Poppi soda drinkers could be owed part of $8.9M settlement. How to file a claim

Miami Herald

4 days ago

Poppi's gut health claims fell flat with some consumers, and now the prebiotic soda brand will pay nearly $9 million in refunds.
The Texas-based beverage company agreed to an $8.9 million settlement to resolve claims it improperly marketed its sodas as a 'gut healthy' alternative to traditional soft drinks, according to court documents.
According to its website, Poppi was born in co-founder Allison Ellsworth's kitchen, where she mixed 'fruit juices with apple cider vinegar, prebiotics, and sparkling water.' Ellsworth went from selling her drinks at farmers markets to being featured on 'Shark Tank,' thrusting her soda brand into the national spotlight.
A class-action complaint accused Poppi of claiming its sodas contain 'prebiotic fiber' but not enough to 'cause any meaningful gut health benefits.'
McClatchy News reached out to Poppi for comment July 25 and was awaiting a response.
'Despite Defendant's alluring 'prebiotic' marketing claims, which assure consumers, on the can, that they can 'Be Gut Happy [and] Be Gut Healthy,' as one nutritionist bluntly explained: the Products 'are basically sugared water,' which has been shown to actually harm gut health,' the complaint says.
Poppi has denied any wrongdoing.
Here's what to know if you're owed:
Who's eligible?
Anyone in the U.S. who purchased Poppi beverages of any flavor and package size for personal use between Jan. 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025, is eligible to file a claim, settlement administrators said.
How do I file a claim?
Claim forms can be submitted online or printed and mailed, according to the settlement website.
All claims must be submitted or postmarked no later than Friday, Sept. 26.
How much is the payment?
Poppi drinkers who submit a valid claim will be paid as follows:
75 cents per single can $3 per four-pack$6 per eight-pack$9 per 12- or 15-pack
Customers without proof of purchase can receive up to $16 per household, administrators said. Final payment amounts may be higher or lower depending on the number of claims received.
When will I be paid?
A hearing to finalize the settlement is set for Nov. 20 in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California, and payments will be disbursed within 90 days, barring any appeals, administrators said.
'If the Court does not approve the Settlement, or if the Settlement is overturned on appeal, no Class Payments will be issued,' according to the website.