“Gut-Healthy” Soda Brand Poppi to Pay $8.9 Million in Class Action Settlement Over Health Claims

A popular soda brand marketed as being “gut-healthy” is facing major scrutiny—and now, a multi-million-dollar payout—after consumers challenged the legitimacy of its health claims.

Poppi, a prebiotic soda that rose to popularity for its bold flavors and branding around digestive wellness, has agreed to an $8.9 million class action settlement following allegations that its health benefits were misleading and not backed by sufficient scientific evidence.

The lawsuit claims that Poppi’s statements about promoting “gut health” were deceptive. Plaintiffs argue that the amount of prebiotic fiber in a single can is too minimal to provide any real digestive benefit. Filed last year, the suit accused Poppi of overstating its products’ health value in advertising and packaging. While prebiotics—ingredients that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria—have been shown to support digestion, critics say Poppi’s actual formulation doesn’t deliver enough to make a meaningful difference.

The case has brought attention to the growing trend of wellness marketing in the beverage industry and raised questions about the scientific backing behind health-related claims on consumer products.

As part of the settlement, anyone who purchased a Poppi soda between 2020 and the present is eligible to file a claim and may receive up to $16 per household.

No proof of purchase is required for claims under a certain amount, making it easy for most consumers to take part in the payout. File claims here.

According to court records, the beverage brand did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement.

PepsiCo acquired the Poppi brand earlier this year for $1.95 billion.