Our Story

The story of Poppi began with a simple insight that enjoying a fizzy drink did not need to come with trade-offs. Allison Ellsworth loved the taste and sparkle of soda, but over time she started to feel that many traditional options no longer matched the way she wanted to feel after drinking them. Completely giving up soda did not feel realistic, yet continuing with choices that felt overly sugary or heavy was not appealing either. This realization led her to rethink what soda could be and whether it was possible to create something that kept the fun and flavor while offering a more balanced experience.

In 2015, working from her home kitchen in Texas, Allison began experimenting with different ingredients. She mixed fruit juices, sparkling water, and functional components, testing countless variations in search of the right combination. Her goal was not to create a typical wellness drink, but to reshape soda into something lighter while still delivering the bold taste and effervescence people enjoy. Through patience and repeated adjustments, she slowly developed a formula that captured her vision. Each attempt brought her closer to a product that felt both refreshing and satisfying.

After refining her recipe, she decided to share it with others. She started small, introducing the drink at a local farmers’ market and offering samples to gather feedback. The response from customers was encouraging, and interest grew quickly. A key turning point came when a buyer from Whole Foods tried the beverage and immediately recognized its potential. This moment provided a strong signal that there was a wider audience ready for a new approach to soda, one that aligned with evolving preferences.

Another major step forward occurred when Allison and her husband Stephen appeared on Shark Tank to present their concept. Despite the challenge of preparing for the show while nearing the end of her pregnancy, Allison remained focused on sharing her idea. Their presentation highlighted not only the product itself but also their ambition to rethink an entire category. Their passion and clarity resonated with the investors, leading to a partnership with Rohan Oza, whose experience in building beverage brands helped guide the company’s next phase.

With additional support and direction, the brand evolved and was eventually renamed Poppi. The new identity captured a sense of energy, creativity, and modern appeal. As the product entered more retail stores across the United States, it quickly gained attention from consumers who were drawn to its unique positioning. It offered a way to enjoy soda without feeling restricted, focusing on balance rather than extremes.

As awareness grew, Poppi became increasingly visible in everyday culture. Influencers, entertainers, and athletes began to incorporate it into their routines, sharing it widely across social platforms. The brand expanded beyond being just a beverage, becoming part of a broader lifestyle conversation. Its presence was further strengthened through strong online sales and creative marketing efforts that connected with a wide audience.

The company continued to explore new ways to engage with customers, launching innovative campaigns and collaborations that extended into areas such as fashion and cultural events. These initiatives helped reinforce its identity as a forward-thinking brand that was not only changing how soda is made but also how it is experienced.

A significant milestone came in 2025 when Poppi became part of the PepsiCo portfolio. This transition provided access to greater resources and expanded distribution opportunities, allowing the brand to grow on a larger scale. Today, Poppi represents a modern reinterpretation of soda, showing that a familiar category can be reshaped through creativity, persistence, and a willingness to challenge expectations.