About This Report
This report examines the Olipop vs. Poppi debate, giving insights into the brands’ marketing strategies, brand positioning, pricing trends, and industry dominance in light of PepsiCo’s recent acquisition of Poppi and their Amazon performance. We analyzed the products listed on Amazon by Olipop and Poppi from February 4 to February 18, 2025, to compare their sales, pricing, discount strategies, and customer engagement to understand how each brand is positioned on the digital shelf.
What’s Popping In The Prebiotic Soda Segment?
According to Euromonitor International data, digestive health soft drinks in the US grew from a $197 million category in 2020 to $440 million in 2024. That’s quite a pop!
In just a matter of weeks, the prebiotic soda category has seen more fizz than ever in the last several years!
On one hand, PepsiCo has finalized a $1.95 billion acquisition of Poppi. On the other hand, Olipop raised $50 million in Series C funding, with the brand now valued at $1.85 billion.
The Olipop vs. Poppi debate is a long-standing one. Both brands have built a strong presence with unique flavor profiles and marketing strategies. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has officially entered the arena with the launch of Simply Pop, its prebiotic soda under Simply Beverages.
Coca-Cola’s entry is a major signal that prebiotic soda is no longer a niche segment. The beverage giant plans to roll out Simply Pop across the West Coast and Southeast, targeting the same consumer base that has driven growth for Olipop and Poppi.
PepsiCo’s Acquisition of Poppi: A Game-Changer?
PepsiCo’s acquisition of Poppi signals the beverage giant’s commitment to expanding its functional drink portfolio. This deal strengthens Poppi’s distribution, marketing reach, and retail presence, allowing it to scale rapidly beyond digital marketplaces.
With PepsiCo’s backing, Poppi gains access to large-scale retail partnerships, supply chain efficiencies, and advertising resources that smaller independent brands struggle to match.
While this positions Poppi for accelerated growth, it also intensifies competition with Olipop, which remains independent and continues to build its brand through grassroots marketing and direct-to-consumer efforts.
The acquisition raises questions about whether Poppi will maintain its brand authenticity or shift towards mass-market appeal under PepsiCo’s leadership. Also, how does Olipop plan to adapt, differentiate, and maintain its market share and relevance?
Olipop vs. Poppi: The Beverage Battle and Branding
While both brands promote gut health, their approach to brand positioning couldn’t be more different.
Olipop has carved out a niche by positioning itself as a premium, healthy alternative to traditional sodas. At its core, the brand promotes itself as a “new kind of soda” for digestive health, emphasizing its high fiber content and prebiotic benefits.
It is an almost “functional food” brand that appeals to a more niche, health-conscious demographic. By being transparent about the ingredients, it focuses on creating a sense of quality and trust.
Poppi’s audience is primarily millennials and Gen Z. Its fun and fresh approach makes it the go-to brand for consumers looking for something modern and aligned with wellness trends.
By combining influencer marketing with colorful packaging that stands out on social media, Poppi has tapped into a younger demographic that values convenience and accessibility alongside health benefits. However, let’s not forget that in 2024, Poppi was challenged with a lawsuit for not living up to the promise of being “gut healthy.”
The Super Bowl Controversy
The popular brand feud of Olipop vs. Poppi grabbed headlines when Poppi’s Super Bowl campaign made waves for all the wrong reasons. It sent branded vending machines to 32 influencers, sparking criticism for being extravagant and out of touch with its audience.
Olipop capitalized on the moment, humorously calling out the cost, although it was later revealed that the actual price tag was much lower.
While Poppi defended the campaign as part of its bold, high-visibility branding strategy, this move highlights the risks of pushing for viral stunts without aligning with audience values, especially when the brand’s core image is all about gut health and authenticity.
Despite these differences, both brands now face the same challenge as the prebiotic soda category expands. How do they maintain their brand identity while Coca-Cola’s Simply Pop joins the fray?
The very foundation of Olipop’s and Poppi’s competitive advantages, challenger branding, and differentiation from traditional sodas are soon up for a test!
Now, let’s look into Olipop vs. Poppi comparison on Amazon.
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Poppi Vs. Olipop on Amazon
In the prebiotic soda market, Poppi and Olipop have become two of Amazon’s leading players. This section examines their performance on the platform, giving insights into sales data, pricing strategies, customer reviews, and overall market presence.
Olipop vs. Poppi Sales: Poppi Has Double the Sales of Olipop on Amazon
Sales data reveals a significant gap: Poppi’s monthly sales hit 3,336,600 units, more than double that of Olipop, which stands at 1,554,300 units. This suggests Poppi’s marketing efforts, broad product availability, and brand visibility drive stronger demand on Amazon.
Daily sales trends reinforce this dominance, with Poppi selling between 119.86 and 157.25 units per day, compared to Olipop’s 100.07 to 119.47 units.
