In New York, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against soda brand Poppi. The lawsuit accuses the company of misleading consumers with its claims of improving gut health. The plaintiff, Kristin Cobbs, alleges that she bought Poppi drinks based on their labels which stated they were prebiotic sodas designed to promote gut health. However, she discovered that the drinks only contained about 2 grams of prebiotic agave inulin fiber, which she believes is not enough to provide significant benefits.
Cobbs argues that Poppi used misleading marketing to suggest its products are more beneficial to gut health than they actually are. She cites research showing that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks did not confer any significant prebiotic benefit. The lawsuit claims that consuming more Poppi to increase prebiotic benefits would lead to increased sugar consumption, which is not healthy for consumers.
The lawsuit seeks monetary relief for Cobbs and others who may have purchased Poppi drinks under similar circumstances. Poppi, based in Austin, Texas, released a statement saying it stands behind its products and believes the lawsuit is baseless. The company stated that it is on a mission to revolutionize the soda industry for the next generation of soda drinkers and has worked to provide a great tasting experience for its customers.
Poppi is just one of many brands in the growing market of functional beverages that claim to improve health and wellness. U.S sales of prebiotic and probiotic drinks have skyrocketed in recent years. Data from consulting firm AlixPartners show that sales of these types of beverages more than tripled last year, indicating a strong demand for products that offer health benefits.
The case against Poppi highlights the need for companies to be transparent when making claims about their products’ health benefits. Consumers rely on this information when making purchasing decisions, and companies must ensure they are providing accurate information.
The lawsuit against Poppi also raises questions about the effectiveness of functional beverages as a whole. While some research suggests that these types of drinks can have positive effects on gut health and overall wellness, other studies have found little or no evidence of these benefits.
As such, it’s important for consumers to approach functional beverages with caution and do their own research before making purchasing decisions based on advertising or labeling.
Overall, while the case against Poppi raises valid concerns about transparency and accuracy in advertising claims related to functional beverages, it also highlights the growing demand for healthy alternatives to traditional sugary sodas.
