Latest news with #Olipop
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Liquid Death takes aim at prebiotic sodas with some toilet humor
Liquid Death has taken the old-timey Pepsi Challenge taste test concept to some pretty strange places for its flavored sparkling waters. Back in 2022, it pitted its $1.99 cans of Liquid Death against tallboys of luxury liquids like lobster béarnaise sauce ($50), liquified Japanese wagyu cheeseburger ($51), Spanish squid ink ($58), and beluga caviar ($580). Cue the dry heaves. And in 2023, it responded to a tweet that said, 'I'd rather lick sweat off a fat guy's back than drink Liquid Death,' with a spot entitled—you guessed it —' Better Than Back Sweat? ' Now the brand is taking aim at prebiotic sodas like Olipop with a new taste test ad called 'Toilet Taste Test.' Here we have several brave members of the public coming to test the chuggability of a Liquid Death flavored sparkling water against a mug of unnamed prebiotic soda. Each subject tastes the Liquid Death first, then is asked to try the prebiotic soda while sitting on the toilet since it claims the prebiotic soda contains six times the fiber in a fiber-based laxative. Subject responses are . . . revealing. 'Not quite prairie-dogging but feeling some motion.' 'Number 2 might make me number two.' Watch the (soda) throne The prebiotic soda market has been forecasted to hit $3.5 billion by 2032. In February, Coca-Cola launched Simply Pop, and a month later PepsiCo acquired Poppi for $1.95 billion. Popular brand Olipop (which contains 6 g of fiber per can) was valued at $1.85 billion in February, after raising $50 million in its latest funding round. Liquid Death was valued at $1.4 billion, following its latest funding round last March. According to the company, 2024 retail sales were $333 million, up from $263 million in 2023. While it's not the most obvious competitor to the heavy metal and comedy-infused canned water brand, Liquid Death has always positioned itself as a healthy alternative to traditional sugar-filled soda. 'The Toilet Taste Test' is a clear indication of what brands it deems a threat to its own growth trajectory. By taking aim at the taste and consequences of fiber, the brand not only found the funny, but also took a direct hit on what many see as prebiotic soda's Achilles heel. It's also a perfect example of the brand's consistently funny take on advertising. At the Fast Company Grill at SXSW in March, Liquid Death's senior VP of marketing Dan Murphy told me the goal for all of its content was to make sure it 'doesn't smell like an ad' and creates engagement with consumers and the media. 'The metrics you should look for are saves and shares,' Murphy said. 'If somebody's going to go back and watch that again, if somebody's sharing that with a friend, there's that viral coefficient that is telling you you're doing it right.'
The Hill
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Prebiotic sodas becoming more popular, but health claims stir debate
Prebiotic sodas are growing in popularity, often promoted as gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory alternatives to traditional sodas. Unlike regular or diet sodas, prebiotic drinks typically contain less sugar and are made with ingredients like inulin, a fiber-rich sweetener derived from chicory root or other plants. While some wellness experts praise prebiotic sodas for supporting digestive health, others warn that the science behind these claims is still emerging. Inulin, though deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, can cause digestive issues for people with irritable bowel syndrome, for example, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine. Despite mixed opinions, prebiotic soda sales are booming. Sales jumped from $33 million to $777 million over the past three years, according to NielsenIQ. 'You're looking at 50-plus grams of sugar in a can of soda, versus five grams of sugar in a Poppi or an Olipop,' nutritionist Courtney Swan said. 'So, I think long term, the trend of having lower sugar sodas will probably stay.' Pepsi recently acquired Poppi for more than $1 billion. Cannabis-infused beverages containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are also gaining popularity as alcohol alternatives. Experts advise consumers to check labels and consult their doctors before trying these drinks, especially as regulations and ingredients vary widely.
