Poppi Gets Popped: Why PepsiCo Bought the Viral Soda Brand for $1.65 Billion

Poppi, the trendy prebiotic soda brand that skyrocketed on TikTok, just made one of the biggest splashes in the beverage industry: PepsiCo officially acquired Poppi for $1.65 billion in a landmark deal announced in May 2025.

For young entrepreneurs, this is a prime example of how innovative branding, community connection, and strong product-market fit can turn a startup into a billion-dollar acquisition target.

The Rise of Poppi

Poppi was born in 2018 when co-founder Allison Ellsworth started experimenting with apple cider vinegar drinks to help with gut health. With bright cans, fruity flavors, and a catchy wellness hook (“Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy.”), the brand quickly won over millennials and Gen Z consumers looking for a soda alternative.

Its big break came on Shark Tank, where it landed a deal with branding expert Rohan Oza. From there, Poppi exploded across social media, especially TikTok, where it gained millions of views and fans through playful videos, celebrity shoutouts (including Kylie Jenner), and a health-forward mission.

By 2024, Poppi had secured shelf space in Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart, and was one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the U.S.

Why Pepsi Wanted In

1. Chasing Wellness Trends

Consumers are drinking less traditional soda. Functional beverages, like prebiotic sodas that support gut health, are one of the fastest-growing categories in the industry. Instead of building their own version, PepsiCo chose to buy an already-beloved brand with a proven track record.

2. Strong Gen Z Appeal

Poppi mastered the art of social-first branding. With bold packaging, viral TikToks, and influencer love, the brand built a powerful emotional connection with younger audiences, something legacy soda companies often struggle to do.

3. Strategic Portfolio Growth

PepsiCo has been expanding beyond sugary drinks for years. From buying sparkling water brands to healthy snacks, Poppi fits right into their long-term goal: owning the “better-for-you” market.

What Teen CEOs Can Learn

This acquisition shows just how valuable modern branding and authenticity are in today’s business world. Poppi didn’t win because it was the biggest. It won because it understood its audience, stood for something real, and used social media better than most big brands.

It’s also a reminder that you don’t always need to build something for the next 30 years. Sometimes, building something great for the next 3–5 years is all you need to attract a buyout.

Poppi reportedly had over $100 million in revenue in 2024 and was valued at more than 15 times that in the acquisition. This being proof that if your brand has momentum, vision, and community, big companies will come calling.

Final Sip

Poppi’s story is about much more than soda. It’s about disruption, identity, and smart marketing. For young founders with a bold idea and a strong message, it’s a sign: the next billion-dollar brand could be yours.