Poppi is launching in the UK, marking the brand’s first international expansion following its success in the US, and PepsiCo looks to further growth.
US viral soda brand enters the UK market
The modern soda brand, backed by PepsiCo, will debut in selected Tesco stores and Pret A Manger locations nationwide from 5 March, with a wider rollout planned later in the year.
The launch brings poppi’s low-sugar, low-calorie sodas to the UK market as consumer demand grows for soft drinks with a “better-for-you” profile.
A decade of poppi
Poppi was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife duo Allison Ellsworth and Stephen Ellsworth.
Th brand originated when Allison Ellsworth began mixing fruit juice, apple cider vinegar and sparkling water in her Texas kitchen to create a soda alternative that retained the flavour of traditional soft drinks.
The company says the product offers full-flavour carbonation while remaining low in sugar and calories and high in fibre.
The drink was initially known as Mother Beverage after appearing on the Shark Tank television programme in 2018, but was rebranded as poppi in 2020 to attract a more youthful and modern audience.
“Launching poppi in the U.K. is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Allison Ellsworth, Co-Founder of poppi.
“When we started poppi, the goal was simple: create a soda people could feel good about drinking. Seeing poppi find a new home in the U.K. is a proud moment for our entire team. We’re excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to be a part of a new community.”
Five flavours debut in UK retail and foodservice
The UK launch introduces five flavours: Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Lime, Wild Berry and Orange.
The drinks combine fruit juice with sparkling water and apple cider vinegar to create a low-calorie soda containing no more than five grams of sugar per can, according to the company.
The brand has built strong consumer awareness in the US through a combination of social media visibility, vibrant packaging and positioning as a modern alternative to traditional soft drinks.
PepsiCo backs international expansion
The UK rollout is supported by PepsiCo, which says the launch reflects growing consumer interest in modern soft drinks with balanced nutritional profiles.
In 2025, PepsiCo completed its acquisition of poppi for $1.95 billion, marking a significant step in its ongoing portfolio transformation and its commitment to delivering great‑tasting modern beverages that align with evolving consumer trends.
“poppi launching in the UK is a hugely exciting moment for the category,” said Natalia Fillipociants, General Manager Europe International Beverages at PepsiCo.
“The brand has already built remarkable traction in the US, and we’re now bringing that same energy and consumer appeal to UKshelves. Shoppers are actively seeking soft drinks that offer great flavour and a modern brand story – and poppi delivers on both. With its vibrant packaging, bold flavour lineup and proven ability to attract consumers, poppi gives retailers a high-impact proposition that stands out immediately in-store. This launch injects real dynamism into the fixture and positions poppi as a must stock option for operators looking to capture the growing demand for modern soft drinks with genuine personality.”
Growing demand for modern soda alternatives
The UK launch represents the brand’s first move outside the US and signals its ambitions to expand internationally.
According to the company, poppi aims to “revolutionise soda for the next generation”, positioning itself within a growing segment of beverages that combine soft-drink flavour with ingredients consumers associate with a healthier lifestyle.
Carlsberg Britvic grows soft-drinks presence
Under a long‑standing bottling agreement with PepsiCo, Carlsberg Britvic will launch the brand, supporting the ambition to grow a presence in the soft‑drinks category and meet evolving consumer demand.
“poppi launching in the UK is a hugely exciting moment for the category,” said Munnawar Chishty, Chief Marketing Officer, Carlsberg Britvic.
“The brand has already built remarkable traction in the US, and we’re now bringing that same energy and consumer appeal to UK shelves. Shoppers are actively seeking soft drinks that offer great flavour and a modern brand story – and poppi delivers on both. With its vibrant packaging, bold flavour lineup and proven ability to attract consumers, poppi gives retailers a high-impact proposition that stands out immediately in-store. This launch injects real dynamism into the fixture and positions poppi as a must stock option for operators looking to capture the growing demand for modern soft drinks with genuine personality.”
This article was produced by the editorial team at EME Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
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