Fizz, Flavour & A Soda Revolution: A Q&A With Poppi Founder Allison Ellsworth (Win!)

Move over, traditional soda—Poppi is shaking things up with bold flavours, gut-friendly ingredients, and a whole lot of fizz! Founded by husband-and-wife duo Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, Poppi has taken the beverage world by storm, gaining a cult following (including A-list fans like Kim Kardashian, Post Malone, and Alix Earle).

Now officially bubbling into Canada, Poppi is redefining soda with real fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and just 5 grams of sugar per can—proving you don’t have to sacrifice taste for better-for-you ingredients. We caught up with Allison Ellsworth to chat about Poppi’s meteoric rise, what makes it different from every other drink on the shelf, and what’s next for this fizzy favourite. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to create poppi, and how did the idea of a prebiotic soda infused with apple cider vinegar come to life?

My inspiration for poppi stemmed from personal health challenges. While working in oil and gas research, I was constantly on the road, and I just didn’t feel very good. The doctors offered little relief, which led me to explore natural remedies. Through my research, I discovered the benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and began consuming it daily. I quickly noticed significant improvements in my health, but i hated the taste! I was determined to make it taste better, so I experimented in my kitchen, blending ACV with natural fruit juices and sparkling water. This led to the liquid that eventually became poppi. I sold my creations at a local farmer’s market, where a chance meeting let to a serendipitous opportunity with Whole Foods.

The soda industry has seen a major shift in recent years, with more consumers looking for healthier options. How does poppi redefine what soda can be?

At poppi, our goal is to revolutionize soda for the next generation by offering a beverage that combines full flavour without the baggage, like excess sugar. Each can contains just 5 grams of sugar and is infused with apple cider vinegar, but doesn’t compromise on taste. poppi is soda!

Poppi has gained an incredibly loyal following, including some major celebrities. What do you think makes the brand so appealing to both everyday consumers and A-list fans?

Beyond having a great-tasting product, I think many relate to our community-first approach! Our vibrant aesthetic and digital-first marketing strategy further enhance the appeal, making it a favourite among so many demographics. Our community is insane – we’ve seen people match their makeup and outfits to their poppi flavor of the day. It’s so fun to have a front-row seat to their creativity.

Canadians are known for having a sweet tooth, but also for being health-conscious. How has the response been since poppi launched in Canada, and how do you see the market evolving?

The response to poppi’s launch in Canada has been incredible! Canadians have embraced our better-for-you soda, proving that there was a demand for a delicious, modern soda that don’t compromise on taste. As more people look for healthier alternatives to traditional soda, we see the market continuing to grow, and we’re excited to be part of that shift. This year, we’ll be launching even more flavours in Canada, giving fans more ways to enjoy poppi. We can’t wait to continue building our community and bring even more Canadians into the poppi family!

The brand’s bright, bold aesthetic and social-first marketing have really set it apart. How important has digital engagement and influencer marketing been to poppi’s success?

I am a total optimist and risk-taker. From the beginning, we have always done things differently at poppi. The bright and bold aesthetic we are now known for was, at the time, risky! But we wanted a way to really pop off the shelf. We were one of the first brands to get on TikTok, even when everyone around me told me not to! But I trusted my gut, and to this day, both our digital-first strategy and branding are core to who we are.

With flavours like Raspberry Rose and Strawberry Lemon, poppi isn’t afraid to get creative. How do you develop new flavours, and do you have any exciting launches coming up?

I am a part of the process but today, we have a small and mighty team of food scientists who help develop flavors. I am thrilled that some of my original recipes remain part of the product lineup today – like Raspberry Rose! We have some exciting launches in Canada this year – stay tuned!

Starting and scaling a brand is no small feat—especially in a competitive category like beverages. What were some of the biggest challenges in building poppi, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

Managing rapid growth and scaling production to meet the surge in demand was definitely one of our biggest challenges. Throughout this process, I emphasized the importance of building a strong team while preserving our company culture. I’ve always believed that authenticity in branding and the ability to adapt to evolving market trends are key drivers of success, and staying true to these values has played a huge role in our journey.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to disrupt traditional industries like soda?

My advice to entrepreneurs is to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth. Being open to learning is essential for success. I’ve always championed determination and building a strong, authentic brand identity. None of this would be possible without the support of an incredible team, and community. Having the right people around you makes all the difference.

What’s next for poppi? Any upcoming collaborations, new markets, or product innovations we should be excited about.

We’re excited to launch more flavors in Canada and can’t wait for our community to see what’s next!

Win! A poppi Prize Pack!

One lucky Canadian winner will receive 2 poppi variety packs that include all flavours in Canada (15 cans per pack) and some wearable poppi swag! To enter, head over to Vita Daily on Instagram, follow @drinkpoppi and @vitadailymedia and make sure to fulfil all the entry rules in the caption of the corresponding contest post. Contest opens March 3, 2025 and closes March 10, 2025. Complete contest rules and regulations here. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.