Soft drinks: Poppi Prebiotic Soda vs. La Croix Sparkling Water
Quick Verdict
Poppi Prebiotic Soda and La Croix Sparkling Water both offer a healthier alternative to traditional soda with a wide variety of flavors and convenient can packaging. Poppi stands out due to its prebiotic content and use of natural sweeteners, making it a good option for those seeking gut health benefits and a slightly sweeter taste. However, it contains sugar and calories, which may not be suitable for everyone. La Croix, on the other hand, is a zero-sugar, zero-calorie option with a focus on subtle, natural flavors, appealing to those who prefer a lighter and cleaner taste. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences regarding sweetness, calorie intake, and the desire for added prebiotics.
- Poppi contains prebiotics, sugar, and calories, while La Croix has none.
- Poppi uses natural sweeteners, while La Croix has no sweeteners.
- La Croix has more certifications (Vegan, Gluten-free, Non-GMO verified, Whole30 Approved, Kosher Certified) than Poppi (Non-GMO Project Verified).
- Poppi contains apple cider vinegar, which may offer additional health benefits but also a distinct taste.
- Classic Cola and Doc Pop Poppi flavors contain caffeine, while La Croix contains no caffeine.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Poppi Prebiotic Soda | La Croix Sparkling Water |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Variety | Seasonal flavors | Core flavors available year round |
| Sugar Content (g per serving) | Generally 5g per can, some flavors between 2-4g added sugars | 0g |
| Calorie Count (per serving) | Most flavors contain 20-30 calories per can | 0 calories (12 fl oz can) |
| Sweetener Type | Natural sweeteners: organic cane sugar, stevia, and agave inulin | No sweeteners (0-Sweeteners) |
| Prebiotic Content | Agave inulin and cassava root fiber. Some flavors also include organic agave inulin | Not applicable (no prebiotics) |
| Sodium Content (mg per serving) | Most flavors 0mg, Classic Cola has 35mg | 0mg |
| Caffeine Content (mg per serving) | Classic Cola and Doc Pop contain 32mg caffeine from green tea | 0 mg |
| Ingredients | Sparkling water, fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, organic cane sugar, cassava root fiber, and natural flavors. No high fructose corn syrup or artificial food coloring | Carbonated water, naturally essenced. Natural flavors are derived from the natural essence oils extracted from the fruit named in each of the LaCroix varieties. |
| Carbonation Level | Well-balanced, not overly bubbly, medium-sized bubble factor | Perfect fizz, not overly aggressive, providing a pleasant, firm tingle. Bubbly yet smooth and easy to drink. |
| Packaging Type | Cans (BPA-free) | Cans |
| Price per Can/Bottle | Around $2.00-$3.00 per can. A 12-pack costs around $30 | Prices vary. As of July 2025, Amazon.com listed prices such as $4.19 for an 8-pack of 12 fl oz cans of "Pure" flavor and $17.88 for a 12-pack of 12 fl oz cans of "Orange" flavor. |
| Certifications | Non-GMO Project Verified | Vegan, Gluten-free, Non-GMO verified, Whole30 Approved, Kosher Certified. |
Overall Comparison
Poppi: 20-30 calories, 2-5g sugar, prebiotics. La Croix: 0 calories, 0 sugar, no prebiotics.
Pros and Cons
Poppi Prebiotic Soda
Pros:
- Wide variety of flavors
- Lower in sugar and calories compared to traditional soda
- Contains prebiotics for gut health
- No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
- Convenient packaging for on-the-go consumption
- Healthier alternative to traditional soda
- May help with blood sugar control (apple cider vinegar)
Cons:
- Some flavors may be too sweet for some people
- Some people may detect a stevia aftertaste
- Contains apple cider vinegar taste, though generally masked
- Root Beer flavor has a sour aftertaste
- Relatively expensive compared to traditional soda
- Lawsuit alleges prebiotic fiber content is too low to provide significant gut health benefits
La Croix Sparkling Water
Pros:
- Wide variety of flavors
- Zero sugar and calories
- No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
- Vegan, Gluten-free, Non-GMO verified, Whole30 Approved, Kosher Certified
- Healthy alternative to soda
- Convenient can packaging
Cons:
- Some flavors may have a medicinal or dry-grass taste
- Flavor is often described as subtle or almost imperceptible
- Some reviewers find it a bit pricey
User Experiences and Feedback
Poppi Prebiotic Soda
What Users Love
- Noticeable improvements in digestive health reported by many users
- Generally recommended as a healthier alternative to traditional soda
- Most flavors don't taste artificial and don't leave a bad aftertaste
- Carbonation level is generally well-received
Common Complaints
- Some reviewers note a slight apple cider vinegar taste
- Some people find some flavors too sweet or detect a stevia aftertaste
- Some find it expensive
- Root Beer has a sour aftertaste
Value Perception
- Some reviewers feel Poppi is worth the higher cost due to the health benefits
User Recommendations
- Tastes like a healthier version of Coca-Cola (Classic Cola)
- Lighter dupe for Dr Pepper with a hint of licorice black cherry flavor (Doc Pop)
- Similar to Sonic's Cherry Limeade (Cherry Limeade)
- Fresher, less sweet version of Fanta or Crush (Orange)
La Croix Sparkling Water
What Users Love
- Considered to have the 'perfect fizz'
- Healthy alternative to traditional soda
- Zero-sugar beverage
Common Complaints
- Some find the flavor almost imperceptible
- Some flavors may have a medicinal or dry-grass taste
- Some find La Croix Lime to be tarter than other lime sparkling waters
Value Perception
- Considered a healthy alternative to traditional soda
- Zero-sugar beverage
- Effect on Blood Sugar Levels: La Croix is 0-calorie, 0-sweetener, and 0-sodium
User Recommendations
- La Croix is considered to have the 'perfect fizz'.
- The flavor is often described as subtle or 'delicate'.
- Some find the flavor almost imperceptible, which can be a positive for those who prefer a hint of flavor.