Billion-Dollar Bubbles: How Poppi Turned a Homemade Drink Into a Household Name
Sometimes, a billion-dollar brand starts in a kitchen with a great idea, plenty of trial and error, and a dream. That’s exactly how Poppi grew from a homemade drink sold at farmers' markets to a PepsiCo acquisition worth nearly $2 billion.
From “Mother Beverage” to Mainstream Appeal
Back in 2015, Allison Ellsworth was struggling to find a soda she could enjoy every day without having to choose between excessive sugar and dull flavors. Inspired by the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, she got into her kitchen to experiment with her own concoctions.
Through trial and error, Ellsworth crafted a refreshing drink with real health benefits. She and her husband began selling it under the name Mother Beverage, a reference to the probiotic-packed “mother” found in apple cider vinegar. In just 18 months, Mother Beverage grossed around $500,000, landing its products in Whole Foods across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and over 200 Albertsons locations.
The Rebrand That Sparked Poppi’s Growth
The turning point came in 2017, when Ellsworth pitched her brand on Shark Tank. Branding expert Rohan Oza, known for building powerhouse beverage brands, saw potential but knew the product needed a major overhaul. While health-conscious shoppers loved the product, the branding didn’t exactly scream "fun." Mother Beverage had a niche audience, but it needed something more to go mainstream. The solution: a full rebrand to make the product feel fresh, modern, and Instagram-friendly.
Here’s what changed:
A Name That Pops – Mother Beverage became Poppi, a catchy, playful name that felt more like a fun soda and less like a health supplement.
A Bold, Eye-Catching Look – The original, wellness-centric packaging was replaced with bright, vibrant cans designed to stand out on shelves and Instagram feeds alike.
Messaging That Spoke to a New Audience – Poppi shifted its focus from solely gut health to a “better-for-you soda,” appealing to Gen Z and millennials seeking healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste.
The $1.95 Billion Payoff
The rebrand paid off. Poppi quickly gained traction, built a loyal fanbase, and expanded nationwide. Fast forward to today, and the brand has countless influencer collaborations, Super Bowl commercials, and a $1.95 billion acquisition by PepsiCo.
What Brands Can Learn from Poppi’s Success
If Your Brand Isn’t Resonating, Change It – The product was solid, but the original branding didn’t connect with a broad audience. A strategic rebrand unlocked its full potential.
Packaging Matters—A Lot – Even the best product won’t sell if it doesn’t stand out. Poppi’s vibrant cans made it instantly recognizable.
Speak the Right Language – Health benefits are important, but framing matters. Poppi made gut health feel approachable, not intimidating.
Leverage Culture, Not Just Trends – Poppi went beyond being just a drink—it became a lifestyle brand that resonated with wellness culture.
At its core, Poppi’s success is about understanding your audience, embracing bold branding, and making your product something people want to be seen drinking. That’s the power of a great rebrand.