Photo Credit: ShutterstockA legal action disputes the assertions made by Poppi soda regarding its ability to improve gut health, with scientists arguing that the beverage offers limited benefits in this regard. The lawsuit contends that despite the presence of a “prebiotic” fiber called inulin in Poppi sodas, the amount in a single can is insufficient to positively impact gut health.
Poppi soda has promoted itself with slogans like “Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy” and “For a Healthy Gut,” emphasizing the 2 grams of prebiotic fiber in each can, derived from agave. However, a former customer’s lawsuit alleges that these claims are deceptive, asserting that Poppi failed to deliver on its promise of enhancing gut health, thereby violating California law against false advertising. The plaintiff seeks financial compensation exceeding $5 million.
This lawsuit contributes to growing skepticism regarding sodas claiming to benefit gut health. Other brands like Olipop and Culture Pop also tout digestive health benefits through their proprietary blends of ingredients. However, experts caution against relying on processed foods like soda for gut health, emphasizing the importance of a diet rich in naturally occurring fibers found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Poppi has defended its products against the allegations, asserting that the lawsuit is without merit. While earlier versions of Poppi cans featured slogans promoting gut health, recent iterations appear to have removed these claims. However, Poppi declined to comment on this change due to the ongoing litigation.
Nutrition experts note that while sodas like Poppi and Olipop may contain inulin, making them a better choice than traditional sodas due to their reduced sugar content, they are skeptical about their actual effectiveness in promoting gut health. They argue that a single can of Poppi likely does not contain enough inulin to have a significant impact on gut health, a sentiment echoed by researchers in the field.