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Top Functional Food Trends That Are Disrupting the Market
It's no secret that food isn't just about taste anymore. Today's consumers want more from what they eat energy, focus, better skin, gut health, and mood boosts. You name it. Functional foods, once a niche, are now dominating store shelves and TikTok feeds alike. And guess what? They're not going anywhere. Whether you're building a brand, looking to private-label your own super snack, or just keeping an eye on the wellness wave, here are the biggest functional food trends that are totally shaking up the industry right now. From lion's mane to reishi, mushrooms are being tossed into everything—from coffee to protein bars. And not just for flavor (although, yeah, some of them taste kinda earthy-delicious), but for what they do . Lion's mane is praised for brain-boosting benefits. Reishi? It's all about stress relief and immune support. Cordyceps, on the other hand, are energy powerhouses. More brands are building entire product lines around mushrooms, and consumers are loving the idea of 'smart snacks' or 'focus drinks' powered by fungi. The functional mushroom market alone is expected to hit $20 billion+ by 2030—so yeah, it's kind of a big deal. Here's a not-so-fun fact: over 60 million Americans deal with digestive issues. No wonder gut-friendly foods are on fire right now. But it's not just about kombucha anymore. Today's gut-loving heroes include: Prebiotic sodas (like Poppi or Olipop) (like Poppi or Olipop) Fiber-rich snack bars Probiotic chocolates and yogurts Fermented protein balls (yes, that's a thing) The gut-brain connection is also trending hard, with people finally realizing their digestive health affects everything from their mood to sleep. It's a huge space to watch—and be in—if you're building something in the wellness category. Stressed out? Welcome to modern life. That's why adaptogens are showing up in everything from sparkling drinks to brownie mixes. These are natural substances (mostly herbs and roots) that help the body adapt to stress, hence the name. Think: ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil. Brands are weaving adaptogens into the narrative of 'food as chill.' We're seeing product taglines like 'calm in a can' or 'stress support you can snack on.' It's a trend that's got staying power, especially in this always-on, burnout-prone culture. Yes, protein is still king—but it's evolving. While whey and meat-based protein had their moment, now it's all about innovative plant protein sources like: Pea protein Pumpkin seed Hemp Water lentils (yep, a real thing) And no, it's not just for shakes and bars anymore. We're talking plant-protein cookies, chips, muffins, and even ice creams. The demand is fueled by vegans, flexitarians, and anyone wanting to ditch dairy without sacrificing gains. Also? Label transparency is a must. Clean labels, no weird fillers. People are reading ingredient lists like novels now. With all these fresh, high-protein products hitting the market, brands are also rethinking how to present them, both in stores and online. That's why many new wellness startups are sourcing die cut Mylar bags at wholesale rates, combining a premium feel with custom shapes that stand out on shelves and social media feeds. If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad, right? Well, functional food makers are literally baking mood boosters into their products now. We're talking snacks and drinks infused with: Magnesium (the chill mineral) L-theanine (found in green tea) GABA and 5-HTP (natural feel-good brain helpers) B-vitamins for focus and energy It's wellness that tastes good and feels good. Brands positioning their products around emotional health especially those with clean ingredients are getting snapped up fast both in-store and online. Beauty isn't just topical anymore. Enter: edible skincare. Consumers are all about collagen powders, ceramide gummies, and even hyaluronic acid drinks. (Don't worry, it doesn't taste like anything weird.) This trend is especially hot among millennials and Gen Z shoppers, who are all about holistic beauty. If it promises glowy skin, stronger nails, or shinier hair, they're down. The best part? It blends seamlessly with other trends like gut health and adaptogens. Imagine a snack bar that calms your nerves and gives you a glow-up? That's the dream. If you're a food entrepreneur or startup founder, this moment is kind of golden. Functional food isn't just another health trend—it's a whole new way of thinking about what we eat and why. People want purposeful products. Stuff that tastes good and does good for their body and mind. Whether you're formulating the next great adaptogenic snack or a beauty-boosting beverage, there's room to innovate, especially with clear branding and smart go-to-market strategies. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Prebiotic sodas becoming more popular, but health claims stir debate
