Poppi Settles $8.9 Million Class Action Alleging False Gut Health Claims

Case Overview: Poppi agrees to an $8.9 million settlement to resolve claims that its marketing misrepresented the health effects of its prebiotic sodas, citing low fiber content.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased Poppi soda between January 23, 2020, and the start of claim notifications.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

A recent court filing marks a turning point for Poppi, the fast-growing soda brand that built its reputation on gut health benefits. The company has agreed to a proposed $8.9 million settlement to resolve claims that its marketing misrepresented the health effects of its prebiotic sodas.

Agreement Reached Over Gut Health Advertising

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the settlement aims to resolve a lawsuit that accused Poppi of overstating the benefits of its products. The drinks, promoted with phrases like “Be Gut Happy” and “For a Healthy Gut,” contain only two grams of prebiotic fiber per can—an amount the complaint described as insufficient to deliver meaningful digestive benefits.

The lawsuit, initiated by Kristin Cobbs in June 2024, claimed Poppi’s advertisements misled customers who believed they were purchasing a scientifically supported gut-health product. Instead, according to the complaint, customers received a beverage with sugar content that could potentially cancel out the limited prebiotic value it offered.

Court documents state that Poppi’s parent company, VNGR Beverage LLC, agreed to the settlement terms without admitting wrongdoing.

Settlement Covers All Flavors and Package Sizes

If approved by the court, the settlement will apply to anyone in the United States who purchased any flavor or size of Poppi soda between January 23, 2020, and the date that class member notifications begin. According to the settlement documents, buyers can submit claims online or by mail once the official website—PoppiSettlement.com—launches.

The rebate structure offers tiered compensation:

• $0.75 per single can
  
• $3 per four-pack
  
• $6 per eight-pack
  
• $9 per twelve- or fifteen-pack

Consumers without proof of purchase may claim up to $16. Those who provide receipts or documentation face no cap on eligible reimbursement. At minimum, each claimant will receive $5, although individual amounts may be adjusted based on the total number of valid claims.

Claims Rooted in Labeling and Scientific Gaps

The original lawsuit questioned the accuracy of Poppi’s health-related messaging. Cobbs argued that Poppi's branding led her to believe the sodas would support gut health due to their prebiotic fiber content. However, studies cited in the complaint suggest a consumer would need to consume more than four cans a day to receive any measurable benefit—potentially resulting in sugar intake that outweighs any positives.

“Despite Poppi’s ‘prebiotic’ marketing claims,” the complaint states, “the products are basically sugared water.”

Inulin, the type of fiber used in the beverages, is known to have digestive effects only at higher doses. Beyond ineffectiveness, the lawsuit pointed to concerns that excess consumption could cause bloating, discomfort, or gastrointestinal distress, especially for individuals with sensitivities.

InjuryClaims.com will post an update as soon as the official Poppi settlement website goes live.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Cobbs v. VNGR Beverage, LLC d/b/a Poppi
• Case Number: 3:24-cv-03229
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• L. Timothy Fisher and Joshua B. Glatt (Bursor & Fisher, P.A.)
• Adrian Gucovschi and Benjamin Rozenshteyn (Gucovschi Rozenshteyn, PLLC)

Did you buy Poppi for its health claims? Share your thoughts on the settlement below.