimed.
To USA TODAY, Poppi addressed the suit in a statement on Monday that it stands behind its products.
“We are proud of the Poppi brand and stand behind our 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 statement said. “We believe the lawsuit is baseless, and we will vigorously defend against these allegations.”
The PR Take
Poppi continues to grow in the drink industry, representing 19% of the U.S. market share, according to the complaint. With celebrities and influencers like Alix Earle loving the brand, it seems that many consumers will continue to purchase the drink.
Poppi is one of many brands in the beverages category with U.S. sales tripling last year, according to data from consulting firm AlixPartners. It seems that the brand will continue to grow, even with the lawsuit against them.
Read more about Poppi here!
Featured Image by Pexels
Bianca Genevie Abello 
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