PepsiCo’s $1.95 billion buyout of Poppi didn’t just signal a major bet on gut health — it kicked the fizzy war for your fridge into overdrive. Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop, and their growing army of bubbly rivals have redefined what it means to “drink soda” in 2025. These aren’t your grandpa’s colas. They’ve swapped high-fructose corn syrup for apple cider vinegar, artificial flavors for botanicals, and empty calories for added wellness perks.
But with so many options on the shelves, we had to ask: which of these sodas is actually better for you — and which ones actually taste good?
We split the showdown into two tracks: Health Benefits vs. Taste. Here’s how the top players stacked up.
🥦 HEALTHIEST “BETTER-FOR-YOU” SODAS
We looked at:
- Prebiotic content
- Sugar and calorie count
- Ingredient transparency
- Added functional benefits (like botanicals, vitamins, adaptogens)
Health Showdown Chart
| Brand | Prebiotics | Calories (Per Can) | Sugar | Notable Ingredients | Added Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poppi | Yes | 25 | 5g | Apple Cider Vinegar, Fruit Juice | Gut health, low cal |
| Olipop | Yes | 35–50 | 2–5g | Chicory Root, Cassava Fiber, Calendula | Gut health, fiber |
| Culture Pop | No | 40 | 8g | Live Probiotics, Ginger, Lime, Turmeric | Digestive support |
| HOP WTR | No | 0 | 0g | Adaptogens, Nootropics | Stress reduction, focus |
| Mayawell | Yes | 40 | 4g | Organic Agave Prebiotic | Gut health, immune boost |
🥇 Winner for Health: Olipop
Olipop pulls ahead for combining 9g of plant fiber with minimal sugar and a lineup of gut-friendly ingredients. It feels more like a tonic than a soda, but it hits the functional beverage sweet spot. Runners-up include Poppi for its ACV simplicity and Mayawell for its clean prebiotic blend.
🍒 BEST TASTING “BETTER-FOR-YOU” SODAS
Health claims are one thing — but if it doesn’t taste good, you’re not reaching for another can. So we ran a blind taste test with a mix of soda drinkers and sparkling water lovers. Here are the winners.
Taste Test Scorecard (Out of 10)
| Brand | Top Flavors (Ranked) | Avg Taste Score | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poppi | Strawberry Lemon, Classic Cola | 8.4 | Tart, fruity, slightly vinegary |
| Olipop | Cream Soda, Vintage Cola | 7.8 | Smooth, sweet, earthy finish |
| Culture Pop | Ginger Lemon, Wild Berries | 7.1 | Spicy, fermented, adventurous |
| HOP WTR | Mango, Blood Orange | 6.9 | Dry, bitter, like sparkling IPA |
| Mayawell | Pineapple Spice, Raspberry Cucumber | 6.5 | Light, herbal, refreshing |
🏆 Winner for Taste: Poppi
Poppi wins hearts for flavor. It’s tangy, bright, and feels like a soda without the guilt. Strawberry Lemon and Classic Cola were the clear crowd-pleasers. Olipop’s Cream Soda was a hit for nostalgic vibes, while HOP WTR was more polarizing — loved by some, too bitter for others.
Final Breakdown: Which Should You Reach For?
- If you want the best for your gut and your health, grab Olipop.
- If you just want a guilt-free, great-tasting fizzy fix, Poppi delivers on flavor and fun.
- If you’re looking to replace beer with something that won’t spike your blood sugar or your anxiety, HOP WTR is a solid functional substitute.
The functional soda space is only getting bigger — and now that Pepsi has thrown its full weight behind Poppi, you can expect more bubbly innovation on shelves soon. Whether you’re chasing prebiotics or just want something better than your usual cola, there’s never been a more interesting time to crack open a can.
Ready to Pop a Can? Where to Find These Fizzy Finds:
Craving a taste of the “better-for-you” soda revolution? You can find Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop, HOP WTR, and Mayawell at a growing number of retailers. Check your local grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and Target. Many are also available online through platforms like Amazon and the brands’ individual websites.
The Soda Aisle of Tomorrow: What’s Next?
PepsiCo’s big bet on Poppi is likely just the beginning of a fascinating evolution in the soda aisle. Will other major players follow suit, scooping up popular prebiotic or functional brands? We might see even more innovative ingredients popping up – think beyond prebiotics to adaptogens specifically targeting sleep or focus, or perhaps even more complex botanical blends. One thing’s for sure: the fizzy drink landscape is bubbling with potential.
