Poppi, a popular prebiotic soda brand, has faced a class action lawsuit alleging misleading marketing claims related to its “gut health” benefits. The lawsuit centers on accusations that Poppi’s advertising implied significant health benefits from its prebiotic ingredients, but the actual fiber content per can is insufficient to provide meaningful digestive health improvements. This legal battle culminated in a settlement valued at $8.9 million.
Background of the Poppi Class Action Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed in May 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It consolidated various consumer claims that Poppi, made by VNGR Beverage, LLC and recently acquired by PepsiCo, falsely marketed its product as beneficial for gut health with its slogan “Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy.” Plaintiffs argued that Poppi’s fiber content—approximately 2 grams per can—was too low to deliver the advertised benefits and that the product’s sugar content could actually counteract any health advantages.
The marketing claims drove consumer purchases across major retailers nationwide before the issues were brought to light through the suit.
Parties Involved
- Plaintiffs: Consumers across the U.S. who purchased Poppi beverages between January 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025.
- Defendant: VNGR Beverage, LLC (Poppi’s former owner) and PepsiCo (parent company as of 2025 acquisition).
Details of the Lawsuit Allegations
- False and misleading advertising claiming significant “gut health” benefits.
- Failure to disclose that the amount of prebiotic fiber was insufficient for meaningful health effects.
- Omission of information about the negative impact of added sugars on gut health.
- Consumer deception regarding product effectiveness, influencing purchase decisions.
Legal Claims and Relevant Laws
The class action was based on violations of consumer protection statutes, false advertising laws, and unjust enrichment claims. The suit sought damages for consumers misled by Poppi’s marketing and injunctive relief to mandate transparent labeling and advertising going forward.
Settlement and Current Status
In 2025, Poppi agreed to an $8.9 million settlement, which requires eligible consumers to submit claims to receive monetary reimbursement. Payments vary based on purchase volume, with refunds ranging from $0.75 per single can to $9 for larger multi-pack purchases. The settlement does not admit wrongdoing.
The claims submission deadline is September 26, 2025, with payouts expected after court approval and any appeals are resolved. The final hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2025.
Consumer Advice and Industry Implications
Consumers who purchased Poppi during the relevant timeframe are encouraged to submit claims before the deadline. Consumers should be cautious of health claims on food and beverage products and seek reliable nutritional information beyond marketing slogans.
For the beverage industry, the lawsuit underscores the necessity for rigorous substantiation of health claims and heightened transparency regarding product ingredients to avoid legal liability and maintain consumer trust.
Claim Filing Tips
- Keep purchase receipts for proof to maximize refund amounts.
- Submit claims via the official settlement website or mail before the deadline.
- Monitor official communications for updates on settlement progress.
Conclusion
The Poppi class action lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by companies marketing health-focused beverages amid increasing consumer skepticism and regulatory scrutiny. The resolution establishes a precedent for accountability in food and drink marketing and reinforces the importance of evidence-based consumer claims.
