PepsiCo Acquires Poppi for $1.95 Billion: A Bold Move Toward Healthier Beverages

PepsiCo Bets Big on Poppi—And the Future of Soda May Never Be the Same

If you’ve been paying attention to the beverage industry, you know traditional soda isn’t what it used to be. Consumers want healthier options, and PepsiCo just made a bold move to stay ahead of the trend. On March 17, 2025, the company announced it’s acquiring Poppi—the prebiotic soda brand that’s been shaking up the industry—for a whopping $1.95 billion.

Why Poppi?

Poppi isn’t just another trendy drink. Founded by Stephen and Allison Ellsworth in 2015 (originally as Mother Beverage), the brand skyrocketed after appearing on Shark Tank in 2018. Their secret? A soda that’s actually good for you.

✔️ Prebiotics for gut health
✔️ Real fruit juice & apple cider vinegar
✔️ Under 5g of sugar per can
✔️ Refreshing, nostalgic soda flavors—without the guilt

With wellness-conscious consumers ditching sugary sodas, Poppi quickly became a fan favorite. And PepsiCo clearly took notice.

What’s in It for Pepsi?

This acquisition is part of PepsiCo’s bigger play: evolving beyond traditional soft drinks. Over the past few years, they’ve been strategically investing in better-for-you brands, and Poppi fits the bill perfectly. Plus, the deal includes $300 million in expected tax benefits, bringing the net price down to $1.65 billion—a smart financial move.

What’s Next?

While details on Poppi’s future under PepsiCo remain unclear, one thing is certain: healthier sodas are here to stay. Will this push Coca-Cola and other competitors to step up their game? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—your soda aisle is about to look very different.

👉 Would you swap your regular soda for a prebiotic alternative like Poppi? Let us know!