The Soda of the Summer

design: Ella Welch

A Poppi a day keeps the doctor away, or at least that’s the word on the street.

by CHLOE RUDNICK ★ JUNE 21, 2024

You’ve seen healthy dupes of your favorite foods, but healthy soda? These are two words you definitely wouldn’t pair together, yet Poppi is changing the trajectory of the soda industry and here's why:

Founded by an Austin, Texas based couple, Poppi combines fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and inulin prebiotics for a refreshing, full of flavor, less of calorie soda. And not the kind of low calorie beverage that’s labeled “diet” or “zero sugar” and secretly still full of calories, we’re talking 5g of sugar, and 25 calories. With the help of an investment on Shark Tank back in 2018, Poppi has gone from a local farm market secret, to a big brand sold in major retailers across the nation.

We know you’re skeptical, so we’re here to answer the important questions. Is the drink itself as enticing as the vibrant eye-catching packaging? 

Well, after the first sip it definitely seems so. It’s almost too good to be true how something so low in calories, and so pretty on the outside, can match on the inside. Our taste buds are accustomed to turning to Coke or Sprite when we think of the word soda, but Poppi is changing that. There are currently nine flavors ranging from (my personal favorites) “Raspberry Rose” or “Strawberry Lemon,” to your traditional “Lemon Lime” or “Classic Cola.” And maybe it does not taste exactly like Coke, but it’s not killing you slowly like those products do. In fact, it claims to do the opposite. 

There is another question circulating TikTok, will two Poppi’s a day actually fix your gut health? This question still remains and is currently being talked about in bigger spaces than the media, and instead of with Poppi influencers like Billie Eilish or Hailey Bieber, with government officials. On May 29, a San Diego woman sued Poppi claiming that “a consumer would need to drink more than four a day, for 21 consecutive days to see results.” Though it’s still in discussion, it has been proven that Poppi is a significantly better soda alternative, and that prebiotic sodas do promote a healthy gut, whether that takes two, or four a day. 

People are also left wondering what makes this brand so intriguing? If you ask me, besides it being love at first sip, it’s the marketing. Poppi’s Gen-Z catered branding is building brand awareness and redefining the concept of soda, and doing it with style. On a crowded beverage shelf, a colorful Poppi stands out.

This also goes for when you scroll through social media; they are everywhere. Their viral Super Bowl commercial sky-rocketed engagement across social media accounts with a 250% increase in engagement on Instagram and 70% increase in followers on TikTok. Speaking of TikTok, their giveaways and collabs have sparked a new obsession. The hottest item to get your hands on: the Poppi sweatsuit. After being gifted to several celebrities and influencers online, everyone wants one. And for a limited amount of time, everyone was able to get one. To celebrate the launch of their new flavor “Wild Berry,” the brand hosted a Pop-Up on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles. Called Poppi Mart, the futuristic soda shop supported their “Future of Soda'' campaign. You name it they had it. Poppi vending machines? Check. Frozen soda slushies? Of course. Oh and a DJ? Who else other than Paris Hilton. The event also teased a new product being launched: the 16oz can, otherwise known as a Tallboy. While on the topic of Tallboys, Poppi also serves as an incredible mixer for your favorite summer drinks. After all, what sounds more refreshing than a Poppi Soda Spritz (1.5 oz of Aperol and ½ can of orange Poppi.) And for those interested in a more relaxed option, trending on TikTok is the “sleepy time mocktail,” (4 oz of cherry juice, a scoop of “calm” powder, mixed with a Poppi of your choice.)

When it comes to Poppi, there’s something for everyone. They said it best, “cravings aren’t a crime,” so go feed yours and cheers with us to reinventing the soda industry and making “pop” history!