Poppi: The Fizzy Challenger That Just Got Bottled by Pepsi

You know you've stirred the soda aisle when PepsiCo—yes, the PepsiCo—writes a $2 billion check to bring you home.

Welcome to the world of Poppi, the Gen Z-favorite prebiotic soda that turned bubbly branding, bold design, and influencer-first marketing into a masterclass in modern-day beverage disruption.

Let’s crack open how Poppi didn’t just make soda cool again—it made it gut-healthy, Instagrammable, and VC-worthy.

A Homemade Recipe Turned CPG Darling

Poppi’s story doesn’t begin in a boardroom—it starts in a Texas kitchen.

Founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth were simply trying to solve gut issues using apple cider vinegar in a drink called Mother.

Fast forward a few DIY batches, a Shark Tank appearance - Rohan Oza’s investment, and a full rebrand later—and boom, Poppi was born.

A fizzy drink with functional benefits and zero Big Soda baggage.

But it wasn’t just what was in the can that mattered. It was what the brand looked like, sounded like, and acted like—especially online.

Branding that Pops Off-Shelf and On-Feed

When CAVU Ventures came on board in 2020, Poppi swapped its crunchy kombucha-esque branding for something that looked like it belonged on the shelf between Coca-Cola’s sleekest cans and a Kylie Cosmetics drop.

Vibrant can design

Bold, Gen Z-friendly typography

Poppi isn’t a drink; it is a vibe.

This visual overhaul wasn’t just aesthetic—it was strategic. It made Poppi shelf-poppable and social-shareable. In a world of beige wellness brands and hyper-functional jargon, Poppi screamed fun, fresh, and cool-with-benefits.

Its 2024 Super Bowl commercial, "The Future of Soda," became the most-watched ad of the game, reaching 29.1 million households.

Influencer Marketing: Not Just a Tactic—The Whole Playbook

Poppi didn’t dip its toes in influencer marketing—it cannonballed into it.

From college ambassador programs to TikTok takeovers, Poppi turned every consumer into a potential creator.

Their genius? Using influencers not just for lifestyle shots, but to drive retail-specific conversions beyond soda drink (“find us at Target,” “back in stock at Erewhon”)

Influencer shoutouts weren’t ads—they were distribution channels.

The result? Triple-digit revenue growth, viral product drops, and a front-row seat at the Super Bowl ad game (Poppi’s 2024 ad was the most-watched spot of the night).

A Case Study in Content-Led Consumer Love

Instead of chasing “healthy soda” keywords, Poppi leaned into content that educated through entertainment. Think:

• Meme-heavy TikTok content

• Poppi-infused wellness routines

• Gut-health education without the preach

Their tone? Playful but purposeful. Clinical science in pop-culture packaging. A direct line to Gen Z’s gut and attention spans.

PepsiCo’s Big Gulp of Confidence

When PepsiCo came knocking in March 2025, it wasn’t just buying a product—it was buying a brand engine.

This acquisition is Pepsi’s play to stay relevant in a world where soda is no longer king, and functional is fashionable. Poppi is everything Big Soda isn’t: transparent, founder-led, cult-loved, and culture-embedded.

$2 billion later, it’s clear—Poppi isn’t just a fizzy fad. It’s the future of beverage branding.

Marketing Takeaways (with a Twist)

Design isn’t garnish. It’s strategy. Poppi’s branding gave it shelf appeal and scroll appeal. Your packaging is your billboard—and your Instagram ad.

Influence > Advertising. Poppi didn’t pay for attention. It earned it by embedding in culture, from TikTok to college dorms to Whole Foods fridges.

Content builds community. Poppi didn’t lecture about gut health—it made it cool, casual, and shareable. That’s how you turn customers into superfans.

Timing is everything. With wellness up, soda down, and TikTok peaking—Poppi struck while the trend iron was hot.

Wrap-Up: From Gut-Health to GOAT Moves

Poppi’s rise proves this: when you mix culture-savvy branding, creator-first marketing, and unapologetic design, you don’t just build a beverage—you build a movement.

Pepsi’s buyout isn’t just validation—it’s a reminder that the big guys are watching. So the question is:

What are you building that’s making them nervous?

Stay fizzy. Stay bold.

Cheers,

Shubham