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.