Poppi’s higher sales volumes are likely driven by its extensive influencer collaborations, viral marketing campaigns, and wide retail availability, which funnel more customers to its Amazon listings. Following the Poppi PepsiCo acquisition, the sales volume is expected to go higher with a mass market appeal.
While Poppi’s daily sales fluctuate, Olipop maintains lower but steady sales that indicate a loyal consumer base that values its unique health benefits.
Olipop Vintage Cola and Poppi Sparkling Soda with Apple Cider Vinegar Are Top Sellers
Olipop’s top-selling products on Amazon are Vintage Cola, 12 Fl Oz Can (7,000 units), Cream Soda Pantry Pack (6,000 units), and Strawberry Vanilla Sparkling Tonic, 12 Fl Oz Can (6,000 units).
Poppi’s top-selling products on Amazon are Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda Beverage with Apple Cider Vinegar Game Day Variety Pack (10,000 units), Short List Variety Pack (10,000 units), and Orange Prebiotic Soda Single Can (8,000 units).
These strong sales figures show that Poppi’s product diversification and bundling strategies resonate well with customers. The Game Day Variety Pack and Short List Variety Pack sales volumes indicate that consumers prefer variety and bulk options, likely due to the value proposition and convenience these packs offer.
The single cans of Poppi, such as the Orange Prebiotic Soda, are still strong performers, with 8,000 units sold per month. However, affordable multipack options appeal to more customers who seek diverse flavors in one purchase.
On the other hand, in Olipop’s case, individual cans perform better, highlighting its focus on niche flavors and repeat buyers who prioritize specific tastes and health preferences.
Meanwhile, the steady success of multipack options suggests that consumers appreciate both functional benefits and affordability when purchasing a flavor in bulk.
Olipop Has a Lower Average Price of $14.86 Compared to $19.09 for Poppi
Price is a significant factor in shaping consumer behavior on Amazon. The price difference between Olipop and Poppi, $14.86 vs. $19.09, suggests strategic decisions made by both brands in terms of product positioning and market appeal.
Olipop’s $14.86 average price appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking affordable, functional sodas without sacrificing quality.
Olipop maintains a competitive edge by offering budget-friendly products like the $2.39 12-can Pantry Pack and $2.39 single cans (e.g., Strawberry Vanilla), which provide accessible entry points for consumers who prioritize health benefits without paying a premium price.
Poppi’s $19.09 price reflects a premium positioning, appealing to those attracted by its bold branding and celebrity endorsements. However, Poppi also offers similar affordable options, such as the $2.39 Cherry Limeade 4-Pack and Watermelon Prebiotic Soda, catering to budget-conscious consumers looking for variety in taste without burning a hole in their pockets.
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Olipop vs. Poppi: Who Do Customers on Amazon Love More?
Poppi’s review count stands at a staggering 1,172,778, compared to Olipop’s 298,024.
While Olipop maintains a slightly higher average rating at 4.33 compared to Poppi’s 4.28, Poppi’s massive review volume suggests a significantly larger customer base and higher purchase frequency.
The data implies that Poppi’s broad appeal and aggressive marketing campaigns are rapidly attracting new customers.
Olipop’s slightly higher rating is proof of consistently strong product satisfaction among its niche audience, but it faces a tougher challenge: reaching consumers on Amazon.
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What’s Next For Olipop and Poppi?
As PepsiCo’s acquisition of Poppi and Coca-Cola’s launch of Simply Pop shake up the prebiotic soda market, both brands face pivotal moments.
For Poppi, the backing of a beverage giant like PepsiCo presents the opportunity for rapid scale. Still, it also risks losing the authentic, influencer-driven charm that made it a fan favorite. The brand will need to walk a fine line between maintaining its fun, bold image and tapping into mass-market distribution.
On the other hand, Olipop has always leaned on its premium, health-focused identity. To stay relevant, it will need to double down on quality and authenticity while further differentiating itself from the newly emerging competition.
Olipop’s focus on ingredient transparency and wellness-driven branding is its competitive edge, and it will be key to maintaining its position in this growing market.
Final Notes on The Symbiotic Soda Scuffle
The Olipop vs. Poppi showdown has been nothing short of a fascinating case study of how two brands can simultaneously compete and collaborate to drive growth for both.
While they’ve battled for dominance in the prebiotic soda market, their rivalry has only fueled awareness and excitement around the category as a whole.
Both brands have brought unique elements to the table: Poppi with its bold, influencer-driven marketing and vibrant branding, and Olipop with its health-focused, nostalgic approach.
Rather than just being about who wins or loses, this soda scuffle has raised the profile of prebiotic sodas in the mainstream, pushing both brands into the spotlight.
Who wins? The one that stays agile and doesn’t lose fizz!
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Disclaimer: MetricsCart is the exclusive owner of data used in the Digital Shelf Insights reports. Any kind of third-party usage entails due credit to the source material.
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