$8.9 Million Poppi Lawsuit Settlement, Are You Owed Money for “Gut Healthy” Claims?

Popular prebiotic soda brand Poppi has agreed to pay $8.9 million to settle a class action lawsuit that challenged its “gut healthy” marketing claims. If you purchased Poppi sodas between January 2020 and July 2025, you may be entitled to cash compensation of up to $16 per purchase.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Poppi settlement, including eligibility requirements, claim deadlines, and the legal implications for the rapidly growing functional beverage industry.

Understanding the Poppi False Advertising Lawsuit

What Sparked the Legal Action?

The initial Poppi class action lawsuit, filed in June 2024, alleged the prebiotic sodas were falsely advertised given that they contained only two grams of prebiotic fiber, an amount too low to confer any meaningful gut health benefits.

The core allegations centered on Poppi’s marketing claims that positioned the beverage as promoting digestive wellness and gut health. “Accordingly, a consumer would need to drink more than four Poppi sodas in a day to realize any potential health benefits from its prebiotic fiber,” the lawsuit claims, adding one would need to drink at least that many, daily, for 21 consecutive days to even potentially see results.

Key Legal Arguments

Insufficient Prebiotic Content: The brand faced false advertising claims in 2024, as plaintiffs argued Poppi soda contains 2 grams of prebiotic fiber, which the complaint argues is “too low to cause meaningful gut health benefits for the consumer from just one can.”

Sugar Content Concerns: In addition to containing low levels of prebiotics, the drinks also contain a lot of sugar, the lawsuit alleges.

Misleading Health Claims: The lawsuit challenged whether Poppi’s marketing materials and health claims were supported by adequate scientific evidence.

$8.9 Million Settlement Details

Settlement Timeline and Approval

VNGR Beverage LLC has agreed to pay $8.9 million to resolve claims it falsely advertised its Poppi sodas as containing prebiotics for a healthy gut. Lead plaintiffs Kristin Cobbs, Sarah Coleman and Megan Wheeler filed a motion for preliminary approval of the proposed settlement on March 14 2025.

The Poppi soda settlement received preliminary court approval on May 23, 2025.

Settlement Mediation Process

Earlier this month, the parties joined a private mediation with retired Judge Jay C. Gandhi. Following the mediation, the parties indicated that they were finalizing a settlement.

The successful mediation demonstrates both sides’ commitment to resolving the dispute without prolonged litigation, providing faster relief to affected consumers.

Related Lawsuit: Breaking: Spectrum Faces Multiple 2025 Lawsuits – Are You Owed Money for Deceptive Billing Practices?

Who Is Eligible for Compensation?

Class Definition and Requirements

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.

Eligibility Criteria:

• U.S. residents who purchased Poppi products
• Consumers who bought Poppi sodas between Jan. 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025, may qualify to claim a cash payment
• Purchases must have been for personal household use, not for resale or distribution
• All flavors and package sizes are included

What Products Are Covered?

The settlement covers all Poppi prebiotic soda products sold during the class period, including:

• Single cans (12 oz)
• Four-packs
• Eight-packs
• Twelve-packs
• Fifteen-packs
• All flavors and varieties

Compensation Structure and Payment Amounts

Detailed Payout Schedule

Those who are approved as eligible and submit a claim may receive the following compensation: up to 75 cents per single can, $3 per four-pack, $6 per eight-pack, and $9 per 12-pack or 15-pack.

Maximum Compensation Limits:

• Claim up to $16 with no proof of purchase required for smaller claims
• Higher amounts may be available with proof of purchase documentation

Proof of Purchase Requirements

The settlement offers flexible claim options:

• Without Receipt: Claims up to $16 without requiring proof of purchase
• With Documentation: Higher compensation amounts for claimants who can provide receipts, bank statements, or other purchase evidence

Step-by-Step Claim Filing Process

How to Submit Your Claim

Head to this page to submit a claim form online. There, you may also download a PDF claim form to print, complete and return by mail.

