Latest news with #Poppi
Fast Company
2 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.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PepsiCo officially buys Poppi for $1.95B. See which other Texas brands have been sold
A wave of recent acquisitions is reshaping the landscape of Texas's beloved food and restaurant industries, with iconic local brands and burgeoning startups catching the eye of national and international powerhouses. From a multi-billion-dollar beverage deal to the expansion of a Houston restaurant empire, these strategic moves highlight the growing value and appeal of Texas's culinary contributions. The trend underscores a desire by larger entities to tap into the flavors and customer loyalty cultivated by Texas-based businesses, while also signaling growth opportunities for the acquired companies. Austin-based Poppi, the rapidly growing prebiotic soda brand, officially completed its acquisition by PepsiCo on May 19. The deal, valued at $1.95 billion, brings the beverage into PepsiCo's vast portfolio. Poppi has carved a niche with its functional beverages, reflecting PepsiCo's push into the wellness drink market. In another significant move for PepsiCo in Texas, the global beverage and snack giant also completed its acquisition of Austin's Siete Foods in January. The deal was reported to be around $1.2 billion. Siete Foods, known for its health-conscious Mexican-American food products like grain-free tortillas and chips, further expands PepsiCo's natural and "better-for-you" food offerings. The iconic San Antonio-based fast-food chain, Whataburger, saw a major shift in ownership in June 2019. After nearly seven decades as a family-owned enterprise, a majority stake was acquired by BDT Capital Partners, LLC, a Chicago-based merchant bank. While the Dobson family retains a minority ownership and the headquarters remain in San Antonio, the acquisition aims to accelerate the brand's expansion into new markets while preserving its Texas heritage and core values. The Dallas-based "lodge-themed" sports bar chain, Twin Peaks, was acquired by Los Angeles-based FAT Brands in September 2021 for $300 million. FAT Brands added Twin Peaks to its growing portfolio of concepts, aiming to leverage its popular model for further expansion. San Antonio's Taco Cabana, a fixture in the Texas fast-casual scene, was sold in July 2021 for $85 million. The acquirer was Yadav Enterprises, a California-based franchisee with stakes in other well-known brands like Jack in the Box and Denny's. The sale by its previous parent company, Fiesta Restaurant Group, allowed Fiesta to sharpen its focus on its Pollo Tropical brand. Dallas-based Velvet Taco, a fast-casual concept celebrated for its taco creations, was acquired by private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners in November 2021. This acquisition positioned the popular chain for potential accelerated growth and expansion under new ownership. Austin's Torchy's Tacos saw an ownership shift in November 2020 through a substantial investment, reportedly around $400 million, from GenRock Capital Management, General Atlantic, and other investors. While not a full acquisition by a single corporate entity, this private equity infusion fundamentally altered ownership and control. In a colossal $18.7 billion mega-merger in July 2018, the Plano-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group joined forces with Keurig Green Mountain, creating the beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper. While not a restaurant, this acquisition represented a monumental change for a massive Texas-based food and beverage company, uniting two major players in the North American beverage market. Houston's renowned Pappas Restaurants Inc., the empire behind popular eateries like Pappadeaux and Pappasito's Cantina, announced in May its intent to acquire the bankrupt Tex-Mex chain On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. This move is expected to expand Pappas Restaurants' footprint within the Tex-Mex casual dining segment, bringing the Dallas-area-based chain under the wing of a deeply established Texas hospitality group. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: From Poppi to Whataburger, here are 9 Texas brands that have been sold
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
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alix Earle: TikTok Star Turned Business Titan
Alix Earle—a face of brands like Carl's Junior, Pantene and Poppi—sat down for the One with WSJ. Magazine, reflecting on her TikTok page's growth, her podcast with Alex Cooper's network and more. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
