Popular soft drink brand Poppi is facing a class action lawsuit filed by a consumer who says its products don't improve gut health as much as their marketing suggests.
In a lawsuit filed last week in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Kristin Cobbs said she had purchased Poppi drinks several times because of their labels, which say they are prebiotic soft drinks and carry the slogan “Be Gut Happy.” Be gut healthy.”
But Cobbs later discovered that Poppi drinks only contain about 2 grams of prebiotic agave inulin fiber, which she believes is insufficient to provide any real benefit. Cobbs cited research showing that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks was insufficient to provide any meaningful prebiotic benefit.
If consumers drank more Poppi, any prebiotic benefits would be offset by increased sugar consumption, the lawsuit said.
Cobbs is seeking financial relief for himself and similar clients.
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, and we have diligently innovated to deliver a tasting experience that millions of people have come to enjoy,” the company said. “We believe the lawsuit is without merit and we will vigorously defend ourselves against these allegations.”
The Associated Press sent an email message seeking comment to Poppi, based in Austin, Texas.
Poppi is one of dozens of brands in the exploding functional beverage category, which claim to improve health and well-being. According to data from consulting firm AlixPartners, U.S. sales of prebiotic and probiotic drinks more than tripled last year.
