Pop or flop?

Let’s get straight to it. If you’re here, it’s because you’ve heard about Poppi—

(If not, now you have)

the trendy, gut-friendly soda that’s supposedly going to make you feel good about indulging in a fizzy drink again.

Poppi’s pitch is pretty compelling: a soda made with real fruit juice, infused with apple cider vinegar and prebiotics, and low on sugar and calories.

I’m intrigued… Tell me more. 

Is it worth the attention? Or, more importantly, the cost? For me, the answer is..ohhh I can’t tell you yet.

Poppi positions itself as the ultimate guilt-free soda alternative, offering gut health benefits, low calories, and a refreshing experience. 

However, the reality is far from the promise. The smell is off-putting, resembling something fermented rather than fruity. The taste doesn’t improve matters, delivering a strange profile that lingers unpleasantly. 

While sparkling water enthusiasts might appreciate the tangy twist, soda lovers expecting a flavorful punch will likely be disappointed.

Ultimately, Poppi feels more like a sparkling health tonic than a satisfying soda replacement. Poppi costs $2.29 per can at Thrive Market, while a 12-pack at Walmart ranges from $19.99 to $34 depending on the flavor.

For comparison, a 12-pack of regular soda like Dr. Pepper is around $6.46. Yes, Dr. Pepper is packed with sugar and not exactly healthy, but Poppi’s pricing doesn’t scream affordability either.  

Why did I buy it? Honestly, I was hoping to fall in love with a healthier soda that would justify the splurge. Did that happen? Let’s just say my wallet is weeping.

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Allison in 2018 (Austin, Texas), Poppi has gone from a farmers’ market find to a nationwide phenomenon–even earning the seal of approval from some popular celebrities

(Honestly- Of course! They can afford it! But who really cares anyways…and by the way, in this case, even if that’s true, they were likely paid to say so). 

Poppi clearly has some benefits: less than 5 grams of sugar per can, 25 calories or fewer, enriched with prebiotics and apple cider vinegar (if that appeals to you), and certified Non-GMO Project Verified and OU Kosher.

Ingredients: Sparkling water, organic cane sugar, organic apple cider vinegar, organic agave inulin, (whatever fruit juice depends on flavor), natural flavors, lemon juice and stevia. 

Doc Pop

The can is cute. It’s pink with magenta accents and screams “we’re fun, healthy, and trendy!”

The branding made me feel like I was about to experience something revolutionary.

I cracked it open with excitement… and was immediately hit with a smell that reminded me of beer. And I hate beer.

Still, I powered through. The first sip? Not great. It’s a little like Diet Dr. Pepper, but with a weird, raw feeling on my tongue. Is this the apple cider vinegar or the sparkling water? Either way, it’s not pleasant.

By the third sip, I was questioning my choices. Did I just pay premium prices for something that makes me shudder? Apparently, yes.

Root Beer

Later that evening, I passed a Poppi Root Beer to my husband.

His reaction? Eyes watering, sour-pucker face, and the word “disgusting” said with absolute conviction. Naturally, I had to try it myself.

At first, I thought, “Not as bad as Doc Pop.” But then the aftertaste hit. Cue the dramatic pucker face. It was just as unpleasant as the first one, if not worse.

Cola

By this point, I had zero hope for the Poppi Classic Cola.

To be fair, I don’t even like Coca-Cola, but I thought maybe Poppi could win me over. 

Wrong again.

Why do I always get my hopes up for things I should have low expectations for? 

The flavors all seem to blur together in a murky, sparkling mess.

There’s no redeeming quality here. Even if you’re a cola fan, I can’t imagine this converting you.

Ugh! They fooled me! 

Poppi! You told me it was mouth-watering! Mouth-watering because it’s good…or because it’s that feeling when you’re about to throw up.

(I know, I know…vivid traumatizing memories…but that’s what I have to compare it to!) 

If you’re cool with all of that… then it’s for you. 

While satisfying cravings isn’t a crime, buying Poppi might feel like a poor decision in disguise.

IMBHO, it’s a hard NO… Poppi’s Popped Off My List. 

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Dear Readers,

In the excitment of testing my latest products, I forgot to snap a photo of Doc Pop! Whoops! It happens to the best of us, right? Rest assured, the review is as honest and thorough as ever— just missing a little visual flair this time.

Thanks for your understanding ;)

-IMBHOMom

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