(NewsNation) — Prebiotic sodas are growing in popularity, often promoted as gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory alternatives to traditional sodas. Unlike regular or diet sodas, prebiotic drinks typically contain less sugar and are made with ingredients like inulin, a fiber-rich sweetener derived from chicory root or other plants. Neuralink patient explains first year of life with brain chip While some wellness experts praise prebiotic sodas for supporting digestive health, others warn that the science behind these claims is still emerging. Inulin, though deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, can cause digestive issues for people with irritable bowel syndrome, for example, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine. Despite mixed opinions, prebiotic soda sales are booming. Sales jumped from $33 million to $777 million over the past three years, according to NielsenIQ. 'You're looking at 50-plus grams of sugar in a can of soda, versus five grams of sugar in a Poppi or an Olipop,' said nutritionist Courtney Swan. 'So, I think long term, the trend of having lower sugar sodas will probably stay.' 'He was a zombie': O'Reilly and Cuomo debate Biden cover-up allegations Pepsi recently acquired Poppi for more than $1 billion. Cannabis-infused beverages containing CBD or THC are also gaining popularity as alcohol alternatives. Experts advise consumers to check labels and consult their doctors before trying these drinks, especially as regulations and ingredients vary widely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
LAST CHANCE: Visit Olipop's virtual drive-thru today for mocktails, DIY summer drinks
LAST CHANCE: Visit Olipop's virtual drive-thru today for mocktails, DIY summer drinks If you missed Olipop's first-ever drive-thru experience in Los Angeles, don't fret, you can still enjoy it virtually. However, you'll need to act fast as today is the LAST day for your chance at a DIY mocktail starter kit or a case of the newest Olipop flavor for free. The Virtual Drive-Thru opens for one final time from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST, with the final batch of winners selected to get the sweet taste of Olipop for free! Since it opened last week, by the end of Monday, 1,000 customers will have been selected. Olipop lovers can even enjoy 20% off their next order. More on that below. So act fast, because the sweet taste of Olipop viral healthy soda at the Virtual Drive-Thru is driving away today! When is the Olipop Virtual Drive-Thru? From Monday, May 12 to Monday, May 19, Olipop will host a Virtual Drive-Thru at open daily from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST. More Olipop Drive-Thru: Visit Olipop's retro Drive-Thru today and enter to win fun bubbly for summer 🍊 How do you enter to win Olipop freebies? Simply enter your name and email. Olipop will notify you within 48 hours if you're one of the selected winners. Winners will win one of the following freebies: Olipop Drive-Thru Mocktail Kit: In partnership with KOIA, Olipop is bringing the sparkle home with all the ingredients you need to create your own Dirty Protein Soda featuring the new Olipop Orange Cream flavor. You can also create the internet's most viral drink right now, the Sleepy Girl Mocktail, in partnership with Pomona Organics and Moon Juice. Olipop 12-Pack of Orange Cream: Don't miss your chance to get a 12-pack of the new Orange Cream flavor delivered right to your doorstep. See Official Rules for full details on how to enter, eligibility requirements, odds, prize descriptions and limitations. Void where prohibited. Enter to win here To continue the bubble celebrations, Olipop is offering a 20% discount when shoppers use coupon code DRIVETHRU20 at checkout at The coupon can be applied to all purchases sitewide. What is Olipop? Olipop launched in 2018 as an alternative to regular soda. The functional beverage was formulated by the brand's CEO, Ben Goodwin, and a group of scientists to create a flavorful soda that supports digestive health. Today, Olipop flavors include Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer, Lemon Lime, Strawberry Vanilla, Watermelon Lime, Tropical Punch, Ginger Ale, and more. Olipop is non-GMO, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free. Each can of Olipop has nine grams of fiber, two to five grams of sugar, and is packed with prebiotics and plant-based fiber for supreme digestive health. Does Olipop soda have caffeine? Some Olipop flavors have caffeine. Right now, the only Olipop flavors that contain caffeine are Vintage Cola, Cherry Cola, and Dr. Goodwin. The rest are caffeine-free! The caffeine in those three Olipop flavors consists of 50mg of caffeine derived from green tea extract.
