Poppi Lawsuit Update 2025: Key Details, Claims & What to Know

Q: What happened to the Poppi lawsuit?

In July 2025, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Poppi in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lawsuit accuses the brand of making misleading health claims , particularly around gut health and the use of the term “prebiotic.” Plaintiffs allege that Poppi’s advertising overstated its benefits, such as being “backed by science” and “good for your gut,” without sufficient clinical evidence. The case is still ongoing, with the first court hearing scheduled for August 20, 2025 . If successful, the lawsuit could force Poppi to change its marketing and labeling.

Q: Why are people not drinking Poppi?

Some consumers have started to avoid Poppi due to growing skepticism over its health claims , triggered by the 2025 lawsuit. The controversy raised doubts about the brand’s transparency and led some influencers and customers to pause support . While many still enjoy the soda for its taste and lower sugar content compared to traditional soft drinks, the trust gap has widened—especially among health-conscious millennials and Gen Z buyers who originally drove its popularity.

Q: How safe is Poppi soda?

Poppi soda is considered safe to drink . The current lawsuit does not involve food safety concerns or harmful ingredients. Instead, it centers around alleged false advertising . Poppi contains natural ingredients and 2 grams of prebiotic fiber per can. While the amount of fiber may not deliver significant gut health benefits on its own, there are no known health risks associated with moderate consumption. As always, it's wise to check nutrition labels and avoid overconsumption of any processed beverage.

Q: Did Shark Tank invest in Poppi soda?

Yes, Poppi originally gained national attention through Shark Tank . In 2020 , founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth pitched their prebiotic soda—then called “Mother Beverage”—on the show. They landed a deal with investor Rohan Oza , a branding expert known for helping health-focused drinks like Bai and Vitaminwater. Following the investment, the brand rebranded as Poppi , refined its packaging, and quickly grew into a viral sensation across major retailers and social media platforms.

In 2025, Poppi Lawsuit a once-beloved prebiotic soda brand hailed for promoting gut health—now finds itself at the center of a legal storm. What started as a TikTok darling with health-conscious fans is now facing a class-action lawsuit that may shake the entire wellness beverage industry.

So, what happened? Let’s unpack the details.

Key Takeaways: Poppi Lawsuit 2025

Poppi is facing a class-action lawsuit filed in July 2025, accusing the brand of making false and misleading health claims about its prebiotic soda.
The lawsuit challenges Poppi’s marketing phrases like “good for your gut” and “backed by science,” claiming they are not supported by clinical research.
Each can of Poppi contains only 2 grams of prebiotic fiber, which is far below the recommended daily amount for meaningful gut health benefits.
Sarah Thompson, a California consumer, is leading the case, with support from advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
Poppi has denied all allegations, stating their products comply with FDA guidelines and are marketed truthfully.
The lawsuit has sparked public backlash, especially on TikTok and Instagram, where many influencers are pausing their partnerships with the brand.
Despite the controversy, Poppi is not considered unsafe to drink; the issue is focused on truth in advertising, not food safety.
The outcome of this case could influence how other functional beverage brands use terms like “prebiotic” and “gut health” in marketing.
Key legal steps are expected to unfold in late 2025, with the first hearing scheduled for August 20, 2025.

Why Is Poppi Being Sued?

Poppi soda on store shelf with red question mark, highlighting consumer doubts

In July 2025, a class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Poppi. The core allegation? That the company misled consumers by making exaggerated or scientifically unsupported health claims.

The lawsuit accuses Poppi of:

Misrepresenting gut health benefits
Claiming to be a “healthy soda” without clinical proof
Using the term “prebiotic” without meeting meaningful standards

According to the court documents, the lead plaintiff argues that Poppi’s promises—such as “good for your gut” and “backed by science”—don’t match what’s actually in the can.

What Health Claims Are Being Questioned?

Poppi’s marketing has always leaned into its functional beverage appeal, boasting:

“Supports digestive health”
“Prebiotic-powered soda”
“Drink daily for a healthier gut”

But critics now say these claims are misleading. Each can reportedly contains just 2 grams of prebiotic fiber—far below the 5–10 grams/day recommended by health experts for meaningful gut microbiome support.

