OLIPOP big week: Super Bowl snark & billion-dollar valuation

OLIPOP co-founder Ben Goodwin describes how his vision for a “functional” soda that helps the gut’s microbiome found its way onto store shelves and into consumers’ souls.

OLIPOP, the prebiotic soda brand, has been making waves—first with a Super Bowl marketing win over rival Poppi, and then with a massive $1.85 billion valuation announcement.

Super Bowl Snark War: OLIPOP vs. Poppi

The Super Bowl showdown between OLIPOP and Poppi wasn’t just on TV—it played out on social media.

Poppi spent $16 million on a one-minute Super Bowl ad featuring influencers and sent 32 vending machines stocked with its drinks to social media stars.

Backlash followed, with consumers criticizing the giveaway as wasteful, arguing that the machines could have been donated to schools or hospitals instead.

OLIPOP seized the moment, throwing shade with comments like:

• “32 machines times $25K per machine… yikes.”
• “We don’t have vending machines, but who wants a jersey?!!”

The result? Poppi’s campaign fizzled, while OLIPOP emerged as the clear winner in the soda snark battle.

$1.85 Billion Valuation & Major Growth

Shortly after its Super Bowl moment, OLIPOP announced that it had closed its Series C funding round with J.P. Morgan, reaching a staggering $1.85 billion valuation—just seven years after launching.

The brand has rapidly expanded, now available in nearly 50,000 stores across the U.S., including:

Walmart

Target

Whole Foods

Costco

Starbucks

Founder Ben Goodwin’s Journey & Advice

Ben Goodwin, OLIPOP’s 39-year-old co-founder, drew inspiration from his own health struggles. After losing 50 pounds at age 14, he developed a passion for nutrition and gut health.

He dropped out of college and self-taught product formulation.

His research led to OLIPOP’s signature prebiotic soda—a healthier alternative to traditional soft drinks.

Goodwin’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

“You don’t need the full vision when you start.”

“Market reaction will tell you what’s working and how to improve.”

With its rapid rise, marketing savvy, and strong consumer demand, OLIPOP has proven that the world was thirsty for a healthier soda option—and it’s just getting started.