Online Filing Process:

1. Visit the official settlement website at poppisettlement.com
2. Complete the online claim form with accurate information
3. Select your purchase history and quantities
4. Submit electronically before the deadline

Mail-in Option: Claim forms can be submitted online or printed and mailed, according to the settlement website.

Critical Deadline Information

Claim Submission Deadline: The deadline to file a Poppi settlement claim form is September 26, 2025.

Important Notes:

• Claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked no later than Sept. 26, 2025.
• Late submissions will not be accepted
• Online submissions are recommended for faster processing

Payment Distribution Timeline

Payments are expected to be distributed within 90 days of the settlement is no longer subject to appeal or review, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Payments for approved claims will be issued only if the court gives final approval to the proposed settlement and after the final approval is no longer subject to appeal, the settlement website notes.

Legal Implications and Industry Impact

Regulatory Scrutiny of Functional Beverages

Poppi lawsuit turns attention and scrutiny to the prebiotic beverage industry, signaling increased regulatory focus on health claims in the functional beverage market.

The settlement represents a significant moment for the rapidly growing functional beverage industry, where health and wellness claims have become central marketing strategies.

Precedent for Health Claim Litigation

This case establishes important precedents regarding:

• Scientific substantiation requirements for prebiotic claims
• Consumer protection in functional food marketing
• Standards for gut health advertising claims
• Class action approaches to nutritional labeling disputes

Impact on Prebiotic Product Marketing

The settlement will likely influence how beverage companies approach:

• Health benefit claims and supporting research
• Prebiotic content disclosures
• Marketing language around digestive wellness
• Scientific evidence requirements for functional ingredients

Expert Analysis: What This Settlement Means

Consumer Protection Implications

Legal experts note that this settlement reflects growing consumer awareness and legal scrutiny of health claims in the food and beverage industry. The case demonstrates that companies must ensure their marketing claims are substantiated by credible scientific evidence.

Industry Response and Best Practices

The Poppi settlement signals to other functional beverage companies the importance of:

• Conducting thorough scientific research before making health claims
• Clearly disclosing ingredient amounts and limitations
• Ensuring marketing materials accurately represent product benefits
• Maintaining transparency with consumers about product capabilities

Future Legal Landscape

This case may encourage similar lawsuits against other functional beverage and food companies, particularly those making digestive health or prebiotic claims without adequate scientific backing.

Protecting Your Rights as a Consumer

Documentation Best Practices

To protect yourself in similar situations:

• Keep receipts for specialty health products
• Screenshot marketing claims from company websites
• Document any health claims that influence your purchase decisions
• Report misleading advertising to appropriate regulatory agencies

Understanding Your Rights

Consumers have the right to:

• Accurate product labeling and marketing claims
• Scientific substantiation for health benefits
• Refunds when products fail to deliver promised benefits
• Participation in class action settlements when eligible

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Poppi lawsuit about?

The initial Poppi class action lawsuit, filed in June 2024, alleged the prebiotic sodas were falsely advertised given that they contained only two grams of prebiotic fiber, an amount too low to confer any meaningful gut health benefits. The lawsuit challenged the company’s “gut healthy” marketing claims.

How much money can I receive from the Poppi settlement?

Those who are approved as eligible and submit a claim may receive the following compensation: up to 75 cents per single can, $3 per four-pack, $6 per eight-pack, and $9 per 12-pack or 15-pack. You can claim up to $16 without proof of purchase.

When is the deadline to file a Poppi settlement claim?

The deadline to file a Poppi settlement claim form is September 26, 2025. Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by this date.

Do I need receipts to file a claim?

No, you can file a claim for up to $16 without providing receipts or proof of purchase. Higher amounts may be available if you can provide purchase documentation.

Who is eligible for the Poppi settlement?

