Poppi, the fast-growing soda brand that made waves for its colorful cans and “gut-friendly” message, is now in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The company has agreed to pay $8.9 million to settle a federal class action lawsuit accusing it of misleading consumers with health-related marketing. Anyone who purchased Poppi drinks between January 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025, could be eligible for a refund.
The lawsuit, officially known as In re: VNGR Beverage, LLC Litigation, argued that Poppi misrepresented its products as promoting digestive health. While the drinks contain inulin, a plant-based prebiotic fiber that can support gut health, experts testified that the amount in each can roughly two grams was too low to make any real difference unless consumed in excessive quantities. Drinking four cans or more daily, they explained, would exceed healthy sugar limits, undermining the very “wellness” benefits Poppi promoted.
Rather than continue the legal battle, Poppi chose to settle the case without admitting wrongdoing. Court documents show that the company wanted to resolve the matter efficiently and move forward. Notably, Poppi has already stopped labeling its drinks as “gut healthy,” a change that began quietly in 2023, long before the case reached its final stage. PepsiCo, which acquired Poppi in May 2025, will now oversee the settlement process and ensure consumer refunds are properly distributed.
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Who Can Get Money Back from the Poppi Settlement
If you bought Poppi drinks for personal or household use in the U.S. between the specified dates, you’re likely eligible to receive money back. There’s no requirement to show that you became sick or financially harmed; the only qualification is proof (or a good-faith estimate) that you purchased Poppi during the approved time frame. Eligible consumers can file a claim whether they purchased Poppi online, in grocery stores, or at any retail outlet nationwide. However, if you bought the drinks for resale or business purposes, your purchase doesn’t qualify for reimbursement. You don’t need a receipt to file a claim though having one can increase your payout. Those who submit receipts, invoices, or order confirmations can get refunds for each product purchased, while those filing without receipts can receive a smaller flat-rate amount.
Poppi Settlement Refund Amounts
| Product Size | Maximum Refund (With Receipt) |
|---|---|
| Single Can | $0.75 each |
| 4-Pack | $3.00 per pack |
| 8-Pack | $6.00 per pack |
| 12- or 15-Pack | $9.00 per pack |
For claimants without receipts, the maximum total refund is $16 per household, with a guaranteed minimum of $5 for every valid claim. This ensures that even consumers who made small or untracked purchases can still get compensated fairly. The settlement administrator encourages honesty when estimating the number of products purchased. Overreporting could delay or reduce payments if total approved claims exceed the available funds.
How and Where to File Your Poppi Claim
Filing your claim is simple and can be done either online or by mail before the September 26, 2025 deadline. The fastest and most reliable way is through the official settlement website, where you can fill out the digital form and upload proof of purchase if you have it. If you prefer mailing your claim, print and complete the form from the same website and send it to:
In re VNGR Beverage, LLC Litigation Settlement Administrator P.O. Box 301134, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134
Mailed forms must be postmarked no later than September 26, 2025. Experts recommend using tracked mail and keeping copies of all paperwork for your records. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email or letter confirming your claim has been received.
When Payments Will Be Sent Out
The court will review the proposed settlement on November 20, 2025. If approved, eligible claimants can expect payments to be distributed within 90 days. Refunds can be received either via direct deposit or mailed checks, depending on what you select on your claim form.
The timeline may shift slightly if there are appeals or delays in the approval process, but most class action settlements like this one are resolved quickly once the court gives final approval. Administrative costs will be deducted before payments are sent out, and if too many claims are approved, payouts may be adjusted proportionally.
Why This Settlement Matters for Consumers
This case highlights how easily “healthy” marketing can mislead shoppers. Poppi built its brand on promises of digestive support, but the lawsuit showed that these claims didn’t hold up scientifically. The result is a major win for consumers, setting a precedent for how brands use health claims in advertising.
Since the case began, Poppi and other beverage companies have quietly toned down or removed unverified wellness claims from their packaging. This reflects a growing push for transparency in the food and drink industry, where consumers increasingly expect honest, evidence-backed labeling.
If you’ve purchased Poppi in the past five years, filing your claim is worth the few minutes it takes. Even small refunds matter and collectively, they remind companies that honesty in advertising isn’t optional.
Quick Summary for Claimants
- You’re eligible if you bought Poppi between Jan 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025.
- You can file with or without receipts (but receipts mean higher refunds).
- Submit your claim on poppisettlement.com by September 26, 2025.
- The court hearing is on November 20, 2025, and payments should arrive within 90 days afterward.
Poppi’s $8.9 million settlement marks a turning point in the health drink industry. It shows that no brand no matter how trendy can make wellness promises without proof. For consumers, this is a chance not only to get a refund but also to demand more accountability from brands that market themselves as “better for you.”