Claimed vs. Verified Content

Marketing Claim	Actual Contents (Per Can)
“Supports gut health”	2g prebiotic fiber (chicory root)
“Backed by science”	No published peer-reviewed studies
“Daily gut health soda”	No FDA or clinical validation

Who Filed the Lawsuit—and Why Now?

The legal action was spearheaded by Sarah Thompson, a California-based Poppi customer who felt misled by the brand’s health messages. After comparing the packaging claims to actual nutrition facts, she decided to take legal action on behalf of thousands of other buyers.

The lawsuit has drawn attention from consumer advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which issued a public statement:

“Poppi is a wake-up call. Wellness brands can’t ride vague health promises to billion-dollar valuations.”

Poppi’s Response: Denial and Defense

As of late July 2025, Poppi is standing its ground.

“Our drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and comply with all FDA labeling standards,” the company said in a statement to CNN Business. “We believe in the integrity of our products.”

Poppi has not confirmed whether it plans to alter its marketing strategies or labeling in light of the legal action.

How Are Consumers Reacting?

Young woman questioning Poppi soda label while checking social media reviews

The lawsuit has divided Poppi fans across social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where influencer endorsements once fueled the brand’s viral rise.

Could This Impact Other Health Drink Brands?

Absolutely.

This lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences for the booming wellness beverage market. Terms like “gut health,” “prebiotic,” and “probiotic” are often thrown around without firm regulatory definitions. Now, industry watchers believe this case might trigger tighter FDA scrutiny.

“Poppi might be the first domino,” says Dr. Emily Carr, a food regulation expert at Harvard School of Public Health. “Many wellness brands could be next.”

What’s Next? Key Legal Dates to Watch

Legal Step	Expected Date
Initial Court Hearing	August 20, 2025
Discovery Phase Begins	September–October 2025
Possible Settlement Negotiations	Late 2025
Class Certification Decision	Early 2026

Can You Join the Lawsuit?

If you purchased Poppi within the last three years and feel you were misled, you may be eligible to join the class-action lawsuit. You can find more information and file a claim at the official legal portal or by consulting a consumer rights attorney.

Final Thoughts: Is Poppi Still Safe to Drink?

Let’s be clear—this lawsuit is not about safety. Poppi drinks are not considered harmful or toxic. The issue at hand is truth in advertising.

If you like the taste and understand what you’re really getting nutritionally, there’s no reason to stop drinking Poppi—but it’s wise to stay informed.

This case serves as a wake-up call for consumers in the wellness space: Don’t blindly trust marketing. Read the labels. Do the research.

Because when it comes to your health, knowledge really is power.

FAQs

What happened to the Poppi lawsuit?

In July 2025, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Poppi in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lawsuit accuses the brand of making misleading health claims, particularly around gut health and the use of the term “prebiotic.” Plaintiffs allege that Poppi’s advertising overstated its benefits, such as being “backed by science” and “good for your gut,” without sufficient clinical evidence. The case is still ongoing, with the first court hearing scheduled for August 20, 2025. If successful, the lawsuit could force Poppi to change its marketing and labeling.

Why are people not drinking Poppi?

Some consumers have started to avoid Poppi due to growing skepticism over its health claims, triggered by the 2025 lawsuit. The controversy raised doubts about the brand’s transparency and led some influencers and customers to pause support. While many still enjoy the soda for its taste and lower sugar content compared to traditional soft drinks, the trust gap has widened—especially among health-conscious millennials and Gen Z buyers who originally drove its popularity.

How safe is Poppi soda?

Poppi soda is considered safe to drink. The current lawsuit does not involve food safety concerns or harmful ingredients. Instead, it centers around alleged false advertising. Poppi contains natural ingredients and 2 grams of prebiotic fiber per can. While the amount of fiber may not deliver significant gut health benefits on its own, there are no known health risks associated with moderate consumption. As always, it’s wise to check nutrition labels and avoid overconsumption of any processed beverage.

Did Shark Tank invest in Poppi soda?

Yes, Poppi originally gained national attention through Shark Tank. In 2020, founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth pitched their prebiotic soda—then called “Mother Beverage”—on the show. They landed a deal with investor Rohan Oza, a branding expert known for helping health-focused drinks like Bai and Vitaminwater. Following the investment, the brand rebranded as Poppi, refined its packaging, and quickly grew into a viral sensation across major retailers and social media platforms.

Muhammad Ahtsham

Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.Blog, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.