Consumers who bought Poppi sodas between Jan. 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025, may qualify to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement. All U.S. residents who purchased Poppi products for personal use during this period are eligible.

How do I submit my claim?

Visit the official settlement website at poppisettlement.com to file online, or download and mail a paper claim form. Online submission is faster and more convenient.

When will I receive my settlement payment?

Payments are expected to be distributed within 90 days of the settlement is no longer subject to appeal or review, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Can I opt out of the settlement?

Yes, class members typically have the right to opt out of the settlement if they prefer to pursue individual legal action, though specific opt-out procedures and deadlines would be detailed in the settlement notice.

What if I can’t find my receipts?

The settlement allows claims up to $16 without requiring receipts. For larger claims, you can use alternative proof like bank statements, credit card records, or loyalty program purchase history.

Is this settlement final?

The settlement received preliminary approval but requires final court approval. Payments for approved claims will be issued only if the court gives final approval to the proposed settlement and after the final approval is no longer subject to appeal.

Will Poppi change its marketing practices?

While the settlement doesn’t require admission of wrongdoing, companies often modify their marketing practices following such settlements to avoid future legal challenges.

Can I still buy Poppi products?

Yes, Poppi products remain available for purchase. The settlement addresses past marketing claims but doesn’t prevent continued sales of the products.

What should I do if I have questions about my claim?

Contact the settlement administrator through the official settlement website or phone number provided in the settlement notice for assistance with your specific claim.

Are there similar lawsuits against other beverage companies?

This settlement may encourage similar legal challenges against other functional beverage companies making health claims. Stay informed about consumer protection issues in the food and beverage industry.

Next Steps and Action Items

Immediate Actions for Eligible Consumers

1. Assess Your Eligibility: Determine if you purchased Poppi products between January 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025
2. Gather Documentation: Collect any receipts, bank statements, or purchase records you may have
3. Visit Settlement Website: Go to poppisettlement.com to review the complete settlement terms
4. File Your Claim: Submit your claim form online or by mail before September 26, 2025

Staying Informed About Future Developments

• Monitor the settlement website for updates on final court approval
• Watch for payment distribution announcements
• Stay informed about similar cases in the functional beverage industry
• Consider signing up for class action settlement alerts from consumer protection websites

Industry Outlook and Consumer Awareness

The Growing Functional Beverage Market

The Poppi settlement highlights the rapid growth and increased scrutiny of the functional beverage market. As consumers become more health-conscious, companies must balance innovative marketing with accurate, scientifically-backed claims.

Importance of Consumer Vigilance

This case underscores the importance of consumer awareness when evaluating health claims on food and beverage products. While functional beverages can offer benefits, consumers should:

• Research health claims independently
• Look for scientific evidence supporting product benefits
• Be skeptical of dramatic health promises
• Report suspected false advertising to authorities

Regulatory Environment Evolution

Expect continued evolution in how regulatory agencies oversee health claims in the food and beverage industry. The Poppi case may influence future guidance on prebiotic and digestive health marketing claims.

Conclusion

The popular prebiotic soda company Poppi has settled a class action suit for $8.9 million, and now customers can file a claim to get money back. This settlement represents a significant victory for consumer protection and sets important precedents for health claim accountability in the functional beverage industry.

If you purchased Poppi products during the class period, don’t miss the September 26, 2025 deadline to file your claim. Even without receipts, you can claim up to $16 in compensation through this settlement.

The Poppi case serves as a reminder that companies must substantiate their health claims with credible scientific evidence. As consumers become more aware of their rights, we can expect continued scrutiny of marketing practices in the health and wellness product space.

Take action today by visiting poppisettlement.com to determine your eligibility and file your claim. Your participation in this settlement not only provides you with potential compensation but also supports broader consumer protection efforts in the marketplace.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance regarding your situation, consult with a qualified attorney specializing in consumer protection or class action law. Settlement terms and procedures are subject to final court approval.