A class-action lawsuit has been filed against popular soda brand Poppi by a consumer who claims that its products do not improve gut health as much as their marketing suggests. In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Kristin Cobbs said she purchased Poppi drinks multiple times due to their labels, which claim they are prebiotic sodas and feature the slogan “Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy.” However, Cobbs later discovered that Poppi drinks contain only around 2 grams of prebiotic agave inulin fiber, which she said is insufficient to provide any real benefit.
Cobbs cited research showing that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks was not enough to confer any meaningful prebiotic benefit. If consumers drink more Poppi, any prebiotic benefits would be outweighed by increased sugar consumption, the lawsuit claimed.
Cobbs is seeking monetary relief for herself and similar customers. Austin, Texas-based Poppi said in a statement Monday that it stands behind its products. “We are on a mission to revolutionize soda for the next generation of soda drinkers,” the company said. “We have diligently innovated to provide a tasting experience that millions of people have come to enjoy.”
Poppi is one of dozens of brands in the exploding category of functional beverages, which claim to improve health and wellness. U.S. sales of prebiotic and probiotic drinks more than tripled last year, according to data compiled by consulting firm AlixPartners.[END]
