To illustrate, beverage brand Poppi, which uses functional “better-for-you” ingredients, is enjoying the headlines. This follows after the brand paid out $8.9 million in a class action lawsuit. A backlash ensued when allegations of bad acts surfaced at the company. Critics argued it misled consumers with unsubstantiated marketing claims, requiring its products not mislead consumers “for a healthy gut.” The settlement is intended to protect consumers who were deceived by false advertising from Poppi.
The class action lawsuits against Poppi started in California, where plaintiffs filed several claims about untrue marketing practices. These lawsuits were rolled into one robust, prospective class action suit in June of 2024. The plaintiffs allege that Poppi’s marketing language misled consumers’ purchasing decisions. The end result was that people bought the product under false pretenses. Legal contests such as the ongoing Campbell-Van Zandt case have emphasized the need for transparency in promoting health-related claims.
Settlement Details and Claim Process
Any consumer can file a claim under the terms of the settlement. They can choose to do it online or by mail up until September 16, 2025. Even those who don’t have proof of purchase are eligible for reimbursement up to $16. Consumers have to confirm their claim by reporting the number of cans they purchased. This eligible period stretches from January 23, 2020, to July 18, 2025.
Approved claimants will receive different amounts depending on their purchases. Specifically, they can obtain up to 75 cents per single can of Poppi, with higher reimbursements for larger packs: $3 for a four-pack, $6 for an eight-pack, and $9 for a 12-pack or 15-pack. This framework should deliver adequate restitution to consumers who were truly deceived by the brand’s deceptive marketing practices.
Health Claims Under Scrutiny
Those lawsuits have raised questions about Poppi’s claims of health benefits from its drinks. Consumer interest has been piqued particularly in light of the addition of prebiotics. Prebiotics are widely regarded as promoters of gut health. According to the plaintiffs, one can of Poppi has such a small amount of each ingredient that it’s impossible for it to have any significant health effect. This included concerns over mild side effects related to increased prebiotic intake like bloating and diarrhea.
The last hearing to approve the settlement agreement is coming up on November 20, 2025. Consumers and industry observers alike are particularly excited to see how Poppi will navigate the fallout from this legal spat. The result will have a real impact on all consumers who purchased Poppi products. Perhaps most significantly, it would set a precedent for health-related marketing claims in the beverage industry.
