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Even if no one has directly lectured you about the importance of getting your daily dose of apple cider vinegar for all the health benefits it offers, you’ve probably started to notice that suddenly it's everywhere. Maybe you're already convinced you need to fold it into your daily routine because of all the probiotic and prebiotic drinks popping up all over Instagram and in your local supermarket. Or perhaps you’ve only heard of probiotics and don’t even know what prebiotics are.
Allison Ellsworth's journey started in a similar place, until she found that consuming apple cider vinegar daily helped heal several of her chronic health problems. But as grateful as she was for its effects, that didn't mean she adjusted very easily to the taste. After experimenting with several fresh fruit juice and ACV combinations, Ellsworth and her husband landed on what would become the recipe for Poppi, their line of sparkling prebiotic sodas making it easy to down about a tablespoon of ACV in a delicious fizzy drink. And having tried it out recently, I can see why it's been such an overnight success.
We like
- Poppi’s wide range of flavors are actually delicious and serve as a healthy party beverage for anyone wanting a non-alcoholic drink.
- It’s available in most grocery stores. Check out Poppi’s store locator to find your nearest Poppi!
We don't like
- As with everything, moderation is key. Though it’s tempting to have more than a couple of Poppis a day, we advise against that for the negative effects of consuming too much ACV.
Cheers to gut health
So how exactly does Poppi help out your gut? Poppi is made using an organic apple cider vinegar as well as some of the “mother,” or the byproduction of bacteria and yeast used in ACV production that are beneficial to gut health. (If that sounds off-putting, know that kombucha goes through a similar process.) On top of that, the sodas contain polyphenols and prebiotics from pectin, a complex starch derived from plants that has been shown to regulate intestinal inflammation. ACV can help improve digestion by raising the stomach’s acidity levels, and faster digestion means you experience less gas and bloating after ingesting a meal.
Some of the other ACV benefits touted on Poppi’s site are that the soda may help lower bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol; it may help stabilize blood sugar, which can reduce fatigue and increase energy levels; and it may act as a natural detoxifier for your gut. It's also completely gluten-free, vegan, uses only non-GMO ingredients, and each can only has five grams of sugar.
But enough about the health benefits — do these sodas packing a serving size of ACV even taste good?
Drumroll please…
The answer is yes. I truly didn’t know what to expect while cracking open my first can of Poppi. I am a huge fan of kombucha, so I knew I was already in a demographic that might be more appreciative of a “funky” beverage, but I was surprised by how accessible Poppi’s flavors were. The Raspberry Rose ($29.88 per case) was light, with just a hint of sparkling sweetness that made it easy to kick back in a few gulps and the Ginger Lime had the kind of refreshing acidity that truly makes you say “aaah.” The sodas tasted great in the can, but I enjoyed them even more after pouring them over some ice.
What I found most fun about Poppi sodas was the unexpected array of drink recipes using Poppi flavors on the brand’s Instagram page. Craving a creamy grape drink? There’s a recipe for that. Or perhaps you should try Poppi’s Watermelon soda spruced up just a bit with some mint ice cubes. Feeling a little nostalgic and in need of a favorite childhood dessert? You can turn Poppi’s Root Beer soda into your own a la mode situation. Or, if a grown-up treat is what you’re looking for after a long work week, we think this blackberry basil margarita recipe using Poppi’s Grape soda is just the thing. And who knows, maybe the beneficial effects of a Poppi soda can even cancel out the tequila (but don't hold me to it.)
Time To Pop Some Poppi
Poppi proves itself to be a delicious carbonated drink that’s good for you while not sticking you with the sacrifices healthy alternatives usually make. The variety of flavors make it easy to switch things up every now and then, as do the variety packs, like Fun(ctional) Favs ($29.88) if you’re into the more fruity flavors or The Classics ($29.88) if you’re trying to pretend you got your Poppi from a soda fountain. Either way, there’s no reason you should wait to try my new favorite drink of the summer. On that note, I'm about to pack some up to have along with me beach-side.
Poppi FAQs
What is Poppi soda?
Poppi is a prebiotic soda made with fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and inulin probiotics. Because of its natural ingredients, Poppi soda boasts 5 grams or less of sugar.
Who makes Poppi soda?
Husband and wife duo Stephen and Allison Ellsworth founded Poppi.
What does Poppi soda taste like?
Poppi soda comes in a handful of flavors from cola and root beer to fruit-based flavors like watermelon and grape.
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