1. Sweetened with Cane Sugar, Fruit Juice, and Stevia

While Poppi may contain only 4 grams of sugar per can, don't let the low-sugar label fool you. The sweetness in Poppi comes from a mix of cane sugar, fruit juice, and stevia. 

Stevia, despite being marketed as a “natural” sweetener, can still drive cravings for sweetness, as it is 200-350 times sweeter than cane sugar. Ongoing research suggests that regular consumption of stevia and other non-nutritive sweeteners may alter taste perception, potentially fostering a preference for sugary foods and beverages over time. Additionally, frequent intake of sweet-tasting products—even low-sugar options—can disrupt the body’s blood sugar regulation. While 4 grams of sugar in a single serving might seem minimal, the cumulative effect of regularly consuming a “healthy soda” could be significant, especially if Poppi becomes the daily habit they’re promoting.

2. Not Enough Fiber to Truly Claim “Prebiotic” Benefits

The term "prebiotic" refers to a substance that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome. While Poppi contains a small amount of agave inulin and apple cider vinegar, which may contain prebiotic properties, at 2g per can, it can’t claim “prebiotic”. A product must contain at least 5g of fiber per serving to actually have any real health benefits. Also, consumers must always weigh the amount of sugar, which feeds unhealthy gut bacteria, in a product against the amount of prebiotic (or probiotic) power. Oftentimes they can cancel each other out!

True prebiotic foods, like bananas, oats, garlic, and onions, offer significant fiber and nutrients that support a thriving gut microbiome. If you’re looking for gut health support, whole foods provide much greater and lasting benefits.

Companies knowingly gamble on unproven claims, calculating that the profits from misleading labels outweigh the risk of legal consequences.

3. “Save Water, Drink Soda”

“Save Water Drink Soda”??? WTFork! What is Poppi’s message here? Is soda healthier than water? Is team Poppi really that ignorant? Or does drinking Poppi versus traditional soda somehow save water? FYI, the environmental impact of beverage production is complex and not resolved simply by switching brands. While it’s true that some large soda companies have been criticized for water usage practices, there’s little evidence to support the idea that choosing a prebiotic soda like Poppi significantly reduces water consumption or is more sustainable.

For consumers who are genuinely concerned about water conservation and sustainability, a reusable bottle filled with water or home-brewed tea might be a more environmentally responsible choice than good ‘ole Poppi.

In no universe is soda actually "healthy"!

4. Lawsuit Over False Claims

Poppi, like many food and beverage products that have historically overstepped health claims, is currently under scrutiny for misleading consumers, particularly around claims of supporting digestive health, boosting immunity, and acting as a genuine prebiotic.

This legal action should serve as a wake-up call for consumers to scrutinize food marketing claims more closely. While the outcome of these cases may be pending, these lawsuits highlight a troubling trend: many "functional" drinks and snacks in today’s market are dressed up with health-focused buzzwords designed to lure conscientious buyers, often without genuine science to support them. Companies knowingly gamble on these unproven claims, calculating that the profits from misleading labels outweigh the risk of legal consequences. Such tactics reveal a willingness to prioritize profit over consumer well-being, reinforcing that their commitment to health stops where their bottom line begins.

5. In No Universe Is Soda Actually “Healthy”

While prebiotic sodas may seem healthier than traditional sodas, they’re still soda. They’re packaged in a can, carbonated, sweet, and marketed as a “healthy”, fun, fizzy alternative to traditional soda, juice and even water! Soda of any kind is not remotely healthy, whether straight up, “diet”, “zero sugar”, or “prebiotic”. 

For a smarter swap, even if you’re eyeing prebiotic options like Poppi, go for choices like Izze’s or GuS’—cleaner sodas that don’t pretend to be anything more than what they are. Brands like Poppi, whose messaging creates a perception that their product is safe to consume frequently, mislead consumers and capitalize on wellness trends without solid backing.

If your goal is a healthy diet, soda should be a sometimes beverage and you should choose wisely. 

Final Thoughts: Are Prebiotic Sodas Worth It?

While Poppi and similar prebiotic sodas are less sugary and potentially less harmful than traditional sodas, they fall short as a true “health drink.” With added sugar, minimal fiber content, questionable health claims, and a reliance on trendy marketing, these beverages are more about image than substance. For those looking to improve gut health, sustainable hydration, and overall wellness, whole foods and simple beverages like water or tea remain superior choices.

Drinks like Poppi can be an occasional treat, but it’s essential to read the labels carefully, understand the limitations of these drinks, and remember that truly healthy options often come from the produce aisle, not the soda shelf.