American soda Brits have been ‘dying to try’ is finally launching in UK

Have you heard of Poppi? 

It’s a viral soda brand from the US that’s garnered a cult following online, as well as a few famous fans.

Charli XCX starred in a recent Super Bowl advert for the fizzy drinks, and everyone from Paris Hilton to Post Malone has been spotted with one of the colourful cans in their hand.

But what’s so special about it? According to the brand, it’s going to ‘shake up the soft drinks aisle’ in UK supermarkets, as it’s low in sugar and low in calories but with ‘full flavour fizz’.

The viral drink was first launched in America in 2016, founded by husband and wife duo Allison and Stephen Ellsworth from Texas. Allison was keen to ditch fizzy drinks, but didn’t want to lose the taste, so she started experimenting, mixing fruit juice, apple cider vinegar and sparkling water in her kitchen at home.

And the rest, as they say, is history…

Where will you be able to buy Poppi in the UK?

Poppi is being brought to the UK by PepsiCo, whose portfolio features several other iconic brands, including Pepsi, Walkers, Doritos, SodaStream, Quaker Oats, Tropicana, and 7UP.

Five different Poppi flavours are launching in the UK: Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Lime, Wild Berry, and Orange. 

Those keen to give them a try will find them in Tesco supermarkets as well as Pret a Manger locations nationwide, from March 5.

A wider rollout is planned for the brand later in the year. 

Is Poppi actually good for you?

Poppi is often described as a prebiotic soda that’s high in fibre, with no more than 5g of sugar per can. 

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As such, many people believe it’s a ‘healthy’ alternative to traditional sodas, and the brand even previously marketed the drink as a way to be ‘gut healthy’. But is this really the case? 

Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian and media nutrition liaison for the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition, previously told Time Magazine that Poppi drinks are ‘better than traditional sodas’, but she warned that they still ‘should be consumed in moderation’.

Her comments came after Poppi was sued by a former customer in 2024 over allegations that its claims of improving ‘gut health’ were misleading. 

The brand previously used the phrase ‘be gut happy’ on cans and in marketing, due to the inclusion of prebiotic ingredients in its drinks. However, the lawsuit alleged that there was not enough prebiotic fibre in a single can ‘to produce meaningful gut health benefits’, as the drinks only contain 2g of prebiotic fibre. 

According to the official website, Poppi contains cassava root fibre, which is a prebiotic obtained from the root of the cassava plant, and agave inulin, a prebiotic extracted from the agave tequilana plant.

Prebiotics are plant fibres that the body doesn’t digest, but may trigger the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. Experts agree that the science around this area is currently limited, and more research is needed to prove the link between prebiotics and positive changes in the gut microbiome.

Poppi has since agreed to a $8.9million class-action settlement and ditched the gut health messaging.

In the UK, several other brands of prebiotic soda are already available, including XOXO and Hip Pop.

However, many Brits will likely be jumping for joy over the news of the upcoming Poppi launch, as people have spent months begging the brand to head over the pond.

On TikTok, @lissa_abarg confessed she was ‘dying to try them’, as @ricki.k_ said she would ‘cry’ if the drinks were brought to the UK.

Similarly, @cleochloee posted: ‘I really want to try it’, and @michelleskaa added: ‘omg been dying to try one.’

@sadtubes_1 admitted they would be ‘running to buy these’, while others said they were ‘a need’.

A few social media users have previously claimed to have found cans of Poppi on sale in Co-op stores, but Poppi tells Metro this launch is their first official foray into the UK drinks market.

Speaking about going on sale in the UK, co-founder Allison Ellsworth said it is ‘incredibly meaningful’.

‘When we started Poppi, the goal was simple: create a soda people could feel good about drinking. Seeing Poppi find a new home in the U.K. is a proud moment for our entire team.

‘We’re excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to be a part of a new community.’

Natalia Fillipociants, general manager Europe International Beverages at PepsiCo added: ‘We’re proud to bring Poppi’s vibrant, feel-good approach to the UK. 

‘British consumers are increasingly looking for drinks that are balanced, modern and genuinely enjoyable every day. With bold fruity flavours, eye-catching design, Poppi delivers full-flavour fizz made with ingredients that the consumer will absolutely love!’

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